The issue of protecting human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo seems more relevant than ever. Indeed, a workshop organized in Goma, an emblematic city in the North Kivu region, recently highlighted the flaws in the current law regarding the protection of human rights defenders. This meeting, initiated by the Congolese Center for Sustainable Development Law (Coded), raised essential concerns about the legal provisions in force.
Mr. Eric Kassongo, Executive Director of Coded, stated with conviction that the current law, No. 023/027 of June 15, 2023, which is supposed to protect human rights defenders, actually has major shortcomings. Indeed, some of its clauses could further hamper the freedom of action of defenders rather than protect them. Articles 26, 27 and 28 are particularly singled out for their repressive nature, going so far as to jeopardize the security of civil society actors engaged in the defense of fundamental rights.
For his part, Me Olivier Ndoole, executive secretary of the NGO ‘Congolese Alert for the Environment and Human Rights’ (ACEDH), highlighted the difficulties encountered by human rights and environmental defenders, particularly those operating in rural areas, due to the constraints imposed by this law.
This workshop was not only an opportunity to highlight existing problems, but also to propose concrete solutions. Indeed, the participants formulated recommendations and strategies aimed at obtaining a revision of the current law. An amended draft law should be presented to the Presidency of the Republic in order to obtain support from the Head of State for this necessary reform. This initiative illustrates the commitment of civil society and local actors to strengthen the protection of human rights defenders in the DRC.
After this crucial step in Goma, awareness-raising and promotion of this essential cause will continue in the province of Lualaba, with a next stopover in Kolwezi. It is essential that this mobilization continues and that the authorities take into account these major issues to guarantee the safety and freedom of action of human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo.