AFIA-FEV | Struggle against light arms

AFIA-FEV is aware that firearms are used in rape as well as other kinds of violence done to women. More than 75% of all the small arms in the world belong to individuals - most of them are men. For women, the greatest risk of armed violence is in their own home and the perpetrator is often a spouse or partner. If there exist a weapon in the house, women have a three times higher risk of dying violently. For every woman killed or physically injured by firearms, many are threatened.

AFIA-FEV is part of the IANSA-network, International Action Network on Small Arms. In co-operation with IANSA, AFIA-FEV has been fighting the proliferation of small arms.

In June 2009 we were active in the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence. We informed and raised awareness among street children, students and employees of local companies of the dangers of small arms.

We also encouraged our national leaders to ratify the United Nation's Arms Trade Treaty, which is an effective way to decrease small weapons. A strong Arms Trade Treaty prevent weapons being transferred to the States in humanitarian crisis and prevent violations of international humanitarian law.

Beatrice Kabamba:

The epidemic of gun violence cannot be addressed by any country acting alone: a global preventive measure is necessary. Democratic Republic of Congo has a great opportunity to influence global human security and reduce suffering around the world.

IANSA has been pressing for the spouses and partners are consulted before a license for possession of weapon is granted, as a way to protect the women.

Semy Ntamwira Kasigwa:

This week is an opportunity for the government to announce its support for strong and effective standards to disarm domestic violence. With many people especially women suffering from gun violence in our country, there is no time to lose.

AFIA-FEV worked together with PEDER on the 16th of June 2009 to raise awareness of small arms among children that live in the streets of Bukavu regarding small arms.

AFIA-FEV also took part in the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence 2008. We called attention to the government's responsibility to invest more in the destruction of weapons during an interview on Radio Maendeleo on 8 June 2008. We also promoted the need for safe storage of weapons held by the police and army, even when they are off duty. AFIA-FEV raised the need for more patrols and curfews to improve security. Read more here (in French).

24 November 2007 We also took part in the 'Day Against Rape', in the presence of First Lady Madame Olive Lembe Kabila and ambassadors from France, Sweden, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Germany, UK, USA and the EU.

AFIA-FEV is engaged in educate village people about consequences and dangers which surround light guns movement phenomenon. Therefore, AFIA-FEV organized different training session in ecclesiastical communities in the area of Bukavu.