Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Thank you for that question. I certainly do find that a bit easier to respond to, although naturally it's a difficult question as well. I think Canada has undertaken a remarkable commitment to working in DRC, and I congratulate you on your efforts through CIDA. One of the things we've seen in DRC that is not necessarily a reflection of Canada but of funding mechanisms in general is that NGOs, local organizations and even multilateral organizations, struggle with the fact that they're trying to undertake long-term sustained efforts but funding often comes in fits and starts and attention varies between different efforts at different times.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  It would be difficult for me to comment authoritatively on that. We see many unintended consequences as a result of actions in Congo, so I would not rule it out.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Yes.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  As a public health researcher, I sometimes hesitate to comment authoritatively on some of the UN undertakings. However, I would say that many of the interventions still need to be integrated with local and national efforts. While the UN's efforts in DRC are admirable, it's still an enormous country, no matter how large the number of troops, and the true effort needs to come from the political will of the Congolese government.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Absolutely. I think that was one of the most troubling and incomprehensible things that we saw in Congo. Women were being blamed for a rape that was clearly not their fault. One of the local partners I mentioned, the Medical Psycho-Social Help Centre, works in Bukavu, but radiates to some of the most remote areas in Congo.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  The Congolese government's commitment to addressing sexual violence is a difficult matter. Any commitment, however, is strengthened by sustained pressure from partners who are truly engaged. The Congolese government is made up of remarkable individuals, many of whom have personally been affected by the conflict.

Subcommittee on International Human Rights committee  Mr. Chair, I'd like to thank the subcommittee for this opportunity to address you on the issue of sexual violence against women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. My name is Jocelyn Kelly. I'm the director of the women in war program at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, an interdisciplinary research group at Harvard University that examines how to bring evidence-based practices into complex crises.