«Parler pour protéger» is part of a drive to raise awareness and mobilize the community, reminding us that preventing sexual exploitation and abuse is a shared responsibility, and that information is the first barrier against impunity.
Since July 11, 2025, MONUSCO's Conduct and Discipline (CDT) Section has launched a radio program entitled «Parler pour protéger» in partnership with Radio Okapi, the UN radio in DRC. This program, which will be broadcast twice a month, is designed to raise awareness among the Congolese population about prevention, understanding, and combating sexual exploitation and abuse involving United Nations or affiliated personnel in the Democratic Republic of Congo..
At the program's launch, Pascale Gabriella Serra-Nga Gnii Voueto, Communications Officer for MONUSCO's Conduct and Discipline Section, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
«This program aims to raise awareness among populations about the Mission personnel's conduct standards, to promote integrity, respect, and protection of communities against all forms of abuse. It encourages reporting, collective accountability, and highlights the joint efforts of all actors involved in preventing abuse.»
A message in line with community expectations and the commitments of MONUSCO's partners, particularly those from civil society.
Call for strengthened collaboration
Julienne Lusenge, President of the Board of Directors of the NGO Women's Solidarity for Peace and Development (SOFEPADI) and winner of the 2023 United Nations Prize for Human Rights, welcomed this initiative. She calls for strengthening collaboration between civil society and MONUSCO regarding the prevention and fight against sexual exploitation and abuse :
« Since MONUSCO's presence, we have been working to promote rights, protect civilians, as well as prevent sexual exploitation and abuse. This collaboration is valuable and must be maintained. We encourage the United Nations to continue their efforts, both in prevention and in concrete support for victims. »
An educational program
Each episode of «Parler pour protéger» addresses a specific theme related to combating sexual exploitation and abuse. Through testimonies, expert interviews, and accessible explanations, the program aims to inform, raise awareness, and encourage behavioral changes, both individual and collective.
«Parler pour protéger» is broadcast every second and last Friday of the month at 7:45 AM (Kinshasa time) on Radio Okapi. Each episode will be rebroadcast the following Sunday at 9:00 PM.
This program is part of a dynamic of awareness-raising and collective mobilization, reminding us that preventing sexual exploitation and abuse is a shared responsibility and that information constitutes the first barrier against impunity.
It demonstrates MONUSCO's constant commitment to preventing and combating sexual exploitation and abuse involving United Nations or affiliated personnel in DRC.