§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking to assist in preventing genocide in the Congo region of Africa and to establish peace and security in that region. [HL3050]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean:The UK has been actively engaged with our African, EU and UN partners in promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We will continue to play our part, as a member of the International Committee for Support to the Transition, which is tasked with supporting the transitional process in the DRC.
The UN Secretary-General has requested the UK and others to contribute to an interim emergency multinational force (IEMF) for Ituri, north-eastern DRC. We think it is important to contribute to this force, to support both the UN and the DRC peace process. The UK will therefore participate in the IEMF. We are in consultation with those involved about the most appropriate and effective contribution the UK can make.