DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

CERD A/33/18 (1978)

154. The information supplied by Zaire in its initial report as well as in its representative's introductory statement was somewhat general in nature. The Committee hoped that, in preparing its second periodic report, the reporting State would take account of the guidelines drawn up by the Committee.

155. In connection with the obligations of the reporting State under article 2 of the Convention, the report under consideration referred only to the provisions of article 10 of the amended Constitution of 1974. It was observed, however, that the provisions of that article of the Constitution did not fully meet the obligations of the reporting State under article 2 of the Convention; and it was asked whether article 10 of the Constitution had been supplemented by legislation penalizing violations of its provisions. The representative of Zaire assured the Committee that, in the second periodic report of Zaire, information would be given with regard to the particular sanctions imposed under the Penal Code for violation of the Convention.

156. It was observed that article 10 of the Constitution, which prohibited "regional propaganda", fell short of satisfying the requirements of article 4, subparagraph (a), of the Convention. The representative of Zaire recalled that the prohibition of "regional propaganda" in article 10 of the Constitution was in addition to the prohibition, in the same article, of "all acts of racial, ethnic and religious discrimination".

157. It was observed also that the complete abolition of political parties - because "the majority of those political parties had been tribal in nature" - did not give effect to the provisions of article 4, subparagraph (b), of the Convention, notwithstanding the statement made in the report that that abolition constituted "the most concrete expression of the struggle against tribalism". In that connection, the equation of tribalism with racism was questioned by some members of the Committee. The views were expressed that tribal society had many commendable features which enriched cultural life, and that it was only when tribalism became a form of exclusiveness and discrimination that it constituted an evil. Members of the Committee wondered whether a policy of combating tribalism was compatible with the existence of various ethnic groups and languages in Zaire; whether tribalism was entirely negative, or whether it had positive aspects conducive to integration; whether it was not nepotism, rather than tribalism, that had been responsible for some acts of discrimination against individuals, for example, in employment in public office; and how tribal groups could maintain their respective traditions in the face of a national policy of combating tribalism. The representative of Zaire, while agreeing that tribalism could not be entirely equated with racial discrimination, recalled that, in the early days of the country's independence, tribalism had included an element of racism. He declared that, "while Zaire was opposed to tribalism, it accepted the existence of tribes".

158. Members of the Committee thought that more information was needed on specific provisions in the Constitution and in the laws of Zaire relating to the Government's obligations under article 5 of the Convention. It was also observed that the section of the report dealing with that subject did not mention any restrictions on the fundamental rights and duties of the citizen safeguarded in articles 12, 15, 19, 20 and 21 of the Constitution; yet it could be inferred from some of the information given in other sections of the report that some restriction was imposed on the enjoyment of some of those rights.

159. It was noted that the report made no reference to any provisions designed to implement article 6 of the Convention.

160. Several members of the Committee observed that all the information given in the report with regard to the implementation of article 7 of the Convention related, in fact, to article 5, subparagraph (e) (v). It was regretted that no information had been submitted on the compliance by the reporting State with the mandatory obligations laid down in article 7, with respect to which the Committee had adopted general recommendation V.

161. Questions were raised about the status of foreigners in Zaire, particularly with regard to the acquisition of Zairean nationality in the case of a Zairean married to a national of another country. More generally, it was asked whether foreigners enjoyed equal rights and effective protection and remedies. The representative of Zaire stated that, subject to certain limitations relating to national interest, foreigners enjoyed the same rights as Zaireans; that foreigners had access to government service in the context of technical assistance; that violations of the rights of foreigners were dealt with by the Zairean courts in the first instance and that, if no settlement was reached, efforts to arrive at one were made bilaterally with the country concerned. As for the acquisition of Zairean nationality, the representative of Zaire stated that any foreign national who married a Zairean had the choice of retaining his nationality or becoming a Zairean; dual nationality was not permitted.

162. The representative of Zaire, agreeing that the report under consideration was incomplete, assured the Committee that every effort would be made to ensure that the second report would be much more comprehensive.

CERD A/35/18 (1980)

370. The second periodic report of Zaire (CERD/C/46/Add.4) was considered by the Committee together with the supplementary information given by the representatives of the reporting State in their introductory statements. Both the report and the statements responded to the inquiries and requests for additional information made by the Committee during its consideration of the initial report of Zaire at the seventeenth session. 10/

371. Members of the Committee noted with satisfaction that the second periodic report of Zaire was more comprehensive than its initial report, that it was organized on the basis of the guidelines laid down by the Committee, and that it took account of the observations, and responded to requests, made by the Committee during its consideration of Zaire's initial report.

372. In connection with the implementation of article 2, paragraph 2, of the Convention, members of the Committee welcomed the policy of the Zairean Government with respect to the granting of asylum to refugees and noted that the settlement of refugees, including the Lumpa sect, away from the frontiers of their countries of origin was in line with the implementation of the 1969 OAU Convention governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. Some members of the Committee, nevertheless, drew attention to the need to have more information on Zaire's policy regarding the resettlement and repatriation of refugees, on the laws of extradition and on the recent tripartite agreement concluded between Zaire, Angola and Zambia dealing, inter alia, with political exiles. A member of the Committee inquired whether there have been a recent census of refugees; and whether foreigners enjoyed the same rights as nationals with regard to education. Further information was also requested concerning the questions of naturalization, the procedure under which some foreigners were obliged to pay the "cautio judicatum solvi", the amounts

involved, how long such payment was retained and when it was returned. The view was expressed that special steps should be taken to ensure the adequate development of the least-favoured ethnic groups and least-developed regions of the country and that appropriate legislative, administrative or other measures would be taken in that regard.

373. Attention was drawn to the Constitution of Zaire, which had been revised in 1978. Members of the Committee stated that the Committee would be in a better position to ascertain whether the provisions of the Convention were properly reflected in it if the full text of the Constitution and other laws were made available, especially where they placed limitations on the exercise of certain rights. As regards the Ordinance-Law No. 66/342, under which the President of the Republic could dissolve certain clubs, associations and groups, some members indicated that its provisions were not entirely in line with the wording of article 4 (b) of the Convention. More information was requested on the cases of prosecution under article 75 bis of the Penal Code referred to in the report.

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10/ A/33/18, paras. 154-162.

374. As regards the provisions of article 5 of the Convention, some members of the Committee wished to know what legal guarantees existed for the implementation of the rights mentioned in sub-
paragraphs (c); (d) (ii); and (e) (i), (ii) and (iv) of that article, and further details were asked for on the disqualification from Certain rights that applied to naturalized Zaireans as well as on the interpretation of the term "restrictions which were essential for the maintenance of public order and security". With reference to article 5 (e) (ii) of the Convention, it was particularly asked how the trade unions exercised control over their members and what their relation was to employers and the State. It was also mentioned that the report did not state how long a period of integration was, whether persons of foreign race who had acquired Zairean nationality enjoyed the same rights as persons of Zairean origin in education and access to public office. It could be seen from the report that Zaire had adopted an innovative approach under which the President of the Judicial Council could monitor the manner in which judicial decisions were rendered. In this connection it was noted that such a measure could, perhaps, be a double-edged sword allowing that President of the Council, presumably appointed by the Head of Government, to interfere in the court's actions in order to ensure that the courts' decisions were in line with the concepts and interests of the Government. With regard to the judicial system, one member of the Committee wished to know whether a legal aid progamme in Zaire extended to the Supreme Court in the Cases mentioned in the report. Further information would also be welcome on the reviewing of the Constitutionality of laws and the criteria for the independence of judges.

375. Noting that Zaire had a single political party and attached great importance to the doctrine of "authenticity", it was requested whether such a doctrine implied rejection of religious beliefs imported during the colonial period; what data was available on the size and activities of the various religious groups; and why the Government had felt compelled to check its activities concerning Simon Kimbangu and his sect and why the sect seemed to popular.

376. Referring to article 6 of the Convention inquiries were made as to how the compensation referred to in that article was decided upon; how the term "exceptional damage"should be interpreted, by whom and what sort of measures were envisaged under that article. With reference to the discussion of article 95 of the Code of Procedures of the Supreme Court, a member of the Committee asked what provisions protected a person's right to legal remedies if the act in question had been committed by an individual and not by the authorities of the Republic.

377. Concerning the implementation of article 7 of the Convention members of the Committee noted that in general satisfactory replies had been given to the questions raised by members of the Committee in the course of the consideration of the initial report. Nevertheless, some members pointed out that measures which would combat prejudices leading to racial discrimination and promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among nations and racial or ethnic groups had not met the requirements of this article. It was also mentioned that there was a lack of information on various cases in connection with the principle of individual freedom guaranteed by article 15 of the Constitution.

378. The representative of the reporting State answered some of the questions raised by members of the Committee and said that his Government would make every effort to provide the additional information requested in subsequent reports. As to questions concerning the refugees, he stated that refugees enjoyed a special status in Zaire. They were not required to have an entry visa and were provided necessary material assistance. Lest the granting of asylum should become a source of tension between States, Zaire had become a party to the 1969 Convention governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa and had concluded bilateral agreements with a number of neighbouring States. Those agreements provided that the refugees should be settled at some distance from the border with their country of origin, and that they should be prohibited from engaging in political activities directed against their country of origin. He also stated that there were no "minorities" in Zaire; however, there were many ethnic groups, each with its own culture and language. The Government was conscious of the disadvantaged situation of some of its nationals, and was attempting to provide all its citizens with an equal opportunity of working for the State. There was a commission on legal reform, which was reviewing legal practices among the various ethnic groups, with the aim of selecting the better procedures and molding them into a national system. Replying to the question of naturalization, he stated that Zaire did not recognize dual nationality. Any foreigner acquiring Zairean nationality had to relinquish his original nationality, and vice versa. The wives of Zairean nationals could choose to adopt Zairean nationality, but had to elect to do so within six months of marriage, failing which they were deemed to have retained their original nationality. Otherwise naturalized citizens enjoyed all the civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

379. Concerning the question of restrictions on guaranteed rights, the representative stated that there were certain restrictions in Zaire, but there was nothing unusual about them. The Constitution prohibited slavery and forced labour. Nevertheless, under certain circumstances courts could sentence criminals to periods of forced labour. Since education was free in Zaire, it was felt that graduates had a debt to repay to their country. If circumstances demanded, the Government could oblige them to work as teachers to train their successors.

380. Turning to the question concerning the prerogative of the President of the Judicial Council, he stated that the office of the President of the Judicial Council had been abolished, although the prerogative had been maintained and was currently exercised by the Minister of Justice. The aim of the prerogative was better t guarantee individual rights. There was a need for such a procedure for, as in other young countries, many people in Zaire were not well informed about legal procedure or their rights under the law. It was in that light that the power given to the Minister of Justice should be viewed. Whenever a judicial decision was deemed improper, the statute of limitations notwithstanding, the Minister of Justice could apply to the Supreme Court for a review of the judgement as to both fact and law.

381. As to questions concerning the religion, the representative stated that religious sects have been established in the form of non-profit-making associations. Since they have been granted juridical personality by presidential order, they could be abolished in the same way if they carried out activities that have been contrary to public policy or morality. As to the sect founded by Simon Kimbangu, it had been banned not by the Government of independent Zaire, but by the former colonial Power, on the ground that it had been a threat to the authority of the traditional Catholic Church.

382. Replying to questions concerning trade unions, he said that only one trade union existed in Zaire: the National Union of Workers of Zaire. Prior to its establishment there had been three trade unions, all affiliated with Belgian unions which had agitated and paralyzed the country's economy. As result they had been banned and the National Union had been set up as the country's sole trade union. The national Union covered all workers without distinction as to nationality and played an educational role by making workers aware of their duties as well as their rights. The Union's leadership was elected by the members without interference from the Government.

383. With reference to article 6 of the Convention he said that the term "exceptional damage" used in article 95 of the Code of Procedure of the Supreme Court was a notion of administrative law in Zaire, the aim of which was to provide for compensation of individuals for damage not covered by other legal provisions. As to the amount of compensation, in general, it was for the plaintiff to state the magnitude of the damage suffered and for the judge to assign a monetary value to it.

384. Concerning measures in the field of teaching, education, culture and information with a view to combating prejudices, he stated that the cultures of the various ethnic groups were shared by others. A network of radio transmitters had been built, for the purpose of disseminating information and programmes of cultural interest in various languages throughout the country. At the international level, the Government sought to implement such measures by inviting foreign authorities to disseminate information about their countries, in an effort to promote international understanding. Zaireans were thus provided with an opportunity to learn foreign languages, to experience foreign culture and to become aware of events in other countries. African culture, in particular, was stressed in the Zairean system of education, beginning at the secondary level. Zaireans were thus exposed to other African cultures and languages from an early age.

CERD A/46/18 (1991)

291. At its 921st meeting, on 8 August 1991 (see CERD/C/SR.921), the Committee reviewed the implementation of the Convention by Zaire based on its previous report (CERD/C/46/Add.4) and its consideration by the Committee (see CERD/C/SR.486 and 487). The Committee noted that no reports had been received from the State party during the past 11 years.

292. Members of the Committee noted that there were almost 320,000 refugees in Zaire, 300,000 of whom were from Angola, and that approximately 200 different ethnic groups lived in Zaire. It was also noted that four principal languages were spoken in Zaire, that a Sudanese minority lived in the north of the country, a Nilotic minority in the north-east and Pygmy and Hamite minorities in the east. In the foregoing connection, members of the Committee requested information on the situation of refugees in Zaire and wished to know whether the biggest opposition party recruited members from a particular ethnic group and whether there was an ethnic dimension to political conflicts.

293. In relation to article 1 of the Convention, members of the Committee also wished to know whether the new Constitution contained a similar provision to that of the 1974 Constitution prohibiting all racial, ethnic and religious discriminatory acts and all regional propaganda activities that threatened the internal security of the State or the territorial integrity of the republic; and, if so, whether persons of mixed African and non-African origin were also protected, whether the relevant constitutional provisions were consistent with the restrictions and preferences set out in article 1 of the Convention and whether discrimination based on colour or national origin was considered illegal.

294. Concerning article 2 of the Convention, members of the Committee wished to know what measures had been taken to ensure that public authorities and services complied with the legislation relating to the prohibition of racism, tribalism and racial, ethnic, tribal and regional discrimination; and whether public service employment of members of ethnic groups within a given region was proportionate to the size of ethnic groups living there.

295. In addition, members of the Committee pointed out that the second periodic report did not contain information regarding the implementation of article 2, paragraph 1, of the Convention and that no mention had been made of any special measures taken to assure the development of disadvantaged racial groups.

296. With regard to article 3 of the Convention, members of the Committee noted that the second periodic report did not contain any information on economic and diplomatic relations between South Africa and Zaire. In that connection, clarification was sought as to whether the South African army had trained units of the Zairean army, whether Zaire was a major importer of South African products and whether South African airplanes were entitled to land on Zairean territory.

297. Concerning article 4 of the Convention and recalling the obligatory nature of its provisions, members of the Committee wished to know whether there were any statistics on the number of complaints of racial discrimination or incitement to racial hatred or any relevant court cases. They also asked whether any difficulties had been encountered in implementing the provisions of articles 2 and 4 of the Convention, given the need also to protect the right to freedom of association.

298. In relation to article 5 of the Convention, members of the Committee sought information as to how article 5 (a) was implemented and also noted that the report did not contain information regarding the implementation of article 5 (d) (ii), (iii), (v), (vi) and (ix). Concerning article 5 (e) (v), members requested information about the results of planned measures to promote balanced access to university.

299. With regard to article 6, members of the Committee asked whether tribunals had ordered the payment of damages to victims of racial discrimination.

300. Concerning article 7, members of the Committee wished to know what were the major causes for racial discrimination in Zaire; what measures had been taken to combat such discrimination and which of those measures had been found the most effective.

Concluding observations

301. In concluding the review, the Committee regretted the fact that, despite its invitation, Zaire had not participated in the Committee's meeting nor had it furnished the Committee with relevant information. The Committee decided to communicate to the reporting State the importance of complying with the reporting obligations under the Convention, drawing the State party's attention to the possibility of requesting technical assistance in the preparation of reports to human rights treaty bodies, and to inform the State party of the Committee's review of its report. The Committee also expressed the hope that the State party would present its next periodic report as soon as possible and would send a representative to participate in the consideration of the report by the Committee.

CERD A/51/18 (1996)

509. At its 1171st and 1173rd meetings, held on 14 and 15 August 1996 (see CERD/C/SR.1171 and 1173), the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination considered the third to ninth, as well as the tenth, periodic reports of Zaire (CERD/C/237/Add.2 and CERD/C/278/Add.1) and adopted, at its 1181st meeting, held on 21 August 1996, the following concluding observations.

A. Introduction

510. The Committee welcomes the opportunity to resume the dialogue with Zaire on the basis of its third to ninth and tenth periodic reports, after an interruption of 16 years. However, the Committee regrets that the reports contain no concrete information as regards the practical implementation of the provision of the Convention, as requested in the general guidelines regarding the form and content of reports to be submitted by the States Parties under article 9, paragraph 1, of the Convention.

511. The Committee also welcomes the presence of a representative of the State Party, but would have appreciated experts from the capital being present in addition. The commitment that the questions which remained unanswered during the discussion would be the object of written answers from the capital in the near future is welcomed.

512. It is noted that the State Party has not made the declaration provided for in article 14 of the Convention. Some members requested the State Party to consider the possibility of making such a declaration.

B. Factors and difficulties impeding the implementation of the Convention

513. It is noted that Zaire is experiencing a severe economic crisis, which has led to the general impoverishment of the country and the deterioration of social and economic conditions. Moreover, the ethnic tensions in the Great Lakes region and the very high number of refugees from neighbouring countries who have come to Zaire during the past two years have to be taken into account in assessing the implementation of the Convention by the State Party.

C. Positive aspects

514. The transition towards democracy, inaugurated by a decision of the Head of State on 24 April 1990, and the abolition of the one-party system are welcome developments. Note has been taken by the Committee of the timetable set by the authorities after the postponement of the general elections of 9 July 1995, in accordance with which a referendum on the new Constitution would be held in March 1997 and general elections would be held in May 1997.

515. The adoption on 9 April 1994, by a national conference composed of the main organized political forces in the country, of the transitional Constitutional Act ("Acte constitutional de la transition"), in which a number of fundamental rights are enshrine, as well as the establishment by decree of the National Commission for the Promotion of Human Rights on 8 May 1995, are noted with satisfaction, although more information on the powers and functions of the Commission is needed.

516. The adoption on 28 November 1995, by the Heads of States of the Great Lakes region, of the Cairo Declaration on the Great Lakes region, which condemns the ideology of exclusion which can result in fear, frustration, hatred and tendencies towards extermination and genocide, as well as their commitment to put an end to the activities of the former members of the Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), who use refugee camps in Zaire as a "base" to conduct raids against civilians in Rwanda, are welcomed. However, more information on the concrete measures taken to implement these declarations is needed.

517. It is noted with appreciation the legislation exists in Zaire to prohibit the promotion of racial discrimination as required by article 4 of the Convention, such as Ordinance-Laws No. 25/131 of 1960 and 66/342 of 1966 and the Decree of 13 June 1960, although it is noted that the provisions of article 4 are much broader than that of the present Zairean legislation, in particular with regard to article 4 (b) and (c).

518. It is also noted with appreciation that a number of the rights enumerated in article 5 of the Convention, namely the right to equal treatment before tribunals, to security of person, to vote and to stand for elections, to freedom of movement, thought, conscience and religion, and to peaceful assembly and association, as well as certain economic and social rights, are included in the Constitutional Act. The information provided in the report on the legal provisions relating to those rights is welcomed, although it is noted that there is a lack of information regarding practical instances of their implementation.

519. Taking into account the particularly serious situation in Zaire with regard to inter-ethnic, tribal and regional tensions, the Committee welcomes the signature of an agreement between the Zairean authorities and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a United Nations human rights office in Kinshasa.

D. Principal subjects of concern

520. Grave concern is expressed at allegations of large-scale discrimination against the Pygmies (Batwa) and at reports of violent clashes in Kivu involving the Hunde, the Nyanga and the Nande ethnic groups (considered to be natives of Zaire), and the Banyarwanda and the Banaymulengue ethic groups (considered to be non-natives of Zaire, although they have lived in the country for generations), causing thousands of deaths. Reports of alleged regional "ethnic cleansing" in Shaba against the Kasai ethnic group, which leg to their massive displacement to other parts of the country, and of attacks and widespread discrimination against Rwandan and Burundian refugees, are also a subject of great concern for the Committee.

521. The lack of statistical data on the composition of the population and on the representation of the various communities at all economic, social and political levels and in the public service, including the police and the armed forces, is regretted.

522. It is also regretted that, although the constitutional and legislative provisions existing in Zaire to implement article 2 of the Convention were described in the State Party's reports, no information was provided to the Committee on the effective implementation of these provisions by the authorities and on possible cases of discrimination brought before the courts.

523. With regard to article 3 of the Convention, the Committee draws the attention of the State Party to its General Recommendation XIX of 1995, which states that although the reference to apartheid may have been directed exclusively to South Africa in the past, article 3 prohibits all forms of racial segregation, whether institutional or non-institutional, in all countries.

524. It is noted with serious concern that, in violation of their obligations under article 5 (b) of the Convention and article 9 of the Constitutional Act, the authorities scarcely intervened to ease the tribal and ethnic conflicts in Shaba and Kiyu and to protect the population. Concern is particularly expressed at reports alleging that in Shaba some local officials incited the Shaba population to hatred of the Kasai population. It is, however, duly noted that administrative and judicial measures have been taken by the authorities to punish some of the officials found responsible for such acts.

525. The provisions of Law No. 81-002 of 1981, amending Decree-Law No. 71-020 of 1971, to the effect that Zairean nationality would no longer be granted on a collective basis to the Banyarwanda, but only to those who could prove that their ancestors had lived in Zaire since 1885, are in violation of article 5 (d) (iii) of the Convention and are a major source of ethnic conflict.

526. With regard to the full and equal enjoyment of the right to education and training, as provided for in article 5 (e) and (v), of the Convention, reports indicate that only 2 per cent of the national budget was earmarked for education which affects the life and future of disadvantaged racial and ethnic sectors of the population.

527. The lack of comprehensive information on legal measures taken to fulfil the State Party's obligations under article 6 of the Convention and on instances where complaints have been lodged by individuals against acts of racial discrimination and reparation was made to victims of acts of racial discrimination, makes it difficult to assess the effective implementation of the provisions of this article in Zaire.

528. With regard to the implementation of article 7 of the Convention, it is regretted that the information provided on the implementation of article 35 of the Constitutional Act and on the courses on human rights given in schools, universities and training programmes for the armed forces and the security forces did not allow a proper evaluation of the situation in practice.

E. Suggestions and recommendations

529. The Committee recommends the State Party to provide in its next report information on the implementation of the various constitutional and legal provisions aimed at eliminating racial discrimination in all its forms, in accordance with article 2 of the Convention, with particular emphasis on the measures taken with regard to the conflicts in Kivu and Shaba and the situation of Rwandan and Burundian refugees.

530. The Committee recommends that the next periodic report include information on the powers, functions and activities of the national Commission for the Promotion of Human Rights, as well as comprehensive statistical data on the demographic composition of the population, as mentioned in paragraph 521 above.

531. The Committee also recommends that information be provided on the legal, administrative and practical measures taken to implement the Cairo Declaration on the Great Lakes region and the commitment undertaken to prevent raids by former members of FAR into Rwanda from Zaire.

532. Concerning article 4 of the Convention, the Committee reaffirms that the establishment of acts of racial discrimination and incitement to such acts as offences punishable by law in the States Parties' legislation is mandatory. In this regard, it draws the attention of the authorities to its General Recommendations VII and XV. The Committee also wishes to be provided with information, including statistics on complaints filed and sentences imposed, to have an idea of the implementation in practice of the legal provisions prohibiting propaganda of racial discrimination or hatred and organizations which promote and incite racial discrimination.

533. The Committee recommends that further information be provided by the State Party with regard to article 5 of the Convention, in particular on measures guaranteeing in practice the effective enjoyment by all persons without discrimination as to race or ethnic origin of the economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights listed in this article, with particular reference to the right to security of person and the right to education and training.

534. The Committee stresses the importance of specific legal provisions providing for effective protection and remedies against acts of racial discrimination and for the right of individuals to seek adequate reparation for any damage suffered as a result of such discrimination, as provided for in article 6 of the Convention.

535. With regard to article 7 of the Convention, the Committee would welcome information on the various programmes described in the report aimed at spreading awareness of human rights among the population, and in particular among law enforcement officials, including members of the armed and security forces. In this regard, the Committee draws the attention of the State Party to its General Recommendation XIII.

536. The Committee suggests that the third to ninth and tenth reports of Zaire, as well as the present concluding observations, be widely disseminated among the public, as far as possible in the main languages spoken in the country.

537. The Committee recommends that the State Party ratify at its earliest convenience the amendments to article 8, paragraph 6, of the Convention, adopted by the fourteenth meeting of States Parties.

538. The Committee recommends that the State Party's next periodic report, due on 21 May 1997, be a comprehensive report and that it address all the points raised in these concluding observations.