by Marelie Manders, Heidelberg IWC and Human Rights Team Co-Chair
One of the 12 critical concerns of the Beijing Platform for Action is Women in Armed Conflict. The Beijing Platform calls for, among other things, women’s full participation in conflict resolution. It also recognises women’s right to protection, as they are at particular risk of being targeted by violence in conflict. The importance of the provisions of this platform is illustrated by the current conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Women and children are bearing the brunt of violence in a recent escalation of armed conflict in the eastern DRC. Recently, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that the warring parties are increasingly using rape and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Global concerns include significant gaps in protection, health, and social services.
Violence
In one incident, at least 165 women were raped by male inmates during a prison break of more than 4,000 people while M23 rebels entered the city of Goma. The complete story of what happened at the Muzenze prison may never be known. However, it is reported that male prisoners jumped over the wall from the men’s block after prison guards fled because of the approaching rebels. The male inmates then proceeded with the large-scale rape of female inmates. After this atrocity, the inmates set the prison on fire, causing the deaths of approximately 132 women and 25 children. This is only one incident of violence taking place in the chaos of this conflict.
Displacement
Even before the recent escalation in violence the DRC had one of the highest displacement figures globally, with over seven million people displaced because of the armed conflict in the last three years. Recently, because of the escalation, more than 110,000 additional people have been displaced, with that number growing daily.
Health
This war-torn DRC region is also experiencing a health crisis with malaria, measles, cholera and a new, more severe strain of mpox. With the increased violence, these diseases are also spreading faster due to water shortages, infrastructure collapse and crowding of people in camps for the displaced.
What can we as individuals do to help?
Raising awareness of the situation in DRC is crucial.
- Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed conflict for more than 30 years.
- Rapidly advancing, M23 rebels have captured a number of towns and cities.
- This region of the eastern DRC is mineral-rich and an important hub for trading.
- Civilians are suffering water and food shortages.
- Hospitals are at capacity.
- UN peacekeepers have also been killed in the fighting.
- Almost 3,000 people, including civilians, were killed in the recent violence in Goma.
- The UN has warned of surging child recruitment.
- Cases of rape of women and children are increasing rapidly.
- In 2024 alone, before the recent escalation, the number of victims of sexual violence treated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in and around Goma has continued to rise, with an average of 100 victims received per day.
Individuals and member clubs can considering supporting the many international organizations operating in the DRC region, especially Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the International Rescue Committee as well the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) that works with local NGOs especially supporting women who have suffered sexual violence in the conflict.
More information can be found below:
Press briefing by UN Women on the situation of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo
UN decries sexual violence as weapon of war in DRC
DR Congo war: Women tell BBC of rape ordeal at Goma's Munzenze prison