Kinshasa, June 13, 2013

Letter to G8 Foreign Ministers

Your Excellencies,

We, Members of Parliament from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Members of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), a network of over 1,000 Members of Parliament from over 130 countries worldwide, view with strong approval the G8 decision to adopt the Declaration on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict in London on 11 April, 2013.

As you are aware, Eastern Congo has been called the "rape capital of the world" by U.N. Special Representative Margot Wallstrom. Indeed, reports record the horrific fact that 48 women are raped every hour in the DRC. Rape is used as a weapon of war and the DRC is, sadly and tragically, known as the country with the most widespread impunity for such crimes.

PGA also very much appreciates the recognition by the G8 of efforts undertaken by NGOs, such as PGA, to prevent and respond to sexual violence in conflict, the importance of the International Criminal Court (ICC) as an instrument in the fight against impunity for sexual violence in conflict, and the acknowledgment that more must be done to address these ongoing crimes.

PGA is also pleased that the G8 Ministers explicitly recognized in their Declaration on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict that the “effective investigation and documentation of sexual violence in armed conflict is instrumental for bringing perpetrators to justice and for ensuring access to justice for victims whilst protecting their safety, dignity and human rights.”

We, Parliamentarians from the DRC and members of PGA, hereby kindly request you to ensure the prompt and effective implementation of this seminal G8 Declaration, to ensure that the victims of sexual and gender-based violence are not forgotten and to put an end impunity for the perpetrators of these widespread atrocities, as well as reinforce mechanisms of accountability, prevention, redress and reparation.

To this end, we urge you to assist and support:

1. The creation of a program to provide reparations and psycho-social support for victims of atrocities, including victims of sexual and other forms of gender based violence (SGBV)

2. The setting up and/or consolidation of investigative, prosecutorial, adjudicative, penitentiary, law enforcement and reconciliation mechanisms to end impunity in DRC.

We, Parliamentarians affirm our utmost commitment to the full implementation of this G8 Declaration, through differentlegislative and policy making initiatives.

Yours sincerely,

The undersigned 33 Members of the DRC Parliament

1.    Hon. Upira Dieudonné
2.    Hon. Okoyo Nembe Vincent
3.    Hon. Benoit – Nzaji
4.    Hon. Nzau Vola José
5.    Hon. Mbuela Yimbu
6.    Hon. Bule Gbangolo Basabe
7.    Hon. Luhonge Kabinda – Nsuy
8.    Hon. Pierre Welochou José Rislesica
9.    Hon. Ukumu Ular
10.    Hon. Thuambe Eoude
11.    Hon. Lukiana Mabondo
12.    Senateur Nkole Gaston
13.    Hon. Bemba Wali Cardin
14.    Hon. Bemba Ndokwo Françoise
15.    Hon. Kipele Aky Azua Lucie
16.    Hon. Juliette Mbambu Mughole
17.    Hon. Hannuli Kitsa
18.    Hon. Muderhwa Nabintu Beatrice
19.    Senateur Nkole Tshiruanda
20.    Senateur Mokeni Ataningamu
21.    Hon. Mwaka Bwenge
22.    Hon. Benjamin Mukulungu
23.    Hon. Abdallah Pena Mbaka *
24.    Hon. Mirinai Carhangabo
25.    Hon. Constantin Muyaya
26.    Hon. Emile Etumangele Aseke
27.    Hon. Olongo Pongo Basil
28.    Hon. Katolo Eric
29.    Hon. Basilwango Félicien
30.    Hon. Nsuka Aime
31.    Hon. Mucongo Nzemba Coco-J.
32.    Hon. Berocan Keraure
33.    Hon. Mokem – Atanikyawu