The commemoration of the national day of tribute to victims of conflict-related sexual violence, called “Genocost”, will be held in Congo this Wednesday, August 2, 2023. The National Fund for Reparations for Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Victims of crimes against the peace and security of humanity (FONAREV) calls for the mobilization of both national and international opinion to mark this event.
In a press release, FONAREV encourages all Congolese to come together in a spirit of national solidarity to deal with this problem affecting the country. The institution invites the Congolese population to participate in a collective commemoration which will take place at the Place des Évolués in Gombe, at the Victoire roundabout in the commune of Kalamu and at the Reinforced concrete wall in the commune of Mont-Ngafula, from 6 p.m. At 20 o ‘clock. An official ceremony is also planned at the OUA city from 10 am to 12 noon.
The objective of this annual commemoration day is to pay tribute to the victims of conflict-related sexual violence and other crimes against the peace and security of humanity in the DRC. It is also about honoring the people who gave them assistance. FONAREV encourages the commitment of all to support the victims and build a more united and just future for the country.
FONAREV, created under a decree and a law promulgated by the President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi, is responsible for supporting access to justice, reparation, empowerment and community recovery of victims and of their successors in title, as well as guarantees of non-repetition.
This commemoration is an opportunity to raise public awareness of the extent of conflict-related sexual violence in the DRC and to recall the importance of fighting against this form of extreme violence. It also highlights the work of FONAREV and the various structures working to provide assistance and reparation to victims.
The mobilization of national and international opinion is essential to advance the fight against sexual violence linked to conflicts and to support victims in their process of healing and reparation. By coming together and showing their solidarity, Congolese can contribute to a profound change in the country’s history and to the construction of a more just and peaceful future.
It is important that everyone becomes aware of the impact of this violence on the victims and undertakes to act to put an end to this serious violation of human rights. The commemoration of the national day of tribute to the victims of sexual violence linked to conflicts is an important step in this fight and in the recognition of the suffering endured by many people in the DRC