The meeting between the First Lady of the DRC, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, and the United Nations Under-Secretary in charge of conflict-related sexual violence, Pramilla Patten, during the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly, was marked by constructive exchanges and the search for fruitful collaboration.
During this meeting, Lucien Lundula Lolatui, Director General of the National Fund for Reparation of Victims of Sexual Violence in Conflicts and Crimes Against the Peace and Security of Humanity (FONAREV), presented the roadmap to Pramilla Patten of the structure as well as the actions already undertaken. Among these actions, we can cite the commemoration of Genocost and homelessness in five provinces of the DRC.
This roaming allowed FONAREV to establish direct contact with victims of sexual violence, as well as with personalities engaged in the fight against this scourge, such as Doctor Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Pramilla Patten committed to supporting FONAREV and proposed establishing collaboration with experts who had worked on reparations in Iraq, Kosovo and Guinea. The objective is to exchange good practices and find synergies to advance the fight against conflict-related sexual violence.
This meeting illustrates the importance given by the DRC and the United Nations to the care of victims of sexual violence and the search for concrete solutions to prevent these atrocities.
The mobilization of the First Lady and FONAREV to raise awareness and provide support to victims of sexual violence is a significant step forward in the fight against this scourge. We hope that this collaboration with the United Nations will further strengthen reparation and prevention actions for victims.
It is essential that the international community remains mobilized and takes concerted action to end conflict-related sexual violence and to ensure the safety and dignity of women and girls around the world. Together, we can make a difference and build a safer and more equal future for all.