In response to the U.S. government-facilitated agreement signed today by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda, which aims to bring peace to the conflict-affected region of eastern DRC, the following statement is attributable to Sam Zarifi, JD, executive director at Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which has worked in […]

On June 19, the international community marks the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict – a day to honor the strength of survivors and recommit to the pursuit of justice and healing. This year’s theme, “The Intergenerational Impact of Sexual Violence” calls global attention to the profound and enduring harm inflicted […]

Read about the impact of Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) in the United States and around the world in our 2024 Annual Report.

Les efforts annoncés par l’administration Trump pour faciliter un accord de paix entre le Rwanda et la République démocratique du Congo (RDC), doivent privilégier la responsabilité et la justice pour les survivant-e-s et les victimes de ce conflit de longue date, a déclaré aujourd’hui Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).  Une première « déclaration de principes […]

The Trump administration’s reported efforts to facilitate a peace accord between Rwanda and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) must prioritize accountability and justice for survivors and victims of the long-running conflict, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) said today.   An initial “declaration of principles” between DRC and Rwanda published by the U.S. State Department is […]

The Trump administration’s executive order to freeze U.S. foreign aid for 90 days has halted the supply of lifesaving medical care to populations facing rising conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) including survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, said Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).  The order was issued as the M23 militia moves […]

In response to mounting conflict and the M23 militia seizing additional cities and towns in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the following statement is attributable to Karen Naimer, JD, director of programs at Physicians for Human Rights (PHR):  “Health and humanitarian workers and facilities are under assault in eastern DRC as M23 forces […]

In response to the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the following quote is attributable to Sam Zarifi, JD, executive director of PHR:  “Civilians in DRC are again caught between regional rivals fighting for power and mineral resources, and hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced in recent weeks alone, […]

In armed conflicts around the world, sexual violence is perpetrated at an alarming rate – including against children. Multiple challenges limit evidence collection, preventing accountability for sexual violence. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Physicians for Human Rights and our partners are supporting child survivors of sexual violence through the creation of child-friendly spaces. […]

PHR fights for justice for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and empowers the clinicians that support them.

The escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has caused a “massive influx” of widespread sexual violence perpetrated by the DRC military, armed groups associated with neighboring countries, United Nations (UN) peacekeepers, and community members, according to a new report published today by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR).   This widespread […]

La recrudescence du conflit dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) a provoqué un « afflux massif » de violences sexuelles de grande ampleur, perpétrées par des militaires de la RDC, des groupes armés associés aux pays voisins, des forces de maintien de la paix de l’ONU et des membres des communautés, selon […]

Health care workers in DRC have reported a “massive influx of cases” of conflict-related sexual violence among adults and children.

Child-rights experts from Physicians for Human Rights are collaborating with clinicians at HEAL Africa to care for thousands of people displaced by conflict in North Kivu, including children who suffered sexual violence. 

PHR submissions to the Fourth Cycle, 47th Session of the Human Rights Council (4 – 15 November, 2024): Submission for Universal Periodic Review of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Submission for Universal Periodic Review of Ethiopia

The bombing of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today shows the urgent need for international and national action to protect civilians during the escalating conflict, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) said today.  “Today’s bombing of internally displaced persons camps has once again has put Congolese civilians […]

“If any of you worry about the issues that are going on in the world as you listen to the news every day and you feel somewhat powerless because the problems, the fractures, are too large and too many, I think you and I can take comfort that PHR is playing its part everywhere in […]

The 55th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva concluded last week. Headed by PHR’s Executive Director Sam Zarifi, JD, LLM, the PHR delegation included Christian De Vos, JD, PhD, director of research and investigations, and Uliana Poltavets, Ukraine emergency response coordinator. The team presented several interventions before the Council, partnered […]

Rape is a horrifying reality for all too many women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where decades of conflict have produced one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, and where cultural norms and weak institutions have worked together to largely silence survivors of these devastating crimes. […]

Alors que le conflit dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo (RDC) continue de s’intensifier, le partenaire médical de Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), HEAL Africa, fournit des soins intensifs aux survivants des violences sexuelles et sexistes. Nous avons échangé avec HEAL Africa pour en savoir plus sur la fourniture des services des soins […]

As the conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to escalate, PHR medical partner HEAL Africa is providing intensive care to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

Alors que le conflit violent et les déplacements massifs s’intensifient dans la province du Nord-Kivu, dans l’est de la République démocratique du Congo, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) appelle toutes les parties au conflit à protéger les civils se trouvant dans les zones de combat, à respecter le droit international humanitaire et à assurer l’assistance […]

As violent conflict and mass displacement escalates in the North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) calls on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians caught in the crossfire, abide by international humanitarian law, and ensure assistance to displaced people.   “The deteriorating situation in […]

Alors que les élections présidentielles commencent aujourd’hui en République démocratique du Congo (RDC), Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) lance un appel à tous les acteurs pour empêcher une nouvelle escalade de la violence et de la crise humanitaire dans le pays.  « Les enjeux pour les élections en RDC ne pourraient pas être des plus […]

As presidential elections begin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) today, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) redoubles its call on all actors to prevent further escalation of violence and the humanitarian crisis in the country.   “The stakes for the DRC’s elections couldn’t be higher. Conflict in eastern Congo has already left almost […]