Women and children in Ituri, DRC, face instability due to the Hema-Lendu conflict. Armed groups have committed war crimes, including child soldier recruitment, sexual violence, and forced marriages. Survivors, mostly women, now suffer from chronic diseases, and their children, born from rebels, are often marginalized. Lacking basic services, they struggle to survive. Since 1977, COOPI has improved conditions for mothers and their children, providing physical, psychological, and material support.
The ethnic conflict in the Ituri province has left deep scars in the community. Survivors face chronic health problems and extreme vulnerability due to loss of livelihoods and lack of access to basic services. Additionally, their children born of rape face social stigma and rejection from their families and communities. The entrenched culture of impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity exacerbates these problems, creating a pervasive environment of injustice and suffering for victims.
COOPI's project will promote justice and improve the living conditions of adolescent mothers and their children. The aim of the project is to enroll new young mothers and their children, adding to the 400 beneficiaries already assisted. The project will provide comprehensive support, including Mental health services Physical healthcare Material and economic aid Educational support The program will also promote social cohesion and awareness activities on early marriage.
By providing support to the survivors, the initiative helps them overcome trauma and lead dignified lives. As beneficiaries regain their health, economic stability and social acceptance, they become active participants in their communities, fostering a culture of peace and respect for human rights. Ultimately, the project aims to create a more just and protective environment for women and children in Ituri, ensuring that their rights are upheld and their future is secured.
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