Title: The Manika Technical Institute (ITIMA) of Kolwezi closed: a flagrant violation of the right to education
Introduction :
Since classes resumed in January, students at the Manika Technical Institute (ITIMA) in Kolwezi have been unable to return to class. It was the new police units deployed in the city which took possession of the school establishment. This situation has aroused concern among civil society, parents and human rights organizations. In a recent press release, the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Church denounced this flagrant violation of the right to school education.
Students deprived of their school:
ITIMA welcomes around 4,500 students and is the only technical establishment in the city of Kolwezi. As the first semester exams approach, this police occupation disrupted the resumption of classes and jeopardized the educational success of students. In fact, of the 51 classrooms, only 7 are still usable. The police transformed the other rooms into barracks and even used the school benches as firewood. This situation led to the closure of the school and constitutes a clear violation of the right to education.
The right to school education violated:
The right to school education is a fundamental right recognized both by the Congolese Constitution and by international legal instruments. The current situation at ITIMA Kolwezi demonstrates a clear violation of this right. According to article 43 of the Constitution of the DRC, “everyone has the right to school education”. The police occupation of the institute not only violates this right, but also compromises the educational future of the thousands of students enrolled there.
Reaction from human rights organizations:
The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) of the Lualaba province is already on the case. She is preparing a report which she will send to the competent authorities in Kinshasa to denounce this violation of children’s rights to education. Human rights organizations and civil society are calling for this situation to be resolved quickly, so that students can return to their studies normally.
Conclusion :
The occupation of ITIMA in Kolwezi by the police constitutes a flagrant violation of the right to school education. The consequences of this situation are harmful for students who find themselves deprived of their school and compromise their educational career. It is essential that the authorities take appropriate measures to resolve this situation and guarantee the fundamental right to education for all.