United Nations General Assembly: Belgium, Europe and DR Congo highlight the fight against sexual violence
“Whether it is girls or boys who are raped in Ukraine or the Central African Republic, who are the sex slaves of the Islamic State or mothers who give birth after violence: the survivors each have their own, their terrible what they need are tailor-made solutions,” said Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib.
The Belgian minister included in these solutions health care, psychosocial assistance and the costs of reconstruction, but in her view, the victims above all need justice. A challenge since the vast majority of these crimes go unpunished. Ms. Lahbib therefore insisted on making the collection and preservation of evidence a priority.
Sexual violence is punishable before the International Criminal Court (ICC) but it took nearly 20 years for this court to first issue a conviction. Last year, the court awarded $30 million in damages to child soldiers and victims of sexual violence by former Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda.
Belgium contributes to the ICC, to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and supports other organizations active in the fight against sexual violence in war zones, and its diplomacy ensures that this theme is systematically included. on the international agenda.