Jean François Mombia Atuku
Jean François Mombia Atuku is the President of Réseau d'Information et d'Appui aux ONGs en République Démocratique du Congo – Information and Support Network for NGOs in the Democratic Republic of Congo (RIAO), an umbrella organisation that brings together several dozen NGOs and farmer associations located in various provinces of the country. The aim of this network is to strengthen the capacities of its members, whilst acting as their representative in their dealings with different actors, including the media. Since its creation in 2006, RIAO has been particularly active in the defence of land and resource rights in rural areas of DRC.
HRDs in the Democratic Republic of Congo are at risk of killings, threats, intimidation and judicial harassment. The risks are especially acute for WHRDs and HRDs working on land and environmental rights who are often seen as a threat to economic interests.
