A recent UN report warns that human rights defenders in eastern DRC are at high risk of reprisals and serious abuses amidst ongoing conflicts. UN expert Mary Lawlor expressed her grave concerns, while the UN spokesman addressed the humanitarian crises in both DRC and Sudan. Immediate protective measures for activists are essential.
A UN expert has warned that human rights defenders in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are facing significant risks of reprisals and abuses due to ongoing conflicts. Mary Lawlor, the UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, has expressed her “extreme concern” regarding the perilous situation for activists in this area.
The UN highlighted that the turmoil in the DRC, alongside similar issues in Sudan, continues to exacerbate humanitarian crises in the region. On Wednesday, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, briefed journalists in New York about these pressing concerns, emphasizing the need for protection of human rights defenders.
Reports indicate that the eastern DRC remains volatile, with countless human rights defenders risking their safety while advocating for justice and accountability. This pressing issue underscores the broader humanitarian context that necessitates sustained international attention and intervention.
The article emphasizes the alarming conditions faced by human rights defenders in the eastern DRC, where reprisals and abuses are prevalent. Mary Lawlor’s concerns and the UN’s acknowledgment of ongoing conflicts in the region highlight the urgent need for protective measures for activists. This situation is part of a larger humanitarian crisis that demands immediate action and international support.
Original Source: www.voaafrica.com
