Location: Nord-Kivu province

Situation:

Despite a wealth of natural resources, the economic, social and health systems in DRC have slowed down dramatically since the 1980s, followed by total collapse during two inter-African wars. During a long electoral process-supported by the international community-Joseph Kabila won the presidency, yet this has not brought any real political, economic or social stability to the country. Fighting started again in the East and on the Rwandan-Ugandan border in August 2008 and the regionalisation process was not implemented.

Activities:

Since 2004, the growing interest in the issue of sexual violence among the international community and NGOs in DRC has resulted in a joint initiative involving ministries (health and justice), UN agencies, international NGOs and provincial commissions tackling sexual violence. This programme is part of the integrated HIV project in Goma. It aims to build the capacity of local actors and, through its operational activities, to improvethepsychological wellbeing of women affected by violence.

Outlook:

This pilot programme (which includes training psycho-social counsellors, a centre for exchange of practices) has been prolonged for two years and it may be integrated into a joint project to provide comprehensive support (medical, socio-economic, legal and psycho-social) while planning gradual withdrawal.