Title: The First Lady of the DRC meets the Office of the United Nations Under-Secretary for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
Introduction :
The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, visited New York on the occasion of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. During her stay, she had an important meeting with the Office of the United Nations Under-Secretary for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence. This meeting made it possible to present the work of the National Fund for the reparation of victims of sexual violence in the context of conflict and crimes against the peace and security of humanity (FONAREV), and to identify avenues of collaboration to fight against this violence.
Sharing of actions carried out by FONAREV:
During this meeting, Lucien LUNDULA LOLATUI, Director General of Fonarev, presented the organization’s roadmap as well as the actions already undertaken. He notably mentioned the commemoration of Genocost which took place on August 2, as well as recent homelessness in five provinces of the DRC, namely North and South Kivu, central Kasai, Ituri and Kongo. Central. This roaming allowed Fonarev to establish direct contact with victims and to meet personalities committed to the fight against sexual violence, such as Nobel Prize winner Doctor Denis Mukwege.
Collaboration between Fonarev and the United Nations Office:
During this meeting, Pramilla Patten, United Nations Under-Secretary in charge of conflict-related sexual violence, assured of her support and that of her office. She proposed the establishment of collaboration between Fonarev experts and those who worked on reparations in Iraq, Kosovo and Guinea, in order to share good practices. This initiative aims to strengthen actions to combat sexual violence and provide more effective support to victims.
Conclusion :
The meeting between the First Lady of the DRC, Denise NYAKERU TSHISEKEDI, and the Office of the United Nations Under-Secretary for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence marks an important step in the fight against this violence in the DRC. Fonarev was able to present its actions and projects at the international level, and a promising collaboration is emerging with the United Nations Office. Together, they will work to implement effective strategies to combat sexual violence and provide support and reparation to victims. It is one more step towards a fairer society that is more protected against conflict-related sexual violence.