U.S. strongly condemns mass rapes in DR Congo

The U.S. strongly condemned the mass rapes in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the State Department said in a statement Wednesday.

"The United States government is gravely disturbed about the mass rapes that occurred between June 10 to 12 in a remote area of South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and we strongly condemn these severe human rights abuses," State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said.

She said the U.S. had been engaged with DRC authorities, local and international non-governmental organizations and the United Nations to gather the information needed to "swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice."

"In the meantime, our current assistance programs support survivors in the region, and we will work with our implementing partners in the DRC to determine how we can best assist the victims of this latest tragedy," she said.

Nuland said the U.S. had repeatedly condemned the epidemic of sexual violence in conflict zones around the world and would continue to speak out strongly on the issue.

She said the U.S. supported efforts to protect local populations, especially women and girls, against sexual and gender-based violence and bring to justice those who commit such acts.

"The U.S. is committed to working with the DRC and we urge the Government to fully investigate, arrest, and prosecute those found responsible for these attacks," she said.

A U.N. joint mission had confirmed that mass rapes, pillaging and cruel and degrading treatment were committed in the DRC last month, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said Friday.

Troops led by a former Mayi Mayi commander, who reportedly deserted from an integration camp of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, committed the crimes in Nyakiele, in South Kivu province.

According to interviews with medical personnel, local authorities and alleged victims, the troops raped 121 women, the joint mission reported.

Source: Xinhua

	Weekly review