Rape as a weapon of war - DRCongo

Sexual violence crime in wartime is not a new phenomenon. Mass rapes have occurred in armed conflicts in Rwanda, Kosovo, Yugoslavia, Sierra Leone and Liberia, to give just a few examples. But the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has attracted very large amounts of international attention. What makes sexual violence committed in the DRC different from others? One reason is the magnitude and brutal nature of it. Reports by respected observers, such as the Human Rights Watch, have found that sexual violence is used as a weapon of war by all parties involved in the long-standing conflict in the eastern provinces of Kivu. Rape and other forms of sexual violence (kidnapping, sexual slavery, gang rapes and forced marriages) have been used as tools to win and maintain authority over civilians in territories occupied by rebel groups. Sexual violence is often committed in front of families and villagers to terrorize and control the local population. Women and girls of all ages have been raped (from a 23-month old baby to an 84-year old). Recent reports show that the incidence of sexual violence committed by civilians has increased due to the impunity prevailing in regions affected by the conflicts. According to data collected from local health centres in Kivu, about 40 women are raped every day. The data reveals that 13 percent of these victims are under 14 years of age, 3 percent die as a result of the rape, and 10–12 percent contract HIV/AIDS. Text resulting from the site: https://unu.edu/publications/articles/sexual-violence-in-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo.html