DR Congo: Police and Justice Collaborate to Improve Access to Justice for Sexual Violence Victims

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, police and justice officials have met to discuss challenges in treating sexual violence cases. The main issues include delays in processing cases, lack of resources for investigations, insufficient trained personnel, and difficulties in protecting victims and witnesses. Consultations were held in Bunia and Beni, bringing together representatives from the Police nationale congolaise, magistrature civile and militaire, and other actors involved in the judicial process. The initiative aims to identify obstacles and provide recommendations for improvement. Participants emphasized the need for better coordination between police, parquets, juridictions civiles and militaires, and other actors to avoid disruptions in case treatment. They also discussed the importance of protecting victims and witnesses, and the need for specialized chambers and sufficient resources for investigations. The consultations aimed to improve access to justice for victims of sexual violence.