Implementation of the victim assistance and support to CBCNs projects was launched in September 2020 by a non-governmental organization called the Samani Ya Mazingira (SYAM).

The projects objectives were:

• Train 420 beneficiaries in the six communities of Beni, Bunia, Goma, Kalemie, Kavumu, and Uvira in dressmaking, hairdressing, bread-baking, pastry-making, improved cooking methods, basket weaving, farming/animal husbandry, and small business management.
• Provide two-year scholarships for 60 affected children.
• Build the capacity of 120 members of the local CBCNs to receive and report complaints and provide support to income-generation activities for beneficiaries.

Over the course of the projects, the following activities were implemented:

• 375 project beneficiaries participated in six months of vocational training.
• 83 affected children in vulnerable situations were provided with two-year scholarships and school materials, such as pens and pencils, erasers, notebooks, school bags, shoes, and school uniforms.
• To strengthen communities’ capacity in addressing sexual exploitation and abuse, the SYAM and MONUSCO worked closely with CBCNs and local authorities. One-hundred and twenty members of CBCNs were trained on issues including gender, human rights, children’s rights, prevention and reporting of sexual exploitation and abuse, and victims' rights.

(*): It is to be noted that project budgets are subject to change given the evolving situation where projects are being implemented and based on the identified need e.g., security situation in DRC led to additional funds being disbursed to construct a fence around the training center.

PHOTO | Beneficiaries’ training, DRC ©United Nations

The two-year project was initiated in January 2021, with the Associazione Volontari per il Servizio Internazionale (AVSI), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) providing oversight and leading its implementation.

The main objectives of the project are:

• Provide educational support to 34 children (17 girls and 17 boys) born of sexual exploitation or abuse.
• Provide socio-economic, psychological and medical assistance to 28 victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Provide legal assistance to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse, including on resolution of paternity/child support claims.
• Increase community awareness of prevention and response to sexual exploitation and abuse.

Over the course of 2021, the following activities were implemented:

• Provision of monthly payment to 30 families for uniforms, school supplies, school fees, school meals, and medical care allowing 34 children (17 girls and 17 boys) to return to school.
• Initiation of income generation activities, with training to be provided during the second year of the project.
• Delivery of 22 psychological sessions for children and beneficiaries; and provision of psychological support through home visits where needed.
• Coverage of beneficiaries’ medical costs.
• Awareness-raising session for 25 families on COVID-19 mitigation measures and provision of hygiene and protection kits; awareness-raising sessions for 10 beneficiaries.
• Development of communication materials such as banners, posters, and leaflets to raise community awareness on sexual exploitation and abuse; Development of audio spots and short films in Creole for broadcast on community radios.
• Provision of financial support for administrative services for ongoing paternity and child support claims.

(*): The remainder of the funds to be disbursed in 2022.

In 2022, the first Trust Fund project in South Sudan was initiated. The 12-month project, implemented by United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) will serve members of communities affected or at risk of sexual exploitation abuse. It will provide direct, specialized services, including psychosocial, medical and legal counselling support and income-generating activities, for 60 SEA victims and those in vulnerable situations in Rubkona, Malakal and Pibor.

The project will also increase community-awareness, including on sexual exploitation and abuse and how to report allegations, through activities conducted with the CBCNs. This will help to reduce the stigma and fear of retaliation against victims by the alleged perpetrators.

(*): The remainder of the funds to be disbursed in 2023.

PHOTO | Workshop with Victim Assistance Focal Points on the Victim Assistance Protocol in South Sudan ©CDT UNMISS