The Biesther Foundation (FoBE Association), in partnership with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), has launched a pilot socio-economic reintegration project for 50 vulnerable women and girls from Goma, Sake, and Nyiragongo in North Kivu Province.
Supported by MONUSCO’s Conduct and Discipline Team (CDT) in Goma, the initiative aims to provide a concrete response to the social, psychological, and economic challenges faced by victims of sexual exploitation and abuse involving Mission personnel.
The project seeks to restore the dignity of beneficiaries through economic empowerment, psychosocial support, and the development of income-generating activities (IGAs). It also includes a mechanism for continuous follow-up, mentoring, and community-based support to facilitate the sustainable reintegration of participants into their communities.
FoBE Association’s Executive Director, Mignonne Zaina Chaupanga, emphasized that the initiative represents an important step in addressing women’s vulnerability and economic dependence, particularly in areas affected by security and social crises.
“We identified 50 women and girls from Goma, Sake, and Nyiragongo who will directly benefit from this socio-economic reintegration project. These victims are often exposed to various forms of vulnerability; they experience exploitation, are sometimes stigmatized and rejected by their communities once their situation becomes known, and also suffer from psychological trauma linked to the violence they have endured. That is why we considered it essential to support them economically, psychologically, and financially, in order to strengthen their ability to meet their basic needs and reduce their vulnerability within their communities,” she explained.
She further noted that the project includes a healthcare support package for approximately 150 dependents of the beneficiaries, aimed at preventing interruptions to their economic activities due to family-related challenges, particularly the care of sick children.
Mignonne Zaina Chaupanga welcomed MONUSCO’s support in implementing the pilot project, describing it as an essential contribution to combating sexual exploitation and abuse while promoting the restoration of dignity and the long-term empowerment of survivors.
Hope for a New Beginning
Women survivors of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) who are benefiting from the project participated in a training session from 20 to 25 May to better understand the objectives, mechanisms, and opportunities offered by this socio-economic reintegration initiative.
They expressed their gratitude to MONUSCO’s Conduct and Discipline Team (CDT) for its continued support, as well as to FoBE Association for spearheading the initiative on behalf of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse involving Mission personnel.
“I was in a relationship with a MONUSCO staff member, with whom I had a child who is now 13 years old. After returning to his country, he cut off all contact with me. Fortunately, MONUSCO’s Conduct and Discipline Team took steps to locate him and continues to provide support through the payment of my son’s school fees and certain medical expenses when he falls ill. Unfortunately, the child’s father does not provide for his needs, even though he is aware of his existence. Thanks to this training and the support planned under this project, we will be able to develop income-generating activities and improve our living conditions,” testified one beneficiary.
Several other survivors participating in the initiative shared experiences marked by vulnerability, abandonment, and socio-economic hardship, while commending MONUSCO’s support in their recovery process.
“My daughter is now seven years old. Poverty made me vulnerable to this situation. After my child’s father left, I never heard from him again. The only support I receive comes from MONUSCO’s CDT through the payment of my child’s school fees and healthcare costs. Thanks to this training, I have learned how to better manage the limited resources I have and develop a small business activity,” said another beneficiary.
For her part, Deborah Barugahara, Acting Representative of MONUSCO’s Conduct and Discipline Team in Goma, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse involving Mission personnel and to supporting victims.
“During these five days of training, participants were reminded that every woman has the right to respect, dignity, and protection. As the Conduct and Discipline Team, our mission is based on prevention, case management, and assistance to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse. Through this project, we seek to contribute to the socio-economic reintegration of survivors by supporting income-generating activities that they themselves have chosen.This is also an opportunity for me to appeal to women: we never want these women to experience again what they have already endured. To that end, we raise awareness about responsible conduct, encouraging them not to engage in exploitative relationships. Even when life is difficult, they should not enter into sexual relationships with UN personnel in exchange for money or small benefits, because the consequences can be severe. Today, they are victims living with children seeking recognition of their paternity, and their lives have become even more complicated,” she stated.
She added that post-project support will be provided to strengthen participants’ economic initiatives, notably through the establishment of solidarity groups with shared savings funds designed to support and expand their activities.
Preventing, Raising Awareness, and Enforcing Standards and Corrective Measures
The Conduct and Discipline Team (CDT) is responsible for managing all matters related to conduct and discipline within MONUSCO. Its work is guided by the United Nations strategy built around three pillars: prevention, enforcement of standards, and corrective measures.
The CDT regularly conducts awareness-raising activities for Mission personnel, partner organizations, and local communities on United Nations standards of conduct and reporting mechanisms for misconduct.
The office receives and processes all allegations of misconduct involving United Nations personnel, including cases of sexual exploitation and abuse. It also refers victims to appropriate services, including medical, psychological, legal, and judicial assistance.
If you are a victim or witness, report the incident by calling either of the following toll-free numbers:
- +243 818907744
- +243 997058000
Assisting and Defending Victims’ Rights
The Victims’ Rights Office (VRO) is part of the United Nations Victims’ Rights Advocate (VRA) Office. Its mandate is to oversee victim assistance protocols while ensuring that victims’ rights and dignity remain at the center of all prevention and response efforts related to sexual exploitation and abuse.
The VRO works to protect the dignity, rights, and well-being of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse through a survivor-centered and non-discriminatory approach. It coordinates and provides technical support to institutional and non-institutional service providers—including healthcare, psychosocial support, legal aid, and judicial assistance—to ensure holistic, safe, and appropriate care.
The VRO maintains regular communication with victims and partners within the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse network to ensure continuous, high-quality follow-up.
Contacts:
- +243 818907443
- +243 972144623
Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
In accordance with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Bulletin ST/SGB/2003/13 on Special Measures for Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse:
- Any sexual activity with a person under the age of 18 is strictly prohibited.
- The exchange of money, employment, goods, assistance, or services for sexual relations is prohibited.
- The use of children or adults for sexual services is prohibited.
All United Nations personnel are required to report any suspected act of sexual exploitation or abuse committed by a colleague through established reporting mechanisms. Every allegation is subject to a rigorous investigation and, where misconduct is substantiated, severe disciplinary measures are imposed, including suspension, immediate repatriation, dismissal without notice, and other sanctions.
MONUSCO has allocated US$40,536.30 for the implementation of this six-month project, which began in May. The initiative demonstrates the commitment of MONUSCO and its partners to strengthening community resilience and supporting the socio-economic recovery of vulnerable women.
Through this pilot project, MONUSCO and FoBE Association aim to provide survivors with a sustainable support framework that offers hope, social reconstruction, and restored dignity in a region still deeply affected by the consequences of conflict, gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation and abuse.
Aline KATALIKO
