Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Certainly Canada is monitoring the lead-up to the elections and has been looking at ways in which we can support the orderly conduct of those elections. We know there is a risk of sexual violence if there is unrest at that time, and I would say that our efforts are not targeted specifically at the election but rather more broadly at all the instability or insecurity that takes place.
We have mentioned a number of projects that Canada has supported thus far with ongoing support. Of course, when we work with the DRC government and officials, the messages are ones in which we underline the importance of their taking the necessary steps to ensure security during the electoral period and emphasize that the safety of women and children during that time is essential, that we know there is the risk of sexual violence and encourage them to take all the steps necessary to prevent its taking place.