(Geneva, Switzerland and The Hague, The Netherlands, April 1st, 2025) – UpRights, in collaboration with TRIAL International in the framework of the “Global Initiative Against Impunity : Making Justice Work” and with the support of the Congolese Conseil supérieur de la magistrature, has published a comprehensive report on the fight against impunity for international crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This release comes at a critical moment, as the country faces a convergence of security, political and judicial challenges, with the escalating conflict in eastern DRC and massive human rights abuses committed by the M23 armed group and other parties to the conflict. The report provides a timely reminder that, despite significant challenges, the Congolese justice system has the capacity to effectively combat impunity for international crimes and that various institutional solutions may be deployed to strengthen the system and preserve its progress.  

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The report highlights the remarkable, yet fragile, progress made by the Congolese judicial system over the past two decades in prosecuting international crimes. Since 2004, Congolese military and civilian courts have issued more than 130 judgments on international crimes, a record rarely matched by national jurisdictions worldwide in such challenging conditions. Legal reasoning and judicial expertise have improved, and some cases have involved high-ranking officials. These advances stem from a unique accountability model centered on a strong legal framework, a national policy to make combatting impunity a priority and provincial prosecutorial strategies, and crucial support by international actors and civil society which have played a key role in documenting crimes, strengthening judicial capacities, and supporting victims.  

However, the Congolese justice system faces deep structural challenges as most past and current crimes continue to go unpunished and the highest levels of political and military leadership largely remain shielded from responsibility. The continued dominance of military courts over civilian jurisdictions, the death penalty, and the chronic failure to enforce reparations for victims undermine the credibility and effectiveness of prosecutions. Political interference, corruption, and severe underfunding further weaken judicial independence, while international support, though essential, remains fragmented and lacks strategic coordination, especially as the UN peacekeeping mission withdraws from the country. 

To address these issues, the report provides concrete recommendations, including the abolition of the death penalty, stronger guarantees for judicial independence and the enforcement of judicial reparations. The report recommends a more active strategy for complementarity on the part of the International Criminal Court. It also recommends the establishment of an enhanced international support mechanism to provide strategic, technical, and financial assistance to the Congolese jurisdictions, as well as to new judicial institutions that might be established by the Congolese government to address past and future international crimes. 

The future of justice in the DRC depends on urgent national and international action. The continued fight against impunity requires a strong commitment from Congolese authorities and lasting international support adapted to the evolving political and security landscape. As violence surges in the East of the country, the Congolese government and the international community must seize this opportunity to invest in a justice system that delivers for victims and promotes lasting stability. 

  • Read the Executive Summary in English here
  • Read the Executive Summary in French here
  • Read the full Report in French here

UpRights is a non-profit organization composed of international lawyers and human rights practitioners with expertise in international criminal, humanitarian and human rights law. Recognizing that achieving lasting change requires both addressing violations and strengthening the structures that prevent future abuses, UpRights works directly with local partners and supports international organizations, governments and civil society in building transparent, rule of law-based societies.  

TRIAL International is fighting impunity for core international crimes by using strategic litigation before various national and international jurisdictions, supporting victims in their quest for justice. Over the past 20 years, the organization has been providing legal assistance to survivors of atrocity crimes, building and litigating strategic cases, developing local capacity and pushing the human rights agenda forward. 

This publication was conducted under the auspices and with the overarching support of the DRC’s Conseil supérieur de la magistrature (CSM).  

This publication was co-funded by the European Union within the framework of the “Global Initiative Against Impunity : Making Justice Work”. The content of the publication and of the press release are the sole responsibility of UpRights and TRIAL International and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.  

UpRights is pleased to welcome the publication of ILGA-Europe’s Annual Review of the Human Rights Situation of LGBTI People in Europe and Central Asia. This vital document, for which UpRights provided drafting support, offers a comprehensive overview of the human rights landscape for LGBTI communities across the region. More than a mere compilation of events, the Review serves as a barometer for the broader state of human rights and democratic principles in Europe and Central Asia. 

As the 2024 Annual Review reveals, the erosion of LGBTI rights is often an early warning sign of wider democratic backsliding. Restrictive policies targeting LGBTI communities do not exist in a vacuum. They are frequently accompanied by broader attacks on civil liberties, freedom of expression, and judicial independence. The patterns observed across different countries demonstrate that when fundamental rights are undermined in one sphere, it creates ripple effects that threaten the rights and freedoms of all individuals. 

Nonetheless, ILGA-Europe’s report seeks to serve as a strategic resource for governments, activists, and policymakers seeking to reverse these troubling trends. By documenting progress, identifying risks, and sharing effective strategies, it offers a roadmap for reinforcing protections for LGBTI people across diverse legal and political landscapes. This collaborative approach underscores the necessity of engagement, showing that change is possible when civil society and institutions work together. 

UpRights remains steadfast in its commitment to amplifying LGBTI voices and reinforcing human rights protections at every level. As highlighted in the Annual Review, meaningful progress depends on strong alliances between civil society, international institutions, and national governments.  

Ensuring that LGBTI rights are respected is not merely a matter of policy but a reflection of a society’s dedication to justice and equality. The events of 2024 remind us that while significant progress has been made, there is no room for complacency. UpRights’ work therefore supports ILGA’s conclusion that fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and holding institutions accountable remain essential to resisting regression and working toward a future where all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation, enjoy full and equal rights. 

Read the full report here: https://www.ilga-europe.org/report/annual-review-2025/ 

UpRights is pleased to announce the publication of its 2023 Annual Report.  

As detailed in the report, in 2023 UpRights continued to develop its unique approach to promoting human rights which is rooted in building strong relationships with civil society, national governments, and organizations closely connected to those most affected by human rights issues. By actively listening to their needs, we strive to provide tailored support to use international law to help achieve our partners’ objectives. 

Why does this matter? UpRights has found that despite most accountability efforts occurring at the local level, expertise often remains concentrated in traditional centers of power. We strive to make international law and pathways to justice more accessible to those undertaking the most critical and challenging work on the ground. 

If national actors cannot access or fully harness how international law can benefit them, its impact will be limited. We are continually exploring models of support that emphasize local ownership by those best positioned to advance human rights.  

We invite you to read our annual report and join us in our ongoing commitment to these vital goals.