Since the Great Lakes conflict began in 1996 many cases of sexual violence have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo and countless more have gone undocumented. The scale of the abuses and their physical, emotional and economic consequences continue to pervade and reinforce instability particularly in the East.

The drivers of sexual violence are complex but recognized to stem from state fragility and the lengthy nature of the conflict. Over time both community protection mechanisms and the status of women and girls have gradually been eroded. Furthermore the fragmented command structures of both militia and government security forces (FARDC) have led to the use of sexual violence as a military tactic. 

Response

Amid substantial advocacy on effectively combating sexual violence, the United Nations Security Council has issued a series of resolutions advancing greater involvement of women in peace and security (Res 1325), strengthening the UN’s protection, prevention and response to sexual violence (Res 1794), protecting children in armed conflict from sexual violence (Res 1882) and the appointment in January of a Special Representative for the Secretary General on Sexual Violence, Ms. Margot Walstrom, Vice President of the European Commission (Res 1888). A further resolution led the Security Council to confirm the link between conflict-related sexual violence and sustainable peace and security (Res 1820).

Furthermore the UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict (UN Action) unites the work of 13 UN entitites with the goal of ending sexual violence during and in the wake of conflict. It is a concerted effort by the UN to improve coordination and accountability, amplify programming and advocacy, and support national efforts to prevent sexual violence and respond effectively to the needs of survivors.

In April 2008 with the support of UN Action, a Senior Adviser and Coordinator on Sexual Violence in DRC was appointed and a Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo was developed. This UN system-wide strategy, adopted across all UN agencies and MONUC, is a common framework and platform for action for all those combating sexual violence in DRC in line with Security Council resolutions.

The recently established Sexual Violence Unit was created to support the Government of the DRC in implementing the 2009 Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Sexual Violence in the DRC. Responsibility for overall coordination will rest in the hands of the Ministry of Gender and the MONUSCO Sexual Violence Unit.  Its role is primarily one of coordination, a significant feat in a fragile state the size of Western Europe. By working with, and providing valuable information to, Government Ministries, UN agencies, donors and both local and international civil society the Unit facilitates the prevention, protection and response to sexual violence across the country.

• In consultation with the Government, UN agencies, and relevant MONUSCO sections develop an action plan on the implementation of the comprehensive strategy, regularly update and follow up on the work plans and budgets for its implementation
• Develop indicators and monitor regularly the implementation of activities and of gaps related to the Strategy action plan
• Support the component coordinators to mobilize actors and resources to ensure the full implementation of the Strategy
• Regularly report against indicators on the progress of the Strategy
• Support the facilitation of WG and Committee meetings on the implementation of the Strategy
• Support partners to solve problems related to the Strategy’s implementation
• Provide strategic and technical advice to the ministries involved in the implementation of the Strategy
• Work with UN agencies and MONUC sections to mobilize resources to implement the Strategy

The Sexual Violence Unit in Goma works with the Stabilization Unit using the same tools for planning, reporting, mapping and evaluation.