Title: Reparation for victims of sexual violence: A primary mission for Fonarev
Introduction :
In the heart of central Kongo, the town of Kimpese welcomed the delegation from Fonarev (National Fund for Reparations for Victims of Sexual Violence Related to Conflicts and Other Crimes Against the Peace and Security of Humanity). This fund, created to repair the damage suffered by victims of violence, is committed to offering complete reparation to victims in 5 pilot provinces. This initiative, supported by First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, marks a turning point in the care of victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The mission of Fonarev:
Fonarev, created under decree 23/20 of June 6, 2023, is a public service working for access to justice, reparation, empowerment and community recovery for victims and their beneficiaries. Its objective is to help victims gain free access to justice and the execution of judicial decisions, to contribute to the search for the truth about past events and to offer material, moral, physical and socio-economic reparations. to the victims.
Listening to victims in Kimpese:
During their visit to Kimpese, Fonarev listened attentively to the testimonies of the victims of the Bundu dia Kongo movement, victims of the violence which took place between 2007 and 2009. This visit marks the first step in reparation for the victims of these pilot provinces. Lucien Lundula Lolatui, head of Fonarev, describes this institution as a way to correct the mistakes of the past.
The Provincial Commission “Truth, Justice and Reconciliation”:
At the same time, the provincial Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission is committed to seeking the truth about human rights abuses and violations committed in the region. It also offers its services to facilitate reconciliation and ensure that such events do not happen again.
Towards the first repairs:
After collecting the expectations and needs of the various stakeholders, Fonarev plans to organize a workshop in the coming weeks with the authorities, victims’ associations and the commissioners of the Provincial Commission to establish the concerted modalities of the first reparations. This step marks a significant step forward towards the concrete implementation of repair actions.
Conclusion :
Fonarev’s visit to Kimpese demonstrates the Congolese government’s commitment to providing justice and reparation to victims of violence. The establishment of this fund marks a turning point in the care of victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Hopefully this initiative will alleviate the suffering of the victims and promote a process of healing and reconciliation.