In the lead up to the 2015 and 2016 elections, the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has sought to clamp down on freedom of expression and to silence dissent. Human rights defenders, journalists, political opponents, peaceful protesters and other independent or critical voices who have denounced the proposed electoral reform that would allow President Joseph Kabila to de facto stay in office beyond the two consecutive terms currently allowed have been subjected to harassment, intimidation, mass arrests, arbitrary detentions, violence, and excessive use of force; and the Congolese authorities have failed to open any investigations or prosecute the perpetrators. Moreover, legislative and institutional measures to address the ongoing impunity for perpetrators of human rights violations committed over the past two decades, some of which may constitute war crimes, have yet to be adopted.
The situation of human rights in the DRC must continue to be monitored and discussed at the Human Rights Council. Since 2008, there has been no dedicated monitoring mechanism to regularly observe the situation in the DRC. Given the critical juncture at which the country stands, and in light of the remaining challenges to be addressed, it is crucial that the Council continues to be seized of the human rights situation in the DRC.
At HRC 30, in order to keep the attention of the Council high on the DRC, FIDH will co-organize a side event on the importance of enhancing the rule of law and guaranteeing respect for human rights, in cooperation with a range of international NGOs. FIDH, together with its member organizations Association Africaine des Droits de l’Homme (ASADHO), Groupe Lotus and Ligue des Électeurs, signed a letter to members and observers of the Human Rights Council urging them to ensure that the Council continues to monitor the human rights situation in the DRC. FIDH will also engage in advocacy with Mr. Paul Nsapu Mukulu, Founder of the Ligue des Électeurs and Secretary-General of FIDH, and Floribert Anzuluni, Coordinator of the Filimbi movement.
Read the letter to members and observers of the Human Rights Council urging them to ensure that the Council continues to monitor the human rights situation in the DRC in English or in French.