Statement of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura

 

(New York, 29 August 2014) The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, is in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the invitation of Government authorities to attend a high-level meeting of military leaders in Kinshasa taking place from 29 to 30 August 2014.

 

During the two-day meeting, officials from the Ministry of Defense and other entities of the State will discuss comprehensive measures to be put in place by the military to combat conflict-related sexual violence, fulfilling one of the commitments undertaken by the Government in the Joint Communiqué signed with the United Nations on 30 March 2013.

 

“This is an important step in combatting sexual violence in conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I commend the Ministry of Defense and the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo for their commitment to developing and implementing this plan,” said SRSG Bangura. “My Office remains committed to assisting the Government of DRC in any way we can as it continues its journey on the long road to ending these crimes.”

 

In addition to attending the high-level meeting, the Special Representative will also meet with government officials.

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For additional information, please contact the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict:
La Neice Collins at collins3@un.org / (+1) 212-963-1160 or
Rikke E. Hennum at hennum@un.org / (+1) 212-963-4321.