Fighting impunity: addressing sexual violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo
By Maarten Barends, rule of law expert for UNDP DRC, Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. She approached me when I was about to take a picture in the centre of Goma, the old run-down town on the northern shores of Lake Kivu. A beautiful girl in her late teens, timidly holding out her hand for a few Congolese francs. Panicky glances, a timorous encounter. Her nose had been cut off, but it is the despair and incomprehension in her eyes that still haunt me. A quick gesture of appreciation before she disappeared again, leaving me shattered — and with so many questions. Who did this to her? Where does she find the strength to keep going? What can be done to stop the violence?

The extent and cruelty of acts of sexual violence committed in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo have sent shock waves around the world. In a highly ethnically and politically charged environment, rape and sexual abuse have been an integral part of the pattern of intimidation of targeted communities, in spite of the presence of UN peacekeepers. It occurs as women and girls, caught up in the fighting but going about their daily lives, collect food, water and firewood. Sexual violence, often used to advance military objectives, causes unspeakable physical harm and trauma to the victims and tears apart the social fabric of communities.

Against this background, UNDP is working with the UN peacekeeping mission in DRC, other UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations to make a difference in the fight against impunity. UNDP’s rule of law programme in Eastern DRC aims to strengthen legal capacities and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes. Building on principles of empowerment, inclusion and participation, UNDP is building a network of 150 paralegals and 50 lawyers to provide free legal aid and advice to communities and internally displaced populations. In this way, UNDP seeks not only to improve access to justice for vulnerable groups, but also to strengthen the justice system so that it meets basic legal standards.

While it might be impossible to change the dynamics of the conflict in Eastern DRC, bringing perpetrators to justice sends a clear message that the rule of law can and will ultimately replace the rule by force. By working in conflict and post-conflict settings, UNDP is able to enhance the immediate protection of civilians and lay the foundation for the full recovery of the justice sector.

The task ahead is daunting, but I am convinced that, through their work, the paralegals and legal aid lawyers we support are going to save lives. It might be too late for the young woman I met in Goma that day, but I hope she will find some comfort in a future that finally includes justice for the people of DRC.CPR

Photo credit: ©UNICEF/NYHQ2005-1247/Roger LeMoyne/DRC

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In this Issue

> Fighting impunity: DRC
> Gender-Based Violence in Kosovo
> Sexual violence in Liberia
> Sexual Violence in Somalia
> Access to justice in Sri Lanka

Quick Links

Rule of Law in Conflict and Post-conflict Situations

Learn more about UNDP Rule of Law initiatives in Strengthening the Rule of Law in Conflict/Post-Conflict Situations: Global Programme 2008-2011 (pdf).

Gender and crisis

Donor proposal on Women and Girls in Crisis (pdf)