The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, visited New York as part of her participation in the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. During this visit, she had the opportunity to meet the United Nations under-secretary in charge of conflict-related sexual violence, Pramila Patten.
During this exchange, Pramila Patten expressed her support for the National Fund for Reparation for Victims of Sexual Violence in Conflicts and Crimes Against the Peace and Security of Humanity (FONAREV). She is committed to collaborating with this structure and finding ways of cooperation between FONAREV experts and those who have worked on reparations in other countries such as Iraq, Kosovo and Guinea.
Lucien Lundula Lolatui, general director of FONAREV, took this opportunity to present the Fund’s roadmap and highlight the actions already undertaken. Among these, we can cite the commemoration of Genocost on August 2, 2023, as well as a recent tour carried out in five provinces of the DRC, where FONAREV was able to meet directly with victims of sexual violence as well as other committed personalities in the fight against this scourge, including the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr Denis Mukwege.
This meeting with Pramila Patten and the recognition of FONAREV’s commitment are important steps in the fight against sexual violence in the DRC. This collaboration with the United Nations and other international experts will make it possible to share good practices and improve reparation actions for victims.
The First Lady’s visit to New York and FONAREV’s efforts highlight the importance of the issue of sexual violence in conflicts and call for collective mobilization to end these atrocities and support the victims. The progress made during this meeting opens up new perspectives and strengthens the DRC’s commitment to the fight against sexual violence.