Representatives of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have signed a “landmark” declaration to fight conflict related sexual violence. The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict said the declaration by DRC military commanders represented a “giant leap forward” in ending rape as a weapon of war. All FARDC military commanders must sign the declaration, which includes a pledge to take “direct action against sexual violence committed by soldiers under their command.”
Compiled from: DR Congo: UN welcomes ‘milestone’ declaration aimed at combating rape in war, U.N. News Centre (March 31, 2015).