A/HRC/16/27 situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. There was also a rise in serious violations of the rights of human rights defenders, journalists and opposition party members during the reporting period. The High Commissioner encourages the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to implement all the recommendations contained in this report as soon as possible. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo will continue its efforts to support the Government, including through the plan of action that the Government has been invited to implement in accordance with resolution 13/22. The High Commissioner calls on the international community to assist the Congolese Government in addressing the major challenges facing it, and in particular in implementing the structural reforms that are essential if there is to be sustainable change for the better in the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 2 GE.11-10197