Bukavu, 14 June 2012 - Géneviève Inagosi, the Congolese Minister for Gender, Family and Children, and Marie Oniwa and Elsie Effange-Mbella, respectively Heads of the Sexual Violence and Gender Units of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), were on official visit to Sud-Kivu province from 11 to 13 June 2012.

The aim of the mission was to evaluate the coordination of activities carried out in the context of gender based violence.

The delegation visited Bukavu, Walungu, Shabunda and Uvira, where they held talks with local actors involved in the fight against gender based violence. The members of the delegation were able to evaluate the impact of the work being done on the ground towards combating sexual violence, and also to advance the national strategy in this regard.

Mrs. Inagosi, the two MONUSCO officials, and their delegation, were able to have an insight of the challenges facing the various actors in their efforts to combat sexual violence. These challenges include providing proper support and care for victims of sexual violence, and ensuring that perpetrators of rape and other gender based violence are apprehended and brought to justice.

The delegation concluded its visit with the conviction that efforts to improve the system for coordinating and planning activities aimed at combating sexual violence must continue.

Alain Likota/ MONUSCO