Human rights in DRC: contrasting structural violations in Kinshasa with severe abuses in the east
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Human rights in DRC: contrasting realities
During a live Space discussion hosted by Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala on Tuesday, Paul Nsapu, Chair of the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH), delivered a nuanced assessment of human rights under President Tshisekedi’s administration. While acknowledging legislative progress, he highlighted two distinct realities across the country.
In provinces under Kinshasa’s authority, he noted routine violations of civil, political, economic, and social rights—such as access to work, healthcare, and education—attributing these to systemic failures spanning successive governments. These issues, he argued, stem from chronic underdevelopment and a lack of tangible improvements in living conditions.
In contrast, the situation in the eastern DRC—particularly in North Kivu, South Kivu, and parts of Ituri—is far more dire. Nsapu described this region as the epicenter of severe human rights abuses, where fundamental rights to life and security are routinely violated. He explicitly pointed to the presence of Rwandan armed forces and their allied militias in areas beyond government control as key drivers of this crisis.
Key takeaways from Nsapu’s assessment
- Legislative progress vs. systemic failures: While Kinshasa has made strides in policy, structural deficiencies continue to undermine economic and social rights.
- Eastern DRC’s humanitarian emergency: The region faces a daily assault on fundamental rights, exacerbated by foreign military presence and armed group activity.
- Call for accountability: Nsapu’s remarks underscore the urgent need for coordinated action to address abuses in both urban and conflict-affected areas.
