DRC: Communities pledge to protect their members

In the heart of North Kivu, in the east of the DRC, conflicts between the Congolese army and armed groups have led to massive population displacements (2.79 million internally displaced people according to the Commission Mouvement de Population Nord-Kivu, April 2024). These clashes and population movements contribute to the deterioration of the security context and the increase in human rights violations, exposing members of host or displaced communities to multiple risks of violence, abuse, exploitation, gender-based violence, etc.

Faced with this reality,Première Urgence Internationalelaunched a project in early 2023 to support protection mechanisms in the Kibua area, aimed at strengthening social ties, supporting local commitment and capacities, and preventing and mitigating the risks of violence at community level.

Responding collectively to protection issues

The project’s Community Protection Committees (CPCs), set up and/or supported by dedicated spaces in 14 villages in the Kibua area, are made up of village volunteers (men and women) committed to their communities. Accompanied and trained over the past year by a team of community mobilizers, members of Première Urgence Internationale’s Protection team, and local volunteers, the CPCs have met regularly. These meetings enabled them to identify the main protection issues in their area, prioritize their interventions and propose concrete actions in a participatory manner.

At the same time, awareness-raising sessions on rights and the risks of violence, abuse and exploitation, etc. are organized, as well as training sessions on protection and the referral system for key members of the community and health center teams.

Training in the SATI and KITSULE health areas, February 2024.

Voice from the field

Nabandu L., farmer and member of the Kikamata Committee, recounts her experience:

“Before Première Urgence Internationale intervened in our area, we knew almost nothing about the promotion of women’s and children’s rights. Today, after the creation of our CPC in June 2023, we have an improved understanding of the risks and incidents of protection, and the consequences of gender-based violence. Thanks to the training, coaching and technical tools we received, we are able to raise awareness, lead and organize awareness sessions with community members to combat all forms of violence.”

Promoting rights and preventing risks

Thanks to the Protection Committees, micro-projects have been developed in all the villages concerned.

In the village of Lwibo, for example, the bridge has been rehabilitated to provide free and safe access for people living between the localities of Lwibo and Kishali, facilitate access to the school for Kitobo children, and limit accidents crossing the river to get there. At the market, a block of latrines has also been renovated to reduce incidents of violence against women and girls and physical aggression, and thus strengthen social cohesion between communities.

Implemented with community workers and local materials, in coordination with local authorities and institutions, this type of project will enable sustainable improvements in the daily lives and access to fundamental rights (to protection, health, education, etc.) of local populations, taking into account the crucial issues of each individual, adults and children alike.

Based on its experience in the Kibua area,Première Urgence Internationalehas extended its community protection activities to Masisi and Goma.

These activities are funded by BHA.