Gender-based violence multi sectoral response was implemented through survivor centred case management. A total of 410 Congolese gender-based violence cases were reported in Nyarugusu. 99% of cases were reported by female, 1% male and 18% children. 100% of reported incidents received psychosocial counselling and case management services. The most reported incidents were denial of resources at 33%, psychological/emotional abuse at 31% and rape at 21%. Legal counselling was provided to 415 gender-based violence survivors.
IRC and UNHCR engaged Congolese community in transformative gender-based violence prevention approaches including Engaging Men through Accountable Practice (EMAP), Engaging Adolescent Boys through Accountable Practice (EABAP), SASA! Girl Shine and dialogues. 50 Congolese male and female were enrolled for EMAP as well as 25 Boys for EABAP. Gender-based violence prevention through community mobilization for outreach and mass awareness on gender-based violence were achieved through commemoration of international events and campaigns such as the International Women’s Day and 16 Days of Activism reached 750 Congolese.
The interventions enabled the people of concern to widen their knowledge in gender-based violence prevention and response, hence increased referrals of gender-based violence cases. Gender-based violence was mainstreamed across sectors including WASH, health, shelter, education, energy and environment, livelihood and economic inclusion, child protection, community-based protection, access to justice. The gender-based violence mainstreaming component was also reflected in the sectors PPAs, as well as in Tanzania Refugee Operation National Action Plan on gender-based violence mitigation.
On improving access to justice for gender-based violence survivors, UNHCR, MoHA in collaboration with Head of Forensic Biology and DNA Services-MoHA - Dar es Salaam, and legal actors conducted assessment of forensic storage facilities at health centres and police stations in the two camps. The forensic rooms were renovated to meet forensic evidence collection standards ready for the implementation of the project. Also, forensic experts conducted refresher training on chain management of forensic evidence for health workers, legal officers, public prosecutors, social welfare officers aimed at improving gender-based violence survivor’s access to justice.
IRC convened access to justice meeting with 15 judicial/legal actors held in Kigoma region. The discussion addressed challenges when dealing with gender-based violence cases in courts as well as improving access to justice for survivors. Gender-based violence refresher training was conducted to 23 clinical officers and police officers on gender-based violence legal implication, proper filling of PF3 as well as the use of forensic evidence. Moreover, legal awareness and education were provided to the community through mass campaign, house to house and discussions. The aim was to prevent and mitigate gender-based violence occurrence in the community. IRC and UNHCR conducted capacity building training to partners, police and MoHA and other government stakeholders on gender-based violence and PSEA related issues.
PSEA activities were implemented as stipulated in the Inter Agency PSEA Protocol. PSEA trainings and coordination forums were implemented by ensuring UNHCR and all partners put in place mechanism for prevention, mitigation, and response to sexual misconduct as well as adhering to reporting mechanisms.