Eliminating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)

Context

Conflicts between the government and armed groups are resulting in numerous human rights violations in eastern Congo. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is widespread. Experiences of violence have a destructive impact on survivors’ psychological, psychosocial and physical wellbeing. They contribute significantly to collective traumatisation and societal conflicts.

The legal system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is weak. As a result, SGBV and human rights violations largely go unpunished. Non-state actors are therefore pressing for political efforts to address and prosecute SGBV.

There is also a lack of public services to support SGBV survivors. Instead, support services are being provided by local and international organisations and non-governmental organisations. State and non-state representatives lack the resources, organisational capacities and joint strategic approaches to perform their work successfully in the long term in the fight against SGBV.

Objective

Strategic cooperation between governmental and non-governmental organisations and institutions has improved in order to fight sexual and gender-based violence in the Kivu region.

Approach

The project supports SGBV-survivors in asserting their rights and advises civil society in its work to end impunity for SGBV. It thus contributes to preventing SGBV crimes.

The project also works with non-governmental organisations and state actors on coordinated services to support SGBV survivors.

In addition, the project advises the Panzi Foundation, which defends the interests and rights of SGBV victims, as well as the Panzi Hospital, which supports survivors. These organisations can thus cooperate better, internally and externally, and develop joint strategies.

Advice is also provided to state representatives so that they can better respond to sexual and gender-based violence.

Last update: November 2024