Noting the particularly dire human rights situation in several regions of the country, the CNDH indicated that staffing of local offices remains insufficient to handle the full extent of complaints and monitoring of human rights violations, despite recruitment efforts continuing each year within available budgetary limits. The CNDH also informed that only seven (7) of its twenty-six (26) geographic offices have dedicated premises, and that the CNDH relies primarily on partner NGOs to obtain information on allegations of human rights violations. The CNDH has also reported that its website is currently being restructured and that applications are under development to enable the submission of complaints online. 

The SCA notes that in 2024 the CNDH reported that it processed more than 7,000 complaints and during the 47th session, the CNDH reports that in 2025, 1,333 complaints were received. The drastic reduction of complaints is worrying. As noted during the CNDH’s previous review, the CNDH continues to receive and handle a very limited number of complaints, which appears disproportionate given the human rights situation in the country and the size of the population of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The SCA considers that this raises concerns including the accessibility and public confidence in the CNDH’s effectiveness as a quasi-judicial mechanism, and/or data collection measures. 

The SCA is of the view that where NHRIs are provided with the mandate to receive complaints, such complaints should be handled fairly, speedily and effectively through processes which are readily accessible to the public. The SCA highlights that ensuring the accessibility of the NHRI is particularly important for the most vulnerable individuals or groups, who would otherwise have difficulty bringing attention to any violation of their human rights. 

The SCA encourages the CNDH to continue seeking the most effective means to enhance accessibility, including through the maintenance of an up-to-date and well-resourced website and by enhancing  public awareness of its mandate, improving outreach to victims and ensuring that its complaints procedures are clear, accessible, and trusted by the public. 

The SCA also recommends that the CNDH continue its recruitment and retention process of staff with the requisite skills and experience to ensure that its services are effectively accessible across all regions to fulfil the NHRI’s mandate. The SCA highlights that such efforts will enhance protection of human rights and contribute to strengthening the credibility of the CNDH. 

The SCA refers to Paris Principle B.2 and to its General Observations 1.10 on ‘Adequate funding of NHRIs’, 2.4 ‘Recruitment and retention of NHRI staff’, and 2.9 on ‘The quasi-judicial competency of NHRIs mandate’. 

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