Bunia, 26 August 2013 – Within the framework of the working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo from 22 to 28 August 2013, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Flavia Pansieri visited the district of Ituri, Eastern province from 24 to 26 August 2013 to assess the human rights situation there.

Additionally, Mrs. Pansieri assessed the work done by the United Nations Human Rights Joint Office in that part of the country.

In Bunia, the administrative town of the district, the High Commissioner, accompanied by the Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in charge of the Rule of Law, the Director of the United Nations Human Rights Joint Office and other senior officials of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO), held several meetings with Ituri officials as well as members of the work Group on the rule of law in Ituri.

Then, Mrs. Pansieri and her delegation travelled to Mambasa, a territory located at about 170 km west of Bunia under repeated attacks from Mai Mai Simba Lumumba armed group. During her visit, the High Commissioner and members of her delegation met and discussed with members of the local security committee, the office of civil society coordination, the human rights defense NGOs, the anti-sexual violence NGOs as well as medical staff in the health district of Mambasa.

Discussions revolved around the human rights violations committed during the Mai Mai Simba Lumumba attacks, very active in this territory. Ms. Pansieri then received most recent statistics on sexual violence as well as information on medical assistance for the victims.

The High Commissioner's visit to Mambasa coincided with the inauguration ceremony of the building to house the local offices of the special national police for child and women's protection.

Amadou Maiga/MONUSCO