Human Rights Council – 61st Session
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Statement delivered by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States
25 March 2026

Mr President,

Thank you, High Commissioner, for your presentation. I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries.

The situation for human rights in eastern DRC is deeply concerning. We support the mediation efforts undertaken by the US, Qatar and the African Union. All parties to the conflict must stand by their commitments, respect the ceasefire, and comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law. This includes the protection of civilians and the obligation to respect and protect humanitarian relief personnel.

We note, with strong concern, recent reports [by UN experts] on violence committed against human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, by the M23 armed group in the North and South Kivu provinces [and by Wazalendo militias]. Accountability and the rule of law must prevail.

We closely follow the developments in the appeal trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp in Kasaï Central in 2017, including the investigation into the disappearance of their four Congolese companions. A fair and comprehensive trial remains vital to hold those responsible to account.

High Commissioner, what measures should be taken to ensure that human rights defenders can conduct their work safely and without fear in eastern DRC?

Thank you.