Alternative Report to the 11th 12th 13th Periodic Reports of the DRC

In accordance with Article 62 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, States Parties to the Charter are required to submit every two years, a report on the legislative or other measures taken, with a view to giving effect to the rights and freedoms recognised and guaranteed by the Charter.

In compliance with this provision, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has submitted to the African Commission its periodic report on the implementation of the African Charter covering the period 2008-2015 (11th, 12th, 13th periodic reports), as well as its initial report on the implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women covering the period 2005-2015 (initial report and 1st, 2nd and 3rd periodic reports).

The DRC report was reviewed during the 61st Ordinary Session held in Banjul, The Gambia, from 1 to 15 November 2017. Forest Peoples Programme (FPP) in collaboration with seven civil society organizations including indigenous peoples' organizations working in the DRC has prepared an alternative report to complement the information provided by the Government in its report.

The shadow report captures the human rights situation of indigenous peoples in the DRC, suggests questions on key issues of concern, and formulates recommendations. Among others issues raised in the report are the multiple forms of discrimination faced by indigenous peoples in the DRC, which continue to fuel intercommunity conflicts between indigenous and Bantu people in Tanganyika; land insecurity, which accentuates historical injustices and social inequalities; attacks on the physical integrity and the right to life of indigenous peoples in North and South Kivu in particular, as well as violations of the rights of indigenous peoples as a result of the implementation of national conservation policies that do not respect human rights. 

Click on the link below to read the report (French only)