Military leaders in the Democratic Republic of Congo sign a pledge to combat rape

7th April 2015 And in a bold step against abuse of women’s human rights, top army commanders in the Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a declaration to battle rape in war. The declaration has been signed in Kinshasa, the country’s capital and is part of a plan by the government which was adopted in September to end sexual violence by soldiers.

The plan requires every military commander in the country to pledge to take some actions such as respecting human rights and international humanitarian laws on sexual violence in conflict. Commanders will also be tasked with ensuring the prosecution of alleged perpetrators under their command, as well as making the soldiers aware of the “zero tolerance policy” on sexual violence in conflict.

The UN special representative on sexual violence in conflict  Zainab Hawa Bangura, commended the development and said the declaration is “a giant leap forward in the fight” against rape in war.