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<p>The UK is deeply concerned by the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic
of the Congo (DRC). Human rights violations and abuses include; sexual and gender
based violence, arbitrary arrest and detention, extrajudicial killings as well as
further restrictions on democratic space.</p><p>In the run-up to the December 2018
elections, the UK (alongside UN and EU colleagues) pressed the DRC Government to open
up political space, release political prisoners, lift a block on internet communications,
recognise peoples' right to peaceful assembly, and refrain from using excessive force
against protesters.</p><p>On combatting sexual violence, the UK has helped fund Trial
International, who provide support for survivors, promote accountability for sexual
violence crimes and build local capacity to effectively document, investigate and
litigate sexual violence cases.</p><p>We continue to encourage the DRC Government
to cooperate with the UN Human Rights Council investigation into the human rights
abuses in the Kasais area of southern DRC bordering Angola.</p>
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