New York, 24 August 2010 - The Secretary -General Ban Ki -moon on Tuesday expressed outrage at the rape and sexual assault of about 154 Congolese civilians during a recent attack by armed elements Mayi - Mayi and the Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR ) in the province of North Kivu ,Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC ).

"These serious incidents illustrate once again the level of sexual violence and insecurity which continues to affect the DRC" said his spokesman, Martin Nesirky in a statement.

"The Secretary -General reiterates his call for the demobilization of armed groups in DRC and their adherence to the undergoing peace process. He also called on Congolese authorities to investigate these incidents, prosecute the perpetrators and renew their efforts to end the insecurity in this part of the country, " he added .

The spokesman for Ban Ki -moon also said that the UN supported " the efforts of the DRC Government to fight against impunity and protect civilians against violations of international humanitarian law and human rights Including all forms of sexual violence.

Given the seriousness of the incident , the Secretary- General has decided to immediately dispatch on the ground Atul Khare , Deputy Secretary - General for peacekeeping operations. He also asked his Special Representative for sexual violence in conflict , Margot Wallström , to support the UN response to this incident.

According to press reports, July 3, FDLR and Mayi- Mayi insurgents attacked the town of Luvungi in the province of North Kivu, keeping control of the town until August 3. For four days, the rebels systematically looted homes and raped women in Luvungi and its surrounding areas. In total, 179 cases of sexual violence were reported . Also according to the press , which quotes humanitarian sources on the ground, almost all the rapes were committed during meetings, often in front of the victims' husbands and children.

Other texts from UN News Center on the issue :

- DRC: Rape confirm the urgency of consolidating peace , according to Ban

- DRC: Security Council calls for ceasing all forms of sexual violence