On the sidelines of the 78th Assembly of the United Nations, the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, recently met Pramila Patten, special representative of the UN Secretary-General responsible for the issue of sexual violence committed during times of conflict. This meeting was an opportunity for both parties to discuss the issue of victims of sexual violence in the DRC and to consider collaboration for the reparation and prevention of these crimes.
Pramila Patten expressed her support for the National Fund for Reparation of Victims of Sexual Violence in Conflicts and Crimes against the Peace and Security of Humanity (FONAREV) and underlined the importance of finding collaborative bridges between the FONAREV and experts who have worked on reparations in other countries, such as Iraq, Kosovo and Guinea. This idea of sharing good practices would improve reparation and support initiatives for victims of sexual violence in the DRC.
For her part, First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi said she was delighted to meet Pramila Patten and to benefit from the support of the UN in the fight against sexual violence. She also expressed her desire to put in place concrete actions to repair the damage caused to victims and prevent further violence.
This meeting between Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi and Pramila Patten is an important step in taking into account and fighting against sexual violence in the DRC. Collaboration with the UN and the exchange of good practices will strengthen efforts to reparate victims and raise awareness of this serious problem. Hopefully these actions will help create a safer and more protective environment for women and girls in the DRC.