Concerning the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the need for international efforts toward long-term peace, stability, and observance of human rights.

Bill: 113-hres-131
Sponsor: Rep. Bass, Karen [D-CA-37]
Introduced: 2013-03-21 in the House
Policy area: International Affairs
Subjects: Africa
Child safety and welfare
Conflicts and wars
Congressional tributes
Crimes against children
Crimes against women
Criminal investigation, prosecution, interrogation
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Diplomacy, foreign officials, Americans abroad
Federal officials
Foreign aid and international relief
Human rights
International law and treaties
International organizations and cooperation
Reconstruction and stabilization
Rwanda
Sex offenses
Smuggling and trafficking
Sovereignty, recognition, national governance and status
United Nations
Violent crime
War crimes, genocide, crimes against humanity
Youth employment and child labor

Summary:
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: 
Asserts that the region's leaders and the international community should break the cycle of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and surrounding region.
 
 Calls on: (1) the signatories of the February 24, 2013, Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region to abide by the Framework's provisions; and (2) governments of the Great Lakes region of Africa to respect the national security and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
 
 Recognizes efforts by the Democratic Republic of the Congo to end child recruitment into the armed forces and demands the cessation of militia recruitment and exploitation of children.
 
Calls on the Obama Administration to: (1) mobilize a comprehensive response to prevent further deterioration of regional peace and stability and to ensure that humanitarian assistance be provided to populations in need, and (2) develop actionable recommendations to ensure accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. 
 
Acknowledges the good work of the United States Special Advisor on the Great Lakes and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
 
Calls on all nations to increase cooperation to stop the trade of illegal goods that fuels violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
 
Urges the Democratic Republic of the Congo to investigate and prosecute those who have committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. 
 
Acknowledges the appointment by the United Nations (U.N.) of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region of Africa. 
 
Urges the U.N. Security Council to lead efforts to strengthen the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2013-06-27
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2013-06-27
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2013-05-15
text: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Unanimous Consent .
action_date: 2013-05-15
text: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2013-05-06
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-03-21
text: Introduced in House