The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, met the United Nations Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict and Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, Pramila PATTEN, on official mission in the DRC. According to reports received from experts on the ground, the worrying situation of internally displaced persons caused by the deadly activism of the Rwandan army with their auxiliary M23 exacerbates gender-based violence among women and young girls in the camps of the moved. The latter are subject to GBV in an environment where overcrowding, lack of lighting and insecurity around collective centers and accommodation sites provide a fertile ground for these acts.
Pramila PATTEN and Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI examined the situation of children born of rape, as well as the phenomenon of sexual exploitation of girls which is growing in the East of the country. The Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations has proposed to the First Lady of the DRC to make the framework for the prevention of sexual violence launched last year a pilot project. The two personalities also discussed the urgency of strengthening measures to protect civilians, in particular victims of GBV, and the application of decrees ordering the closure of licensed houses in the city of Goma.
The First Lady, known for her commitment to victims of GBV, was very receptive to proposals. She promised to advocate with decision-makers for coordinated action by all local actors to act in a coordinated manner under the leadership of the government. Pramila PATTEN for her part encouraged the First Lady for her efforts in the fight against sexual violence in the DRC.
In sum, the discussions between First Lady Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI and the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations Pramila PATTEN on the situation of women and young girls in the camps for the displaced focused on urgent measures to prevent gender-based sexual violence. gender. The two personalities expressed their determination to strengthen the protection of victims of GBV and to positively influence the dynamics of the actors concerned.