UN / DRC HUMAN RIGHTS

The United Nations (UN) has condemned the decision by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to expel Scott Campbell, Director of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office from the country. UNIFEED-UNTV

• Categories: News & Features / News Stories / Unifeed
• Video Length: 00:01:20
• Production Date: 21 October 2014
• Asset Language: Original
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION STABILIZATION MISSION IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - MONUSCO
• Subject Topical: PEACE AND SECURITY; HUMAN RIGHTS
• Geographic Subject: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
• MAMS Id: 1213979

Description

STORY: UN / DRC HUMAN RIGHTS
TRT: 1.20
SOURCE: UNIFEED-UNTV
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 21 OCTOBER 2014, NEW YORK CITY

Shotlist

1. Wide shot, exterior, United Nations
2. Wide shot, press briefing room
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson, United Nations:
“The Secretary -General condemns the decision of the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to expel from the country Mr. Scott Campbell, Director of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office. He is also deeply concerned by recent threats against other staff of the Joint Office, in connection with their human rights work.”
4. Cutaway, press
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson, United Nations:
“The Secretary-General reiterates that United Nations staff must never be threatened or sanctioned for doing their work, which is based on the United Nations Charter and, in this instance, mandated by the Security Council. The Secretary-General expresses his full confidence in Mr. Campbell. He urges the Government of the DRC to reconsider its position on his expulsion and to take urgent action to address the threats against other staff. He encourages the Security Council to consider the implications for its work and objectives when United Nations staff are treated in this manner, and to consider possible actions.”
6. Cutaway, press
7. Wide shot, press briefing room

Storyline

The United Nations (UN) has condemned the decision by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to expel Scott Campbell, Director of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office form the country.

In a statement read by UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric today (21 Oct), the Secretary-General also expressed his “deep concern” by recent threats against other staff of the Joint Office, in connection with their human rights work.

In the statement the Secretary-General recalled that the Congolese people have suffered grave human rights violations, which the Joint Office has, over the years, helped to document as it seeks to promote and protect their rights, while strengthening justice and accountability.

The Joint Office and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) as a whole are mandated by the Security Council to assist the Government of the DRC and its people in this regard. By impeding the United Nations' human rights work, the Government is failing to uphold its obligations. Doing so can only be harmful for the country's progress.

He reiterated that United Nations staff must never be threatened or sanctioned for doing their work, which is based on the United Nations Charter and, in this instance, mandated by the Security Council. The Secretary-General expressed his full confidence in Mr. Campbell and urged the government of the DRC to reconsider its position on his expulsion and to take “urgent action” to address the threats against other staff.

Ban also encouraged the Security Council to consider the implications for its work and objectives when United Nations staff are treated in this manner, and to consider possible actions.