Dr. Mukwege and UN collaborate to support survivors of sexual violence in Guinea

Dozens of people were raped during a pro-democracy demonstration at the national soccer stadium in Conakry in 2009. A team of doctors from Congo, led by Dr. Denis Mukwege, visited the Guinean capital recently to support the survivors.

In September 2009 a demonstration in Conakry calling on the Guinean military government to quit led to a bloodbath. At least 150 people were killed when soldiers opened fire on unarmed civilians at the national stadium, according to a Human Rights Watch investigation. 109 women and girls were raped during the Conakry stadium massacre.

More than seven years after the violence, the survivors still need support.

At the invitation of the Guinean government, a team of doctors from Panzi Hospital, led by surgeon Dr. Denis Mukwege, visited Conakry to provide assistance to sexual violence survivors.

During the visit, the Congolese and Guinean doctors worked together, with the support of the Guinean Association of Victims, Parents and Friends of September 28, 2009 (AVIPA), to provide medical and psychological support to over 30 persons.

Collaboration with UN Special Representative to support Conakry survivors

The visit was the result of several years of engagement between Guinean authorities and the UN Office of the Special Representative on sexual violence in conflict. “I am extremely pleased that my Office has facilitated this unique experience-sharing exercise,” Special Representative Zainab Hawa Bangura said.

The Mukwege Foundation aims to scale up successful projects and build on Dr. Mukwege’s experience from Congo to support victims of rape in conflicts worldwide.

For the healing process of individual victims and the society it is important to continue the collaboration. Dr. Mukwege’s delegation met with high-level officials, including the Minister of Health and the Minister of Justice, to discuss the next steps and opportunities for South-South cooperation in addressing sexual violence.

Photo: UN Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura Dr. Denis Mukwege. UN News/Paulina Kubiak