In 2019, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) underwent its third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council, receiving a series of recommendations aimed at improving the country’s human rights landscape. To assess the implementation of these recommendations, 120 Congolese Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), supported by the JUST FUTURE program, compiled an alternative report. This comprehensive evaluation provides crucial insights into the progress and challenges faced by the DRC in upholding human rights.
Key themes addressed in the report include; Civic Space and Human Rights Defender (HRD) Protection, Peace Process and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Assistance, Women’s and Youth Participation in Peace Processes and Elections and Transitional Justice, Impunity, and Corruption.
The alternative UPR report underscores the critical role of civil society in monitoring and advocating for the implementation of UPR recommendations. Enhanced collaboration between the DRC government and CSOs is essential to drive progress in human rights, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.