DOCSLIB.ORG

Conflict in Congo - International Crisi… Conflict in Congo

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Conflict in Congo - International Crisi… Conflict in Congo 15/06/2010 Conflict in Congo - International Crisi… Conflict in Congo 1. The current situation 2. What should be done 3. Crisis Group analysis 4. Congo online and in other media Photo: A Congolese soldier holds a RPG in front of the office of opposition presidential candidate President Bemba in Kinshasa, November 2006. Goran Tomasevic/REUTERS. updated 10 June 2010 1. The current situation In the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu: Following violent fighting during the second half of 2008 between the Congolese armed forces (Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo – FARDC) and the Congolese armed group known as the National People’s Congress (Congrès national du peuple – CNDP), Presidents Joseph Kabila (DRC) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda) found themselves under strong domestic and international pressure to put an end to the latest chapter of a long-lasting conflict in the Congolese Kivu provinces. On 5 December 2008, the two heads of state took everybody by surprise when their respective governments jointly announced the launch of “Umoja Wetu” (Our Unity), a joint military operation against the Rwandan rebels of the Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda (FDLR – Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), and the opening of direct negotiations between the CNDP and the Kinshasa government. On 20 January 2009, the Rwandan army entered Congo and, in collaboration with the FARDC, neutralized the main elements of the CNDP who had been opposed to integrating their forces into the Congolese army. CNDP leader Laurent Nkunda was arrested by the Rwandan security forces in the night of 22-23 January, and replaced with another senior CNDP figure, Bosco Ntaganda, the subject of an ICC arrest warrant for war crimes since 2006. The coalition also launched a 35-day military offensive against the 6,500 strong FDLR in North Kivu. crisisgroup.org/…/conflict-in-congo.a… 1/8 15/06/2010 Conflict in Congo - International Crisi… The decisions taken by Presidents Kabila and Kagame to bring their two countries closer together represented a political shift that raised new hopes for regional stabilisation. The restoration of diplomatic relations, the relaunch of the Communauté économique des pays des Grands Lacs (CEPGL – Great Lakes Countries Economic Community), and the concrete implementation of the commitments made in the Nairobi Communiqué of 9 November 2007 - an agreement over a joint strategy for dismantling armed groups - laid the formal foundations for a new bilateral relationship. However, this rapprochement was only made possible by a secret political deal under which the two heads of state agreed on the possibility of neutralising their respective enemies, Laurent Nkunda and the FDLR. The integration of the combatants of the former Congolese armed groups into the FARDC did not provide for establishing state authority over Eastern Congo, as the CNDP maintained a parallel administration and a military chain of command in large parts of North Kivu. During Umoja Wetu, the FDLR avoided direct confrontation and dispersed in the Kivu forests. After 35 days, the results of the operation were much more modest than officially celebrated. The FDLR was only marginally and temporarily weakened in North Kivu and remained intact in South Kivu. Barely a month after the end of the operation, the rebels had regrouped and started to retaliate against civilians. On 4 March 2009, Kinshasa launched a new anti-FDLR offensive, operation “Kimia II” (Quiet) that was to be conducted by the FARDC with logistical support from the UN peacekeeping force, MONUC. Kimia II ended on 31 December 2009 under heavy critics for causing civilian suffering, failure to neutralize FDLR and delaying long-awaited security sector reform (SSR). MONUC was criticized for failing to protect civilians from human rights violations committed by both FDLR and FARDC. In fact, the military approach to neutralize the FDLR only led to modest achievements against the Rwandan rebellion, including increasing the disarmament rate of FDLR combatants. As a result of the two military offensives, MONUC reported that it had demobilized close to 2,000 Rwandan and Congolese FDLR combatants during the year 2009. On 17 November 2009 German police arrested two top FDLR political leaders, Ignace Murwanashyaka and Deputy Straton Musoni; both were part of an international FDLR support network that continues to operate. Human Rights Watch recorded that 1,400 civilians were killed from January to September 2009, either by FDLR combatants or rogue FARDC units; 7,500 rapes, 9,000 burned buildings and 900,000 new IDPs reported in North and South Kivu due to the military offensives. FDLR has maintained majority of its combatants and ability to retaliate against civilians. In December 2009, a UN report concluded that Kimia II had failed to dismantle the organisation’s political and military structures on the ground in eastern DRC. On 1 January 2010, “Amani Leo”, a third military operation was launched by FARDC still with MONUC logistical support, aiming to eradicate FDLR rebels within 3 months. Amani Leo puts strong emphasis on civilian protection, joint planning and conditionality of MONUC support linked to FARDC’s respect for human rights. Amani Leo was eventually extended to date as the FDLR command and control has still not been disrupted. As an unexpected result of MONUC’s conditionally policy, most recent military offensives have been conducted in North Kivu and crisisgroup.org/…/conflict-in-congo.a… 2/8 15/06/2010 Conflict in Congo - International Crisi… South Kivu on a unilateral basis by the FARDC. Inter-community tension in North Kivu has been fuelled by claims related to the return of Congolese refugees from Rwanda and Uganda. Indeed, following a meeting held on 15 - 17 February 2010 between Rwandan and Congolese authorities and UNHCR, preparations for the return of Tutsi refugees from Rwanda have been underway with the aim to begin repatriation before the end of 2010. Traditional, religious and military leaders of the Hunde and Nande communities are denouncing the return of up to 200,000 Tutsi refugees from Rwanda. A massive and rapid repatriation of refugees, as envisaged by the CNDP, would consolidate the control of Tutsi and Hutu communities over land under the aegis of units of the FARDC led by former CNDP officers. In the north-western province of Equateur: From October to November 2009, tribal violence occurred in Equateur province leading to the flight of up to 120,000 people to the Republic of Congo and the internal displacement of up to 40,000. On 18 November, a spokesperson from OCHA assessed that more than 100 civilians had been killed during the clashes between the Enyele and Munzaya tribes. From late November to December 2009, Enyele rebels fought the Congolese security forces and started progressing towards the city of Gemena, nearly 250km further south of their initial position. The intervention of Congolese commando troops trained by Belgium derailed the offensive of the rebels. On 31 December 2009, the FARDC took total control of the town of Enyele, the rebels’ stronghold. MONUC reported that 157 “insurgents” and one Congolese soldier had been killed during the capture of the town of Enyele. On 4 and 5 March 2010, Enyele rebels stormed Mbandaka, the capital of Equateur province, causing at least 21 casualties, including three MONUC staff. The FARDC and MONUC had to fight to recapture the city’s airport and take control of the situation. After the attack, the situation remained volatile and by late April, clashes were still being reported in the province. On 22 April, a local human rights NGO alleged that 49 civilians had been summarily executed by the Congolese army during the fighting in Mbandaka. In the north-eastern Province Orientale: Several armed groups are operating in Province Orientale but the most violent of them has been the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). A Ugandan rebellion created in 1987 by Joseph Kony, the LRA has been active in Province Orientale since at least 2005. Relocated in the Garamba National Park in north-eastern Congo during the Juba peace talks, the LRA has settled down in the Congolese districts of Haut- and Bas-Uélé till the Ugandan army launched Operation Lightning Thunder on 14 December 2008. This operation was supposed to end the LRA insurgency in a matter of weeks but it failed and the LRA splintered into small groups, some going to South Sudan and the Central African Republic, some others stayed in the districts of Haut- and Bas-Uélé. These groups are terrorizing the Congolese population and have probably massacred more than 1,000 people since the end of 2008. Facing this threat, the local population organised self-defence groups and, thanks to logistical support from MONUC, the Congolese army launched Operation Rudia II in March 2009. Despite its official withdrawal, the Ugandan army has maintained intelligence units in this area and, on 3 November 2009, an operation against a 150-strong group near Faradje ended successfully crisisgroup.org/…/conflict-in-congo.a… 3/8 15/06/2010 Conflict in Congo - International Crisi… with the surrender of Lt. Col. Charles Arop, a senior LRA commander. However, very little exchange of information between the Ugandan army, the Congolese forces and MONUC is limiting the ability of the three militaries to protect civilians in a coordinated manner and help each other track down LRA fighters. In addition, the Congolese soldiers are abusing civilians and misusing the logistical support provided by MONUC. Discussion over International presence in the DRC before the 2011 general elections: During the 2006 presidential campaign, President Kabila promised reconstruction of infrastructure and consolidation of democracy, but very little progress made since December 2006. The socio-economic situation has deteriorated in most of the country. Political pluralism has shrunk, with the opposition virtually excluded from governorships despite its performance in 2006 elections.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Dismissed! Victims of 2015-2018 Brutal Crackdowns in the Democratic Republic of Congo Denied Justice
    DISMISSED! VICTIMS OF 2015-2018 BRUTAL CRACKDOWNS IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO DENIED JUSTICE Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people who campaign for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all. Our vision is for every person to enjoy all the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other international human rights standards. We are independent of any government, political ideology, economic interest or religion and are funded mainly by our membership and public donations. © Amnesty International 2020 Except where otherwise noted, content in this document is licensed under a Creative Commons Cover photo: “Dismissed!”. A drawing by Congolese artist © Justin Kasereka (attribution, non-commercial, no derivatives, international 4.0) licence. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode For more information please visit the permissions page on our website: www.amnesty.org Where material is attributed to a copyright owner other than Amnesty International this material is not subject to the Creative Commons licence. First published in 2020 by Amnesty International Ltd Peter Benenson House, 1 Easton Street London WC1X 0DW, UK Index: AFR 62/2185/2020 Original language: English amnesty.org CONTENTS 1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7 2. METHODOLOGY 9 3. BACKGROUND: POLITICAL CRISIS 10 3.1 ATTEMPTS TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION 10 3.2 THE « GLISSEMENT »: THE LONG-DRAWN-OUT ELECTORAL PROCESS 11 3.3 ELECTIONS AT LAST 14 3.3.1 TIMELINE 15 4. VOICES OF DISSENT MUZZLED 19 4.1 ARBITRARY ARRESTS, DETENTIONS AND SYSTEMATIC BANS ON ASSEMBLIES 19 4.1.1 HARASSMENT AND ARBITRARY ARRESTS OF PRO-DEMOCRACY ACTIVISTS AND OPPONENTS 20 4.1.2 SYSTEMATIC AND UNLAWFUL BANS ON ASSEMBLY 21 4.2 RESTRICTIONS OF THE RIGHT TO SEEK AND RECEIVE INFORMATION 23 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo 2012 Human Rights Report
    DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO 2012 HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a nominally centralized, constitutional republic. The president and the lower house of parliament (National Assembly) are popularly elected. Provincial assemblies choose the members of the upper house (Senate). In November 2011 the country held multiparty presidential and National Assembly elections, which many local and international observers judged lacked credibility and were seriously flawed. There were many instances in which state security forces (SSF) acted independently of civilian control and of military command. Weak civilian control over SSF contributed to increased conflict in eastern Congo. In April integrated former rebels of the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) defected from the national army (FARDC). Subsequently, they created the M23 armed group (named after the March 23, 2009, peace agreements) and challenged government control in the eastern part of the country, which led to violence, the displacement of large numbers of persons, and significant human rights abuses, including the M23’s recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. During the year the government entered into a UN-backed action plan to end the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and the government made significant improvements to reduce the presence of children in the nation’s armed forces. The three most important human rights issues were: armed conflict in the East that exacerbated an already precarious human rights situation, particularly with regard to sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV); the lack of an independent and effective judiciary; and impunity throughout the country for many serious abuses, including unlawful killings, disappearances, torture, rape, and arbitrary arrests and detention.
    [Show full text]
  • Download the Full Report
    HUMAN RIGHTS JUSTICE ON TRIAL Lessons from the Minova Rape case in the Democratic Republic of Congo WATCH Justice on Trial Lessons from the Minova Rape Case in the Democratic Republic of Congo Copyright © 2015 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 978-1-6231-32781 Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all. Human Rights Watch is an international organization with staff in more than 40 countries, and offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Goma, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Nairobi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Tokyo, Toronto, Tunis, Washington DC, and Zurich. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.hrw.org OCTOBER 2015 978-1-6231-32781 Justice on Trial Lessons from the Minova Rape Case in the Democratic Republic of Congo Glossary of Abbreviations ................................................................................................. i Summary ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Chebeya-Bazana” Case
    Advocacy Brief/ Public document – October 2011 (revised 11.01.12) Democratic Republic of Congo: “Chebeya-Bazana” Case: The initial proceedings did not manage to establish the whole truth Introduction and statement of the facts On 23 June 2011, i.e. a year after the events, and 36 hearings later, the Kinshasa-Gombe Military Court handed down its decision in the case of those charged with the killing of Floribert Chebeya and the disappearance of Fidèle Bazana – human rights defenders and, respectively, Executive Director and member of the NGO “La Voix des Sans Voix” (VSV). On 2 June 2010, Floribert Chebeya was found dead in his car in Kinshasa. The day before, he and his driver, Fidèle Bazana, had gone to the office of the Inspector General of the Congolese National Police (known by the French initials PNC), General John Numbi, in accordance with their appointment with the latter, fixed by the Principal Inspector of the PNC, Colonel Daniel Mukalay, and had not been seen since. The body of Fidèle Bazana has not been found to date. On 16 November 2010, the Kinshasa-Gombe District Civil Court handed down a declaratory judgement of death for the latter. In its decision, the Military Court ruled that Floribert Chebeya had been assassinated and declared that five members of the PNC were responsible. As to Fidèle Bazana, the Court ruled only that he had been arbitrarily arrested and detained, to the exclusion of murder or assassination. The Court sentenced five of the eight police officers accused. It sentenced to death for the assassination of Floribert Chebeya: Mr Daniel Mukalay, Principal Inspector of the PNC and assistant director in charge of operations and intelligence of the Department of Intelligence and Special Services (known by the French initials DRGS), Mr Christian Ngoy Kenga Kenga, inspector of the PNC (fugitive), Mr Jacques Mugabo, Deputy Commissioner (fugitive) and Mr Paul Milambwe, inspector of the PNC (fugitive).
    [Show full text]
  • WORLD REPORT 2021 EVENTS of 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH 350 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10118-3299 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH
    HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH WORLD REPORT 2021 EVENTS OF 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH 350 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10118-3299 HUMAN www.hrw.org RIGHTS WATCH This 31st annual World Report summarizes human rights conditions in nearly 100 countries and territories worldwide in 2020. WORLD REPORT It reflects extensive investigative work that Human Rights Watch staff conducted during the year, often in close partnership with 2021 domestic human rights activists. EVENTS OF 2020 Human Rights Watch defends HUMAN the rights of people worldwide. RIGHTS WATCH We scrupulously investigate abuses, expose facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all. Copyright © 2021 Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch began in 1978 with the founding of its Europe and All rights reserved. Central Asia division (then known as Helsinki Watch). Today it also Printed in the United States of America includes divisions covering Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Central ISBN is 978-1-64421-028-4 Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and the United States. There are thematic divisions or programs on arms; business and human rights; Cover photo: Kai Ayden, age 7, marches in a protest against police brutality in Atlanta, children’s rights; crisis and conflict; disability rights; the environment and Georgia on May 31, 2020 following the death human rights; international justice; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and of George Floyd in police custody. transgender rights; refugee rights; and women’s rights.
    [Show full text]
  • Freedom in the World - Congo, Democratic Republic of (Kinshasa) (2011)
    http://freedomhouse.org/inc/content/pubs/fiw/inc_country_detail.cfm?y... Print Freedom in the World - Congo, Democratic Republic of (Kinshasa) (2011) Capital: Kinshasa Political Rights Score: 6 * Civil Liberties Score: 6 * Population: 68,693,000 Status: Not Free Overview Celebrations to mark 50 years of independence in June 2010 were marred by brutal violence in the eastern provinces, including the killing, rape, and abduction of civilians. The outgoing electoral commission announced in August that the first round of the presidential election would take place in November 2011, while local elections were further delayed until 2013. Meanwhile, opposition politicians, human rights activists, and the press continued to be the targets of attacks and harassment, as evidenced by the murder of a cameraman in April and the suspicious death of a leading human rights activist in June. The king of Belgium claimed a vast area of Central Africa as his private colony in the late 19th century, and the territory was exploited with a brutality that was extreme even for the imperialist era. After gaining independence from Belgium in 1960, the then Republic of Congobecame an arena for Cold War rivalries, and Colonel Joseph Mobutu seized power with CIA backing in 1965. Mobutu changed the country’s name to Zaire in 1971, renamed himself Mobutu Sese Seko, and assumed dictatorial powers. Following the end of the Cold War, domestic agitation and international pressure for democratization led to a sovereign national conference in 1992. Mobutu was stripped of most of his powers and a new prime minster was named, but Mobutu created a rival government, leading to a political standoff.In a compromise that marginalized the conference’s prime minister, the two governments merged in 1994, with Mobutu remaining head of state.
    [Show full text]
  • Presidential and Legislative Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Presidential and Legislative Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo November 28, 2011 Final Report Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope. The Carter Center strives to relieve suffering by advancing peace and health worldwide; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and protect and promote human rights worldwide. Presidential and Legislative Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo November 28, 2011 Final Report One Copenhill 453 Freedom Parkway Atlanta, GA 30307 (404) 420-5188 Fax (404) 420-5196 www.cartercenter.org The Carter Center Contents Foreword ..................................2 Postelection Developments ..................55 Executive Summary .........................4 Tabulation ..............................55 Presidential Election Results ................60 Historical and Political Background ...........13 Legislative Results .........................61 Electoral Institutions and Legal Framework for Electoral Dispute Resolution .................63 the Presidential and Legislative Elections ......16 Legal Framework .........................16 Conclusions and Recommendations . .66 Electoral System ..........................18 Appendix A: Acknowledgments . 73 Election Management ......................21 Appendix B: Terms and Abbreviations ........75 Boundary Delimitation .....................26 Appendix C: Letters of Invitation ............76 Pre-Election Developments ..................28 Appendix D: The Carter Center Observation Voter Registration .........................28
    [Show full text]
  • Boosting Growth and Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo
    Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Countries andRegions Countries DIRECTIONS INDEVELOPMENT Resilience of an African Giant ofanAfrican Resilience Boosting Growth andDevelopment in the Boosting Growth Democratic RepublicofCongo Democratic Johannes Herderschee, Kai-Alexander Kaiser, Kai-Alexander Kaiser, Johannes Herderschee, and DanielMukokoSamba Resilience of an African Giant Resilience of an African Giant Boosting Growth and Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo Johannes Herderschee Kai-Alexander Kaiser Daniel Mukoko Samba © 2012 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington DC 20433 Telephone: 202-473-1000 Internet: www.worldbank.org All rights reserved 1 2 3 4 14 13 12 11 This volume is a product of the staff of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank. The findings, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of The World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgement on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Rights and Permissions The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions or all of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable law. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portions of the work promptly.
    [Show full text]
  • QUARTALSBERICHT Quartal/Jahr: April Bis Juni 2010
    Projektland: DR Kongo QUARTALSBERICHT Quartal/Jahr: April bis Juni 2010 Schlagzeilen: - Der Dezentralisierungsprozess kommt ins Stocken: Die Aufteilung der DR Kongo in 26 Provinzen fand nicht wie geplant zum 15. Mai statt. Premierminister Adolphe Muzito muss sich deswegen vor dem Senat rechtfertigen. - Ein Misstrauensantrag wurde gegen den Premierminister Adolphe Muzito gestellt. Pikanterweise wurde dieser Antrag neben der Opposition auch von einigen Mitgliedern der AMP unterstützt. - Der international anerkannte Menschenrechtsaktivist Floribert Chebeya wurde tot aufgefunden. Es wird ein Polizeimord vermutet. - Die Feierlichkeiten zum 50. Unabhängigkeitstag verliefen verhältnismäßig ruhig und friedlich. Zahlreiche internationale und kongolesische Gäste, unter anderem der belgische König, wohnten den Feierlichkeiten bei. - Die UN-Mission in der DR Kongo wurde zum 01.07.2010 in MONUSCO (bisher MONUC) umbenannt. MONUC-Chef Alain Doss ging zeitgleich in den Ruhestand. - 90% der Auslandsschulden werden dem Kongo durch IWF und Weltbank erlassen. Der Gesamtbetrag des Schuldenerlasses beläuft sich auf 12,3 Milliarden US-Dollar! - Die nationale Polizei und das Militär wurden seit Monaten nicht mehr bezahlt. Dies stellt ein steigendes Sicherheitsrisiko vor allem in den Städten der DR Kongo dar. - In den Ost-Provinzen wird die Militäroperation Amani Leo fortgesetzt. Die Sicherheit für die Zivilbevölkerung in diesen Gebieten ist dadurch jedoch noch nicht wieder hergestellt. 1. Dezentralisierung: keine 26 Provinzen zum 15. Mai Der Dezentralisierungsprozess in der Demokratischen Republik Kongo verzögert sich. Die territoriale Umstrukturierung des Landes von 11 in 26 Provinzen, welche für den 15. Mai geplant war, hat nicht stattgefunden. Als Grund wurde angegeben, dass die finanziellen Mittel fehlen. Die für die Aufteilung benötigten drei Milliarden US-Dollar könne der Staat nicht aufbringen, wurde von offizieller Stelle veröffentlicht.
    [Show full text]
  • World Report 2013
    HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH WORLD REPOR T | 2013 EVENTS OF 2012 H U M A N R I G H T S WATCH WORLD REPORT 2013 EVENTS OF 2012 Copyright © 2013 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN-13: 978-1-60980-389-6 Front cover photo: Syria – A mother and son anguished over the loss of her other two sons, killed by a mortar attack launched by the Syrian army. Homs province, February 20, 2012. © 2012 Alessio Romenzi Back cover photo: Greece – Ali Mohammadi, a 25-year-old Afghan asylum seeker who was attacked by thugs in Athens, Greece, in March 2011. © 2011 Zalmaï for Human Rights Watch Cover and book design by Rafael Jiménez www.hrw.org Human Rights Watch is dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around the world. We stand with victims and activists to prevent discrimination, to uphold political freedom, to protect people from inhumane conduct in wartime, and to bring offenders to justice. We investigate and expose human rights violations and hold abusers accountable. We challenge governments and those who hold power to end abusive practices and respect international human rights law. We enlist the public and the international community to support the cause of human rights for all. WORLD REPORT 2013 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH Human Rights Watch is one of the world’s leading independent organizations dedicated to defending and protecting human rights. By focusing international attention where human rights are violated, we give voice to the oppressed and hold oppressors accountable for their crimes.
    [Show full text]
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
    DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a nominally centralized republic with a population of approximately 68 million. The president and the lower house of parliament (National Assembly) are popularly elected; the members of the upper house (the Senate) are chosen by provincial assemblies. Multiparty presidential and National Assembly elections in 2006 were judged to be credible, despite some irregularities, while indirect elections for senators in 2007 were marred by allegations of vote buying. There were many instances in which state security forces acted independently of civilian control and of military command. In all areas of the country, state security forces continued to act with impunity throughout the year, committing many serious abuses, including unlawful killings, disappearances, torture, rape and engaging in arbitrary arrests and detention. Severe and life-threatening conditions in prison and detention facilities, prolonged pretrial detention, lack of an independent and effective judiciary, and arbitrary interference with privacy, family, and home also remained serious problems. Members of the state security forces continued to abuse and threaten journalists, contributing to a decline in press freedom. Internally displaced persons remained a major problem, and the integration of ex-combatants and members of rebel and militia groups (RMGs) into state security forces and governance institutions was slow and uneven. Government corruption remained pervasive, and some corporations purchased minerals from suppliers who financed mining activities by armed entities that committed serious human rights abuses. Elements of the state security forces were charged in the death of one of the country's leading human rights defenders and at times beat or threatened local human rights advocates and obstructed or threatened UN human rights investigators.
    [Show full text]
  • Unhcr Country Briefing Folder on the Democratic Republic of the Congo
    UNHCR COUNTRY BRIEFING FOLDER ON THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO PROTECTION INFORMATION UNIT (PIU) Pillar I, Law and Policy DIVISION OF INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION (DIP) United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees CP 2500, CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.refworld.org December 2010 Table of Contents A. BACKGROUND INFORMATION..................................................................................3 A.1. General Information; Country Profile; Maps ........................................................................3 a. Country Profile.........................................................................................................3 b. Language................................................................................................................4 c. Maps.....................................................................................................................4 d. Education; Food; Health; Employment; Social Rights ...........................................................5 A.2. Political and Security Situation; .........................................................................................6 A.3. Human Rights (in General) ...............................................................................................8 B. DISPLACEMENT TRENDS ..........................................................................................9 B.1. Refugees and Asylum-Seekers...........................................................................................9
    [Show full text]