After years of conflict, the DRC has since 2002 been going through a process of transition. This process – supervised by the United Nations (MONUC) – involves reunification of the country, disarmament and integration of armed groups, and elections. While some progress has been made, corruption, armed violence and lawlessness are still the order of the day in many parts of the country. In November 2005, Front Line carried out a mission in the DRC in order to research the extent to which the EU guidelines for the protection of human rights defenders are being implemented in the country, especially with respect to Eastern DRC, one-and-a-half years after their adoption. The mission was also undertaken in order to formulate recommendations to the EU to improve support and protection for HRD's. This report is a result of this mission. 
