Kisangani, 2 June 2011 – Frequent cases of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in eastern provinces, are a subject of concern for the authorities of this country, and also for a number of actors in the international community.

Based on these facts, the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) undertook the training of senior officers of the Congolese National Armed Forces (FARDC) in order to sensitize them on issues of sexual violence and human rights violations. Following the training, which took place in Bukavu, Sud-Kivu province, a second workshop was subsequently organized at the 9th Military Region in Kisangani, Province Orientale, between 1 and 7 June. More than 30 junior and field officers took part in this training.

These workshops are organized through the Government's Stabilisation and Reconstruction Plan for areas emerging from armed conflict (STAREC).

"We really must turn away from wrong practices and firmly move towards patriotic and democratic values," the Vice-governor of Province Orientale, Ismael Arama, said in his remarks at the opening ceremony. "The DRC will achieve this only if it has a well-trained army and a competent police force, ones that are respectful of human rights."

The seven-day training course was organized into several modules, including human rights and child protection; code of conduct for military personnel; national and international legal instruments relating sexual violence; DRC's military judicial system; and other aspects of sexual and gender-based violence.

The trainees will soon organize similar workshops in their respective companies and garrisons.

Codjo Houegniglo/ MONUSCO