Human Rights Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

There were no significant changes in the human rights situation in the DRC during the year. However, credible reports highlighted several serious human rights issues, including:

1. Violations of the Right to Life and Security

• Arbitrary or unlawful killings, including extrajudicial killings
• Enforced disappearances
• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment by the government
• Involuntary or coercive medical or psychological practices
• Harsh and life-threatening prison conditions

2. Arbitrary Actions by the Government

• Arbitrary arrest or detention
• Serious problems with judicial independence
• Political prisoners or detainees
• Arbitrary or unlawful interference with privacy
• Punishment of family members for alleged offenses committed by a relative

3. Conflict-Related Abuses

• Unlawful or widespread civilian deaths, harm, and enforced disappearances
• Torture, physical abuse, and conflict-related sexual violence
• Unlawful recruitment or use of children in armed conflict by armed groups or the armed forces

4. Restrictions on Civil Liberties

• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom, including:
  • Violence or threats against journalists
  • Unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists
  • Censorship and criminal libel laws to limit expression
• Substantial interference with freedom of peaceful assembly and association, particularly under the state of siege in the eastern DRC
• Restrictions on freedom of movement and residence within the country, as well as the right to leave the country

5. Corruption and Governance Issues

• Serious government corruption

6. Gender-Based and Social Violence

• Extensive gender-based violence, including:
  • Domestic and intimate partner violence
  • Sexual violence
  • Workplace violence
  • Child, early, and forced marriage
• Crimes involving violence or threats of violence against vulnerable groups, including:
  • Ethnic groups or Indigenous peoples
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex persons
  • Persons with disabilities