Boldly Defending Human Rights. Member Spotlight: Gabriel Mugaruka
Gabriel Mugaruka is a dedicated human rights defender with over 25 years of experience. Born and raised in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gabriel has experienced the devastating impact of violence and conflict on vulnerable communities. Due to its natural wealth in resources, the eastern part of the DRC became a war zone. “I grew up seeing war every single day in my childhood. There was no peace.”
Gabriel’s home region’s mining, oil, and natural resource richness made it a target for exploitation, competition, and destruction. Multinational corporations exploit these mineral-rich areas, stealing resources and leaving destruction in their wake. Clashing groups create violent conflict when competing for resources. Gabriel explains that several rebel groups forcibly displace families from their homes, which are often located on land considered rich in valuable resources. Families who resist forced desertion of their homes, Gabriel explains, risk death. This injustice pushed Gabriel towards action. His journey as a human rights defender began locally until his government made him a target. He was viewed as the opposition–a threat who was allegedly trying to incite violence.
Education and Call to Action
Gabriel completed his primary and secondary education in the eastern part of the DRC. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science and administration from the Université Officielle de Bukavu (Official University of Bukavu), also located in the eastern part of the Congo near the border of Rwanda, in 2004. His undergraduate studies were conducted entirely in French, which Gabriel views as his mother tongue. As I will address in later sections, Gabriel’s multilingualism is a facet of his identity that has profoundly impacted his experience as a mediator. Gabriel greatly values his education and has used it to confront the conflict he experienced in his community. “I have to study something that can both help myself as well as the community,” he recalls. Gabriel asked himself what area of focus would allow him to influence the trajectory of violence and disagreement in his country, and the answer was simple. In studying political science and entering the sphere of policymaking and advocacy, Gabriel would be able to ignite change. After graduating from the Université Officielle de Bukavu, Gabriel worked with civil society organizations, eventually being nominated as General Secretary for one of them.
“Seeing myself at the center of numerous civil society organizations working to stop killings and cease the outbreak of war peacefully––using our voices, using our words, using a radio, and other nonviolent tools––was very meaningful to me. We want a peaceful country. We are human beings, and we need to be treated equally.”
Facing Danger as a Human Rights Defender
As a leader, Gabriel voluntarily exposed himself to dangerous circumstances and heightened situations of conflict. While working with Amnesty International, Gabriel witnessed firsthand the extent of conflict and violence on the front line. He worked with Amnesty International to halt mass killings, resource exploitation, and violations of the rights of the land’s indigenous inhabitants. Gabriel has jeopardized his safety countless times for the sake of amplifying community voices and pushing for change. “I was the voice of the voiceless, trying to advocate for their rights.” The consequences of representing struggling populations, however, were not mild. Due to his actions as an advocate of change, Gabriel was arrested and brutalized multiple times and labelled as a rebel. Despite these arrests, Gabriel emphasizes, “I am a peaceful man. I carry no weapons, and I use no force. My pen and my voice are my most powerful weapons, and they will bring me peace one day.” Gabriel used mediation to free himself from these situations.
Establishing the HRDS Network
In 2008, Gabriel left the DRC and moved to Uganda, where he continued doing work as a human rights defender. There, Gabriel was confronted with the challenge of the immense refugee influx into Uganda. A large majority of incoming refugees lacked critical information regarding their new place of settlement. Without the necessary resources, some refugees were unable to secure sustainable livelihoods or have their rights protected. Seeing the consequences of neglected refugees, Gabriel established his organization, the Uganda-based Human Rights Defender Solidarity Network (HDRS Network).
HRDS Network’s mission is to recognize and support refugees, particularly exiled human rights defenders, and uphold their rights in host countries. When granted refuge in a host country, refugees are ensured treatment as if they are a citizen of that country. Thus, their rights must be protected. The HRDS Network focuses on educating refugees about understanding their basic human rights in their host country, and ensuring they understand the breadth of enjoyment of these rights. This human rights education promotes awareness as well as autonomy. Language education and empowerment play a vital role in preparing refugees for integration. The HRDS Network built a language center where refugees can learn English and other regional languages of Uganda, equipping them with skills to secure jobs and support their families. Additionally, the organization provides vocational services and training that prepare individuals with valuable hard skills for employment.
Equality and Peace in the Family, and Among Strangers
While working with refugees, Gabriel recognized the sensitive dynamics within families and the negative impact of neglecting women’s rights, education and autonomy. “We can go into the family and initiate peace by combating issues of gender. The majority of women are denied access to education. They need to remember that they are human beings who are born equally, so you should treat the children, too, as equals. We must give boys and girls the same education because they are the leaders of tomorrow. Women must be given education so that tomorrow, they know how to support themselves.” The HRDS Network employs holistic approaches to combat issues of gender-based violence within families. They also work with families to educate women about what their rights are not only as citizens but also within their own families. The organization also operates a center for women where women can report dangerous experiences, as well as a hospital to support childbirth and other health needs for women.
Gabriel has stood against Uganda’s anti-homosexuality bill, which incited hatred and instilled fear among the homosexual population. “As a human rights activist, I could not allow this hatred to come into the community. We cannot ignore individuals based on their personal decisions. We mobilized people to love each other.”
As an exiled human rights defender himself, Gabriel understands the depth and gravity of aiding asylum seekers and creating networks for those defending the rights of others. Today, Gabriel remains the coordinator of the HRDS Network, working with exiled human rights defenders. He emphasizes that a major gap in human rights work is the lack of support and security for defenders.
Environmental Advocacy
One of Gabriel’s current projects promotes environmental awareness among refugees and reduces footprints of environmental damage in refugee settlements. This project emerged from Gabriel’s own experience in the 1990s when his community was entirely deforested to accommodate refugees. Today, the land is completely eroded and uninhabitable due to the damage of refugee disruption. Gabriel now advocates for environmental awareness and has founded the Canada House of Resilience Society, supporting incoming refugees in Canada. “We’re giving them support in terms of language; providing transportation and understanding public transportation systems; documentation and employment; and adapting to changes like harsh winters.”
The Role of Language in Mediation
Language plays a vital role in Gabriel’s approach to mediation and connection in times of conflict. As a French teacher at Kabojja International School in Uganda and a French Extended Learning Instructor at the University of British Columbia, Gabriel understands the power of communication in fostering peace among his students. “Once you communicate clearly, once you bring people together to participate in a dialogue, you achieve peace.”
Goals for the Future and Advice for New Mediators
Gabriel’s goal is to improve his communication skills and continue advocating for the voiceless. He also aims to address food insecurity, a root cause of conflict. His favourite part of mediation is meeting and engaging with new people. When asked to share advice for new mediators, Gabriel emphasizes the importance of preparation and adaptability.
“They have to learn, first of all, the skills of mediation. It is not easy communicating with people and being with different types of people. You have to come prepared with different strategies for those you are trying to help to accept you for who you are, and then you can continue your work. Otherwise, they will not give you a chance to communicate with them.”
Gabriel plays a pivotal role in the development and protection of human rights in marginalized communities worldwide. His work reminds us that peace begins within. “If you do not have peace within yourself, you cannot say you are going to create peace with others.”
Article by Sarah Stenovec, MBBI Writer