Witnessing first-hand the life-long damage caused by conflict-related sexual violence, Dr. Denis Mukwege long recognised the importance of reparations for survivors to rebuild their shattered lives. Though reparation is a recognised right, there is a considerable implementation gap in making reparations for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence a reality. Through the Mukwege Foundation, Dr. Mukwege spearheaded the development of the Fund dedicated to making reparations accessible.

In a historic moment on 10 December 2018, Dr. Mukwege and Nadia Murad received the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to end sexual violence as a weapon of war in armed conflict. From that moment on, Nadia Murad, as a survivor herself, being so aware of the importance of reparations and redress, joined Dr. Mukwege in this mission. Together they developed the Global Survivors Fund (GSF).

The establishment of GSF helps realise a vision long held by survivors. SEMA, a leading global network uniting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence supported by the Mukwege Foundation, has been lobbying for reparations since its inception. SEMA members were involved in establishing the Global Survivors Fund, whose mission and vision draw from this network’s work.

The Global Survivors Fund builds on the long-standing advocacy efforts of the Office of the United Nations’ Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC). The UN Secretary-General endorsed the Fund in his statement to the Security Council on conflict-related sexual violence in April 2019, and Security Council Resolution 2467 referenced the Fund. The G7 also confirmed its support for the Fund in its August 2019 Declaration on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

The purpose of the Global Survivors Fund is to fill the existing gap in addressing the needs and the rights of survivors by implementing interim reparative measures when states are unwilling or unable to do so.

It will also advocate for reparations and guide states and civil society in developing survivor-centred reparation programmes.

It will use a survivor-centred approach.

The Global Survivors Fund approaches its work holistically. Not only does GSF work to develop reparation programs, but it also advocates for duty bearers to accept responsibility, and then guides states and other stakeholders in designing survivor-centric initiatives.

Below are examples of how GSF achieves its mission of enhancing access to reparation:

• GSF employs a narrative of accessibility to reparations for survivors

• Its proximity to survivors allows it to co-create programs with them

• GSF adopts innovative approaches in its work with survivors, in its resource mobilization, and using technology

• GSF is purpose-driven and focused on the concrete needs of survivors

• Through a rigorous monitoring, GSF learns, adapts, and builds an evidence–base for unique and effective models of reparations.

The headquarter is located in Geneva.