Vol. 542 No. 2
192 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, through the UN or EU, he has monitored the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; if it is intended to take steps to ensure the observation of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24340/01]
Ireland continues to closely monitor the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – DRC. The United Nations observer mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo briefs the Security Council on events in the country on a regular basis. On 22 October the Council is due to consider the situation in the DRC in light of the most recent report of the Secretary General, which appeared yesterday. Ireland has consistently supported the Lusaka peace process and is actively involved in Security Council discussions on the matter. Two Irish military officers serve as observers with the UN mission.
During a Security Council mission to the DRC in May Ireland's representative met with the DRC Minister for Human Rights and reiterated to him our concerns regarding human rights issues in the country. Of particular concern is the plight of children, many of whom are pressed into service in the various armies and militias present on the territory of the DRC. The Secretary General sent his special representative for children and armed conflict, Mr. Olara Otunnu, to the DRC in May. Mr. Otunnu advocated to all the parties to the conflict the needs of all war-affected children, especially child combatants. Ireland fully supports the Secretary General's efforts in this area.
