On Saturday, November 30, in Kinshasa, a new light was shed on the Congolese political scene with the restitution of the 4th cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This event, chaired by the Minister of Human Rights Chantal Chambu Mwavita, highlighted the significant progress made by the country in various areas related to human rights.
From the beginning of her speech, the Minister highlighted the remarkable progress made, particularly in terms of institutional strengthening, improving prison conditions, promoting the rights of human rights defenders, implementing social programs, increasing citizen participation and fighting impunity. This progress is the result of the strong leadership of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and the Prime Minister who have been able to give new impetus to respect for human rights in the DRC.
The 284 recommendations made by Member States during the UPR aim to introduce measures to improve the human rights situation in the country. Some of these recommendations concern key aspects such as the rights of children and women, public health, the fight against enforced disappearances, the protection of civilians, prison reform, the recognition of indigenous peoples and the fight against impunity. An implementation and monitoring plan for these recommendations is being developed to ensure better application of the proposed measures.
Chantal Chambu Mwavita stressed the importance of increased support to enable the DRC to fully respect its human rights commitments. She called for increased solidarity from the international community to support the country in this process.
Taking into account the UPR recommendations, in particular the one concerning a moratorium on the death penalty, demonstrates the Congolese authorities’ willingness to make progress in respecting human rights. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) is fully committed to monitoring these recommendations and welcomes the progress made by the government.
The UPR, initiated in 2006 by the United Nations General Assembly, aims to promote respect for human rights within Member States. The DRC’s active participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council for the period 2025-2027 will strengthen its role in promoting human rights globally.
Ultimately, the current dynamic in the DRC demonstrates a strong political will to place human rights at the heart of government actions. The progress made and the commitments made pave the way for a new era of respect and protection of the fundamental rights of Congolese citizens.