At UN General Assembly, FONAREV Calls for Recognition of Génocost in Congo Through New Art Exhibition

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As world leaders convene for the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Congolese artists and activists will debut a powerful new exhibition that demands international recognition of the atrocities committed in Eastern Congo.

Presented by the Permanent Mission of the Democratic Republic of Congo to the United Nations in New York, in collaboration with the Inter-Institutional Commission for Assistance to Victims and Support for Reforms (CIA-VAR) and the National Fund for the Reparation of Victims of Sexual Violence Related to Conflicts and Crimes Against Peace and Security of Humanity (FONAREV), and curated by acclaimed Congolese artist Aimé Mpane, Art for Peace and Resilience features artwork by victims of conflict-related sexual violence and aims to raise global awareness about the plight of victims in Democratic Republic of Congo. FONAREV is also shining a light on the concept of Génocost—a term used to refer to the Congolese genocide committed for economic reasons. Since the late 1990s, this conflict has caused millions of deaths and widespread sexual violence, driven by militant groups seeking to profit from DRC's vast natural resources.  

"Although there is still a long way to go, our commitment, determination, and everyone's participation are the keys to our success." Says Mr. François Kakese, Executive Coordinator of CIA-VAR.

This exhibition is both a wrenching reflection on the violence and terror endured by Congolese women and a powerful plea to the international community: justice and recognition cannot wait.

Art Exhibition Details:
Event: Art for Peace and Resilience
Dates: September 23rd – 26th | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: 15 E 40th Street, New York, NY 10016

FONAREV is the first national institution dedicated to offering victims of systematic sexual violence recognition, reparations, and legal support. FONAREV is working with CIA-VAR to build and implement a transitional justice system for the thousands of victims, identifying over 190,000 victims to date, expanding access to healthcare, and expanding the region's judicial system. 

"Getting the international community to recognize this génocost would mark a turning point in our nation's journey towards ending this violence, and reshaping our collective memory to address the devastation it has wrought." Adds Mr. Patrick Fata, Director General of FONAREV.

Media Kit

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Kristen Hayford
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SOURCE FONAREV