Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assurances they have received from the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC with regard to the protection of civilians in relation to the launch of military operations against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda rebel group.

The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains challenging, and at times dangerous, for civilians.

On 30 January the Government of the DRC announced that military action had begun against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), but it is our assessment that comprehensive operations are yet to fully commence. Officials at our Embassy in Kinshasa have reiterated to the Government of the DRC that international expectations remain high: the threat posed by the FDLR to civilians and to the security and stability of the region must be tackled.

The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the UN Organization Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) must ensure that efforts to minimise the impact on civilians remain forefront in planning for military operations against armed groups. We are also working closely with the humanitarian community and MONUSCO to minimise the risk to civilians during forthcoming operations. This includes liaising with and providing financial support for organisations working to develop and finalise contingency plans to manage any potential humanitarian impact.