Member

In supporting these amendments, I also draw attention to the Government’s position on those responsible for conflict-related sexual violence in the DRC. The position the Government have taken has been a good one. However, as it stands, none of the victims will be able to benefit from frozen assets. This is despite the fact that, as stressed on many occasions by Denis Mukwege—someone I know well; a remarkable man working with women in the DRC who have been violated—the DRC is the rape capital of the world. The crime continues to be perpetrated on a systematic basis in that country, with very little response. Particularly in the context of reduced ODA, we must find a way to ensure that victims are provided with the help they need to rebuild their lives. These amendments would be a recognition that the aggressors must be made to pay for their violence and their crimes.