Sexual Violence in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Background:
For more than a decade, the war in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raged unabated. To date, the conflict has left nearly 4 million dead and hundreds of thousands displaced. Armed groups roam the countryside and patrol the roadways, looting, raping and killing civilians. The state institutions that exist are largely predatory, and rampant corruption makes a mockery of law and justice. Despite numerous peace negotiations, democratic elections in 2006, and a 17,000 strong UN peacekeeping force to monitor the ceasefire, the violence continues.

Sexual violence has been an integral part of the conflict. Tens of thousands of women in Eastern DRC, from babies to the elderly, have been systematically raped, mutilated and tortured by armed groups on all sides. The Congolese army, militia groups, international peacekeeping forces, and increasingly civilians are responsible for the violence. No discernable pattern can explain the attacks as women from all ethnic groups and regions are targeted. A report by UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Dr. Yakin Erturk, calls the violence "beyond rape," documenting numerous cases of forced incest, sexual slavery, and cannibalism. The real number of victims remains unknown, as many women living in rural communities are inaccessible but the number is believed to be in the tens of thousands.

Educational Resources:
Art Works Project's Congo/Women Photography Exhibit
3 Generations' Survivor Stories
Stop Rape Now's analysis of UN Security Council Resolution 1820 and 1325 (.pdf)

Advocacy Sites:
The Enough Project's Raise Hope for Congo Campaign
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
V-Day
Human Rights Watch
Amnesty International