In the news: National day of tribute to victims of conflict-related sexual violence
August 2, 2023 will forever be engraved in the memory of the Congolese. Indeed, FONAREV (National Fund for the Reparation of Victims) organized the first national day of tribute to victims of sexual violence linked to conflicts and crimes against the peace and security of humanity (GENOCOST).
This day was marked by several highlights, including the opening of a memorial dedicated to the victims in several major cities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), such as Bunia, Goma, Matadi, Kananga, Kisangani and Kinshasa. The presidential couple, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi and Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, paid tribute to the victims by bowing to their memory on the place of the evolved.
Poignant testimonies from survivors of atrocious violence were also shared during this day. The President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, expressed his regret for the harm suffered by the victims and assured them of never being alone again.
In his speech, the Congolese head of state recalled the importance of reparation for victims and urged the government to mobilize the necessary resources for the proper functioning of FONAREV. He stressed that the reparation action must be perceptible to the victims and insisted on the rapid operationalization of the Fund.
The Minister of Human Rights, Albert Fabrice Puela, stressed that reparation for victims is not only the business of the President or FONAREV, but concerns each of us. He also welcomed the commitment of the First Lady, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, in advocacy for victims and the establishment of FONAREV.
The Director General of FONAREV, Lucien Lundula, expressed his conviction that the DRC, once considered the world capital of rape, would now become the world capital of reparations. He underlined the importance of national solidarity in caring for victims and called for the contribution of all to establish lasting peace.
The first National Day of Tribute to Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence was therefore a strong moment of awareness and commitment to reparation for victims in the DRC. Hopefully this marks the start of a significant change in the care of victims of sexual violence and helps to establish a culture of peace and security.