Congo is the rape capital of the world. Whether committed by rebels, the Congolese Army or civilians, rape is often not prosecuted. Women from ages 3 to 80 are raped often, and by many men at once. Many suffer horrific injuries and desperately need medical help.
The UK has the ability to give aid direct to the hospitals and groups that help the women of DRC recover. The UK is also one of the largest donors to DRC and as such has the power to persuade the Congolese government to prosecute the perpetrators of these abhorrent, daily occurrences.
Please join Save the Children UK and our coalition partner Congo Now! Urge Lynne Featherstone, International Violence Against Women Champion, to get the UK government to act to help the women of DRC.
Dear Ms Featherstone,
I am appalled that the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 5.4 million people over the two past decades and continues to shatter lives. Extreme levels of violence by rebel groups and an ill-disciplined army have created a relentless cycle of poverty, fear and impunity. Rape is a tactic of choice for almost every armed group. Few of the perpetrators, including the many who are not part of armed groups, are held to account.
I feel in your position as Women's Minister you should ensure that the UK Government, as one of the biggest donors to the DRC, takes a strong stance to ensure the causes and consequences of sexual violence are addressed:
END IMPUNITY: Press the Congolese government to prioritise the prosecution of members of the national forces and individuals who commit rape, as well as by continuing support to ongoing efforts to reform the national army and police.
PRIORITISE PREVENTION: Support programmes that work with communities, leaders, men and women to address attitudes towards and discrimination against women and girls.
RESPOND: Ensure that healthcare and psychological support is easily accessible to women, men, girls and boys who suffer rape and sexual violence in urban and remote rural areas. The protection of children must be prioritised as they can be the majority of victims.
