Assistance to 16,000 victims of violence and human rights violations in North Kivu

In September 2024, AVSI, with support from the DRC Humanitarian Fund, partnered with MIDEFEHOPS and SYOPADI to launch the "Pamoja Tutaweza" project in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to more than 16,000 individuals impacted by the crisis in North Kivu. Additionally, it will raise awareness among 75,000 people about the dangers of war remnants and strengthen the capacity of local leaders to address human rights violations. 

The humanitarian crisis in North Kivu has escalated due to ongoing armed conflicts and military operations. The violence, marked by increased use of explosives and direct combat, has caused massive population displacement and a rise in human rights abuses. By April 2024, the situation had become critical, with around 2.67 million internally displaced persons and 1.3 million returnees. According UNHCR monthly protection monitoring report North Kivu , in October, 165 cases of gender-based violence (GBV) were documented, of which 84.2% were rapes. Among the perpetrators of these severe acts, 79.8% were armed actors, particularly in conflict zones. The remaining 17.9% were attributed to civilians, especially in the Rutshuru area.

In response to the worsening crisis, critical needs have emerged in the protection sector, including general protection, community-based initiatives, and targeted interventions for gender-based violence. There is an urgent demand to improve community awareness about the dangers of explosive remnants of war and to bolster prevention systems for unexploded ordnance. Additionally, ensuring the well-being of communities impacted by the M23 crisis has become a top priority, requiring a coordinated and comprehensive approach. 

In collaboration with MIDEFEHOPS and SYOPADI, AVSI is committed to tackling the urgent protection challenges in the territories of Goma, Karisimbi, and Nyiragongo, areas deeply affected by the M23 conflict. The 15-months Pamoja Tutaweza, in English "Together we can", project focuses on providing direct assistance to victims of violence and human rights violations.

Key objectives include supporting 26 community structures and enhancing the skills of 45 local leaders to address human rights violations. Additionally, the initiative aims to sensitize 75,000 individuals on the dangers of explosive remnants of war, offer acces to the the psycosocial support services to 2,500 trauma survivors, and deliver comprehensive care to 16,246 community members and gender-based violence survivors, ensuring access to safe, health, psychosocial, legal, and protection services. 

The strategy includes training community-based protection groups on fundamental protection principles, international human rights laws, and methods for preventing and managing violations. AVSI will also lead awareness campaigns on GBV prevention, highlight available support services, and assist in identifying and addressing explosive hazards within communities. 

The project's multifaceted approach not only meets immediate needs but also strengthens the capacity of communities to protect themselves and uphold human rights in the face of ongoing threats. This commitment to long-term change highlights AVSI's dedication to supporting vulnerable populations in a region that urgently needs sustainable solutions.