[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 19 (Thursday, February 1, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION TO CONDEMN THE ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN THE 
                    DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 2024

  Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my resolution 
condemning the ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
(DRC). Dr. King famously said, ``injustice anywhere is a threat to 
justice everywhere''. The United States, credible human rights 
organizations, and civil society have documented and published reports 
and findings that implicate the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic 
of the Congo in aiding and collaborating with armed groups and 
militias, including several that are designated for United Nations 
sanctions due to human rights violations.
  Militias engage in illicit mining activities to finance and sustain 
themselves, often exploiting child labor and engaging in environmental 
degradation practices that undermine the DRC's economic interests and 
international treaty obligations.
  My resolution condemns all acts of violence perpetrated against 
ethnic minorities by members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic 
Republic of the Congo and armed groups operating throughout the 
Democratic Republic of the Congo. It reaffirms that the United States 
has held and continues to hold the Government of the DRC responsible 
for upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of ethnicity, in 
accordance with the DRC's international obligations.
  My timely resolution also holds accountable all state security forces 
that perpetrate atrocities against the civilian population by 
conducting transparent investigations and prosecutions and taking all 
additional necessary measures to prevent further atrocities continue 
progress toward the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, 
reparation, and resettlement of armed groups in coordination with the 
United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic 
Republic of Congo, as outlined in United Nations Security Council 
Resolution 2666 (2022). Last, it calls on the President Joe Biden to 
appoint a Special Envoy to the Great Lakes region of Africa, which will 
be vital to addressing the enduring regional security crisis emanating 
from eastern DRC.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in condemning the 
ethnic violence in the DRC.

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