A/HRC/42/32 I. Introduction 1. In accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 39/20 on technical assistance and capacity-building in the field of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the present report provides an overview of the human rights situation and the activities conducted in the country by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights through the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office between June 2018 and May 2019. 2. The present report highlights the key human rights developments, including in the context of the elections, assesses the progress made in implementing the recommendations of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and United Nations mechanisms for the protection of human rights, and submits recommendations for the attention of the Government. II. Principal human rights developments 3. The overall number of human rights violations and abuses documented by the Joint Office decreased by 6 per cent compared to the previous reporting period, which ran from June 2017 to May 2018, but their number, gravity and consequences for the population remain worrying. Nearly 60 per cent of these violations were committed by State officials, primarily members of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congolese national police. While violations of civil and political rights have decreased significantly since February 2019, those related to the activism of armed groups and militias in conflict-affected provinces remain high in number. 4. The electoral process unfolded in a context of restrictions on democratic space marked by numerous violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, the Congolese defence forces and security services used excessive force to disperse political rallies and peaceful demonstrations during the election campaign and following the announcement of the results, causing deaths and injuries. 5. After the change in State leadership, a degree of opening up of democratic space has been observed, evidenced in particular by the release of a significant number of political prisoners, the holding of peaceful demonstrations without incident and the return to the country of opposition figures. In addition, the Joint Office has documented a decrease in the number of human rights violations since February 2019. However, it has also noted a continuation of attacks and threats against human rights defenders and other civil society actors, the violent suppression of certain peaceful demonstrations and restrictions on fundamental freedoms. 6. The human rights situation in provinces where the conflict persists has not improved. In North Kivu, the province most affected by the conflict, the outbreak of Ebola virus disease has exacerbated the situation against a backdrop of insecurity and attacks on the response mechanism. The spontaneous demobilization movement observed in several provinces since early 2019 could lead to a reduction in the activism of armed groups, but risks remain in the absence of a national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme that is operational and in line with international standards. In addition, intercommunal conflict and violence against certain ethnic groups remain a concern. 7. Little legislative progress has been made in the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. However, efforts have been noted in the area of combating impunity, evidenced in particular by the prosecution of commanders of armed groups and the conviction of senior military officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including sexual violence. Nonetheless, officers accused of serious human rights violations have been promoted to or retained in high command positions within the defence and security forces without being investigated. GE.19-13875 3