http://tinyurl.com/radz7y

In the United Nations Special Report from Congo, released in June of 2009, The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Margaret Sekaggya, issued the following statement on the preliminary findings of her official visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo:
“Following decades of dictatorship, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is engaged in a political, economic and social transition. However, a conducive environment in which human rights defenders can operate has yet to emerge.”

Among the many recommendations that the Special Rapporteur made in an effort to increase the support and ability of defenders of human rights in the region, she advocates for the following:

    ·    Continue empowering the civil society, including human rights defenders…by increasing their
        capacity, notably their means of communications (funding Internet connections, mobile
        phones, etc.).

    ·    Carry out countrywide civic education, particularly through the introduction of human rights in the
        school curriculum, to enhance the appreciation of the activities of human rights defenders.

Falling Whistles is addressing both of these needs through our rehabilitation programs and partnerships with Congolese envisioned and led organizations.

    ·    We are currently supporting the improvement of communications infrastructures for our partner
        organization, including an internet connection, computer, cellular phones, and air time. These
        invaluable tools are critical in the efficient implementation of programs and in facilitating frequent
        communication between our partners and Falling Whistles.

    ·    We are in the preliminary stages of introducing human rights education into the curriculum of our
        rehabilitation programs. This training will teach the children their inherent value and the power of
        their individual voice, as well as their basic rights as a human being.

The protection of human rights defenders is an issue that Falling Whistles is deeply committed to, and it is our hope to continue to work collaboratively with these whistleblowers towards peace in Congo.