Security Council Sanctions Committee Concerning Democratic Republic of Congo Meets with Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict

During its informal consultations on 20 November 2015, the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo was briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui.

In her presentation, the Special Representative provided information on violations or alleged violations of the sanctions measures imposed by resolution 2198 (2015) committed both by armed groups and individuals who are already on the sanctions list, as well as by armed groups and individuals to be considered by the Committee for further investigation and possible designation.

By paragraphs 5(d) and (e) of resolution 2198 (2015), the Security Council decided that the assets freeze and travel ban would apply to individuals and entities designated by the Committee who are recruiting or using children in armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in violation of applicable international law; and those involved in planning, directing, or participating in the targeting of children or women in situations of armed conflict, including killing and maiming, rape and other sexual violence, abduction, forced displacement, and attacks on schools and hospitals.

During the meeting, several delegations expressed appreciation for the work of the Special Representative and the information she had provided, including her proposals to list certain individuals for targeted sanctions.  They encouraged her to continue to exchange information with the Group of Experts and the Committee.