UN Expert Condemns Escalating Attacks on Human Rights Defenders in DR Congo

“Many executions of human rights defenders are preceded by death threats,” Lawlor stated, referencing her previous report to the Human Rights Council in 2021.

Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, has raised alarm over the increasing targeting of human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the eastern regions, amidst escalating armed conflict.

Lawlor expressed grave concern at the persistent attacks, intimidation, and killings of human rights defenders across the country, despite repeated calls for authorities to investigate human rights violations and bring perpetrators to justice.

Between June 2023 and April 2024, the UN Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC documented numerous incidents targeting 387 human rights defenders and 67 journalists. These included intimidation, threats of violence, physical attacks, and reprisals, attributed to both State agents and armed groups.

Lawlor highlighted the plight of two women human rights defenders from the Youth Movement for Change (LUCHA) who have faced violence and death threats from the Twigwaneho armed group since November 2023. Following public protests organized by LUCHA against attacks on their village in South Kivu province, armed forces from the rebel group attempted to arrest them, prompting them to flee and live in hiding. They continue to receive death threats, with one of their mothers reportedly abducted and executed for not disclosing her daughter's whereabouts.

The Special Rapporteur also noted the case of Obedi Karafuru, a human rights defender and head of a workers' committee, who was fatally shot in his home village in Rutshuru territory, North Kivu province. Karafuru had been advocating for fair compensation for former workers on a logging project and had previously reported death threats to authorities over four years, yet no investigation into his murder has been initiated.

Lawlor emphasized that despite the DRC adopting a law on the protection of human rights defenders in 2023, which meets international standards and includes provisions for special protection of women human rights defenders and their families, significant challenges persist. Human rights defenders continue to face threats and violence, often with impunity.

"Many executions of human rights defenders are preceded by death threats," Lawlor stated, referencing her previous report to the Human Rights Council in 2021. She stressed that without guaranteed physical integrity and safety for human rights defenders, their ability to contribute to a just society that respects human rights is severely compromised.

Lawlor called upon authorities in the DRC to take urgent measures to ensure a safe working environment for human rights defenders, uphold their rights to freedom of assembly and association, and conduct thorough investigations into all cases of violence and killings in accordance with international standards, including the Minnesota Protocol, to bring perpetrators to justice.

Key Points:

• Escalating Threats: Increasing attacks, intimidation, and killings of human rights defenders in DRC, particularly in eastern regions.
• Documented Incidents: UN records incidents targeting 387 human rights defenders and 67 journalists from June 2023 to April 2024.
• Specific Cases: Highlighted cases include LUCHA activists and Obedi Karafuru, underscoring ongoing threats and violence against defenders.
• Legal Framework: Despite adoption of a protective law in 2023, challenges remain in ensuring safety and protection for defenders.
• Call to Action: Urgent appeal to DRC authorities to safeguard defenders, uphold rights, and prosecute perpetrators to prevent impunity.

The situation underscores the critical need for concerted international and domestic efforts to protect human rights defenders in the DRC and uphold their fundamental rights amidst escalating conflict and violence.