The essential role of FONAREV in caring for victims of sexual violence in conflict environments
As part of its sixteen-day program of activism, the National Fund for Reparation of Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Crimes Against the Peace and Security of Humanity (FONAREV) recently organized a conference in Kinshasa on legal and judicial support for victims of sexual violence in conflict environments. This event brought together political, judicial and scientific figures as well as representatives of international organizations and civil society.
The Deputy Director General in charge of operations, Emmanuella Zandi, presented FONAREV and highlighted its role in reparation for victims of sexual violence. She recalled that FONAREV was created to give dignity and support to victims who were previously abandoned and neglected.
The Director General of FONAREV, Lucien Lundula Lolatui, for his part expressed his satisfaction with the holding of this conference and wished fruitful work for all participants. He also praised the efforts of the Congolese Government, under the leadership of the Head of State, for the promulgation of the law creating FONAREV.
The conferences which followed the opening remarks addressed various themes linked to the legal and judicial care of victims of sexual violence in conflict environments. Among these themes were recent law on the subject, advances and challenges in the care of victims, as well as criminal liability for conflict-related sexual violence.
This conference was also an opportunity for participants to discuss the problem of the administration of proof in cases of sexual violence. Indeed, many victims have obtained court decisions in their favor, but the attackers often remain at large, which raises the question of the support necessary to put an end to their impunity.
In summary, this conference organized by FONAREV highlighted the importance of legal and judicial support for victims of sexual violence in conflict environments. It also highlighted the challenges faced by these victims and opened avenues for reflection regarding the need for effective support to fight against the impunity of attackers.