The roaming of the delegation of the national fund for the reparation of victims of conflict-related sexual violence and crimes against the peace and security of humanity (FONAREV) in the provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo raises urgent attention on the situation of victims and the need to provide them with adequate support. The first stop on this mission was the town of Bunia, in Ituri, a province torn by conflict.
During the meeting between FONAREV and the victims in Bunia, the atmosphere was heavy and the testimonies chilling. Women and girls recounted the horrors they endured, raped, turned into sex slaves for periods ranging from days to years. Villages and schools were burned, lives were lost, leaving behind orphans and grieving families. These testimonies aroused deep consternation on the part of the FONAREV delegation.
FONAREV’s mission is to help victims access justice and obtain compensation for damages suffered. With this in mind, serious cases were immediately taken care of medically. FONAREV’s message is clear: the victims will never be alone again, they will receive financial support and adequate assistance.
FONAREV’s visit to the Kingozi IDP camp in Bunia also highlighted the precariousness in which these families live. More than 14,000 people, divided into approximately 3,300 households, live in desperate conditions, lacking everything. The FONAREV delegation was deeply touched by the situation of these women, children and elderly people living under tarpaulins, waiting for a concrete solution.
After Bunia, the FONAREV delegation went to Goma, in the province of North Kivu, to continue its mission to assess the situation of the victims. This roaming will continue in the provinces of South Kivu, Kasaï-Central and Kongo-Central.
This FONAREV visit highlights the importance of caring for victims of conflict-related sexual violence and crimes against the peace and security of humanity. It is essential that these victims receive financial support and adequate assistance to rebuild and reintegrate into society. FONAREV plays a crucial role in this mission, working in collaboration with political authorities, local organizations and the community as a whole.
The recognition of the suffering of the victims and the commitment to support them are important messages of hope, sent by FONAREV and the Congolese people. They show that there is a will to care for victims and to promote justice and reparation. This roaming of FONAREV is an important step in this direction, and it is essential that concrete actions follow so that victims can regain their dignity and rebuild their lives.
In a context where sexual violence and conflict continue to be rampant, it is necessary to continue to raise awareness and support victims. The work of FONAREV is a beacon of hope for these victims, and it is important to continue to support it in order to strengthen their care and reparation.
In conclusion, FONAREV’s roaming mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights the importance of caring for victims of conflict-related sexual violence and crimes against the peace and security of humanity. It is essential to provide them with financial support and adequate assistance to help them rebuild and reintegrate into society. FONAREV plays a crucial role in this mission and must be supported in its actions in favor of the victims. The fight against sexual violence and the promotion of justice and reparation are important issues for the Democratic Republic of Congo and for the international community as a whole.