ABOUT GBV WEST AFRICA EXPOSED

The following testimonies were shared by refugees, internally displaced persons and other persons of concern to UNHCR across the West and Central Africa Region. All stories were collected with their informed consent. Their first names as well as their country of origin have been changed. The photos are illustrative.

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Niger: Mahamane’s testimony

“They hold me by the feet and arms. They take turns raping me. I'm screaming, it hurts, no one can hear me ... I just got raped in the country that was supposed to protect me..."

GBV: Rape / Gang rape

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My name is Mahamane and I am a refugee who speaks only Arabic. I know a young Nigerien who also speaks Arabic at the place where I often go for tea. I’m happy to have a new friend who I can talk to. He’s very cool and offered me a ride one day. We made an appointment the next day. I don’t know the city very well and I am very reserved. I am a homosexual and where I come from homosexuals are discriminated against. My friend doesn’t know.

The appointment’s day, he sends me to a very remote place where there are orange trees. This place has a very large fence with gardens. I don’t know why, but my friend is making sexual advances at me. I’m so happy, just to meet someone like me. I accept his advances and we make love.

Suddenly, 3 young people appear out of nowhere. I realize these are his friends. They hold me by the feet and the arms. They take turns raping me. I scream, it hurts, no one can hear me. After their finish, they beat me and leave.

An elderly man comes to my aid and takes me to the center where I live with UNHCR’s help. I meet with UNHCR staff. I explain to them what happened to me. I explain that I was raped by 4 people.

I am taken care of. But today, I’m so scared I can’t get out. I lost my confidence, I just got raped in the country that was supposed to protect me. But I was able to count on wonderful UNHCR staff who continue to follow me and make sure that I get better and better.
This is my story.

Words of survivors

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Gender-based violence is a challenge that affects women and girl’s health and well-being. When women and girls prosper, families and societies prosper. It’s time to end gender-based violence and support survivors.

For more information about rape

1. Rape: vaginal, anal or oral penetration without consent (even superficial), using the penis or another part of the body. Also applies to inserting an object into the vagina or anus.

 

2. Sexual assault: any form of sexual contact without consent that does not lead to or is not based on an act of penetration. Among other examples: attempted rape, as well as unwanted kissing, fondling and touching the genitals or buttocks. FGM is an act of violence that damages the sexual organs; they should therefore be classified as sexual assault. This type of incident does not include rape (which consists of an act of penetration).

 

3. It is considered that in the WCA region, 1 in 3 women have been sexually assaulted, and 1 in 5 raped.

ABOUT GBV WEST AFRICA EXPOSED

The following testimonies were shared by refugees, internally displaced persons and other persons of concern to UNHCR across the West and Central Africa Region. All stories were collected with their informed consent. Their first names as well as their country of origin have been changed. The photos are illustrative.