In the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country where the echoes of human rights advocacy are increasingly resonating against the dense backdrop of social issues, a significant legal development has occurred. On January 22, 2024, an event unfolded that may mark a turning point in the country’s commitment to protecting its citizens’ rights. The Congolese
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite the alarming increase in cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), there has been no specific law to combat this issue in the country. This has resulted in countless women and girls becoming victims of SGBV within their households and communities, with many cases going unpunished due
On May 18, 2023, DRC marked a big win in the country’s fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The National Assembly passed a law that exempts SGBV survivors from paying legal fees when pursuing a case against their perpetrators. Barring one abstention, the assembly unanimously voted in favour of the law. This new law
Uwezo Africa reporter Joelle Safina Bufole has been awarded the best story prize in the radio category of the Young Women Journalist Awards, organized by Congolese Union of Media Women (UCOFEM) and Internews. The annual competition celebrates the work of Congolese women journalists under the age of 30. Bufole was recognized for her radio report
On June 29, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi put into effect the legislation governing the 2023 general election. Under the newly passed law, political parties that submit candidacy lists consisting of at least 50% women will be exempt from paying the required deposit fee for parties. This is the first time that an electoral law in
The office of the Presidential Advisor on Sexual Violence in the DRC held a two-day workshop on May 5-6 to discuss ways to support proposed laws to combat violence. This event, which took place after JHR’s advocacy efforts with the Presidency, brought together several NGOs and civil society organizations from Bukavu, Goma and Kinshasa. JHR