Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has expressed concern over new measures imposed by the authorities of FRN/M23 in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, which are obstructing access to care for survivors of sexual violence. According to MSF, these measures, in place for several months, contravene medical confidentiality principles. This has led to a significant decrease in officially recorded cases, as victims are discouraged from seeking care.
The new measures require victims of sexual violence to present visible injuries to be recognized as such. They are also subject to intrusive and medically unjustified examinations to establish the reality of the aggression. MSF criticizes the obligation for victims to first go through the police before accessing care. Furthermore, the use of forms requesting sensitive information, including victims' identities, addresses, and details about alleged perpetrators, compromises medical secrecy.
MSF reports that these restrictions have resulted in a sharp decline in consultations related to sexual violence. In some health facilities, files have even been removed from registers, reducing the official number of reported cases. The organization is worried that these practices increase risks for those concerned and undermine the provision of confidential care.
Professionals who fail to comply with these directives risk facing sanctions, according to MSF. The organization calls for respect for commitments ensuring safe, confidential, and unhindered access to care. MSF's concerns highlight the challenges faced by survivors of sexual violence in North Kivu, where they should be able to access essential health services without fear or obstacles.
The situation in North Kivu remains precarious for survivors of sexual violence. MSF's alert comes at a time when humanitarian organizations are working to strengthen responses to gender-based violence in the region. The organization's advocacy aims to ensure that the rights of survivors are protected and that they receive the necessary care and support.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sexual violence remains a significant concern, particularly in conflict-affected areas like North Kivu. MSF's work in the region focuses on providing medical and humanitarian assistance to affected populations. The organization's experience highlights the importance of maintaining confidentiality and trust in the provision of care to survivors of sexual violence.
The international community has emphasized the need for concerted efforts to address the issue of sexual violence in conflict zones. MSF's call to action underscores the importance of upholding medical confidentiality and ensuring that survivors of sexual violence can access care without fear of reprisal or stigma.
Key points
- MSF reports a significant decrease in officially recorded cases of sexual violence due to new measures imposed by FRN/M23 authorities in North Kivu.
- The new measures require victims to present visible injuries and undergo intrusive examinations, compromising medical secrecy.
- MSF calls for respect for commitments ensuring safe, confidential, and unhindered access to care for survivors of sexual violence.
