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<p>We are aware of the report undertaken by Freedom from Torture. We remain concerned
at the human rights situation in Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which includes
sexual and gender based violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, extrajudicial killings,
inhumane and degrading treatment and restrictions to democratic space. We continue
to call upon the government of the DRC to exercise restraint and proportionality in
any security response, and to investigate and hold to account those accused of committing
acts of violence, including members of the security forces.</p><p>The UK continues
to work to improve the human rights situation in the DRC, including by helping to
educate human rights defenders and by promoting conflict resolution. The UK also helps
fund the United Nation Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), which tracks human rights
abuses and violations in DRC. We have also financed projects in support of the Preventing
Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), gender inequality, improving democratic
participation and through DFID programmes we are supporting security reforms. We continue
to raise human rights and rule of law in our regular discussions with the DRC government.
When I met the President during my visit to DRC in May I encouraged him to fulfil
his inauguration commitment to improve the lives of the Congolese people and address
the human rights situation.</p>
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