Madam Vice President

1. Rwanda expresses compassion for the Congolese women, men and children suffering displacement, violence and uncertainty. Their protection must remain at the centre of this Council’s attention.

2. Rwanda wishes to make four points based on the provided reports. 

3. First, this dialogue must address the full reality across the DRC. 

4. Second, accountability must include armed groups and State-affiliated militias. The DRC has more than 260-armed groups, including the UN-sanctioned genocidal force FDLR, Wazalendo militia and CODECO which operate with coordination, financing and political backing by Kinshasa. The Congolese army and affiliated groups are documented drivers of displacement. 

5. Third, Rwanda rejects the false allegation that it targets Hutu civilians. Rwanda knows the devastating consequences of ethnic hatred. The weaponization of ethnicity is a warning sign the world must never ignore, wherever it is used and whoever it targets.

6. Fourth, selective narratives do not protect IDPs. It covers up responsibility and weakens accountability.

7. We encourage the Special Rapporteur to ensure that engagement on IDPs in the DRC remains protection-centred, addresses all drivers of displacement, and supports safe, voluntary and dignified solutions.

I thank you, Madam Vice President.