FONAREV tour: a major mission for the reparation of victims of sexual violence in the DRC
The National Fund for Reparation of Victims of Sexual Violence linked to conflicts and other crimes against the peace and security of humanity (FONAREV) recently undertook a roaming mission in five provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Ituri, North and South Kivu, Kasai-central and Kongo central. This tour aimed to establish direct contact with the victims, but also with other actors involved in the fight against sexual violence, such as Nobel Prize winner Denis Mukwege.
FONAREV, as a structure responsible for helping victims of sexual violence and other crimes against peace, plays an essential role in access to justice and compensation for victims. This mission in the five pilot provinces is therefore of capital importance in assessing the needs of victims and implementing the necessary actions.
During this tour, the FONAREV delegation was able to meet many victims of sexual violence. These meetings were an opportunity to listen to their stories, understand their needs and provide them with concrete support. In addition, the presence of Doctor Denis Mukwege, an emblematic figure in the fight against sexual violence in the DRC, reinforced the impact of this mission.
But beyond the meetings with the victims, this tour also allowed FONAREV to interact with other actors involved in the fight against sexual violence. The discussions with Doctor Denis Mukwege, as well as with other committed personalities, were rich in lessons and made it possible to identify the challenges and opportunities to improve the mechanisms for reparation of victims in the DRC.
The results of this tour in the five pilot provinces are generally positive. It made it possible to strengthen the visibility of FONAREV and its actions, but above all, to establish a direct link with the victims and to better understand their specific needs. This information will be valuable in setting up appropriate and effective reparation programs to help these victims rebuild their lives and obtain justice.
FONAREV thus continues its mission in favor of reparation for victims of sexual violence in the DRC. This tour of the pilot provinces constitutes an important step in the implementation of this mission, by allowing a better understanding of the needs of victims and by strengthening links with actors on the ground. There is still much to do, but these concrete actions are a step in the right direction towards reparation and justice for victims of sexual violence in the DRC.