Post by Physicians for Human Rights

On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, we honor survivors and reaffirm a simple truth: justice is possible when survivors are believed, protected, and supported. 💙 🌍 In Kavumu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, a campaign of sexual violence against young girls terrorized families and communities for years. Through partnerships with Congolese health professionals, legal experts, and human rights defenders, PHR helped strengthen the use of forensic medical evidence to secure accountability for these crimes. 🔎 ⚖️ The landmark convictions in the Kavumu case demonstrate the critical role that health workers can play in documenting sexual violence, protecting survivors' rights, and helping secure justice. 🥼 The case also helped shape global efforts to improve how sexual violence against children is documented and investigated and piloted child-centered innovations to ensure the young survivors could access care and accountability without experiencing further harm. These innovations have since been replicated in numerous cases in DRC and in other countries. 📢 Today, PHR continues to work alongside national partners to strengthen survivor-centered health and justice systems, train professionals in forensic documentation, and develop tools that put children's rights, dignity, and well-being at the center. On June 19, we recognize the courage of survivors and the frontline professionals working to end impunity for conflict-related sexual violence. #DRC #JusticeForSurvivors #ChildrensRights #EndSexualViolenceInConflict #PHR Panzi Hospital and Foundation [Content warning: This film describes sexual violence including against children.]

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