Tribute to victims of conflict-related sexual violence and crimes against the peace and security of humanity
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 will remain a significant date for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which celebrated the first National Day of Tribute to Victims of Sexual Violence Related to Conflicts and Crimes Against the Peace and Security of Humanity, baptized GENOCOST. This event organized by FONAREV (National Victims Reparation Fund) was an opportunity for the presidential couple to pay tribute to all those people who suffered from such atrocities.
The day began with the inauguration of a memorial dedicated to the victims in several major cities of the country, including Bunia, Goma, Matadi, Kananga, Kisangani and Kinshasa. President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and his wife were the first to gather in front of these places of memory, thus paying tribute to all the victims who tragically lost their lives or were traumatized by sexual violence linked to the conflicts.
The President’s speech on that day was filled with compassion and determination. Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi expressed his regret to the victims for the suffering they endured and assured them that they would no longer be alone. He also shared an excerpt from the book of Isaiah, urging survivors to find strength in the light to come.
The Congolese President stressed the importance of reparation action for victims, insisting that there must be no hesitation in implementing FONAREV. He saluted all the experts and actors who contributed to the creation of this fund and particularly mentioned the commitment of his wife, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, in this fight for justice and reparation.
On this day of commemoration, several interventions also highlighted the importance of justice for victims of sexual violence. The Minister of Human Rights, Albert Fabrice Puela, underlined that reparation and compensation for victims are not only the business of the President or of FONAREV, but concern all of Congolese society.
The director general of FONAREV, Lucien Lundula, recalled that the DRC, once considered the world capital of rape because of its use as a weapon of war, is now becoming the world capital of reparations. He stressed the importance of national solidarity to offer victims support, recognition of their rights and guarantee of the non-recurrence of these crimes.
In conclusion, this first day of tribute to the victims of conflict-related sexual violence in the DRC was a poignant moment of recognition and support for all those people who have suffered terrible trauma.. FONAREV and the commitment of the presidential couple testify to the country’s desire to deal with this problem and to provide reparation and justice to the victims.