Homepage

Welcome on the website of the Congolese Women’s Campaign Against Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The Congolese Women’s Campaign Against Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is an initiative launched by women’s associations in Eastern DRC to bolster the fight against sexual violence.

ALERT: DEATH THREATS MADE AGAINST CONGOLESE WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTIVIST

The Coalition for Women’s Human Rights in Conflict Situations, Rights & Democracy, Québec Native Women, Fédération des femmes du Québec, Regroupement québécois des centres d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel (CALACS), Table de concertation des Grands Lacs, Amnistie internationale Canada francophone, Regroupement provincial des maisons d'hébergement et de transition pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale and Association Québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)

Call on the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local authorities and United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUC) to ensure the protection of Julienne Lusenge, an activist committed to women’s rights and the struggle against sexual violence, and to prosecute those who have made threats against her.

While on a mission in Europe organized by Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) to promote the struggle against impunity and sexual violence in the DRC, Julienne Lusenge, the coordinator of Solidarité féminine pour la paix et le développement intégral (SOFEPADI), was informed that she had been the target of death threats on March 31, 2008.

Two unidentified individuals appeared at the home of one of her colleagues and demanded Ms Lusenge’s home address. When she refused, they responded: “If you do not open the door, you will leave Beni the way you left Bunia. Furthermore, it will be you who opens Julienne’s door for us.” These threats allude to Ms Lusenge’s flight in October 2002 from Bunia as a result of harassment from militias that she had criticized, particularly for their acts of violence against women.

The threats made against human rights activists and, more specifically, women’s rights activists are particularly serious and indicative of the climate of impunity and violence that reigns in the Eastern DRC. Insecurity created by the proliferation of armed groups that continue to operate beyond the reach of State and MONUC control is compounded by the muzzling of activists by government representatives and high-ranking officials.

These situations must be denounced in the strongest possible terms. They violate international law as well as international and regional commitments undertaken by the DRC. Not only do they violate women’s dignity, they undermine the hope and capacity of Congolese society to put an end to sexual violence.

Freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to physical integrity must be ensured by government authorities in order to maintain a functioning, strong and active civil society capable of participating in building peace and democracy.

Consequently, signatory human rights organizations have joined forces to:

DENOUNCE the climate of insecurity in which human rights activists operate in the DRC and especially those struggling against women’s sexual violence;

URGENTLY CALL ON the Government of the DRC and the appropriate authorities to take all necessary steps to protect human rights activists and their families from all acts of retaliation, physical attack, intimidation and threats;

DEMAND that the police and magistrature investigate and prosecute those responsible for the threats against Julienne Lusenge, and ensure the protection of her family and work colleagues at SOFEPADI in Beni and Bunia;

CALLON representatives of the UN and regional organizations concerned about these violations to take the necessary measures to protect human rights activists and to work with national authorities and civil society to reinforce the rule of law.

Signatory organizations

Montréal, Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Launching of the Congolese Women’s Campaign Against Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Montreal, 22 janvier 2008.

TV Broadcast

CBS 60 Minutes: The DR Congo's War on Women

War Against Women: The Use Of Rape As A Weapon In Congo's Civil War, January 13, 2008, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/11/60minutes/main3701249.shtml

An Appeal fom the President of the FIDH to end sexual violence

A Swiss newspaper, “Le Temps” published an article written by Souhayr Belhassen, the president of the “Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme” (FIDH). She calls on ending crimes of sexual violence and impunity. « Quand la guerre s'arrête, les crimes sexuels ne diminuent pas » - by Souhayr Belhassen (FIDH) - 10 janvier 2008 http://www.letemps.ch/template/opinions.asp?page=6&article=222965 (In French)

A UNFPA report says that the number of sexual violence increased of 60% during the last semester of 2007. Charles Wasso Isunga, « Congo-Kinshasa: La violence sexuelle bat son plein au Nord Kivu » La Prospérité - 10 janvier 2008 http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200801090795.html (In French)

Impunity for sexual violence crimes in Kinshasa

The Center of legal aid and medical assistance For Women and Children victims reports sexual violence cases. Some of these cases were reported to the police, but no action was undertaken. Violences sexuelles - Des cas impunis signalés à Kinshasa - Le Potentiel (RDC) - 9 janvier 2008 - http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200801090236.html (in French)

Montréal, Wednesday, April 9, 2008

French

Petition Without your support, our action will lose momentum. Without our partnership, your action will have little impact. Help us change the direction of the fight against sexual violence in the DRC. Thank you for reading and signing our petition by clicking here.	Skip to Main Content Campuni ya wanawake wa kongomani kwa kupiganisha ubakaji katika jamuhuri ya Congo Congolese Women’s Campaign Against Sexual Violence in the DRC Every day, 40 women are raped in the Eastern Congo. It's well known reality that has been documented and reported by media, NGOs, international institutions and States. But nothing changes, sexual violence is still widespread. So what more can be done?
	Homepage DRC Medias NGOs IOs States Campaign Home
	Homepage Welcome on the website of the Congolese Women’s Campaign Against Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Congolese Women’s Campaign Against Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is an initiative launched by women’s associations in Eastern DRC to bolster the fight against sexual violence. ALERT: DEATH THREATS MADE AGAINST CONGOLESE WOMEN’S RIGHTS ACTIVIST The Coalition for Women’s Human Rights in Conflict Situations, Rights & Democracy, Québec Native Women, Fédération des femmes du Québec, Regroupement québécois des centres d’aide et de lutte contre les agressions à caractère sexuel (CALACS), Table de concertation des Grands Lacs, Amnistie internationale Canada francophone, Regroupement provincial des maisons d'hébergement et de transition pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale and Association Québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI) Call on the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), local authorities and United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUC) to ensure the protection of Julienne Lusenge, an activist committed to women’s rights and the struggle against sexual violence, and to prosecute those who have made threats against her. While on a mission in Europe organized by Paris-based International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) to promote the struggle against impunity and sexual violence in the DRC, Julienne Lusenge, the coordinator of Solidarité féminine pour la paix et le développement intégral (SOFEPADI), was informed that she had been the target of death threats on March 31, 2008. Two unidentified individuals appeared at the home of one of her colleagues and demanded Ms Lusenge’s home address. When she refused, they responded: “If you do not open the door, you will leave Beni the way you left Bunia. Furthermore, it will be you who opens Julienne’s door for us.” These threats allude to Ms Lusenge’s flight in October 2002 from Bunia as a result of harassment from militias that she had criticized, particularly for their acts of violence against women. The threats made against human rights activists and, more specifically, women’s rights activists are particularly serious and indicative of the climate of impunity and violence that reigns in the Eastern DRC. Insecurity created by the proliferation of armed groups that continue to operate beyond the reach of State and MONUC control is compounded by the muzzling of activists by government representatives and high-ranking officials. These situations must be denounced in the strongest possible terms. They violate international law as well as international and regional commitments undertaken by the DRC. Not only do they violate women’s dignity, they undermine the hope and capacity of Congolese society to put an end to sexual violence. Freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to physical integrity must be ensured by government authorities in order to maintain a functioning, strong and active civil society capable of participating in building peace and democracy. Consequently, signatory human rights organizations have joined forces to: DENOUNCE the climate of insecurity in which human rights activists operate in the DRC and especially those struggling against women’s sexual violence; URGENTLY CALL ON the Government of the DRC and the appropriate authorities to take all necessary steps to protect human rights activists and their families from all acts of retaliation, physical attack, intimidation and threats; DEMAND that the police and magistrature investigate and prosecute those responsible for the threats against Julienne Lusenge, and ensure the protection of her family and work colleagues at SOFEPADI in Beni and Bunia; CALLON representatives of the UN and regional organizations concerned about these violations to take the necessary measures to protect human rights activists and to work with national authorities and civil society to reinforce the rule of law. Signatory organizations Montréal, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Launching of the Congolese Women’s Campaign Against Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Montreal, 22 janvier 2008. TV Broadcast CBS 60 Minutes: The DR Congo's War on Women War Against Women: The Use Of Rape As A Weapon In Congo's Civil War, January 13, 2008, http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/01/11/60minutes/main3701249.shtml An Appeal fom the President of the FIDH to end sexual violence A Swiss newspaper, “Le Temps” published an article written by Souhayr Belhassen, the president of the “Fédération internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme” (FIDH). She calls on ending crimes of sexual violence and impunity. « Quand la guerre s'arrête, les crimes sexuels ne diminuent pas » - by Souhayr Belhassen (FIDH) - 10 janvier 2008 http://www.letemps.ch/template/opinions.asp?page=6&article=222965 (In French) A UNFPA report says that the number of sexual violence increased of 60% during the last semester of 2007. Charles Wasso Isunga, « Congo-Kinshasa: La violence sexuelle bat son plein au Nord Kivu » La Prospérité - 10 janvier 2008 http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200801090795.html (In French) Impunity for sexual violence crimes in Kinshasa The Center of legal aid and medical assistance For Women and Children victims reports sexual violence cases. Some of these cases were reported to the police, but no action was undertaken. Violences sexuelles - Des cas impunis signalés à Kinshasa - Le Potentiel (RDC) - 9 janvier 2008 - http://fr.allafrica.com/stories/200801090236.html (in French) Montréal, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 French
	(c) 2008 - Coalition for Women's Rights in Conflict Situations

Petition

Homepage