A/HRC/30/32 Despite such efforts, the High Commissioner points out that the human rights situation remains of great concern throughout the country. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office registered the highest number of human rights violations and abuses, committed by elements of over 30 armed groups as well as by FARDC soldiers, in the east. The reporting period was also marked by serious incidents that affected the protection of civilians in the east of the country. In the western provinces, particularly in Kinshasa, the deplorable shrinking of democratic space resulted in serious violations of fundamental freedoms by security forces, mainly targeting political opponents, human rights defenders and protesters. These developments are particularly worrisome ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle. The High Commissioner deeply regrets the October 2014 decision of the Government to expel the Director of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office following the publication of the joint report by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and OHCHR on human rights violations committed between 15 November 2013 and 15 February 2014, by agents of the Congolese national police during Operation Likofi in Kinshasa. The High Commissioner calls upon the Government to reinforce its collaboration with the Joint Office. The High Commissioner encourages the Government to implement all recommendations made in the present report, and reiterates the engagement of his Office to support the authorities’ efforts to protect and promote human rights. 2