PETITION: Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In August, shocking reports emerged that armed groups had systematically attacked villages in the Walikale territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raping more than 300 women, girls, men and boys. Government security forces and United Nations peacekeepers stationed nearby failed to protect them. Survivors were left traumatized, sexually assaulted, in pain, without clothes or belongings. At least 15,000 rapes were reported in the DRC last year. The figure is likely much higher, as many survivors do not report rape out of fear of being stigmatized within their communities. The scale of the crimes demonstrates the failure of the DRC government and the United Nations to protect civilians and respond effectively to the crimes when they are committed. In September 2009, a month after she returned from witnessing the impact of sexual violence in the DRC, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton presided over the United Nations Security Council adoption of Resolution 1888. The resolution sets out measures that must be taken to protect civilians from sexual violence in conflict and, when it does occur, to respond effectively, including ensuring that those who commit the crimes are prosecuted and survivors have access to health care, psychosocial support, legal assistance and socioeconomic reintegration services.

This December, the United States will once again rotate into the Presidency of the Security Council. Please sign and send the attached postcard to Secretary Clinton, urging her to use this opportunity to lead international efforts to ensure the full implementation of Resolution 1888 towards ending widespread sexual violence in the DRC.