UK welcomes return of inspirational doctor to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dr Mukwege, who specialises in treating victims of sexual violence, has returned to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dr Mukwege is a well-known Congolese doctor, founder and Medical Director of the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which specialises in the treatment of victims of sexual violence. On 25 October 2012 Dr Mukwege was attacked by armed men at his house; his guard was shot and killed. The identity and motivation of the perpetrators remains unclear. Dr. Mukwege’s extraordinary and heroic work at the Panzi hospital has saved the lives of tens of thousands of Congolese, many thousands of them women and girls who have been the victims of sexual violence in eastern DRC.
Foreign Secretary William Hague said:
I am pleased that Dr Mukwege has decided to return to eastern DRC despite the very real concerns for his safety. Dr Mukwege’s vital work at the Panzi hospital treating many of the survivors of conflict-related sexual violence is truly inspirational. I urge the authorities to continue to investigate the attack that forced him and his family to flee the country last year and to ensure that he can continue to live and work in the region safely.
Further Information
More information on Dr Mukwege and the Panzi Hospital in Bukavu
More information on the UK’s Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict initiative
Foreign Secretary’s statement on the attack on Dr Denis Mukwege on 25 October.