China praises DRC’s efforts to combat sexual violence in conflict

The Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Fu Cong, has highlighted the alarming rise in sexual violence in conflicts worldwide, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where armed groups continue to target women and girls.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session chaired by the DRC, Fu Cong condemned all forms of sexual violence in conflict zones, emphasizing that these acts violate international law and UN resolutions. He stressed that such violence inflicts lasting trauma on victims, their families, and communities.

According to the UN Special Representative for Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, cases of conflict-related sexual violence have more than doubled in the past year, reaching unprecedented levels as wars escalate and international humanitarian law is increasingly disregarded. The DRC, particularly its eastern regions, remains one of the most affected countries due to ongoing conflicts involving local and foreign armed groups, including the M23 rebellion allegedly backed by Rwanda.

Sovereignty and local solutions

Fu Cong underscored that preventing and combating sexual violence is primarily the responsibility of the affected states. The international community, he said, must respect national sovereignty while supporting these countries in strengthening their security and legal frameworks to deliver justice and protection to survivors.

He commended the DRC and Colombia for their proactive measures, including investigations, prosecutions, military reforms, and survivor support programs. “The international community must continue to assist these nations in their efforts,” he stated.

Peace as the ultimate solution

The Chinese diplomat highlighted that lasting peace is the only sustainable way to eradicate sexual violence in conflict zones. “Armed conflicts, social unrest, and weakened state institutions create fertile ground for these crimes,” he explained. He called for a collective global security approach, prioritizing peaceful dispute resolution, preventive diplomacy, and mediation to end wars and de-escalate tensions.

Fu Cong also stressed the need for robust victim assistance mechanisms, including medical care, psychological support, legal aid, education, and economic reintegration programs. He criticized funding shortages that leave many survivors without access to critical services and urged donor countries to fulfill their financial commitments.

This UN Security Council meeting comes amid ongoing violence in eastern DRC, where women and girls remain particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse by armed groups. Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground remains dire, with clashes persisting and accusations of broken agreements between warring factions.