Fight against sexual violence. Conversation between Jean-Yves Le Drian and Dr. Denis Mukwege (Jan. 11, 2022)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian spoke with Dr. Denis Mukwege today about the fight against conflict-related sexual violence. The minister praised Dr. Mukwege for his work helping women survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and his determined efforts to break the silence surrounding that issue.

The minister stressed France’s commitment to this issue, and particularly the €6.2 million it provided in financial support for the Global Survivors Fund co-founded by 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureates Dr. Mukwege and Nadia Murad. This fund does an invaluable job in the field where it works closely with survivors of sexual violence, using quality healthcare services to treat physical and psychological trauma and providing support for victims of violence in a number of different countries. The minister also reaffirmed his support for the Panzi Hospital and Foundation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Dr. Mukwege works.

Mr. Le Drian stressed France’s determination – in keeping with its pro-feminist diplomatic policies – to combat and eliminate all forms of sexual violence and the use of rape as a weapon of war, and to fight against impunity for those who engage in them. The fight against conflict-related sexual violence is a matter of human rights, social justice and gender equality, and an essential condition for lasting peace in all our societies.