Loads of Cash, But Little Accomplished in Congo's Sexual Violence Fight

The epidemic of sexual violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) isn't exactly a secret — it's become the cause du jour of celebrity advocates, politicians, and grassroots activists alike, with good reason, if not always good methods. Despite the increased attention on the horrific violence exacted on women in Congo's complicated multi-player conflict, documented cases of rape continue to rise.

A new Oxfam report out yesterday documents a particularly alarming trend in sexual violence cases between 2004-2008: A 17-fold increase in rapes perpetrated by civilians, indicating that rape in the DRC is not just a tool of war, but a social product of years of warfare. This is not, of course, in anyway to suggest that years of conflict have turned all Congolese men into criminals. But there is something to be said for the profound impact that years of instability can have on a society. Whatever the cause, the findings are of obvious concern.

The Oxfam report comes amid increasing criticism of the millions of dollars that international donors are pouring into utterly ineffective programs aimed at curbing sexual violence in Congo — largely the product of goodwill coupled with a lack of patience and a short-sighted perspective of the complex and interconnected issues that together contribute to insecurity and violence against civilians. Combating sexual violence is not something that can be pursued in a silo, apart from the region's other issues, but requires concerted and sustained attention.

So put your video cameras down, Secretary Clinton — and invest our money in a real, serious effort to address insecurity in the DRC.

Photo credit: UN Photo/Marie Frechon