News: Human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
In a recent report, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) documented a significant increase in human rights violations and abuses in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Last month, the UNJHRO recorded 418 violations, an increase of 16% compared to the previous month.
Among these violations, 126 relate to the right to life, with a total of 313 victims, including 276 extrajudicial and summary executions. These figures are alarming, with an increase of 23% compared to the previous month.
The UNJHRO also highlights the responsibility of state agents in 152 violations, or 36% of the total. This figure increased by 7% compared to April. Armed groups, meanwhile, are responsible for 64% of human rights abuses, or 266 cases. An increase of 23% compared to the previous month.
Worryingly, 75% of documented violations in conflict-affected provinces are committed by armed groups. In particular, we must highlight the 247 victims of summary executions, of whom 87 lost their lives, an increase compared to the previous month.
The UNJHRO continues to play a crucial role in the fight against impunity by supporting the Congolese authorities. Over the past month, several convictions have been pronounced, in particular against elements of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and leaders of armed groups, for crimes against humanity and human rights violations.
Among the notable convictions, that of Munyololo Mbao, alias Ndarumanga, former leader of the armed group “Raiya Mutomboki”, for crimes against humanity, including the crime of forced pregnancy. This conviction was considered a world first in a national court.
It is essential that all parties implicated in human rights violations in the DRC are held accountable for their actions. The international community must continue to support efforts to end these violations and promote the fundamental rights of the Congolese people.
It is time to act decisively to put an end to these human rights violations in the DRC and to guarantee the security and respect for the rights of all citizens. The current situation demands an urgent and collective response from the international community in order to put an end to these unsustainable violations