A/HRC/13/63
page 23
91.
The experts are encouraged by the fact that return of displaced persons, their
reintegration and recovery has been designated one of the priorities of the United
Nations Support and Stabilization Strategy. Apart from the 1.9 million internally
displaced persons, there are also more than 200,000 refugees who have returned or are
awaiting return to the eastern part of the country. The experts reiterate the importance of
including host families and communities who receive displaced persons and returnees in
all efforts to provide support for return, reintegration and recovery.
92.
In their initial report, the experts highlighted that the National Election
Commission, in cooperation with MONUC and other partners, should ensure
registration of the displaced as voters and that the Commission should be given support
to find ways to ensure (e.g. through provisions on absentee voting) that the displaced
can exercise their political rights. In addition, they recommended launching a campaign
in the eastern part of the country to provide national identification and electoral cards to
anyone qualifying for Congolese nationality under the new Nationality Act of
12 November 2004.44
93.
While local elections are still being planned for 2010 and the provision of
electoral cards has started in some areas, sources on the ground are concerned that not
everyone qualifying for nationality under the 2004 Nationality Act is being included.
According to information received, the National Election Commission has not yet
adopted provisions to ensure the registration of internally displaced persons as voters.
The Government officials responsible seem to assume that there will be peace
throughout the country, which would allow all the displaced to return for the elections
and receive electoral cards at their home. In light of the huge number of displaced
persons and the volatile security situation, this approach could mean that a large number
of displaced potential voters will be unable to exercise their human right to vote on an
equal and fair basis.
94.
In their initial report, the experts called for local conflict resolution and ethnic
reconciliation initiatives involving all sectors of society, including women, returnees
and internally displaced persons and refugees awaiting their return.45 The fact that the
peace agreement between the Government and CNDP of 23 March 2009 specifically
foresees reconciliation initiatives is positive. However, there have been delays in
establishing such initiatives and related support structures.46 In the meantime, some
NGOs have established smaller conflict resolution and reconciliation projects, which
deserve more donor attention.
G. Providing access to health care, especially for marginalized groups
95.
With few Government funds allocated to and reaching health-care institutions on
the ground, the sector relies on user fees, meaning that the poorest sectors of society
cannot access health care. Persistently poor security conditions and, in large parts of the
44
See A/HRC/10/59, paras. 108-109.
45
See A/HRC/10/59, para. 110.
46
S/2009/623, para. 16.
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