Duchess Sophie Raises Awareness of Sexual Violence During Second Congo Visit

The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, has undertaken a significant second visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo to support survivors of sexual violence and highlight the ongoing impact of conflict on women and girls. At the request of the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, she visited key locations including the newly expanded Panzi Clinic in Kinshasa, which provides comprehensive medical, psychosocial, legal, and socioeconomic support to survivors, and a safe house offering protection and reintegration services. During her trip, she met with women peacebuilders working at the grassroots level and UN peacekeepers involved in conflict resolution and advocacy for women's rights. The Duchess was deeply moved by testimonies from survivors and observed firsthand the efforts to address the weaponization of rape in conflict zones. This visit builds on her previous 2022 trip to the DRC and aligns with the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative as well as the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace and Security agenda. Her engagements underscore her ongoing commitment to global women's rights and conflict-related sexual violence issues.