Recent events have shown that contacts with local populations are critical to...

Recent events have shown that contacts with local populations are critical to ensuring protection. The role of civil affairs and public information components is therefore key. They should have the necessary resources — especially guidance and trained personnel — to be able to help avoid outrageous violence such as that witnessed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are encouraged by the measures being taken by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to mainstream the prevention of sexual violence in peacekeeping missions.