Press Release: For Immediate Release

Conakry Guinea, 28 September 2022: The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC), Pramila Patten, welcomes the opening of the trial for the crimes that occurred on 28 September 2009 during an opposition rally at the Conakry stadium.

鈥淭he opening of this trial is an unprecedented step forward for Guinea. Its success will be an illustration of the government’s commitment to the fight against impunity, as well as its will to strengthen the rule of law through a trial that must be fair and transparent, conducted by a judiciary that is independent, impartial, and respectful of the rights of all parties,鈥� said the Special Representative. The Special Representative recalled the importance for the credibility of the trial that it be held in strict compliance with international standards, including in relation to procedural fairness, the full participation of victims, the security and the protection of all parties.

The Office of the Special Representative has supported this process since the signing, in 2011, of a Joint Communiqu茅 between the Guinean Government and the United Nations on the fight against impunity for the 28 September 2009 events, including sexual violence. Through the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Office of the Special Representative supported the investigating judges until the closing of the investigation, and the establishment of a Steering Committee for the organization of the hearings.

鈥淚 pay tribute to the hundreds of victims of these events, including those of sexual violence, their relatives, and the organizations that have supported them for 13 years in the hope of obtaining justice, truth, recognition and reparations,鈥� added the Special Representative.

The Office of the Special Representative and the United Nations reiterate their commitment to continue to support this process until its completion, in order to strengthen social cohesion and promote genuine national reconciliation.

NOTE TO THE EDITORS: Remarks of SRSG Patten at the opening of the trial for the events of 28 September 2009, Guinea, Conakry, 28 September 2022 (only in French):

For media inquiries, please contact:

Ms. G茅raldine Boezio, Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict

Tel: +1 917 367 3306 Email: geraldine.boezio@un.org

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