The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Hawa Bangura, has concluded her second visit to Guinea, urging the Government to accelerate the progress of justice for the victims of the 28 September 2009 crimes, including survivors of sexual violence.

 “I commend the Government of Guinea for the responsibility it has taken to drive a domestic process of accountability for these crimes, and I now urge the authorities to move as soon as possible from the investigations phase to begin the trials,” said the Special Representative.

 Since 2012, the Office of the Special Representative through its Team of Experts on Rule of Law and Sexual Violence has supported a panel of Guinean Judges established to investigate and prosecute the grave human rights violations that took place in 2009. This has led to 16 indictments, including of former President Moussa Dadis Camara and high ranking military commanders. The Panel of Judges has interviewed over 400 victims and witnesses.

 “This process is critical for justice and reconciliation in Guinea. It can also be a powerful example to which many other countries in Africa and beyond look for lessons and inspiration,” stressed Special Representative Bangura.

 During the visit the Special Representative met with representatives of victims associations and survivors, many of whom continue to suffer from debilitating physical injuries, psychological trauma and destitution due to stigma and shame. Special Representative Bangura emphasized that even as the course of justice progresses, the immediate priority must be to ensure that the survivors and their families receive the services, care and livelihood support that they so urgently require.

 The Special Representative also met with the President of Guinea, His Excellency Alpha Condé; Prime Minister Mamady Youla; Minister of Justice Cheick Sako, as well as the Panel of Judges. She discussed the continued support of the United Nations to the Government of Guinea in addressing the considerable practical and political challenges as the justice process moves forward.

 “In my discussion with the Guinean authorities, I urged them to take steps to ensure that all those who have been indicted by the Panel of Judges are suspended from public positions until the conclusion of the process,” the Special Representative noted. She also made a call for increased judicial cooperation with Guinea to allow the Panel of Judges to hear remaining key witnesses that are outside the country.

 The visit of the Special Representative was conducted jointly with Dr. Sarah Sewall, the United States Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, who reiterated the support of her Government to strengthening the justice sector in Guinea. The United States remains one of the strongest supporters, both politically and financially, of the United Nations Security Council mandate to prevent and address conflict-related sexual violence.

 “I stand in solidarity with the victims of sexual violence in Guinea, and pledge that the United Nations will continue to champion their cause of justice and dignity,” concluded Special Representative Bangura.