Ukraine seeks Dr. Mukwege’s help in caring for survivors of sexual violence since the Russian invasion. A Ukrainian delegation has just completed a week-long mission to Bukavu at the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner’s hospital and Panzi Foundation to learn his expertise and strengthen collaboration.
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With our correspondent in Bukavu, William Basimike
In front of the press, the head of Ukrainian social services Vasyl Lutsyk deplores 30 years of conflicts in DRC and two years of war in UkraineHe is concerned about the violence that continues in his country: “EAs for statistics, recently 316 cases of sexual violence related to conflicts have been recorded. Among the survivors, there are 114 men, 202 women and 15 minors. “.
And to add: “ Of course, these statistics only concern cases registered recently, but in reality, there are many more cases. This is the role of the legal proceedings that the Attorney General’s Office has started. “.
The Ukrainian delegation appreciated the approach of the hospital and the Panzi Foundation in the medical, psychosocial, legal care and socio-economic reintegration of survivors of sexual violence.
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A model that she intends to apply in Ukraine. For Dr. Mukwege, the two countries have similarities ” The Democratic Republic of Congo was invaded by Rwanda in full view of the international community. And I believe that it is Russia that is invading Ukraine and committing the same crimes. I do not see the difference between Rwanda and Russia in what they are doing. Both countries: Rwanda and Russia are members of the United Nations! ” he said.
The Ukrainian delegation proposed the creation of a common system of support and assistance to survivors of sexual violence related to the conflicts in the DRC and Ukraine.
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