Statement at UN Human Rights Council's 60th session
Item 2 – General Debate
Statement on the Democratic Republic of Congo
Delivered by Olimjon Bakhtaliev
Mr President,
CIVICUS remains deeply concerned about the human rights situation in DRC. Despite the ceasefire agreed in Washington and Doha, the human rights situation in country has worsened due to renewed clashes between government forces and armed groups, including the Rwandan-supported M23, in eastern areas. Reports document hundreds of summary executions by M23 and DRC-backed Wazalendo groups in July, along with rape and torture.
Freedom of expression and media face significant threats. Journalists encounter intimidation, arbitrary detention, and torture. M23 rebels threaten journalists and activists in controlled territories, forcing many to relocate. The cases of Tuver Wundi, detained by the DRC’s intelligence agency in Kinshasa, and Amisi Musada Émérite, abducted and tortured for reporting on the conflict, highlight the danger media professionals encounter.
Freedom of association and assembly is severely curtailed. Civil society organisations (CSOs) are banned from gathering in rebel-controlled areas like Goma and Bukavu. The government’s suspension of PPRD political party for alleged rebel collaboration further impacts these freedoms.
We urge the Council to address these violations and support civic space restoration in DRC, particularly in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. We call for increased protection of journalists and human rights defenders (HRDs), and for all conflict parties to respect international humanitarian law and human rights obligations.
Furthermore, we call on States to support, including through adequate funding, the establishment of the Commission of Inquiry with a view to ending impunity.
We thank you!
