In the troubled context of armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, recent reports from the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) highlight a worrying increase in human rights violations, particularly sexual violence. During the month of July, the UNJHRO documented 19 incidents of conflict-related sexual violations, mainly affecting women and causing the suffering of 35 adult victims. This grim reality reveals an alarming increase of 28% compared to the previous month, highlighting the urgency to act to protect vulnerable populations.
The harrowing details of the reports describe rapes, gang rapes, executions of victims after the heinous acts, as well as attempted rapes and other forms of brutal sexual violence. Chilling figures reveal that 94% of these abominable acts were committed by armed groups, inflicting untold suffering on these women victims of war.
Among these reprehensible acts, the M23, the Nyatura factions, the FDLR, CODECO and the ADF sadly stand out, leaving behind a trail of pain and trauma. The Congolese armed forces (FARDC) are unfortunately not spared, being responsible for five cases of conflict-related sexual violence. North Kivu, Ituri and Maniema appear to be the provinces most affected by these atrocities, recalling the urgent need for concerted action to end these human rights violations.
In this dark and heartbreaking landscape, it is imperative that the international community redouble its efforts to protect the most vulnerable and bring the perpetrators to justice. The victims of these heinous crimes deserve justice and reparation, and it is up to each actor involved to unite to put an end to these shocking violations. Now is the time for action, solidarity and the will to ensure a safer future that respects the rights of all human beings.