The training on gender-based violence and child protection, held in Beni, North Kivu province, was a crucial step in strengthening the capacities of law enforcement to address these complex challenges. Twenty police officers participated in this intensive session initiated by the Gender and Child Protection Coordination Unit of MONUSCO Police.
For ten days, participants were immersed in in-depth learning of good practices in the reception and referral of victims of sexual violence as well as children affected by conflict. They were also trained on advanced techniques for writing reports, crime scene analysis and interrogation, with an emphasis on different investigative approaches.
The closing of the training, symbolized by a written test assessing the level of learning of the participants, highlighted the commitment of the police officers to integrate this new knowledge into their daily practice. For Sarah Zuena, a police officer present, these lessons promise to significantly improve the care of victims of violence. She emphasizes the importance of treating each case with a specific approach, particularly for child victims of violence.
Chief Superintendent Léon Punzu, squadron leader of the child protection police in Oicha, emphasizes the essential contribution of these concepts to the fight against sexual violence within the community. He emphasizes the importance of not resorting to amicable arrangements and of ensuring that a rigorous approach to justice prevails to combat this scourge.
The closing ceremony of the training was an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of local authorities and the Congolese National Police in the fight against gender-based violence. By emphasizing the importance of the practical application of the knowledge acquired, the participants demonstrated their determination to contribute to a lasting change in the care of victims and the prevention of violence within the community.
This initiative is part of a global approach aimed at strengthening the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting the most vulnerable populations. By focusing on continuous training and the evolution of professional practices, local and international authorities demonstrate their firm commitment to ending gender-based violence and promoting a culture of respect for children’s rights and gender equality in the region.
In conclusion, this training represented a significant step towards better protection of victims, strengthened justice and a safer environment for local communitiesIt demonstrates the collective will to combat gender-based violence and to promote an environment of security and respect for fundamental rights for all.