Bunia, 26 June 2012 – On 26 June 2012, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) celebrated in Bunia, Ituri district, Province Orientale, the United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

The ceremony was organized in collaboration with the local authorities, members of the civil society and national and international human rights partners in the district.

Many subjects were discussed during that day, including the « Concept of Torture: definitions and comparative analysis", "Rape as an act of Torture", "Combating Torture in Ituri: Present situation and Prospects", and "Punishing acts of sexual violence amounting to torture and the Responsibility of the perpetrators".

For a long time, the district of Ituri has suffered from the hardships of a war during which the civilian population suffered abuses and exactions. Today, the population wants to recover and turn the page on this dark period of its history.

Mhand Ladjouzi, MONUSCO Head of Office in Ituri, took this opportunity to ensure the population of the mission's support in the fight against all forms of violence.

Amadou Maïga/ MONUSCO