The Network of Christian-inspired Human Rights and Civic Education Organizations (RODHECIC) recently expressed its disapproval of the Government’s decision to lift the moratorium on the execution of the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This organization, a fervent defender of human rights, believes that this measure represents a step backwards in the fundamental protection of the right to life.
In a public statement, the permanent executive secretary of RODHECIC, Paul Kabeya Mukenge, stressed the importance of maintaining the moratorium on the death penalty, established in 2003. He recalled that the right to life is a sacred principle, enshrined by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as by the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The recent circular note from the Ministry of Justice providing for conditions for the execution of the death penalty sparked strong reactions from RODHECIC. According to this circular, the death penalty could be applied in times of war, under a state of siege or emergency, or during police operations aimed at maintaining public order.
RODHECIC calls for respect for Congo’s international commitments regarding the right to life and encourages the government to ratify the second optional protocol relating to the international pact on civil and political rights, aimed at abolishing the death penalty.
It is essential to emphasize that many countries around the world have taken the decision to abolish the death penalty, thus demonstrating an evolution towards a more humane justice that respects fundamental rights.
In conclusion, RODHECIC continues to advocate for maintaining the moratorium on the death penalty in the DRC and encourages the authorities to commit to genuine protection of the right to life, in accordance with international human rights principles.