CNDH: C64 Kinshasa Marche Appel Urges Peaceful Conduct

• The CNDH issued a statement on September 12, urging responsibility ahead of a C64 coalition march in Kinshasa scheduled for September 15.
• The national human rights body reminded all parties that while freedom of assembly is constitutionally guaranteed, its exercise must respect laws, public order, and the rights of others.
• Concerns were raised by the CNDH regarding social media messages suggesting the carrying of bladed weapons during the demonstration.
• The CNDH advised authorities to prioritize prevention, dialogue, and proportionate force, while calling on political leaders to supervise their processions to prevent violence.
• Field teams from the CNDH will be deployed to monitor and document any potential human rights violations occurring during the event.

Field teams from the CNDH will be deployed to monitor and document any potential human rights violations occurring during the event.

The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) of the Democratic Republic of Congo issued a significant call for responsibility on September 12, just days before a planned march by the C64 coalition in Kinshasa. Scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, the demonstration prompted the CNDH to address organizers, authorities, and the general public, emphasizing the critical need to maintain the peaceful nature of the event.

The Commission's statement highlighted a particular concern regarding messages circulating on social media platforms, which reportedly suggested the potential presence of bladed weapons during the protest. This apprehension underscored the CNDH's broader appeal for all parties to act with civility and respect for human rights throughout the planned gathering.

Central to the CNDH's communication was a reminder of the constitutional guarantee of the right to demonstrate in the DRC. However, the Commission explicitly clarified that the exercise of this fundamental freedom is not absolute; it must strictly adhere to existing laws, uphold public order, and respect the rights of other citizens. This nuanced position aims to balance individual liberties with collective societal well-being.

In light of these principles, the CNDH specifically urged political leaders affiliated with the C64 coalition to actively supervise their processions. This supervision is intended to prevent acts of violence, safeguard both public and private property, and effectively deter the infiltration of disruptive elements who might seek to destabilize the demonstration.

The CNDH also issued clear recommendations to territorial and security authorities in Kinshasa. These directives prioritized a proactive approach, advocating for prevention, open dialogue, and the secure management of protest routes. Crucially, the Commission insisted that any intervention by security forces must involve a strictly proportionate use of force, underscoring the importance of de-escalation and minimal impact.

Simultaneously, the general population was called upon to remain calm and to resist succumbing to rumors or provocations that could incite unrest. To ensure accountability and transparency, the CNDH announced its intention to deploy field teams. These teams will be tasked with documenting and monitoring any potential human rights violations that may occur during the C64 coalition's march, reinforcing the Commission's commitment to oversight.

The CNDH's proactive engagement ahead of the C64 coalition's march underscores its role as a crucial watchdog for human rights in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By issuing comprehensive guidelines to all stakeholders—organizers, authorities, and citizens—the Commission aims to foster an environment where constitutional rights can be exercised without compromising public safety or order.

The decision to deploy field teams for real-time monitoring and documentation of potential abuses highlights the CNDH's commitment to ensuring that the principles of `Liberté de manifestation RDC constitution` are upheld responsibly. This measure provides a mechanism for accountability, ensuring that any violations of `Droits humains RDC protestation` are recorded and addressed, thereby reinforcing the rule of law during public demonstrations.

Lawyers advising clients involved in public demonstrations in DRC should note the CNDH's explicit guidance on respecting constitutional rights while maintaining public order, and be aware of the heightened scrutiny and documentation of potential human rights violations by the CNDH during such events. This serves as a reminder of the legal boundaries and potential liabilities for all parties involved in protests.

Source: Reporting based on a CNDH statement.