At its weekly press conference of 26 December 2007, MONUC expressed its deep concern in relation to the humanitarian consequences of the recent combat between Nkunda's rebels and the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) in North Kivu. MONUC furthermore deplored the persistence of human rights violations in the DRC, and asked the Congolese government to "imperatively" put an end to this violence and to bring the authors of these crimes to justice.
"MONUC continues to deplore the persistence of human rights violations and international humanitarian law in the DRC, in particular those made by the FDLR and Laurent Nkunda's dissidents, as well as other armed groups and members of the FARDC, the Congolese National Police (PNC) and other security and intelligence services," said MONUC spokesperson Kemal Saiki.
In particular, MONUC denounced human rights violations such as sexual violence towards women and the recruitment of children into armed groups.
Although the situation is being gradually contained in North Kivu, as the FARDC continue their efforts such as blocking Nkunda's forces, "sporadic clashes continue around Kalengera and Rugari in Rutshuru territory between FARDC patrols and Nkunda's rebels," announced MONUC.
"In parallel, in Masisi terrotory, violent clashes were noted between Mayi-Mayi groups and Laurent Nkunda's rebels north-west of Mushake, west of Kitchanga and in the neighbourhoods of Mweso."
MONUC continues to assist NGO's and UN agencies in their work with displaced populations. MONUC continues its assistance with the deployment this week of Mobile Operational Bases (MOBs) in North Kivu and northern South Kivu, which have regroupment points for displaced people.
MONUC once again recalled that the recruitment of children into armed groups is a war crime and a crime against humanity, citing the forced recruitment of children by the troops of the CNDP (Congrès national de la défense du peuple), the military political movement of Laurent Nkunda.
"The latest information gives a report on 200 pupils of Tongo secondary school, in Rutshuru territory, who were the targets of forced recruitment on 17 December 2007, after their school materials and their indentity cards were burned," indicated MONUC.
With regard to the organisation of the peace, security and development conference for the Kivus which will take place from 6 to 14 January 2008 in Goma, MONUC has intensified its day and nighttime air and terrestrial patrols.