Honouring those who risk their lives for others

"Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world." Universal Declaration of Human Rights

On June 2, 2010 the body of Mr. Floribert Chebeya Bahizire was found in his abandoned car on the outskirts of Kinshasa, DR Congo. His last known whereabouts while alive was at the Office of then Chief of Police Mr. John Numbi who had called for a meeting with Mr. Chebeya on June 1st.

Although Mr. Numbi was suspended following a Military Inquiry, he was never formally charged. In fact, he testified as a 'witness' during the trial at which time he denied any such meeting had even taken place. Impunity reigns for those in high-levels of power.

Instead, lower ranking officers, although likely responsible on some level be-it on the commands of another, have been charged and convicted.

Mr. Chebeya was the Executive Director of Voix des Sans Voix (Voice for the Voiceless) and an honourable member and founder of the Movement for Democracy. He was a prominent opposition force against the terror of the Mobutu regime and continued his work until his death, nearly 3 decades of dedication to defending the rights of many.

The DRC could be regarded in some ways as 'hell on earth'. The illegitimate dictatorships that have ruined the country have reeked havoc on the population virtually since independence. Figures of as many as 6.5 million people have been murdered and millions more displaced in the past few decades alone in the DRC. Entire generations have grown up knowing nothing but the chaos and distruction of civil war.

Mr. Chebeya stood strong against the perpetrators of vial injustice. Mr. Chebeya lost his life for the cause.

Others around the world continue to fight to protect and defend fundamental human rights.

I urge you to join the struggle.

In the words of Mr. Gabriel Mugaruka, Human Rights Defender from the Congo
"We believe that one day Human Rights Defenders will work freely in DRC and around the globe"

Until then, be safe, be prepared, but never give up. Be the voice to the voiceless.

In honour of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire 1963-2010