- Programme : Maîtrise en droit (LL.M.), option avec cours, sans concentration
- Rentrée : automne 2026 — début des études le 1er septembre 2026
- Régime : temps plein
- Statut : admis et actuellement inscrit à l’Université d’Ottawa
- Bourse : exonération partielle des droits de scolarité de 16 500 dollars par année, sous réserve des conditions applicables
Technology, Human Rights and Community Resilience
Strengthening Disaster Preparedness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Texte original en anglais1Introduction
Good morning, distinguished participants, respected organizers, ladies and gentlemen.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to this discussion. My name is Mbiye Kalumbu Trésor. I am a legal scholar, researcher and Assistant Professor at Université CEPROMAD in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
My presentation examines the relationship between technology, human rights and community resilience, with a particular focus on disaster preparedness in the DRC.
My main argument is that technology should do more than detect danger. It should help people receive reliable information, make informed decisions and protect their lives and dignity. In other words, technology is most valuable when it strengthens the ability of communities to act.
2Disaster preparedness in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces a range of natural hazards and humanitarian challenges. These include floods, landslides, volcanic risks and other emergencies that can affect homes, livelihoods, public services and community safety.
Yet the impact of a disaster is not determined only by the hazard itself. It is also shaped by whether people receive information in time, whether that information is clear, whether institutions coordinate effectively and whether communities have the resources to respond.
In some locations, communication networks may be limited, information may not reach everyone, and people may not know where to seek reliable guidance. The consequences can be especially serious for children, older persons, persons with disabilities, women and households with limited resources.
This is why disaster preparedness should not be treated only as a technical or emergency-management issue. It is also connected to human rights: protecting life, dignity, equality and access to information.
3The role of accessible technology
Accessible technology can help address some of these challenges. Early warning information can be shared through SMS messages, telephone calls and community radio. Digital maps can help identify areas exposed to particular hazards. Information-sharing tools can support communication between public authorities, humanitarian organizations, universities, civil society and local communities.
However, the existence of a digital tool does not automatically make a community safer. A warning is useful only if it reaches the people concerned, arrives early enough, is understood and explains what action people should take.
Imagine, for example, a community receiving a flood warning. The message should be sent through more than one channel. It should use clear language, identify the area concerned and provide practical guidance on where people can find help or move to safety. Community leaders and local organizations can help relay the message to people who may not have a phone or internet access.
This illustrates an important principle: technology should complement local knowledge and existing communication networks, not replace them. Solutions must be affordable, reliable and adapted to the realities of each community.
4Human rights and the protection of dignity
From a legal and human rights perspective, I would highlight four principles.
First, inclusion.Systems should be designed so that people who are most exposed to risks are not left behind. This includes people with disabilities, people living in remote areas and those without reliable digital access.
Second, reliability and accountability.Public warnings should be accurate, timely and understandable. Institutions should communicate clearly about risks and responsibilities.
Third, privacy and data protection.Digital systems may collect location or personal information. Such information should be collected only when necessary and handled responsibly, with appropriate safeguards.
Fourth, participation.Communities should not be viewed only as recipients of assistance. Residents have local knowledge about their environment and should be involved in identifying risks, designing warning messages and evaluating whether solutions work.
These principles remind us that innovation should be assessed not only by technical performance, but also by its contribution to dignity, equality, trust and meaningful protection.
5Five practical recommendations
I would like to put forward five practical recommendations.
- First, combine digital tools with traditional channels, especially community radio, telephone networks and trusted local information channels.
- Second, strengthen cooperation among public authorities, universities, humanitarian organizations, civil society and community representatives. Preparedness requires coordination before an emergency occurs.
- Third, integrate human rights, accessibility and data protection into the design and implementation of technology from the beginning.
- Fourth, invest in training and public awareness. People need to know how to interpret warnings, where to obtain verified information and what steps they can take.
- Fifth, evaluate results regularly. It is not enough to count how many alerts were sent. We should ask whether the intended people received them, understood them and were able to act.
These recommendations are achievable only through sustained cooperation and attention to local priorities.
6Conclusion
Ladies and gentlemen, the challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo show that disaster preparedness is not simply a matter of technology. It is also a matter of governance, human rights, community participation, solidarity and public trust.
Technology can strengthen resilience when it is accessible, responsible and shaped around the real needs of people. Communities must be able not only to receive information, but also to understand it and use it to protect themselves.
Let me conclude with one central message: effective technology reaches people at risk, enables timely action and protects their dignity.
Resilience begins when innovation serves human life. Thank you very much for your attention. I will be pleased to answer your questions.