Thursday, November 21, 2024
-0.2 C
London

Ugandan Lawyer Sues DR Congo over Alleged Prisoner Rights Violations

Prominent Ugandan human rights lawyer, Steven Kalali, has taken legal action against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), filing a case with the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over alleged mistreatment of prisoners.

Kalali’s petition accuses the DR Congo government of failing to uphold prisoners’ basic rights, citing inhumane conditions, including severe overcrowding, physical abuse, and sexual violence affecting female inmates at a major prison in Kinshasa.

In his submission, Kalali contends that the DRC’s actions violate not only the principles of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty but also international human rights standards.

He argues that the treatment of inmates and the lack of adequate prison infrastructure defy the commitments to human dignity and fair treatment upheld by the EAC Treaty and other global human rights frameworks.

This case comes in the wake of a deadly prison escape attempt on September 1st and 2nd, 2024, at Kinshasa’s Makala Prison. During this tragic event, reports indicate that hundreds of people lost their lives as authorities struggled to contain the situation.

Kalali claims that this incident highlights the broader issues within DRC’s prison system, calling for urgent improvements to ensure inmates’ safety and basic rights.

He has appealed to the EACJ to officially recognize that the DRC government is failing to provide essential facilities and conditions in its prisons.

He contends that this neglect breaches not only the EAC Treaty but also the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as other international human rights agreements.

The DRC government, represented by its Minister of Justice, has been served with a notice to respond to these allegations.

The court has provided a 45-day period for the DRC to file its defense against Kalali’s claims. The outcome of this case may set a significant precedent for human rights accountability across the East African region and beyond.

Hot this week

Uganda and DR Congo to Resume Road Construction Projects

The initiative to pave roads from the Uganda-DR Congo...

M23 Rebels Capture Kalembe Town Near Beni in North Kivu

The M23 rebel group have captured areas of Kalembe...

Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the habitat of...

UN experts: About 4,000 Rwandan Troops are Operating with M23 rebels

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwanda...

Congo to Write to Uganda over ‘UPDF Support for M23 Rebels’

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)...

Topics

Uganda and DR Congo to Resume Road Construction Projects

The initiative to pave roads from the Uganda-DR Congo...

M23 Rebels Capture Kalembe Town Near Beni in North Kivu

The M23 rebel group have captured areas of Kalembe...

Go Gorilla Trekking in Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is the habitat of...

UN experts: About 4,000 Rwandan Troops are Operating with M23 rebels

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwanda...

Congo to Write to Uganda over ‘UPDF Support for M23 Rebels’

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)...

South Africa to lead new military force in the DRC

The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic...

Five killed in DR Congo Village Attack

GOMA - At least five people, including two children,...

US Targets Smugglers Supplying Islamic State in Somalia

The United States is trying to curb the flow...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img