THE COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY ON COMBATING SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: In response to UNSC Res 1794 MONUC with the support of the UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict Network, the Comprehensive Strategy on Combating Sexual Violence in the DRC was developed. Produced by the Office of the UN Senior Adviser and Coordinator for Sexual Violence, it puts forward a common framework for action for all those working to combat sexual violence in DRC.
The Comprehensive Strategy was officially endorsed by the Government of the DRC on April 1, 2009 and is the result of an extensive consultation process at provincial, national and international levels with key UN entities, INGOs, governmental and civil society actors involved in programs and advocacy on sexual violence. It has been integrated into the UN’S Security and Stabilization Support Strategy for the Eastern DRC and the Humanitarian Action Plan.
The Comprehensive Strategy is made up of 5 components each led by a specialist UN agency. An Operational Plan that put the strategy into action was then developed. It highlighted the fifth and final pillar dedicated to the collection and analysis of data on sexual violence. The enormity and importance of this task will not simply improve our understanding of the dynamics of this violence but offer insight into the most effective responses that may end it.
Each of the five components is led by a UN agency or MONUC section:
1. Protection and prevention (UNHCR)
2. Ending impunity for perpetrators (Joint Human Rights Office - MONUC/OHCHR)
3. Security sector reform (MONUC SSR)
4. Assistance for victims of sexual violence (UNICEF)
5. Data and mapping (UNFPA)
National Level
The Operational Plan and costing was endorsed by the Government of the DRC in November 2009. It was then integrated into the Government’s National Strategy against Gender Based Violence as a priority action plan for addressing sexual violence in the East. This was developed by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Children, and launched with the support of several UN agencies and MONUC.