Rehabilitating war victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Uganda

In the heart of Northern Uganda for fifteen years, Joyce Laker and a team at the AVSI Foundation have been working with those most affected by the damages of war supporting the war victims living with physical disabilities resulting from the brutalities of conflict

Countries Uganda
Sectors
Date 13.06.2024
Author By Rachael Akiteng - AVSI Communications Officer in Uganda

In the heart of Northern Uganda amidst the echoes of a painful past, there exists reassurances of hope: for fifteen years, Joyce Laker and a team at the AVSI Foundation have been working with those most affected by the damages of war supporting the war victims living with physical disabilities resulting from the brutalities of conflict, along with their families.

These are individuals who bear the scars of landmines, gunshots, burns, and mutilations, reminders of a past that continues to haunt them. Yet, through the Trust Fund for Victims of the International Criminal Court's mandate, they find a pathway to healing.

Through weekly outreach programs and capacity-building initiatives, AVSI is breaking down the barriers of stigma and silence that surrounds psychological trauma. By empowering therapists and engaging in community dialogues, AVSI Foundation paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society, annually attending to more than 400 victims including survivors of sexual and gender-based violence especially those experienced from July 2002.

From counselling sessions for psychological rehabilitation and provision of physiotherapy

Orthoses and prostheses for physical rehabilitation make the journey towards recovery comprehensive. The process begins with identification and assessment, ensuring that each participant's needs are understood and addressed with care. Orthopaedic appliances are provided, restoring mobility and independence to those who had once felt lost. But the support doesn't end there. Regular follow-ups and home visits ensure progress is monitored and any challenges are swiftly addressed. Counselling sessions both individual and group-based serve as pillars of strength, guiding individuals through the labyrinth of trauma towards a brighter tomorrow.

Yet AVSI's impact extends beyond the individual level. By partnering with the Swiss limbs and Gulu Regional Rehabilitation Centre; AVSI Foundation and Gulu Regional Rehabilitation Centre produced and delivered artificial limbs to the war victims living with disabilities, paving way for a more inclusive and compassionate people.

The Trust Fund for Victims Assistance programme through a multifaceted approach that encompasses capacity building, advocacy, to reintegrated physical and psychological rehabilitation assistance to war victims extends a lifeline to people who have endured unimaginable suffering.

To increase economic opportunities for the victims of war and sexual gender-based violence survivors

In the operation areas, the program utilized the tested Village Saving and Loans Association model and AVSI’s experience in the implementation of the model in other running programs. The Trust Fund for Victims Assistance program mobilized, trained and engaged the participants in groups allowing financial inclusion to start up small enterprises for their livelihoods. 71 percent of the participants who demonstrated improvement in their household economic status could live in harmony and felt more accepted in their communities, leading to social inclusion. Groups were assisted to register at their local community structure levels so that they can benefit from government development programs.

A beneficiary of the project The Trust Fund for the Victims
A beneficiary of the Trust Fund for Victims Assistance programme

The establishment of Farmer Field and Business Schools boosted food security and nutrition for the families of 305 victims who adopted the backyard gardening techniques and the practice of Farming. A Business leveraging on the locally identified profitable and marketable businesses, victims received short trainings in financial literacy and how to select, plan and manage their income generating activities.

About the Trust Fund for Victims Assistance programme

Project Duration: April 2024 - April 2025

Total number of beneficiaries: 3,439