Congolese Activist Addresses UN Security Council on Path To Peace

Although it has been proven time and time again that peace building is more sustainable when women are actively involved, in practice this has rarely happened. But last week, Justine Masika Bihamba, President of Synergie des Femmes, addressed the United Nations Security Council on the worsening situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She warned them that violence was intensifying, urged them to take effective action to protect civilians, particularly from sexual violence, and to ensure respect for the rule of law in the upcoming elections.

Justine was also interviewed by Radio France Internationale, so her voice was heard not only in the Security Council but also throughout the DRC. This brought to life Security Council Resolution 1325, which calls for the participation of women in conflict resolution and recognizes their critical role in the maintenance of peace. UK Ambassador Stephen Hickey thanked Justine for her “really clear and incisive briefing to this Council.”

Please support Synergie des Femmes in its urgent work to support survivors of sexual violence, and to ensure that Justine and other Congolese women can actively participate in peace building efforts in the DRC in an environment where respect for human rights and democracy is restored.

Sincerely,

Jessica Neuwirth
Director

You can also read Justine’s full speech here

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