450K People Forced to Flee Volcanic Eruption in Goma

Human rights defenders and Protection International staff were forced to put their work on hold, while the Nyiragongo volcano erupted in their backyard June 2021 – “The volcanic eruption of Nyiragongo came like a thief. The early warning system did not alert us as early as possible; the lava came suddenly and people were in […]
Burundi: Once again, human rights defender Germain Rukuki’s right to a fair trial is violated

Appeal to the Authorities of Burundi May 21, 2021 – We, the undersigned organizations, express our dismay that the Burundian Appeals Court of Ntahangwa has not yet announced a verdict in the case of human rights defender Mr. Germain Rukuki. According to legal statutes, this verdict was due within 30 days of the appeal hearing, […]
DR Congo Should Prioritise Justice for Serious Crimes

(Kinshasa, April 29, 2021) – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s newly appointed government should adopt a clear strategy for holding those suspected of criminal responsibility for grave human rights violations accountable, a coalition of 50 Congolese and international nongovernmental groups said today. President Felix Tshisekedi’s new government, led by Prime Minister Sama Lukonde, has a […]
DR Congo: Women Human Rights Defenders Create a Protection Network

With Protection International’s support, women human rights defenders unite to form a network and strengthen their protection. On 12 March 2021, 44 women human rights defenders (WHRDs) who operate in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), a region shaken by conflict and violence from armed forces, created a network to join their efforts […]
Women Human Rights Defenders in DR Congo Create a Protection Network

With Protection International’s support, women human rights defenders unite to form a network and strengthen their protection On 12 March 2021, 44 women human rights defenders (WHRDs) who operate in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), a region shaken by conflict and violence from armed forces, created a network to join their efforts […]
Germain Rukuki’s Second Appeal Proceedings Begin

Burundian Human Rights Defender given a second chance at receiving a fair trial [Brussels/Nairobi] 24 March 2021 – Eight months after the Burundian Supreme Court rejected the Appeals Court’s decision to uphold his 32-year prison sentence, human rights defender Germain Rukuki today appeared for his second appeal proceedings. The Appeal Court’s ruling is expected to […]
On International HRDs day, 89 Civil Society Organisations Call for the Release of Human Rights Defenders in Detention in Burundi

09 December 2020 To the attention of: Hon. Solomon Ayele Dersso, Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Hon. Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, Vice Chairperson of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, CC: Hon. Commissioner Jamesina Essie L. King, Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, […]
PI and 43 human rights organizations advocate for the protection of Dr. Denis Mukwege

44 human rights organizations advocate for the protection of Dr Denis Mukwege – 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate – who is facing serious threats after denouncing a massacre of civilians in Kipupu in Mwenga Territory (South Kivu Province), DR Congo. Goma/Nairobi/Brussels, 19 August 2020 – The undersigned organizations of this press release denounce the serious […]
[STATEMENT] A DECISIVE MOMENT FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS IN BURUNDI

17 June 2020 Joint statement After the sudden passing of President Nkurunziza of Burundi, this coming Thursday General Évariste Ndayishimiye will take the oath to become the new President-elect of Burundi. As this swift power transition unfolds, it also offers an opportunity to open a new chapter for the people of Burundi and its civil […]
DR Congo: The right to defend human rights is greatly threatened in these difficult times of COVID-19

DR Congo: The right to defend human rights is greatly threatened in these difficult times of COVID-19 Download our Press Release in PDF Format here. Nairobi (Kenya), 9th June 2020 – Protection International is concerned about the deteriorating situation of women and men human rights defenders (W/HRDs) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR […]