Fatshimetrie is a must-read monthly publication offering an in-depth look at human rights issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In its latest issue published on Friday, November 29, 2024, the report prepared by the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) highlights the alarming increase in human rights violations in the country, with a 30% increase compared to the previous month.
The figures published in this report highlight major crisis areas, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu, Ituri and South Kivu, where more than half of the violations were recorded. Despite efforts to establish a ceasefire between Rwanda and the DRC, the situation remains critical and populations continue to suffer recurring abuses.
Among the worrying observations, North Kivu recorded 39 deaths in detention during the month of October. These tragedies highlight the inhumane conditions in Congolese prisons, characterized by overcrowding, lack of food and medical care. It is imperative that the authorities take urgent measures to ensure the protection of detainees and improve prison infrastructure.
Despite this bleak picture, a glimmer of hope can be seen in a slight improvement in violations of children’s rights in conflict situations, with a decrease of 4% compared to the previous month. This development reflects the efforts made to protect the most vulnerable in conflict zones.
In parallel, the UNJHRO implemented 21 training and awareness-raising activities nationwide in October, benefiting 1,290 individuals, with the aim of strengthening local capacities in the protection of human rights. These sessions, which brought together men and women, offer hope for change by mobilizing local actors to ensure respect for fundamental rights for all.
In light of this information, it appears essential to continue initiatives aimed at preventing and punishing human rights violations in the DRC. The protection of populations, particularly in conflict zones, must remain an absolute priority. It is time to act collectively to put an end to these abuses and guarantee a safer and fairer future for all Congolese citizens.