Fatshimetrie: The Quest for Innovative Solutions for Accessible Justice in the DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country marked by a tumultuous history, crossed by numerous conflicts and crises. Faced with this reality, Civil Society Organizations recently made recommendations to the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, calling for particular attention to the proposal of the draft decree on the implementation of Alternative Resolution Mechanisms of Conflicts (MARC) in the DRC. This initiative represents a significant step in resolving conflicts that have caused suffering and loss of life in the country for too long.
The objective of this approach is to allow litigants to choose from a variety of effective mechanisms for resolving conflicts, governed by law. As part of the national justice reform policy, emphasis is placed on state support for legal and ADR clinics. The implementation of this decree responds to an imperative of accessible and effective justice, as provided for in the priority action plans in force.
On the ground, several findings demonstrate the challenges facing justice in the DRC. The limited presence of peace courts across the territory, the distance of courts from litigants and the lack of magistrates in certain regions are all obstacles to access to fair justice for all. In this context, the rural population often finds refuge in traditional justice and seeks alternatives to resolve their disputes peacefully.
It is within this framework that the action of SOS Information Juridique Multifactorielle (SOS IJM), an association committed to the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the DRC, falls. Founded in 2007 in Bukavu, in the province of South Kivu, SOS IJM works to raise awareness, advocate and effectively implement these rights at different levels, from local to international.
The “Just Future” program, accompanied by support from Cordaid, recently gave rise to a workshop in Kinshasa, during which these recommendations were formulated. The signing of the decree on ADR by the Minister of Justice is therefore of capital importance for progress towards more accessible, efficient and equitable justice in the DRC.
In conclusion, the quest for innovative solutions for conflict resolution in the DRC represents a crucial issue for the stability and well-being of the populations. Through initiatives such as those promoted by Civil Society Organizations and committed actors like SOS IJM, a glimmer of hope is emerging for a justice system closer to citizens and capable of responding to current challenges.