Fatshimetrie, September 19, 2024. During a recent meeting organized by the Human Rights Defenders Protection Network in Kwilu Province, southwest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, local authorities highlighted the essential human rights obligations of the State. This interactive dialogue space highlighted the importance of respecting, protecting and implementing human rights, universal foundations that guarantee the dignity and freedom of every individual, regardless of race, religion, gender, level of education or age.
Mr. Chirac Muhika, Executive Secretary of the Network, stressed that human rights constitute a set of legal guarantees that allow all human beings to live fully in dignity. To this end, the State has the duty to recognize these rights in its international legal order and to commit to protecting them. The dialogue between state authorities and human rights defenders was an opportunity to reflect on the challenges related to the protection of human rights in the province of Kwilu, and more particularly in the city of Bandundu.
During this meeting, Me. Muhika and Émilienne Owele discussed various topics, such as the foundations of human rights, the protection of rights during arrests and detentions, the essential role of human rights defenders, the missions of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), as well as the state of human rights in the province of Kwilu. This initiative aims to raise awareness among the authorities and civil society on the importance of ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of each individual, in a context where the protection of human rights is crucial to ensuring a just and equitable society.
Ultimately, this approach underlines the imperative for the State to fulfil its obligations towards its citizens by promoting and protecting human rights, which are the true pillars of democracy and social justice. By raising awareness among local actors and fostering constructive dialogue, it is possible to strengthen commitment to respecting human rights and to build together a future where every individual can live in dignity and equality.