DRC: War-driven rape fuels AIDS

Experts are concerned that rape attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are causing the rate of HIV infection to rise.

Stephen Bowen, campaigns director of rights group Amnesty International said: "Rape in eastern DRC is a human rights and a health crisis. Countless women and girls are in desperate need of treatment, but no organised or comprehensive response has been developed to assist them."

It is estimated that over 40,000 women and girls were raped by soldiers during the six-year civil war, which is still being fought in the eastern part of the country.

Although a peace agreement was signed last year, there have since been two attempted coups and militias continue to attack and rape civilians.

Theme (s): Care/Treatment - PlusNews,

[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]