AFIA-FEV | Sexual violence

The city of Bukavu, in the Eastern Congo, and its' surroundings are by many measures a beautiful site - placed by the Kivu lake and the fertile hills. But the area has for many years been plagued by a storm of sexual violence hitting the women and children. The main reason is the ongoing conflict between different militias that has been active for decades, often taking place in the country side where the civilians have no protection. The result is young girls as well as wives being victims of revolting acts of violence in general and sexual violence in particular. John Holmes, the United Nations under secretary general for humanitarian affairs, stated that "The sexual violence in Congo is the worst in the world".

Our investigations have proved that most Congolese women are victims of sexual rape in addition to other kinds of violence perpetrated by gunfighters. The consequences of violence against women including undesirable birth, HIV/AIDS, trauma and death. Rape survivors are also usually rejected by their husband and furthermore abandoned by the society. Their plight climaxes on the fact that, homeless, they are obliged to move from their villages in the country side to big cities or towns where they hope to feel more secure. But having no means to face the towns daily life challenges, they are doomed to roam streets begging or simply become prostitutes with all risks of HIV contamination. That is why we wanted to help them.

The problem of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is well documented, and by any standards horrendous. Concerted action to counter it is clearly needed. Many different factors play a role in the perpetuation of the crisis, including on the broadest level the ongoing insecurity in the east and the need to develop a more properly functioning Congolese state. But for many observers, the core underlying issue is one of impunity. Without the ability to hold perpetrators to account and assert the rule of law, sexual violence will continue even if fighting does not. Achieving these aims is to a good degree a matter of developing and reforming the institutions of the justice and security sectors, but to do so will require considerable political will and a coordinated effort on all sides. (Read more about it here)

On the picture above you can see AFIA-FEV taking part in the International Women's day on 8 March 2009.

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.