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January 2009

RTCN Channel, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Funded by the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office

From:  Howard Wolpe, Director, Africa Program, Wilson Center

Speakers:
Michael VanRooyen, Co-Director, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
Jocelyn Kelly, Gender-Based Violence Research Coordinator, Harvard Humanitarian Initiative
Mary Ellsberg, Vice President of Health and Development, International Center for Research on Women

Despite the presence of the United Nations and multiple local and international organizations, rape and sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to escalate claiming over five million lives to date–the deadliest conflict since World War II. The types of violence and the nature of the perpetrators is difficult to categorize. Additional data must be compiled to better understand these factors, and to improve policy recommendations and program coordination in conflict areas. Drawing from their diverse professional experience, the speakers will discuss patterns of sexual violence and the effects on individuals, families, and communities; and the implications for local, national, and international policymakers.

Michael VanRooyen, co-director of The Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, will discuss the motivations and behavior patterns of militia and non-militia perpetrators. Jocelyn Kelly, gender-based violence research coordinator at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, will characterize the crisis of sexual violence in the Eastern DRC and make recommendations for establishing security and community response. Mary Ellsberg, vice president of health and development at the International Center for Research on Women, will offer her thoughts on local, national, and international response and the implications for policymakers.

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