Joint Programme in support of victims of conflict-related sexual violence and other grave crimes in Eastern DRC

The Joint Programme for Assistance to Victims of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Other Serious Crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo addresses the deep and interlinked challenges faced by survivors of grave violations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Following the sharp escalation of armed conflict in early 2025, serious obstacles persist in protecting civilians, ensuring access to justice, and supporting recovery efforts.

This vital one-year initiative (June 2025 - May 2026), with a budget of over $12 million USD, is generously funded by the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo through FONAREV. It brings together the expertise of multiple UN agencies, including UNFPA, UNICEF, UNDP, OHCHR, and UN Women, to deliver a coordinated, multi-sectoral response. Operating in the heavily impacted North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, the programme strategically targets both active conflict zones and buffer areas to address the most urgent needs.

The programme focuses on several key areas to restore dignity and secure fundamental rights for affected populations:

• Enhancing documentation and analysis of grave crimes to ensure accountability and inform future actions.
• Strengthening access to justice and protection for victims and witnesses, facilitating their care and safety throughout legal processes.
• Implementing a comprehensive reparation program that offers urgent assistance and integrates victims into a broader recovery process.
• Improving equitable access to justice for the prosecuted, reinforcing fundamental legal safeguards for individuals involved in armed conflicts.

Through these efforts, the Joint Programme aims to build a more resilient national response system to grave violence and impunity, fostering lasting change for communities devastated by conflict.