A/HRC/RES/45/34 Noting further the efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to implement its commitments under the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region, signed in Addis Ababa on 24 February 2013, 1. Strongly condemns all violations of human rights, especially in areas affected by armed or intercommunal conflict in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular in areas such as Beni, in North Kivu, Djugu, Mahagi and Bunia, in Ituri, Manono, in Tanganyika, and Minembwe, in South Kivu, where the situation continues to lead to significant population displacement; 2. Notes the efforts made by the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to bring the alleged perpetrators of those acts to justice, encourages them to implement all necessary measures to ensure that all alleged perpetrators are brought to justice, and welcomes the convictions already pronounced; 3. Encourages the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pursue vigorously the awaited legislative changes aimed at enhancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as the President has pledged, to continue efforts to strengthen the rule of law and democratic institutions, to advance political openness, to provide adequate protection for human rights defenders, and not to allow retrogression or new violations of the political rights of Congolese citizens; 4. Underlines the responsibility incumbent on all stakeholders to act in strict respect of the rule of law and human rights and urges them to reject all forms of violence; 5. Encourages the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to respect the rule of law and to continue with its efforts to respect, protect and uphold all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, in accordance with the international obligations of States; 6. Welcomes the strong commitment of the President to improving the human rights situation and the positive steps taken since his inauguration to launch his reform agenda and open up the political environment, which have resulted in the release of political prisoners, the closure of detention centres where they were held, the return of political actors and progress in ensuring respect for fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of expression; 7. Regrets the fresh upsurge in violations of political rights and civil liberties, which has been marked by an increase in the number of arbitrary arrests and violations of the freedom of expression and of the press, as well as instances of threats against human rights defenders; 8. Welcomes the efforts made by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, supported by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to eradicate the armed groups that are sowing terror in some conflict areas in the eastern part of the country; 9. Also welcomes the judicial appointments made at the beginning of February 2020, by the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while hoping that they will help to strengthen the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary, facilitate the pursuit of the judicial proceedings initiated against the alleged perpetrators of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, and lead to convictions; 10. Notes with satisfaction the continuation of the trial of the alleged perpetrators of the murder of two United Nations experts and the persons accompanying them, as well as the pursuit of the case linked to the Kamuina Nsapu militia in the Kasai region, regarding the conviction of those responsible and compensation for the victims; 11. Encourages the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to pursue its initiatives for the adoption of legislative measures aimed at promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms and fostering their full enjoyment by all citizens; GE.20-13365 3