Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO and Jose Maria Aranaz, Representative of the High Commissioner for Human Rights advocate for the respect of political rights and freedoms for all‎

Kinshasa, 15 September 2015 – "The International Day ‎for Democracy is an important day for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the coming elections, only the respect of democratic rules and giving space to the opposition and civil society can bring about transparent and peaceful elections." declared Martin Kobler.

With a population of about 75 million of predominantly young people, the Democratic Republic of Congo faces multiple development and governance challenges. In addition to Government and political parties, the civil society’s contribution to social progress and economic growth is needed. Therefore, the State should seize this opportunity to partner with civil society to permit participation of the population in all areas of national life.

“There is a need to ensure respect of political rights and freedoms whilst safeguarding adequate space for freedom of expression, association and assembly to be exercised by all, including Opposition parties, the media and civil society organizations, without fear of retaliation or prosecution, especially in anticipation of the electoral context,” stressed Jose Maria Aranaz.

Notes to editors:

In September 1997 the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy. That Declaration affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government, and the international scope of democracy.

At the suggestion of the IPU, 15 September (date of the Universal Declaration on Democracy) was chosen as the day when the international community would celebrate each year the International Day of Democracy. The resolution entitled Support by the United Nations system of efforts of Governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies was adopted by consensus on 8 November 2007.