Looking Back at the Conference: “Rape as a Weapon of War: STOP!” at the French National Assembly

On the occasion of International Women’s Rights Day, Stand Speak Rise Up! and the French National Assembly co-organized a major conference dedicated to the fight against rape as a weapon of war. More than 230 participants – experts, legal professionals, parliamentarians, and Survivors – gathered to discuss and testify on this crucial issue.

The conference was marked by the interventions of H.R.H. Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, Chékéba Hachemi, and Member of Parliament Emmanuelle Hoffman, all committed to shedding light on this scourge and advocating for justice.

“It has always been essential for me to highlight those whom people refuse to see and hear.”
– Maria Teresa of Luxembourg

“We do not have the right to give up. We are all responsible. We stand for universal values, without borders.”
– Chékéba Hachemi

Tatiana Mukanire, a Survivor and project leader at Stand Speak Rise Up!, arrived the day before from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to share her harrowing testimony and raise awareness about the alarming situation in her country.

“All the Survivors who once had hope are now experiencing the worst.”
– Tatiana Mukanire

Her intervention, along with contributions from many committed experts, provided a critical assessment of the current situation while also offering concrete solutions to strengthen the protection and support of Survivors.

The conference concluded with a speech by Aurore Bergé, Minister for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination, who reaffirmed the need for an immediate and strong response:

“Rape is not collateral damage of war; it is an absolute crime. It aims to break, annihilate, and destroy.”
– Aurore Bergé

One of the key outcomes of this event was the establishment of a working group bringing together Stand Speak Rise Up!, parliamentarians, and civil society representatives. This initiative aims to amplify the voices of Survivors and drive tangible, long-term changes in the fight against sexual violence in conflict zones.