Delivery of socio-economic reintegration kits to victims of sexual abuse involving United Nations personnel in Goma
In a commendable initiative, sixty women victims of sexual abuse and exploitation involving UN personnel received socio-economic reintegration kits in Goma, North Kivu province. This handover ceremony marked the conclusion of a four-month training on empowerment, organized by the Conduct and Discipline section of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo).
The project Assistance to victims of sexual abuse and exploitation involving United Nations personnel, financed by the United Nations Trust Fund, made it possible to select thirty women from the territory of Nyiragongo and thirty others from the city of Goma to benefit from these kits. These include sewing machines, cutting and sewing equipment, as well as food, among others.
The NGO Samani Ya Mazingira (Value of the Environment) is in charge of the implementation of this project, which aims to promote the empowerment of women victims of sexual abuse. Lusambya Delu, coordinator of this NGO, explains that surveys have been carried out in order to identify the women most exposed to abuse and sexual exploitation, such as those carrying out activities near the camps of the blue helmet contingents or even the vulnerable orphans.
The delivery of these kits took place in the presence of a delegate from the mayor of Goma and Jane Connors, United Nations Under-Secretary General in charge of defending the rights of victims, who came especially from New York. This initiative is an essential step in rebuilding the lives of these women, offering them an opportunity for autonomy and socio-economic reintegration.
Laila Bourhil, head of the MONUSCO office in Goma, stresses the importance of these kits in promoting the empowerment of victims of sexual abuse. The training provided to women will help develop their entrepreneurial skills and promote their reintegration into society.
This action, although modest, represents a step forward in the fight against sexual abuse and exploitation involving United Nations personnel. It demonstrates the will of the international community to take concrete measures to support the victims and prevent such acts in the future