The recent movement for the revision of the law on the protection of human rights defenders in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, highlights the crucial importance of guaranteeing the safety and rights of human rights defenders in a context where their commitment is often synonymous with considerable risks.
The petition led by Me Olivier Ndoole and Eric Kambake of the Asbl Alerte congolaise pour l’environnement et la défense des droits de l’homme (ACEDH-RDC) highlights the need for a thorough revision of the existing legislation. This approach goes beyond simply requesting the modification of specific provisions; it also calls for the integration of new innovative measures that will strengthen the protection and freedom of human rights defenders in the DRC.
It is essential to recall that environmental and rural land rights defenders play a vital role in protecting natural resources and local communities, but they face constant threats, including the loss of their lives and freedom. The current law still fails to guarantee their safety and physical integrity, which underlines the urgency of a complete revision to strengthen existing protection measures.
The steps taken by Me Ndoole and his team, such as the referral to the Constitutional Court and the submission of a draft bill to the National Assembly, demonstrate the firm commitment to changing the legislation in favor of human rights defenders. Their action highlights the need for the government to take concrete measures to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the defense of human rights in the DRC.
In conclusion, the petition for the revision of the law on the protection of human rights defenders in Goma is a crucial step in the fight for the protection of fundamental rights in the DRC. It is imperative that the government takes into consideration the demands of civil society actors and acts quickly to strengthen existing legislation to ensure the safety and freedom of all those working to promote human rights in the country.