DR Congo – International Bridges to Justice http://www.ibj.org Access to Justice for All Tue, 14 May 2024 10:16:08 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://www.ibj.org/wp_main/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/cropped-IBJ-Site-Icon-32x32.jpg DR Congo – International Bridges to Justice http://www.ibj.org 32 32 Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia http://www.ibj.org/2024/03/womensday/ Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:04:42 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=41173

Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia

Launch of the Women Human Rights Defender Network in Indonesia

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the launch of the Women Human Rights Defender (WHRD) Network in Indonesia. The Network was launched by International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), together with LBH APIK Jakarta and with support from the European Union. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRD) aims to be a place of inclusion and support for women defenders across Indonesia, who are dedicated to advocating for the rights of women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Celebrating International Women's Day, the Network launch also marks a new chapter for IBJ Indonesia towards better protecting women’s rights.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the launch of the Women Human Rights Defender (WHRD) Network in Indonesia. The Network was launched by International Bridges to Justice (IBJ), together with LBH APIK Jakarta and with support from the European Union. The Women Human Rights Defenders Network (WHRD) aims to be a place of inclusion and support for women defenders across Indonesia, who are dedicated to advocating for the rights of women, minorities, and other vulnerable groups. Celebrating International Women's Day, the Network launch also marks a new chapter for IBJ Indonesia towards better protecting women’s rights.

A Gathering of Minds and Hearts
The launch event brought together more than 50 prominent figures and champions of women's rights from across Indonesia. It was moderated by Nancy Sunarno, a distinguished expert in human rights and women's rights. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, who emphasized the EU's commitment to support initiatives that ensuring access to justice for all. Uli Pangaribuan, the director of LBH APIK Jakarta, and Karen Tse, founder and CEO of IBJ, both highlighted the network's aim to bridge gaps in justice and provide a supportive community for defenders. Keynote speaker I G Agung Putri Astrid Kartika, Special Advisor to the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, along with Theresa Sri Endras Iswarini, Commissioner at the Commission to End Violence Against Women, offered valuable insights into the current landscape of women's rights and stressed the need to pave the way for equality.

The launch event brought together more than 50 prominent figures and champions of women's rights from across Indonesia. It was moderated by Nancy Sunarno, a distinguished expert in human rights and women's rights. Opening remarks were delivered by H.E Denis Chaibi, Ambassador of the European Union to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, who emphasized the EU's commitment to support initiatives that ensuring access to justice for all. Uli Pangaribuan, the director of LBH APIK Jakarta, and Karen Tse, founder and CEO of IBJ, both highlighted the network's aim to bridge gaps in justice and provide a supportive community for defenders. Keynote speaker I G Agung Putri Astrid Kartika, Special Advisor to the Minister of Women Empowerment and Child Protection, along with Theresa Sri Endras Iswarini, Commissioner at the Commission to End Violence Against Women, offered valuable insights into the current landscape of women's rights and stressed the need to pave the way for equality.

A Coalition for Change
The WHRD Network seeks to integrate women defenders from rural areas and those working at the grassroots level. "Inspire Inclusion," the theme of IWD 2024, resonates deeply with the Network. The Network aims to include not only lawyers, but also civil society leaders, journalists, paralegals, academics, and all women dedicated to human rights advocacy. Moreover, the network intends to connect Indonesian defenders with their global counterparts through IBJ's international network. This international collaboration will increase the impact of defenders' work locally and worldwide.

The WHRD Network seeks to integrate women defenders from rural areas and those working at the grassroots level. "Inspire Inclusion," the theme of IWD 2024, resonates deeply with the Network. The Network aims to include not only lawyers, but also civil society leaders, journalists, paralegals, academics, and all women dedicated to human rights advocacy. Moreover, the network intends to connect Indonesian defenders with their global counterparts through IBJ's international network. This international collaboration will increase the impact of defenders' work locally and worldwide.

Looking Forward
With this launch, the network's journey is just beginning. The WHRD Network will host monthly online meetings and an annual regional in-person meeting across various Indonesian cities. It marks a new chapter in the fight for women’s rights. In the words of Karen Tse, "The Women Human Rights Defender Network stands as a testament to our collective strength and determination to make a difference in the lives of women and vulnerable communities. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements our network will accomplish.”

With this launch, the network's journey is just beginning. The WHRD Network will host monthly online meetings and an annual regional in-person meeting across various Indonesian cities. It marks a new chapter in the fight for women’s rights. In the words of Karen Tse, "The Women Human Rights Defender Network stands as a testament to our collective strength and determination to make a difference in the lives of women and vulnerable communities. We look forward to seeing the incredible achievements our network will accomplish.”

]]> IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother http://www.ibj.org/2023/06/reclaims-justice/ Fri, 30 Jun 2023 08:39:30 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=38293

IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother

IBJ reclaims justice for wrongly accused mother

The last month of pregnancy can be one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. Grace, 35 from the D.R.C, was thrilled to welcome her new child. Little did she know what her neighbors, who were not on good terms with her, were plotting. They paid a young boy to steal plates and to falsely accuse Grace of being the culprit.

The last month of pregnancy can be one of the most difficult and vulnerable moments in a woman’s life. Grace, 35 from the D.R.C, was thrilled to welcome her new child. Little did she know what her neighbors, who were not on good terms with her, were plotting. They paid a young boy to steal plates and to falsely accuse Grace of being the culprit.

Police burst into Grace’s home – they searched everywhere, but did not find any stolen items. Despite the absence of any evidence, they threw her into their car and took her straight to the police station. She was denied access to a lawyer during her interrogation and was transferred to Bukavu Central Prison, more than 45 km away from her home. She was pushed into solitary confinement and could not even keep in contact, let alone see, her family. Her eight other children were left motherless, and all responsibilities now burdened her husband.

Police burst into Grace’s home – they searched everywhere, but did not find any stolen items. Despite the absence of any evidence, they threw her into their car and took her straight to the police station. She was denied access to a lawyer during her interrogation and was transferred to Bukavu Central Prison, more than 45 km away from her home. She was pushed into solitary confinement and could not even keep in contact, let alone see, her family. Her eight other children were left motherless, and all responsibilities now burdened her husband.

Frightened and alone, she gave birth in the most horrific and unsanitary conditions imaginable. Miraculously, both she and the baby survived.

Frightened and alone, she gave birth in the most horrific and unsanitary conditions imaginable. Miraculously, both she and the baby survived.

She was forgotten for 6 months in that cell, all the while keeping her new-born alive. While she was in prison, she discovered that her husband, the sole caregiver for her other children, had died unexpectedly. Her other children were orphaned and Grace was helpless to be able to support or care for them after their father’s death. She was also prohibited from attending his funeral.

She was forgotten for 6 months in that cell, all the while keeping her new-born alive. While she was in prison, she discovered that her husband, the sole caregiver for her other children, had died unexpectedly. Her other children were orphaned and Grace was helpless to be able to support or care for them after their father’s death. She was also prohibited from attending his funeral.

When IBJ learned about Grace’s story, we immediately took action. The DRCBJ lawyers learned that, because of the false testimony of the young boy, she had been charged with a crime punishable by death. DRCBJ’s lawyer won the case, demonstrating Grace’s innocence and the injustice of her conviction.

When IBJ learned about Grace’s story, we immediately took action. The DRCBJ lawyers learned that, because of the false testimony of the young boy, she had been charged with a crime punishable by death. DRCBJ’s lawyer won the case, demonstrating Grace’s innocence and the injustice of her conviction.

]]> Advancing Access to Justice in Tunisia http://www.ibj.org/2023/04/advancing-access-to-justice-in-tunisia/ Wed, 05 Apr 2023 12:51:21 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=37856

IBJ's Access to Justice initiative in Tunisia supported by The United Nations Democracy Fund

IBJ's Access to Justice initiative in Tunisia supported by The United Nations Democracy Fund​

Geneva, Switzerland – 23 March 2023 – IBJ is proud to announce its new project in Tunisia, funded by The United Nations Democracy Fund. The project, which commenced on 1 March 2023, will expand over 24 months. "Advancing Access to Justice Tunisia" (AAJT) will increase the capacity of lawyers to defend vulnerable communities in Tunisia, enhance respect for justice, ensure early access to justice, and increase Tunisian awareness of their rights under national and international law.

Geneva, Switzerland – 23 March 2023 – IBJ is proud to announce its new project in Tunisia, funded by The United Nations Democracy Fund. The project, which commenced on 1 March 2023, will expand over 24 months. "Advancing Access to Justice Tunisia" (AAJT) will increase the capacity of lawyers to defend vulnerable communities in Tunisia, enhance respect for justice, ensure early access to justice, and increase Tunisian awareness of their rights under national and international law.

Tunisia’s criminal justice system is plagued by excessive and abusive pre-trial detention, prison over-capacity, deficiencies in legal training, and insufficient legal rights awareness. While there have been some attempts to improve the system, meaningful change remains distant as criminal justice reform continues to be a low priority for the government. Tunisian law stipulates that accused individuals have the right to consult a lawyer starting at the police custody phase. This has, however, not been effective with the law being inadequately implemented. Between June 2016 and May 2017, only 22% of accused detainees were able to exercise their right to a defender. Furthermore, in 2021, 54.9% of the prison population in Tunisia were estimated to be pre-trial detainees. Pre-trial detainees face increased risk of torture, sexual assault, and health issues.

Tunisia’s criminal justice system is plagued by excessive and abusive pre-trial detention, prison over-capacity, deficiencies in legal training, and insufficient legal rights awareness. While there have been some attempts to improve the system, meaningful change remains distant as criminal justice reform continues to be a low priority for the government. Tunisian law stipulates that accused individuals have the right to consult a lawyer starting at the police custody phase. This has, however, not been effective with the law being inadequately implemented. Between June 2016 and May 2017, only 22% of accused detainees were able to exercise their right to a defender. Furthermore, in 2021, 54.9% of the prison population in Tunisia were estimated to be pre-trial detainees. Pre-trial detainees face increased risk of torture, sexual assault, and health issues.

To strengthen the criminal justice system and to advance access to justice in Tunisia, AAJT will leverage technology and provide access to competent legal representation through the training of lawyers and defenders and building their capacity to effectively safeguard and advance the human rights of those in the criminal justice system. In collaboration with the Tunisian Bar Association and the Tunisia Association of Young Lawyers, IBJ will implement a training and capacity building program for criminal defense lawyers, develop a legal services smartphone app to connect lawyers and clients, develop and expand access to legal representation for vulnerable detainees, and found public legal rights awareness campaign via radio and social media. The project will train 120 lawyers in criminal defense, reaching 250 detainees with competent legal services. Overall, the project expects to impact over 500,000 individuals with legal rights awareness campaigns. AAJT activities will contribute to long-term systemic change of Tunisia’s criminal justice system.

To strengthen the criminal justice system and to advance access to justice in Tunisia, AAJT will leverage technology and provide access to competent legal representation through the training of lawyers and defenders and building their capacity to effectively safeguard and advance the human rights of those in the criminal justice system. In collaboration with the Tunisian Bar Association and the Tunisia Association of Young Lawyers, IBJ will implement a training and capacity building program for criminal defense lawyers, develop a legal services smartphone app to connect lawyers and clients, develop and expand access to legal representation for vulnerable detainees, and found public legal rights awareness campaign via radio and social media. The project will train 120 lawyers in criminal defense, reaching 250 detainees with competent legal services. Overall, the project expects to impact over 500,000 individuals with legal rights awareness campaigns. AAJT activities will contribute to long-term systemic change of Tunisia’s criminal justice system.

UNDEF was created by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world. UNDEF funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations, both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization.

UNDEF was created by UN Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan in 2005 as a United Nations General Trust Fund to support democratization efforts around the world. UNDEF funds projects that empower civil society, promote human rights, and encourage the participation of all groups in democratic processes. The large majority of UNDEF funds go to local civil society organizations, both in the transition and consolidation phases of democratization.

In recognition of the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary individuals in developing countries. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all individuals the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial.

In recognition of the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Bridges to Justice (IBJ) is dedicated to protecting the basic legal rights of ordinary individuals in developing countries. Specifically, IBJ works to guarantee all individuals the right to competent legal representation, the right to be protected from cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to a fair trial.

For further information, please contact (media requests): International Bridges to Justice Sanjeewa Sliyanage International Program Director Phone: +41(0) 22 731 24 41 Email: sliyanage@ibj.org

For further information, please contact (media requests):
International Bridges to Justice Sanjeewa Sliyanage International Program Director Phone: +41(0) 22 731 24 41 Email: sliyanage@ibj.org

]]> JusticeMakers help free Syrian Journalist http://www.ibj.org/2023/02/justicemakers-help-free-syrian-journalist/ Thu, 16 Feb 2023 13:28:20 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=37734

JusticeMakers help free Syrian Journalist

JusticeMakers help free Syrian Journalist

Safa is a young Syrian journalist living in Turkey, where she, her father and siblings currently reside after fleeing the persecution they faced in their old home of Deir ez-Zor, Syria. Now settled in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa, Safa works with local associations and Syrian newspapers to provide her community with reliable, accurate information about the ongoing civil war.

Safa is a young Syrian journalist living in Turkey, where she, her father and siblings currently reside after fleeing the persecution they faced in their old home of Deir ez-Zor, Syria. Now settled in the Turkish city of Sanliurfa, Safa works with local associations and Syrian newspapers to provide her community with reliable, accurate information about the ongoing civil war.

A supporter of Syrian president Bachar al-Assad contacted Safa on Facebook upon discovering her work. Shortly afterwards, Safa was charged with threatening and insulting this pro-Assad supporter on social media. She was arrested alongside three of friends who were charged with the same crime.

A supporter of Syrian president Bachar al-Assad contacted Safa on Facebook upon discovering her work. Shortly afterwards, Safa was charged with threatening and insulting this pro-Assad supporter on social media. She was arrested alongside three of friends who were charged with the same crime.

Safa knew of the International Bridges to Justice’s JusticeMakers program and contacted them while in police custody. JusticeMaker Fellow Esra Yurum came to her aid. She helped explain to the police that the claims made against Safa were falsified; as well as provide authorities with evidence proving the innocence of her client. Thanks to Esra’s legal assistance, Safa, as well as two of her friends were released the day of their arrest.

Safa knew of the International Bridges to Justice’s JusticeMakers program and contacted them while in police custody. JusticeMaker Fellow Esra Yurum came to her aid. She helped explain to the police that the claims made against Safa were falsified; as well as provide authorities with evidence proving the innocence of her client. Thanks to Esra’s legal assistance, Safa, as well as two of her friends were released the day of their arrest.

Free once more, Safa aims to continue her work as a journalist and will interview Esra in order to raise awareness for the JusticeMakers. With Safa’s influence and the hard work of the many lawyers in the program, Justice makers will be able to reach more Syrian refugees in Turkey and provide them with free legal aid.

Free once more, Safa aims to continue her work as a journalist and will interview Esra in order to raise awareness for the JusticeMakers. With Safa’s influence and the hard work of the many lawyers in the program, Justice makers will be able to reach more Syrian refugees in Turkey and provide them with free legal aid.

]]> 28 wrongfully detained prisoners in the DRC freed http://www.ibj.org/2022/11/young-boy-finds-justice-after-being-detained-without-legal-representation-2-2-2/ Thu, 17 Nov 2022 13:11:46 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?p=33765

IBJ helps free 28 wrongfully detained prisoners in Democratic Republic of Congo

IBJ helps free 28 wrongfully detained prisoners in Democratic Republic of Congo

Imprisonment can be life-threatening in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prisons are often overcrowded with many reaching over 200 per cent over capacity. As a result, detainees are faced with food shortages, neglected sanitation systems, and widespread violence.

Imprisonment can be life-threatening in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Prisons are often overcrowded with many reaching over 200 per cent over capacity. As a result, detainees are faced with food shortages, neglected sanitation systems, and widespread violence.

In the past few months, Democratic Republic of Congo Bridges to Justice lawyers traveled to prisons in rural areas, far away from the main courts. During the visits to these rural prisons, our lawyers found 16 people who were illegally detained, including 4 women, 10 men, and 2 children. Most of them did not even know why they had been arrested. While law in the Democratic Republic of Congo prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, state security forces routinely arrest and detain citizens without giving reason. Detainees who cannot pay for a lawyer are rarely able to access legal counsel. Moreover, it is estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of the prison population is in pre-trial detention. Our lawyers took on the cases of these 16 people and obtained their release. They are now reunited with their families.

In the past few months, Democratic Republic of Congo Bridges to Justice lawyers traveled to prisons in rural areas, far away from the main courts. During the visits to these rural prisons, our lawyers found 16 people who were illegally detained, including 4 women, 10 men, and 2 children. Most of them did not even know why they had been arrested. While law in the Democratic Republic of Congo prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, state security forces routinely arrest and detain citizens without giving reason. Detainees who cannot pay for a lawyer are rarely able to access legal counsel. Moreover, it is estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of the prison population is in pre-trial detention. Our lawyers took on the cases of these 16 people and obtained their release. They are now reunited with their families.

Our lawyers' work was not done. During the same period, they traveled to Kalehe Central Prison to inform prisoners on their rights while detained. 58 people - 44 men, 8 children and 6 women (two of whom were pregnant) - attended the awareness session. While it is protocol for authorities to inform those arrested of their rights and the reason for their arrest, security officials routinely violate these requirements. Our lawyers inform detainees that they have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and that being imprisoned does not negate their basic human rights. Knowing the essential elements of their legal rights empowers prisoners to better defend themselves while incarcerated.

Our lawyers' work was not done. During the same period, they traveled to Kalehe Central Prison to inform prisoners on their rights while detained. 58 people - 44 men, 8 children and 6 women (two of whom were pregnant) - attended the awareness session. While it is protocol for authorities to inform those arrested of their rights and the reason for their arrest, security officials routinely violate these requirements. Our lawyers inform detainees that they have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, and that being imprisoned does not negate their basic human rights. Knowing the essential elements of their legal rights empowers prisoners to better defend themselves while incarcerated.

After the session, 20 prisoners immediately requested aid from the DRCBJ lawyers for their case. Without delay, our lawyers retrieved their documents from the courts, and requested further review. They were able to prove that 12 of the prisoners were illegally detained, and obtained their release.

After the session, 20 prisoners immediately requested aid from the DRCBJ lawyers for their case. Without delay, our lawyers retrieved their documents from the courts, and requested further review. They were able to prove that 12 of the prisoners were illegally detained, and obtained their release.

These are just a couple of examples of IBJ's transformative work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of the country's citizens remain trapped in broken prison systems, often suffering harsh conditions, including torture. Our work spans across the globe and is pivotal in transforming how prisoners are treated while detained. Join us as we transform the justice system to be fair for every man, woman and child in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With your support, International Bridges to Justice can continue to shine light in places where all seems dark and hopeless. Where there is a defender, there is hope.

These are just a couple of examples of IBJ's transformative work in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Thousands of the country's citizens remain trapped in broken prison systems, often suffering harsh conditions, including torture. Our work spans across the globe and is pivotal in transforming how prisoners are treated while detained. Join us as we transform the justice system to be fair for every man, woman and child in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With your support, International Bridges to Justice can continue to shine light in places where all seems dark and hopeless. Where there is a defender, there is hope.

]]> Torture Victim Falsely Accused of Theft is Released after Receiving Counsel from DRCBJ http://www.ibj.org/2022/07/2022-07-torture-victim-falsely-accused-of-theft-is-released-after-receiving-counsel-from-drcbj/ Thu, 14 Jul 2022 14:37:59 +0000 https://www.ibj.org/?page_id=32429

Success Story:
Torture Victim Falsely Accused of Theft is Released after Receiving Counsel from DRCBJ

IBJ’s work in the DRC started in 2016, with the opening of a Defender Resource Center in Bukavu, in the province of South-Kivu. This center acts as the hub for DRCBJ’s activities, which include providing legal aid to the vulnerable accused, training defense lawyers, conducting rights awareness campaigns and monitoring and visiting detention centers.

David's Story:

 

On March 26th, David was taking a walk when a victim nearby had his phone stolen. David happened to be walking next to the thieves and was considered guilty by association. 

 

After being detained and arrested, David was taken in for questioning by the police. During the interrogation, the officers slapped David in an attempt to get him to confess– an action that constitutes torture. David was detained and questioned for over 48 hours without being charged with a crime – an act that violates the DRC Constitution.

Screen Shot 2022-07-11 at 9.56.04 AM

DRCBJ took on David’s case 3 days after his detention and immediately provided him with legal representation. The lawyer requested his release and was met with backlash from the police officer handling David’s case. The officer on the case demanded fines or, failing that, he wanted to transfer the case to the prosecutor’s office. 

In response, DRCBJ negotiated a significant reduction in David’s fine. David’s case was closed, and he was released, 72 hours after his arrest.

 

 

(Translated by Talia Kende, Edited by Monique Nikolov)

]]> IBJ provides over 100 people with legal representation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo http://www.ibj.org/2016/12/ibj-provides-over-100-people-with-legal-representation-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/ Tue, 06 Dec 2016 09:39:40 +0000 http://www.ibj.org/?p=18683 In June, IBJ opened a Defender Resource Center in Bukavu, in the Congolese province of South Kivu. By early November, the small team of dedicated lawyers leading IBJ’s efforts in the DRC had assisted over 100 people in Bukavu Central Prison with free legal representation.

IMG_0940

Crispin Sangara (center) stands with two 13-year olds and their mothers outside the Children’s Court of Bukavu. Crispin, who is a volunteer lawyer with IBJ Congo working on juvenile justice, provided legal assistance that resulted in the young boys’ release. They were imprisoned for 2 months accused of stealing a bicycle.

The provision of free legal assistance is a central part of IBJ’s strategy to prevent torture and reduce human rights abuses in prisons. The need for such assistance in the DRC is especially urgent: there exists neither state-sponsored legal aid nor NGO-sponsored free legal aid to criminal defendants. This has resulted in a staggering pre-trial detention rate of 73%. In other words, almost 3 in 4 prisoners who are kept imprisoned are detained without trial.

As a consequence, individuals have no access to legal protection if they are arrested. They are kept in overcrowded, often dangerous conditions, and due to their imprisonment are unable to support their families. Today, IBJ is the only organization in DRC with the capacity to provide legal assistance to individuals who are too poor to otherwise afford a lawyer.

Apendeke Ngalula is 37 years old. She was falsely accused of abducting a child, despite neighbours witnessing Apendeke giving the child in question to her parents. Seeking IBJ for legal assistance, IBJ succeeded in getting her detention order lifted by the investigating magistrate, as the accusations against her were groundless.

The scale of the problem is great. In Bukavu Central Prison alone, over 1,000 individuals are held in pre-trial detention. As such, there is an urgent need for IBJ to scale up its operations and make free legal representation widely accessible. These efforts are crucial to strengthen rule of law and advance access to justice in the region.

Already IBJ’s hard work is bearing fruit: dozens of individuals have thanks to IBJ’s timely intervention been reunited with their families. Furthermore, authorities in the region have shown themselves open to engaging in constructive discussions about the state of criminal justice. The President of the Tribunal de Grande Instance de Bukavu, Luc Mushagalusa Basedeke, has stated that since IBJ started working in Bukavu, there has been a noticeable impact on the speed at which cases are being processed.

The IBJ Congo program is spearheaded by country coordinator Charles Mugaruka Mupenda. “It has been my dream and my passion to work in my country, my region, to make justice a reality,” says Charles, whose engagement with IBJ started through the JusticeMakers program in 2012.

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