Lubumbashi, 10 July 2010 - Ms Leila Zerrougui, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in the DRC and acting head of MONUSCO, presided over the closing of a campaign against impunity for sexual violence, which was launched in Katanga last April. She also inaugurated a photo exhibition showing the exceptional courage of sexual violence victims as well as the efforts undertaken by the United Nations system and civil society to eradicate this scourge in the province.

During this year alone, over 400 cases of rape were reported in Lubumbashi by victims during the campaign led by the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), UNICEF, and the NGO ACIDH (Action against Impunity, for Human Rights). The campaign was financed by UNICEF at the cost of 59,000 US dollars. Ms. Zerrougui stressed the need for victims of sexual violence to be supported. "Everyone needs to get involved, especially in helping achieve justice" for victims, she said.

The highlight of the Deputy Special Representative's mission – who was accompanied on this visit by a sizeable delegation from MONUCSCO - was the closing of the campaign at Lubumbashi's Halle de l'Etoile. The ceremony was marked by the opening of a photo exhibition held by Belgian photographer Gwenn Dubourthoumieu under the theme "Let us not stand idle in the face of sexual violence". The exhibited photos were taken during sensitisation sessions held in those localities of the province that were visited by joint teams of sexual violence awareness campaigners.

At the end of the ceremony - which was also attended by the Governor of Katanga, Moise Katumbi Chapwe, the Provincial Minister of Gender, Family and Children, the French ambassador and the Belgian Consul - the Deputy Special Representative announced the launch of another project to promote access to justice for victims of sexual violence. This project will be financed by the Swedish government and implemented by UNJHRO. Ms. Zerrougui said the project will enable victims not only to talk about their suffering, but to bring that suffering to the attention of judicial institutions, and to get support and see perpetrators punished. "If the tragedy of sexual violence exists in the DRC and if it continues to tarnish the image of this country, it is because of the existing impunity. And this is the challenge that the Congolese government must rise to, with the help of everyone", she said.

Earlier on during her visit, Ms. Zerrougui met the governor of Katanga and they discussed collaboration between the MONUSCO and the provincial authorities. Issued broached included: the new mandate of the Mission, strengthening the rule of law and civil society, the fight against impunity, particularly for sexual violence, and the security of the congolese population after the withdrawal of a part of MONUSCO forces. Also discussed was the situation of former FDLR combatants who had been transferred to Kisenge in Katanga's district of Lualaba.

On that occasion Governor Katumbi stressed the excellent cooperation with MONUSCO and requested the Mission to support implementation of certain projects, notably in the areas of health, education, and to help in improving detention conditions for prisoners. Ms. Zerrougui assured the provincial government of the Mission's readiness to support such projects. She also recalled the governor's and the provincial authorities' commitment to end malnutrition in local prisons and encouraged establishment of a penitentiary system that is functional and sustainable.

Regarding the security of the Congolese people and the modalities for reducing the number of Blue Helmets, Ms. Zerrougui said that discussions are still underway between MONUSCO and the DRC authorities.

Before returning to Kinshasa, the acting chief of MONUSCO and her delegation held several meetings at the Mission's headquarters in Lubumbashi, including with UN agencies and local human rights NGO's.