Iraq Partners with Congo's Nobel-Prize Winning Gynaecologist’s Clinic to Aid Sexual Violence Victims

In a groundbreaking initiative, the Iraqi government has forged a partnership with the prestigious Panzi clinic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to provide comprehensive care for victims of sexual violence. The clinic, founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, has been at the forefront of treating survivors of rape used as a weapon of war for over two decades.

Why this matters: This partnership has far-reaching implications for the global fight against sexual violence, as it sets a precedent for international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing this complex issue. Moreover, it highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to caring for survivors, going beyond medical treatment to include psychological, legal, and socio-economic support.

Thepartnership, sealed on Thursday, aims to develop exchange visits between the two parties to share expertise and best practices in caring for survivors of sexual violence. Sandra Orlovic, representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Iraq, emphasized the significance of the Panzi model, stating,"This holistic approach of (the) Panzi model in treating survivors is recognised across the globe and valued highly for its care of survivors of sexual violence."

The Panzi clinic's holistic approach combines medical, psychological, and legal aspects, plus socio-economic reintegration of victims. This comprehensive model has received global recognition as the highest possible standard of care for survivors of sexual violence. The Iraqi delegation, consisting of 10 officials from various ministries, arrived at the Panzi clinic in Bukavu, eastern DRC, on Monday to discuss the partnership's implementation.

The collaboration comes at a critical time, as up to 4,000 survivors of sexual slavery committed by the Islamic State against the Yazidi minority community in Iraq are in dire need of care and support. The Great Lakes region, where the Panzi clinic is located, has been plagued by violence since the 1990s, with armed groups using rape as a weapon of war. Dr. Mukwege's tireless efforts to treat and advocate for survivors of sexual violence earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, which he shared with Iraqi activist Nadia Murad, a former slave of Islamic State jihadists and a prominent voice for the persecuted Yazidi minority.

The partnership between Iraq and the Panzi clinic is not an isolated case. Etienne Cikuru of the Panzi Foundation revealed,"Several countries have asked us about this approach, including the Central African Republic, Colombia, Guinea and Iraq. "This growing interest in the Panzi model highlights the global recognition of its effectiveness in addressing the complex needs of sexual violence survivors."

This partnership holds the promise of not only providing much-needed care and support to survivors in Iraq but also promoting international collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the fight against sexual violence. The exchange of expertise between Iraqi officials and the Panzi clinic's experienced staff could lead to the development of customized, culturally sensitive approaches to treating survivors in Iraq and beyond, ensuring that no survivor is left behind in their path towards healing and reintegration.

Key Takeaways

• Iraq partners with Panzi clinic in DRC to care for sexual violence victims.
• Partnership aims to share expertise and best practices in holistic care.
• Panzi clinic's model combines medical, psychological, legal, and socio-economic support.
• Up to 4,000 Yazidi survivors in Iraq need care and support.
• Partnership promotes international collaboration in fighting sexual violence.