MONUC concerned over death threats received by BCNUDH staff & members of human rights NGOs in Kalemi

Kinshasa, 30 December 2009 — MONUC is deeply concerned by recent death threats against members of the UN Joint Human Rights Office and of local human rights organisations in Kalemie.

On 24 December 2009, three members of the UN Joint Human Rights Office and seven members of local human rights organisations received anonymous death threats on their mobile phones.

MONUC immediately informed DRC Government officials and has offered its assistance in the conduct of an investigation. MONUC condemns such threats and urges DRC Government to take all necessary action to ensure the security of the members of Congolese human rights organisations who have been threatened, as well as that of MONUC staff in accordance with agreements in force, and to halt these threats and bring those responsible to justice.