Olivier Chastel: Human rights failures in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Olivier Chastel expressed the EU’s concern about the human rights situation and stated that the EU deplores the deterioration of conditions for those defending human rights. “The issue of sexual violence is particularly alarming in this area”, added the Secretary of State for European Affairs.
During his appearance on behalf of High Representative Cathy Ashton, Olivier Chastel stated that the rights and safety of people are at the heart of the raison d’être of States and must be a top priority in the efforts to reconstruct and consolidate the legally constituted state of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Olivier Chastel reiterated Europe’s support for Mrs Wallström, the Special Representative to the General Secretary of the United Nations on Sexual Violence in Conflict. Olivier Chastel concluded his appearance by stating that “The European Union will continue to support the Democratic Republic of Congo in its struggle for justice and against impunity. The Union will remain particularly committed to cooperating in the areas of justice, the police, the army and human rights and to providing assistance to victims”.
Speech Plenary Session of the European Parliament - Strasbourg 20-23 September 2010
