UN Agency Calls for Protection from Sexual Attacks in D.R.C.

GENEVA - UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency, is calling on Congolese authorities to increase security and protect women and girls from widespread, systematic sexual attacks by rival armed groups in Democratic Republic of Congo’s Tanganyika province. 

Horrific attacks against women and girls are taking place in the so-called “triangle of death.”  This is an area bordering several localities between Tanganyika, Maniema, and South Kivu provinces.   Over the past two weeks, humanitarian agencies have recorded 243 incidents of rape, including rape of 48 children.  The U.N. Refugee Agency says these figures are shocking and extremely high, but do not reflect the true extent and gravity of these crimes. UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo says the actual figures are thought to be significantly higher.  She says many cases of sexual abuse are not reported.  This is because gender-based violence remains largely taboo and women who are sexually abused can face stigma and exclusion from their families.