Reform of the Congolese penal system in the DRC: Recommendations from the National Commission on Human Rights (CNDH)
The National Commission on Human Rights (CNDH) recently issued crucial recommendations in response to the lifting of the moratorium on the abolition of the death penalty in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Faced with the situation of persistent insecurity in the east of the country and in certain provinces, the CNDH recommends a proactive approach to fundamentally reform the Congolese penal system.
Among the key measures proposed by the Commission is the need to undertake legislative reforms to reduce the number of offenses punishable by the death penalty. It is therefore suggested to amend the civil and military penal codes, while establishing new sanctions for offenses which would no longer be subject to the death penalty.
Furthermore, the CNDH also encourages the adoption of legislation allowing convicts to appeal their sentences in criminal cases. It further recommends that the DRC consider accession or ratification of the second optional protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, taking into account possible reservations.
Finally, the Commission invites the President of the Republic to use his power to commute sentences to transform death sentences into alternative sentences, in accordance with the planned reforms. These recommendations, if implemented, could mark a major turning point in the DRC’s criminal policy, by aligning with international human rights standards.
By continuing these reforms, the DRC could strengthen its commitment to human rights and contribute to the establishment of a more equitable judicial system that respects the fundamental principles of justice and human dignity.