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#HakiConf2023 in a nutshell!

The fourth edition of the annual HakiConf, the “Conference on Human Rights in the Digital Age in the DRC”, under the main theme “Preserving Digital Rights During the Electoral Period in the DRC“, was held in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, from 14 to 15 November 2023. Organised by Rudi International in partnership with Small Media and APC, this conference brought together experts and key stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities related to digital rights in the election context. The event was divided into six captivating sessions spanning over two days.

The first day kicked off with a session on the legal framework in the digital age, highlighting challenges and opportunities. Speakers reviewed the existing legal framework in the DRC, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in order to adapt to the rapid evolution of digital technologies. The second session addressed the crucial role of digital technologies in reducing fake news, hate speech and manipulation during the election period. Participants, including experts, journalists, lawyers, and ordinary citizens, explored how digital technologies can be used to combat these issues and promote a peaceful electoral process in the DRC. The third session, entirely online, was devoted to the strategic litigation on Internet shutdown. It provided a platform for previously trained lawyers to discuss the challenges and opportunities of engaging in legal actions aimed at countering internet shutdowns and protecting digital rights.

The second day kicked off with a thought-provoking session on preparing lawyers for the digital age in the DRC. Participants assessed whether the legal industry was sufficiently prepared to deal with ever-changing digital challenges. The fifth session explored the challenges of the press in the digital age, focusing on the migration or adaptation of media in the face of digital transformations. The discussions highlighted the crucial role of the press and media in this transition and the challenges they face. The sixth and final session was marked by the official presentation of the report entitled “The legal liability of telecom companies in the event of internet shutdowns in the DRC“. The results of the research were presented, followed by an enriching Q&A session. It should be noted that this report was produced with the financial support of the Business and Human Rights Center.

In total, nearly 200 participants attended the conference, about 100 each day, who actively participated in the discussions and asked relevant questions to the panelists. Discussions focused on topics such as telecommunications legislation, the protection of consumer rights and policy advocacy for better consideration of digital rights.

In conclusion, Mr. Arsène Tungali, Executive Director of Rudi International, closed the 4th edition of the Haki conference by inviting participants to support the fight for a country that pays respect for citizen’s digital rights. This conference made it possible to raise awareness of the importance of knowing one’s digital rights and to be actively involved in their defense, both individually and collectively.

Side events at HakiConf2023

Some preliminary activities were organized on the sidelines of the conference, including: the 2nd training session for legal professionals who joined the Network of Congolese Lawyers on Digital Rights launched in 2021 and managed by Rudi International. It was held from November 12 to 13, 2023, in partnership with Small Media.

In partnership with AIDPROFEN on 13 November, an awareness-raising session for women candidates in the December 2023 elections was also held on the responsible use of social media during the election campaign with an introduction to digital security. These two activities added a special touch to this edition of HakiConf ; participants to these activities were invited to take part in the main conference that followed!