In the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite the change of leadership, human rights defenders still operate in a challenging environment. As the government admitted during its Universal Periodic Review, a lot remains to be done for Congolese to fully enjoy their human rights in the country.
On 19 September a review of the human rights record of the Democratic Republic of Congo took place through the UPR mechanism. During the review, ISHR delivered a statement highlighting the legal framework in which NGOs operate and the need to improve it.
“ISHR continues to remain very concerned about the bill currently under discussion at the Parliament supposedly for the promotion and protection of human rights defenders. As it stands, the bill would in fact restrict human rights defenders, as it would allow excessive control and interference from the State and focuses on the sanctions entailed by the alleged failure of NGOs to comply with this oversight” said Salma El Hosseiny, ISHR Human Rights Council Advocate.
Moreover, the Protection Cell for Human Rights Defenders which is supposed to be responsible for ensuring defenders’ protection and serving as an intermediate with the relevant authorities when defenders are arrested, is yet to be functional.
During the UPR review, ISHR further called on the DRC to:
Watch the statement here:
Contact: Adélaïde Etong Kame, Africa Advocacy Consultant, [email protected]
Photo: FlickR/Jelena Prtoric
At a time of financial strife and ongoing reform for the organisation, States have adopted a 2026 budget cutting 117 jobs at the UN’s Human Rights Office. The final budget endorses proposed cuts that disproportionately target human rights, imperilling the UN’s ability to investigate grave abuses, and advance human rights globally.
ISHR and 37 human rights organisations in Latin America issued a joint statement condemning the United States military attack against Venezuela and expressing concern about the serious human rights situation in the country. Any solution to the crisis facing the country must be democratic, peaceful and negotiated, centred on respect for human rights, and prioritising the participation and decision-making power of Venezuelan society over its future.
In a landmark ruling against Burundi, the UN Committee against Torture has set a precedent on the protection of lawyers and human rights defenders engaging with UN mechanisms, affirming that reprisals for cooperating with the UN violate the Convention Against Torture.
