A UN expert has raised serious concerns over the abduction and alleged sexual violence inflicted on four women human rights defenders in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the killing of the mother of one of the activists. The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, described these attacks as part of a disturbing pattern of systematic violence against civilians, particularly women human rights defenders, in eastern DRC.
On 8 July 2025, Espérance Martha, Chancelle Ibrahim, Noëlla Deborah, and Christine Byaziza, members of the organization Femmes Artisanes d’Itombwe pour la Paix, le Développement et les Droits Humains (FAIPDDH), were abducted by suspected militia members linked to RED-Tabara, Ngumino, and Twirwaneho while conducting a workshop on sexual and reproductive health and rights in Mwenga territory. During their incommunicado detention, the women were reportedly subjected to sexual violence, torture, and deprived of medical care and food.
The women allegedly escaped on 15 July 2025 amid clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the militia. Since their escape, they have faced repeated death threats and have had to go into hiding. Their families remain at serious risk, with one such attack resulting in the murder of Jeanne Martha Upendo, mother of defender Espérance Martha, on 4 August 2025.
Mary Lawlor emphasized the crucial role of women human rights defenders in promoting peace, equality, and justice, and called for an immediate end to the abuses and the culture of impunity surrounding them. She urged the DRC government to conduct a thorough, impartial investigation into the abduction, detention, and murder, implement effective measures to protect threatened defenders, bring perpetrators to justice, and restore a safe environment for human rights work.
Lawlor also highlighted the ongoing security challenges in North and South Kivu provinces, where armed group attacks on civilians are frequent and sexual violence remains widespread. She stressed that the international community must act to protect and support human rights defenders, noting that safeguarding their work is essential for achieving lasting peace in the region.
The Special Rapporteur continues to engage with the DRC government regarding these incidents.
