Democratic Republic of Congo: Urgent call for the protection of human rights defenders amid escalating violence in Eastern DRC
Front Line Defenders expresses deep concern over the increasing threats and violations faced by human rights defenders amid ongoing conflict in North and South Kivu, particularly following the recent takeover of Goma by the armed group Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) on 27 January 2025. Human rights defenders continue to be subjected to intimidation, targeted violence, and obstruction as they document human rights abuses and provide critical assistance to affected communities.
Human rights defenders in eastern DRC have played an essential role in protecting civilians, advocating for human rights, and documenting violations. However, the intensification of the conflict has severely undermined their ability to continue their human rights work. Reports state that human rights defenders are facing targeted threats from both the M23 and government authorities, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary detentions.
Front Line Defenders has received numerous reports of human rights defenders forced into hiding or displacement due to direct threats against them and their families. Internet blackouts, restrictions on movement and systematic censorship have further hampered human rights defenders' ability to access affected populations and report on violations. Those who continue their human rights work face increased risks, including physical attacks and surveillance. Front Line Defender's allies on the ground have expressed concern about censorship by the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, targeting individuals who criticise the government. Meanwhile, defenders are also facing heightened xenophobia in Kinshasa, accused of collaborating with Rwanda. In addition, more recently, FLD has recently documented and responded to cases of targeted violence against women human rights defenders (WHRDs), including sexual violence and sexual assault with weapons. Women defenders are particularly vulnerable when working to document and report violations, and those working on land, environmental rights or peacebuilding activities such as youth de-radicalisation are increasingly targeted.
The situation has become even more alarming as armed actors, including M23 and government forces, retaliate against HRDs for exposing violations. On 28 January 2025, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights raised urgent concerns about the deteriorating security conditions for human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors in Goma.
The humanitarian situation in Goma and other conflict-affected areas has reached catastrophic levels, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical care. Human rights defenders attempting to flee the region face additional risks, as safe corridors remain uncertain and armed groups control key routes. Those seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi are at risk of refoulement and further persecution.
As the violence continues to escalate, Front Line Defenders stands in solidarity with human rights defenders in the DRC and calls for urgent international action to ensure their safety and protection.
The UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, in report A/HRC/43/51, emphasized that HRDs are essential for war-torn societies to achieve lasting peace. Their work is critical in protecting human rights, providing emergency aid, and ensuring assistance reaches displaced populations and those in need of material, medical, psychosocial, or legal support. They also challenge impunity, represent victims in legal proceedings, and document violations by armed groups, military forces, intelligence services, and state or corporate actors. Their efforts contribute to ceasefires, peace negotiations, and transitional processes. The report further highlights that human rights defenders play a crucial role when international institutions cannot establish a presence in conflict zones, serving as key sources of verified information and directing resources where they are most needed. Their advocacy ensures that affected regions are not overlooked and that justice is pursued. They also amplify international recommendations, reinforcing the need for stronger coordination in their protection and support.
Front Line Defenders calls on the Congolese authorities to provide immediate protection measures for human rights defenders and civilians at risk, including safe passage and emergency relocation options for those facing imminent threats. The organisation also urges the authorities to cease the persecution of human rights defenders, including arbitrary arrests and intimidation, and carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the killing, targeting, and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders, in accordance with international standards. Finally, Front Line Defenders calls for the authorities to guarantee in all circumstances that all human rights defenders in DRC are able to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals and free of all restrictions.
