Source Link: http://www.kbs-frb.org/pressitem.aspx?id=280888&LangType=1033
Esteemed Congolese gynaecologist, Dr. Denis Mukwege, has been awarded the 2010/2011 King Baudouin International Development Prize for his work in treating and advocating for the victims of sexual violence and war crimes in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dr. Mukwege for the last more than ten years has been actively involved in helping the victims of rape and sexual violence in Congo through multi-pronged treatments combining psychological and physical treatment with social support to help cope with the stigma many victims face after they are assaulted. Panzi Hospital in Bukavu was founded by him to offer comprehensive care for women victims.
Till date, Dr. Mukwege and his team have treated more than 30,000 victims of sexual violence.
In the war-torn regions of Democratic Republic of Congo, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of women have been raped or severely maimed and the figures are one of the highest in the world. Sexual violence is used as a weapon of war by rebel forces, strategically perpetrated to institute a reign of fear in order to seize control of mineral-rich areas.
Beyond his work at Panzi Hospital, Dr. Mukwege has also gained recognition for advocating tirelessly on behalf of the victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. At risk to his own life, he has appealed to policymakers for increased protection for the women of the region and championed an integrated health care system that meets the unique challenges of violence and chaos in the Congo.
Dr. Mukwege received the Prize at the Royal Palace in Brussels, at a ceremony attended by King Albert II and Queen Paola of Belgium and other esteemed guests such as Margot Wallstrom, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict.
“It is a privilege and an honor for me to be receiving the King Baudouin International Development Prize. Most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to reiterate the critical need for all of us to take action for women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We cannot risk being silent on this grave injustice – destroying women means destroying life,” said Dr. Mukwege.
The King Baudouin International Development Prize was established in 1978 to recognize and support pioneers who have made outstanding contributions to addressing key challenges and advancing social progress in the developing world.
The Prize winner receives 150,000 euros (approximately US$210,000) and the opportunity to meet leaders of key international organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations and the European Union.
