Kinshasa, 20 April 2010 - The fight against sexual violence and the reign of impunity are a growing concern for the United Nations. During her official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), made from 12 to 18 April 2010, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sexual Violence in Conflict, Margot Wallström, reiterated the Security Council's commitment to continuing and full implementation of all its resolutions relating to this issue.
In a press conference held in Kinshasa on Monday, 19 April, Ms Wallstrom stressed that impunity and armed conflict must be brought to an end if the DRC is to effectively combat sexual violence. "The fight against impunity is of fundamental importance for ending sexual violence, and [assuring] assistance to victims must remain a priority, ", said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General.
During her stay, Ms Wallström received enough information about the evolution of the situation regarding sexual violence on the ground. "This trip was for me a listening exercise, to gain a better sense of the actions undertaken in the context of the fight against sexual violence, listen to victims as well as actors of this fight at the local level, and offer my services to the authorities of the DRC, "she summarized.
The Special Representative met the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Human Rights, the Minister of Gender, Family and Children, the Deputy Prime Minister for the Interior, the Inspector General of the National Police, the Presidents of the National Assembly and Senate, as well as women parliamentarians. Key issues discussed included: the extent of sexual violence and its causes; the means of combatting impunity; implementation of the law on sexual violence; the role of the police and the legal system; awareness-building education; training for the police and army; assistance for victims of sexual violence; the national strategy to address sexual violence; and the role of the UN system and governmental partners.
Progress and Concerns
Without going into the details of these discussions, Ms Wallström noted that some progress has been made in the fight against sexual violence in the DRC, notably with the adoption, by the Congolese Parliament, of the law on sexual violence and the identification of perpetrators of rape.
The Special Representative expressed concern over the many challenges still facing the process for security sector, justice sector, and judicial system reform. "In speaking with legal clinics, the police's special force, and civil society organisations, I found out that women are underrepresented in the judiciary. I have noted widespread corruption affecting access to justice, and the logistical challenges of reaching remote communities with education and awareness campaigns, "Ms Wallström said.
Hope
The UN Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict however noted with satisfaction "the commitment expressed by the police, judicial experts, hospital staff, and specialised NGOs to assist women victims of sexual violence". Ms Wallström also said that, while advocating to the governor of North Kivu province and the vice-Governor of South Kivu, she had noted the same determination on their part. "I have noted the importance of the provincial authorities' leadership in dealing with the issue of sexual violence, including assistance for victims," she said.
This was Ms Wallström's first visit to the DRC. But, as she had explained to her Congolese interlocutors, her mission as Special Representative for Sexual Violence is to address not only the situation of sexual violence and conflict in the DRC, but situations in all conflict-affected countries around the world.
She recalled that the UN Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security, and that as such, the Council remains firmly resolved to continue to address the widespread impact of armed conflict on civilian populations, including especially conflict-related sexual violence.