UN calls for "all diplomatic efforts" to cease hostilities in eastern DRC

The United Nations (UN) called for "all diplomatic efforts" to end the hostilities in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and avert the potential for wider conflict.

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix briefed journalists on the latest situation in the country at UN Headquarters in New York on Friday, as the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) continued their march toward the city of Bukavu after taking control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. The UN peacekeeping chief said the situation in Goma remains "tense and volatile," with occasional shooting continuing within the city, adding that overall calm has been gradually restored.

Water and electricity have been recovered in much of the city, but the challenge of unexploded ordnance has severely restricted the free movement of persons, he said.

Lacroix also warned of the worsening humanitarian crisis with serious challenges invovling clear water, food supplies and sanitation.

He stressed that diplomatic engagement and dialogue remain the only effective settlement way, calling for a cessation of fighting through political and diplomatic means to prevent a wider conflict in the region.

"What we're seeing is the additional movement by the M23 and the RDF towards the south, Bukavu. And we are concerned, not only as far as the eastern DRC is concerned, but this has, if you look at the past, this has the potential of triggering a wider regional conflict. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that all diplomatic efforts should be geared toward avoiding this and bringing about the cessation of hostilities," said Lacroix. On the same day, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNCHR) said at least two displacement camps in the DRC were bombed, causing civilian casualties. In rebel-held areas such as Minova in South Kivu Province, displaced people have been forced to leave camps.

Warning against the escalation risks of conflict-related violence, especially sexual violence, the UN agency called for an end to the violence and urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

UN calls for "all diplomatic efforts" to cease hostilities in eastern DRC

UN calls for "all diplomatic efforts" to cease hostilities in eastern DRC

UN calls for "all diplomatic efforts" to cease hostilities in eastern DRC

UN calls for "all diplomatic efforts" to cease hostilities in eastern DRC

China will implement stringent oversight of digital platforms, as part of a broader effort to ensure fair competition and protect the legitimate rights of both consumers and businesses, said Luo Wen, head of the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Speaking to the press after the opening meeting of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday, Luo said that the Chinese ministerial-level agency aims to implemented targeted measures to resolve the difficulties in ensuring a healthier market environment.

"This year, efforts will be made to optimize the regulatory approaches and methods, and vigorously promote the healthy development of the platform economy," he stressed.

"Regarding platform regulations, we will uphold the principles of transparency and equality to foster a mutually beneficial environment for all stakeholders. To address the significant issue of platforms abusing the 'refund-only' policy - causing merchants to lose both goods and payments - we will mandate that platforms clearly define the scope and specific circumstances for rule application, thereby safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of merchants. Concerning platform fees, we will require that platforms simplify and publicly disclose their fee-based services, optimize pricing mechanisms, ensure merchants' right to information, and help merchants lower operational costs while enhancing efficiency," Luo said.

In response to the rat race competition due to the platforms' practice of automatic price matching and offering rock bottom price, the administration will urge the platforms to regulate their promotional practices and safeguard merchants' rights to independent operation, he added.

"In terms of live-streaming e-commerce, we will enforce platform accountability for content review, intensify targeted inspections of product quality, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and rigorously combat false advertising and misleading promotions. With respect to platform algorithms, market regulatory authorities will collaborate closely with relevant departments to enhance comprehensive governance, promote greater algorithmic transparency, and refine algorithmic rules," he continued.

China to optimize regulations on digital platforms