Statement at the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council
Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Delivered by Róisín Dunbar
Thank you, Mr President,
CIVICUS welcomes the High Commissioner’s report, and we share your concerns on ongoing restrictions on civic freedoms in the DRC.
We are encouraged by the adoption of a law on the protection and responsibility of HRDs by both legislative chambers, although concerns persist on ongoing restrictions on civic space. While the Press Law, Ordinance Law 23/009 of 13th March 2023 presents significant advancements in guaranteeing press freedom, it also provides opportunity to criminally prosecute journalists, including for sharing false news.
Journalists continue to be imprisoned. On 8th September 2023, renowned journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala, was detained on accusations of ‘spreading false rumours’ and ‘disseminating false information in relation to an article revealing an alleged national intelligence report, which did not carry his name. Regrettably, Bujakera remains imprisoned, and his provisional release has been denied.
Furthermore, authorities regularly ban protests while security forces continued to use excessive force, including lethal force, against protesters. On 30th August 2023, a protest in Goma, North Kivu, was banned by local authorities and led to civilian casualties of over 50 people. Four military officers were sentenced on 3 October for crimes committed during this protest. On 20th May 2023, in an opposition protest, ahead of the general elections scheduled for December 2023, police officers used excessive force, including tear gas and beating, and arrested dozens of protesters.
We call on the government to ensure that fundamental freedoms are respected, including by reviewing all restrictive legislation, decriminalising press offences, and urgently safeguarding the rights of human rights defenders and journalists.
Ending impunity for rights violations, including those against civil society, must be a priority to ensure sustained improvements for human rights.
To this end, we call on the Council to maintain critical ongoing efforts towards accountability.
Deputy High Commissioner, how can members and observers of this Council best support those on the ground to prevent further civic space violations?
Thank you
