A UN expert has expressed alarm at the increasing targeting of human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in villages and provinces in the east of the country, as the armed conflict intensifies. From June 2023 to April 2024, the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC documented incidents of intimidation, threats of physical violence, attacks, and acts of reprisals targeting 387 human rights defenders and 67 journalists, perpetrated by both State agents and armed groups [e6bd5405].
The expert called on authorities in the DRC to take all necessary measures to ensure a safe working space and protection for human rights defenders, as well as to guarantee the exercise of their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and to effectively and reliably investigate all cases of executions in accordance with international standards, including the Minnesota Protocol, and bring those responsible to justice [e6bd5405].
These revelations highlight the ongoing human rights violations and environmental concerns related to big industry projects in Uganda, Tanzania, and the Republic of Congo. It underscores the need for stronger accountability measures and the protection of human rights and the environment in the face of industrial activities [ea7d77ed], [993251d0], [b76931bc], [e6bd5405].
A humanitarian truce has begun between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, lasting for a minimum of two weeks. The truce, brokered by the US, aims to allow aid to reach the beleaguered populations of the eastern DRC Province of North Kivu. The truce is supported by both the DRC and Rwanda, which allegedly backs the M23 rebels. The truce is set to last from July 5th to July 19th, with hopes for it to extend beyond that and become a more permanent ceasefire. The truce has not yet been officially acknowledged by either the DRC or the M23. The EU hopes the truce will allow for a return to the Nairobi and Luanda peace processes. The truce is reported to be holding thus far, producing a comparative calm over many areas of North Kivu. However, it is unlikely to lead to an extension or permanent ceasefire, as previous ceasefires between the DRC and armed groups have not held. Tensions between Rwanda and the DRC remain high. [9024e7fa]