Trainings in the Democratic Republic of Congo strengthen human rights respect by the Mining Police around extractive sites

The South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is known for its artisanal gold extraction and presence of armed groups. Police officers encounter serious operational and institutional challenges, due in part to limited equipment, resources, training, or misconduct.

As part of a project on improving human rights-compliant security provision around extractive sites, DCAF supported Congolese partners to deliver a training for the Mining Police in Bukavu, South Kivu, from 4-8 March 2024. Using a Training-of-Trainers’ approach (ToT) and building upon a pilot organized in Lubumbashi in November 2023, the ToT strengthened the capacities of 16 Mining Police officers on how to carry out their duties on mining sites without violating human rights and in accordance with national law and international norms and good practices.

Supported by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this ToT was organized in partnership with provincial and national police authorities and observed by a high-ranking officer of the General Directorate of Schools and Training (DGEF). As an immediate next step, the 16 officers undertook a follow-up training of 25 of their peers, from 11-12 March. DCAF’s partners will monitor the impact of the training and initiate roundtables with local authorities and the Police General Commissioner to support strengthened ownership and appropriation of trainings on security and human rights.

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