SUPPORT VULNERABLE DISPLACED PEOPLE FROM CONGO

With the far reaching effects of civil unrest, communities in Congo continue to suffer especially the women as they continue to migrate to other East African countries in search of jobs and better livelihoods. This has exposed them to human trafficking and other dangers. Kigezi Healthcare Foundation has empowered community leaders as regards  this evil and specific women counselors have been trained to  advise young girls when the need arises to go and search for employment as they are  at a greater risk of exploitation, sexual and gender-based violence, and human trafficking throughout their migration journey and upon arrival. 

 Once they get into the new area, very many people pounce on their vulnerability and force them against their will into occupations like prostitution where they are exposed to dangers such as contracting HIV/AIDS and any other sexually transmitted diseases on top of the psycho-logic trauma caused. Trafficking young people is a growing  business in East Africa. At times, these are often aides by respective Immigration officials to enable the transit of victims.

Kigezi Healthcare Foundation has, through periodic trainings, strengthened 75 women from five villages,  local councils and community leaders to monitor and report cases of exploitation and the sale of vulnerable girls in marginalized sectors  such as  refugees.  The 75 women were also trained in skills such as liquid soap making, baking so as to earn a small income without moving to other communities for employment. These skills are meant to be passed on to the different girl groups that they will interact with.

 More so, the trainees were encouraged to work hand in hand with the security personels and the different channels established by the government as that is  the  place for this purpose. However,  we call upon the government to continue  training of various levels of local councils  to ensure effective monitoring from the village to the sub-county levels. Mechanisms for the social protection of trafficked girls, such as safe houses, repatriation, provision of household-level economic support, and readmission into schools, must also be strengthened.

We continue to appreciate the numerous people that have supported us in this cause and we encourage more people to support communities to facilitate better livelihoods for everyone.