MONUSCO, through the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), handed over material support on Thursday, 15 January, in Bunia to the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) and to the Monitoring Committee for violations committed within the Inspectorate General of the Congolese National Police (IGPNC). The support includes computers, printers and the equipment required for a photovoltaic (solar) installation.
This handover is intended to strengthen the operational capacities of the two institutions in order to improve the protection of human rights in Ituri Province.
A more effective CNDH
The provincial office of the CNDH—whose work is often disrupted by a lack of equipment and electricity—received from MONUSCO computers, a photocopier-scanner, printers, data storage devices, a complete solar power installation, a Wi-Fi connection and a motorcycle.
This prompted its provincial coordinator to say that the institution would gain credibility thanks to improved working conditions for its staff. “This new equipment restores our ability to work with dignity and to be closer to victims. […] The CNDH is regaining its strength and credibility within communities, in a work environment that is now fully functional,” said Marie Pacuriema.
The building housing the CNDH provincial office in Ituri was officially handed over by MONUSCO in June 2022, as part of a project aimed at providing the institution with functional premises suited to its mandate. It is now fully equipped.
This is welcome news for the Ituri Provincial Network of Human Rights Defenders (RADIT). “Thanks to UNJHRO’s support since 2022, we have been revitalized. Today, this equipment enables us to continue carrying out our mission effectively,” said Constantin Alimasi Kasongo, RADIT’s Programme Officer.
At the IGPNC: improving documentation of police abuses
The second package of support was handed over to the Monitoring Committee for violations committed by police officers—an уникe mechanism in the DRC bringing together the IGPNC, the military justice system, the CNDH, civil society, the United Nations Police (UNPOL) and the UNJHRO.
The equipment—computers, an Office 365 software package, a multifunction printer, a projector and office supplies—will help improve case management, documentation of abuses and the efficiency of investigations. “We did not have the means to work effectively,” noted Colonel César Mubalama, Chair of the Committee. “With this equipment, we will be able to manage data better and strengthen case follow-up. […] Thanks to joint missions with MONUSCO, we also reach remote areas to identify abuses.”
Supporting institutions established to protect human rights is one of MONUSCO’s missions. The UN Mission intends to strengthen Congolese institutions in the fight against impunity and to prepare for a transition in which national actors have sufficient resources to fully assume their responsibilities in defending human rights.
From logistical support to technical assistance—through training, joint missions and institutional support—the UNJHRO pursues a constant objective: enabling local actors to have the resources they need to protect populations, document violations and effectively combat impunity.
Didier Vignon Dossou-Gbakon
