In 2024, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was among the countries examined as part of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a United Nations mechanism through which all UN Member States are periodically reviewed on their human rights record.
While the DRC has reaffirmed its commitment to human rights through this process, the country continues to face an acute humanitarian crisis, ongoing armed conflict, and widespread violations, particularly in the eastern provinces. These realities pose significant challenges to implementing UPR recommendations and call for stronger coordination and accountability mechanisms.
In this context, on 26 March 2025, during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Cordaid, under the framework of the Just Future alliance, co-hosted a side event with Caritas Internationalis and Caritas Congo to explore how to translate UPR commitments into meaningful change, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
In this video, Just Future partners Claudine Tsongo Mbalamya, Coordinator of Dynamique de Femmes Juristes and Dr. Vicar Batundi Hangi, National Coordinator of FDAPID, highlight the critical role of Congolese civil society in monitoring the implementation of recommendations, from reporting and advocacy to grassroots mobilisation. Their insights underscore the need to support local leadership and ensure that international mechanisms like the UPR lead to real improvements in the lives of the Congolese people.
Cordaid continues to support its partners in the DRC in advocating for accountable governance, inclusive peace, and the protection of fundamental rights, even in the most challenging circumstances.