Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Among Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: Post-Conflict Scenario

Abstract

The ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has triggered sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, sexual slavery, trafficking, intimate partner violence, and sexual exploitation. Gender inequalities and abuse of power experienced by women and young girls at refugee settings further exacerbate their vulnerability to different forms of violence. This study aimed to offer an evidence-based approach to developing strategies in tackling the complex problem of sexual and gender-based violence among refugees and internally displaced persons in the Congo. We conducted a narrative review of all the relevant papers known to the authors to explore the origins of the problem, its implications on public health, and its impact on equity. The study revealed that sexual assault survivors face physical and psychological sufferings, excruciating emotions, and profound disruption of their social well-being since they are often stigmatized and ostracized by society. The analysis of current government policies revealed a lack of programs to address survivors’ specific concerns and policy enforcement problems. This study suggested strategic objectives and policy implementation steps. The proposed strategies address women empowerment and gender stigma, provision of effective health services, and adequate response action.

Keywords:

• SGBV
• evacuees
• post-conflict
• policy
• DRC

Acknowledgment

The authors would like to thank the library of the National Defence University of Malaysia for its support in providing access to relevant manuscripts. The authors also would like to thank Vivienne Philip for her editorial support.

Article Highlights

• Sexual and gender-based violence has a profound physical, psychological, and social impact on women and young girls in the DRC.

• Implementing current policies that address SGBV is problematic due to the government’s insufficient commitment and dependence on international support and resources.

• Most international organizations have focused on the response to SGBV rather than on prevention from its occurring.

• The proposed strategies and policy implementation steps at local, national, and international levels are offered.

• The proposed plan for action by 2024 addresses women empowerment and gender stigma, the provision of effective health services, and adequate response action.

Author Contributions

All authors made substantial contributions to conception and design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data; took part in drafting the article or revising it critically for important intellectual content; agreed to submit to the current journal; gave final approval of the version to be published; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare that they do not have any conflicts of interest for this work or financial involvement or affiliations with any organization, association, or entity directly or indirectly with the subject matter or materials presented in this article. This includes honoraria, expert testimony, employment, ownership of stocks or options, patents or grants received or pending, or royalties.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.