Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday reported that Perenco, the sole oil producer in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is using in production methods that pose grave health and environmental threats to local communities. HRW Central Africa director Lewis Mudge stated: “The Congolese government transparency on oil pollution levels to meet its obligations to uphold the right to health and to fully enforce its laws. The authorities should acknowledge the threat to people’s health in oil concession areas, immediately report on pollution levels, and act to reduce population exposure.” Oil and gas production in the DRC has caused severe health problems for residents such as respiratory illness, dizziness, and crop failure. In the report, HRW indicated that one glaring issue is the lack of regular monitoring of environmental conditions in the region.