CRES\004\11\2015: RESOLUTION ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE SITUATION IN CONGO BRAZZAVILLE
CRES\004\11\2015: RESOLUTION ON THE HUMAN RIGHTS ON THE SITUATION IN CONGO BRAZZAVILLE
We, the participants of the Forum on the Participation of NGOs in the 57thOrdinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the 31st African Human Rights Book fair held in Banjul, The Gambia from 31st October–2nd November 2015;
Deeply concerned by the human rights violations and the deterioration of the political and human rights situation in Congo, following legitimate claims of the population, for greater freedoms and better democratic governance;
Concerned by the arbitrary arrests and unconscionable detentions, the sustained suppression of the demonstrations and popular protest movements, the police brutality in handling protest that causes loss in human lives;
Strongly condemns the excessive and disproportionate use of force to suppress the will of the Congolese citizens aspiration to democracy and good governance;
Reminds the Congolese Government that such acts constitute serious violations of the provisions of the African Charter and calls on it to immediately take the necessary measures to guarantee the inalienable rights of Congo citizens;
Call upon the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights to issue strong resolution condemning the human rights violations in Congo and call on the Congo Government to:
- refrain from all excessive and disproportionate use of force during popular demonstrations and protest movements;
- recognize the legitimate will and aspiration of Congolese citizens for greater democracy, good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms;
- to embark on constructive dialogue comprising of all the major stakeholders in Congo.
Done in Banjul, The Gambia – 2nd November 2015
