Bunia, 23 June 2012 – The Justice Support section of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), in collaboration with the authorities of the Ituri district, Province Orientale, organized an open day in Bunia on 23 June 2012 to help restore state authority in this region.

Indeed, for some time now, judicial authorities have intensified investigations and mobile court hearings to show citizens that abuses and other offences will now be met with a tougher response. This was an opportunity to demonstrate to the public that a stronger focus was now placed on the protection of the most vulnerable members of the population, and also that there was a need to support the Congolese government in its efforts to restore a stronger rule of law.

MONUSCO's intention is to help restore the good image of the local justice system regarded by many citizens as « inaccessible », « distant » and even « repressive ». The aim of the open day was, therefore, to get the citizens of this constituency better acquainted with their justice system.

At the end of the day, the participants expressed their wish to see more opportunities of this kind organized in their district.

Amadou Maïga/ MONUSCO