Kinshasa, December 11, 2025 (ACP).– The organization of the 2025 “Julienne Lusenge” award illustrates the government’s desire to recognize the actions of human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo, said the Congolese Prime Minister during a ceremony in Kinshasa, the capital, according to a statement consulted by the CPA on Thursday. “The organization of the 2025 Julienne Lusenge Award illustrates the government’s desire to recognize, promote, and encourage the actions of human rights defenders throughout the country,” said Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, quoted in the press release. The head of government specified that this recognition is in line with the vision of the President of the Republic, who places human rights at the center of public policy, before referring to the law of June 15th, 2023, on the protection and responsibility of human rights defenders, considered a major step forward. “I reaffirm the government’s firm commitment to fully implement it through the development of enforcement measures, the establishment of reporting mechanisms, and the strengthening of partnerships,” she reassured.
The Government for the respect of fundamental rights
In addition, the Minister in charge of Human Rights, Samuel Mbemba, reiterated his ministry’s commitment to promoting respect for fundamental rights in all sectors. “We must protect human rights in the DRC. Employers must respect the rights of workers in their companies, because workers deserve all the benefits they are entitled to,” he said. For his part, Raphaël Lumo, representing the winners, called on the government to incorporate the Julienne Lusenge Award into its program in order to encourage other defenders to continue their commitment each year. “Human rights are everyone’s duty,” he said. The 2025 edition honored five (5) winners whose actions have had a particular impact on the defense of human rights in the DRC. They are Ms. Abongolu Balanga Feza, Ms. Furah Irène, Ms. Furah Mushigo Anne, Ms. Katonga Gentille, and Mr. Lumo Musengezi Raphaël. Julienne Lusenge is a former journalist who has distinguished herself since the 1990s through her commitment to documenting sexual violence against women in eastern DRC. The award is named after her in tribute to her actions in defense of human rights in the DRC.
Co-founder of the NGO Sofepadi and the Fund for Congolese Women, Ms. Lusenge has provided medical, psychosocial, legal, and economic support to thousands of survivors of sexual violence. ACP/