human rights defenders mechanisms

Banjul, 14 th September 2010

* The Special Rapporteur of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on Human Rights Defenders in Africa, Mr. Mohamed Béhir Khalfallah expresses its deep concern following the information received regarding the abduction and submission to abuse of human right defenders.

* According to information received by the ACHPR , Sylvester Bwire Kyah, Chairman of civil society in Masisi territory, was abducted on 24 August 2010, following his drafting and signing an open letter to Congolese President Joseph Kabila, on 30 July 2010. The open letter allegedly requested the withdrawal of all army units members of tread and police made up of former members of armed groups who where recently integrated into the Congolese army and police in Masisi territory. He was allegedly found on 30 August 2010 near Sake, thirty miles in the west of Goma.

* The information received by the ACHPR sate that Mr Bwire was visibly weak, with swollen face, his arms bearing traces of the rope with which he was apparently tied up during his detention.

* The continued deterioration of the situation of human right defenders in the Congo raises serious concerns as the ACHPR received information about murders of journalists and leaders of associations of human rights – including Bruno Koko Cirambiza Didace Namujimbo, Maheshe and Pascal Kabungulu Kibembi. (more…)