Ending Mass Rape in the DR Congo

The widespread use of sexual violence as a weapon of war has grown to epidemic proportions in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite recent peace agreements, increased aid, and debt relief expected in 2008, the country has a long way to go before peace on the ground is felt by its population.

Background

The DRC is the ninth poorest country in the world according to the UN’s Human Development Index. The average life expectancy of its population is just 43 years. The DRC has recently emerged from a series of destructive international wars (1996 – 2002) that have left an estimated four million dead – the highest death rate since World War Two.

Sexual violence – the extent of the crisis

Sexual violence in the eastern region of the DRC, and in the province of South Kivu in particular, is without precedent, according to figures in a new SCIAF report. An average of 45 rapes are reported a day in South Kivu alone, with a total of 4,066 cases of sexual violence recorded between January and March in 2008. Sadly, these statistics represent just the tip of the iceberg as many women do not report attacks. In one region of South Kivu, Shabunda, it is estimated that over 70% of the female population has been raped.

These brutal attacks leave long lasting emotional and physical scars for the individuals who are violated. Many survivors are left with permanent damage to their genital organs, or are infected with sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Often victims have to walk for miles, sometimes days, to get medical attention. Hospitals and health centres are ill-equipped, under funded, and struggle to cope with the constant stream of women coming for help. There is only one hospital in Bukavu, South Kivu’s capital, which is able to provide medical assistance for serious rape-related injuries.

Sexual violence is viewed by many as a tactic of war used to humiliate, oppress and destroy whole communities. Children who witness attacks are also left traumatised. Rape survivors are often rejected by their husbands and communities, rendered infertile or become pregnant as a result of rape. Women may become physically unable to carry out the roles they once performed and education is suffering because girls are too afraid to walk to school. Many others leave formal education after being attacked.

Survivors and children born of rape have complex psychological needs. Some receive medical treatment, trauma counselling, and assistance from SCIAF-funded projects in South Kivu, but the demand for such services is out-stripping what is available on the ground.

The rise in cases of sexual violence is due to a number factors. The existence of active armed groups and a weak state with little or no control over large areas of the east has led to a break down in law and order. This has combined with a male dominated Congolese society to produce a culture of impunity where rape goes unchallenged and very often unpunished.

The police and army are unable to prevent sexual violence. It is almost impossible to find and arrest armed suspects hiding deep within the forests. The Congolese government is struggling to provide justice for those whose rights have been violated. Courts are severely under funded, magistrates are overworked and underpaid, and few women have access to legal aid. Those brave enough to bring their case to court are expected to contribute to the costs and often watch their attacker walk free.

These factors systematically undermine the justice system, creating a culture of impunity under which sexual violence continues to flourish.

The role of the International Community

The scale and complexity of sexual violence in the DRC necessitates a response on multiple levels. The UK government should be commended for the work it has already undertaken in promoting the peace process and combating sexual violence but efforts must be redoubled in order to provide the medical and psycho-social help that is urgently needed.

• Increase funding to scale up medical provision available to survivors in rural areas and expand counselling and other psycho-social services available to survivors and traumatised communities.
• Provide additional funding to increase the number of survivors who receive legal assistance, and to the justice sector as a whole.
• Provide funding to train the police, increase number of female police officers and establish a witness and victim protection scheme.
• Provide funds to help survivors reintegrate into their communities.
• Use its political influence to support and ensure the implementation of the peace process and ensure women and the survivors of sexual violence in particular, play a part in securing peace and rebuilding their communities.

Join SCIAF's call to action to help the survivors of sexual violence by writing to the Secretary of State for International Development, Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander.

To find out more about the Democratic Republic of Congo and SCIAF's work click here.