Ending Sexual Violence in the Congo

Citation:

Breton-Le Goff, Gaelle. 2010. “Ending Sexual Violence in the Congo.” The Fletcher Forum of World Affairs 34 (1): 13–40.

Author: Gaelle Bretton-Le Goff

Abstract:

Even today, feminist activists fighting against impunity for sexual crimes are at risk of death threats and sexual violence, including having their relatives raped, beaten, or forced to stay nude for hours in front of a group of armed soldiers. ... While the security situation was deteriorating due to the presence of two dozen armed groups in the region, the Security Council decided in 2004 to modify the mandate of MONUC to include the protection of civilians under imminent threat of physical violence and to investigate serious violations of human rights. ... Following the attacks on Goma and Rutshuru in North Kivu last year by Nkunda's CNDP rebels, HRW and other NGOs, as well as the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, rapidly denounced sexual violence perpetrated by both: the rebels and the national army. ... In the Kivu and Ituri, police officers lack the necessary supplies to carry out their duties; they often complain of not having gasoline for their motorcycles, making it difficult to undertake investigations on the ground. ... At least five million people have been killed during the conflicts, and an unknown number of women, girls, boys, and men have been victims of sexual violence. (LEXISNEXIS)

Topics: Armed Conflict, Feminisms, Justice, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes, Rights, Human Rights, Security, Sexual Violence, Rape Regions: Africa, Central Africa Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Year: 2010

© 2024 CONSORTIUM ON GENDER, SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTSLEGAL STATEMENT All photographs used on this site, and any materials posted on it, are the property of their respective owners, and are used by permission. Photographs: The images used on the site may not be downloaded, used, or reproduced in any way without the permission of the owner of the image. Materials: Visitors to the site are welcome to peruse the materials posted for their own research or for educational purposes. These materials, whether the property of the Consortium or of another, may only be reproduced with the permission of the owner of the material. This website contains copyrighted materials. The Consortium believes that any use of copyrighted material on this site is both permissive and in accordance with the Fair Use doctrine of 17 U.S.C. § 107. If, however, you believe that your intellectual property rights have been violated, please contact the Consortium at info@genderandsecurity.org.