Loopie Louise wants "zero tolerance" in the Congo

Ms Arbour thinks the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms can save the Congo (full text not officially online).

A focus on human rights will offer the Congolese polity a solid basis for dismantling the armed groups that roam the country, and deter others from joining their ranks. It will empower the government to create a level playing field where communities can heal, bridge their differences, and prevent future abuses.

To this end, and against the background of major threats and obstacles that the political transition is likely to face, there are a number of indispensable steps the Congolese transitional government, the Congolese political parties and civil society in general should take to protect and enhance the gains achieved so far.

The Congolese should implement "zero tolerance" policies and measures addressing past and current violations by the military and other armed groups by swiftly bringing the perpetrators to justice. This crucial fight against impunity should be supported by impartial investigations into allegations of systematic or gross human-rights violations...

On the eve of this much-awaited (and three times postponed) landmark election, the Congolese need candidates and political parties ready to propose effective steps for laying the foundation of a society that values human dignity and promotes security and development for all.

Congolese voters have a responsibility to demand from their leadership a strong commitment to human rights, and justice for abuses.

For their part, the candidates have an obligation to include in their political program reforms that are grounded in respect for human rights and the rule of law...

Louise Arbour is the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

What a strange world, without connection to reality, Ms Arbour inhabits. And this legally-educated (sorry Damian) academic fool was once a Justice on the Supreme Court of Canada. For Congolese reality see these two articles; some "zero tolerance".

1) "Congo’s Election, the U.N.’s Massacre"

2) "Violence Erupts as Vote Nears in Congo"

Mark C.

Posted by markc at July 28, 2006 12:12 PM