Title: FONAREV in the DRC: a step towards reparation for victims of sexual violence and crimes against peace
Introduction :
In the heart of the Kongo Central province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the town of Kimpese recently welcomed a delegation from FONAREV (National Fund for the Reparation of Victims of Sexual Violence Related to Conflicts and Other Crimes Against the Peace and Security of the humanity). This visit is part of a journey aimed at collecting the testimonies and needs of victims of violence, in particular those of the Bundu dia Kongo political-religious movement. This event marks a historic turning point for the reparation of victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A step towards reparation for victims:
During this visit to Kimpese and other pilot provinces such as Kananga, FONAREV explained its mission and its role as an institution for correcting the errors of the past. Created under Decree 23/20 of June 6, 2023, FONAREV is a permanent and sustainable structure of transitional justice in the DRC. Its objective is to provide support for access to justice, reparation, empowerment and community recovery for victims and their dependents.
FONAREV is committed to providing comprehensive reparation to victims, which includes free access to justice, knowledge of the truth about past events as well as material, moral, physical, socio-economic and psychological reparations. This holistic approach aims to meet the needs of victims in all dimensions of their lives, in order to promote their recovery and social reintegration.
The Provincial Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission also provides support by investigating human rights abuses and violations and proposing solutions to promote reconciliation and prevent the recurrence of these acts.
Towards the first repairs:
After in-depth discussions with the victims, FONAREV plans to soon organize a workshop bringing together the authorities, victims’ associations and provincial commissions, with the aim of establishing the concerted modalities of the first reparations. This step will mark an important step towards achieving reparation for the victims concerned.
Conclusion :
FONAREV’s visit to Kimpese and other pilot provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a significant step forward towards reparation for victims of conflict-related sexual violence and other crimes against peace. By offering holistic support and promoting access to justice, knowledge of the truth and material and psychological reparations, FONAREV paves the way for a process of recovery and reintegration for victims and their communities.