The Congo Bleeds, and So Do its Women: Sexual Violence in the DRC

By Shrimeti Jungo / GICJ

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been is facing a protracted genocide for decades. Despite the conflict and genocide causing 6 million deaths since 1998, the media infrequently addresses the gravity of the situation, and is never spoken about by major States. A prominent yet unspoken aspect of the DRC conflict is sexual violence. The silence and unnamed nature of sexual violence has often been strategically accepted as an inevitable by product of war. However, sexual violence and rape are severe and separate violations of international law that must be treated and investigated on their own. 

Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) urges the international community to take a stance, enforce pressure and pay closer attention to the violations endured by Congolese women and children. The media's neglect and the indifference of major States have left much of the public unaware of the situation. Legal and humanitarian action must be taken to treat and help the crisis effectively.

This GICJ report provides an explanation of how sexual violence is being unfolded in the DRC. After introducing the topic, the report begins by addressing the background of the conflict and then a brief background of the sexual violence occurring in the country. It then discusses how sexual violence occurs specifically in mines, in light of the consequences of the war economy. Subsequently, it examines the integral role of rape plays as a weapon of war. The report finishes with addressing the physical and psychological impacts women who have sustained sexual violence face. 

To read the full report, please click the image below: