The Democratic Republic of Congo, currently holding the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council, hosted a significant high-level public debate on conflict-related sexual violence. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka presided over this crucial discussion on July 8, 2026, guiding the UN body’s focus on this critical issue.
Under the poignant theme, “Honoring the Promise of International Law to Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence,” the debate brought together member states to strategize on the effective implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Kinshasa demands concrete action
Prime Minister Judith Suminwa emphasized that true and lasting peace remains elusive as long as survivors of conflict-related sexual violence are denied justice, communities lack reparations, and perpetrators, their accomplices, and masterminds continue to operate with impunity. She stated:
“Our ambition can no longer be merely to document the horror after it has occurred. The Congolese presidency of the Security Council has chosen to prioritize victims, because no peace architecture holds meaning if it doesn’t originate from those who have paid the heaviest price of war.”
Ending impunity for conflict sexual violence
Addressing the critical issue, Pramila Patten, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, extended her profound gratitude to the Democratic Republic of Congo for elevating this deeply concerning matter to the forefront of the Security Council’s agenda. She remarked:
“I commend the political courage of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the very first country directly impacted by this scourge, for convening this debate. This sets a positive precedent, an encouraging example for those who turn a blind eye to sexual violence… The promise of international law has never been more relevant, nor has it ever been more imperiled. The report from the UN Secretary-General calls for a response to the new realities of war.”
Patten further highlighted that sexual violence persists as a weapon of war, with verified cases continuing to escalate globally.
The United Nations has verified the highest number of such cases in the following nations:
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Central African Republic
- Colombia
- Haiti
- Sudan
This high-level public debate provided a crucial platform for numerous member states to voice their concerns and demand the robust and effective implementation of existing Security Council resolutions addressing conflict-related sexual violence.
