UN Admits 500 women raped under their watch in Luvungi, Congo
According to U.N Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, Atul Khare armed Congolese raped hundreds of women in and around Luvungi and other nearby villages which are just a few miles away from the U.N peacekeepers barracks. In his address to the U.N Security Council about the rapes, Khare said that, the primary responsibility to protect the people lies within the state police and the army, however, the UN peacekeepers have a responsibility to ensure that peace and safety prevails, hence, they failed in their roles.
Dozens of rebels have surrendered in the recent past many of whom are in possession of automatic weapons. The UN security chief has promised that the UN Peacekeepers will be more vigilant, promising night patrols and random checks. He has also promised to oversee installation of high frequency radio at Luvungi to enable peacekeepers use mobile phones as a means of boosting security.
Eastern Congo has witnessed blood rebellion and heinous crimes against humanity. Rape is being here as a weapon of war and it shocking. The area is rich with minerals and wildlife. The minerals are blamed for the conflict. Luvungi, a farming area lies on the main road to Goma, the provincial capital.


