Announcing our New Executive Director: Sandra Adong Oder
Universal Periodic Review – Civil Society Alternative Report
In 2019, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) underwent its third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) by the United Nations Human Rights Council, receiving a series of recommendations aimed at improving the country’s human rights landscape. To assess the implementation of these recommendations, 120 Congolese Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), supported by the JUST FUTURE program, compiled an alternative report. This comprehensive evaluation provides crucial insights into the progress and challenges faced by the DRC in upholding human rights.
Key themes addressed in the report include; Civic Space and Human Rights Defender (HRD) Protection, Peace Process and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Assistance, Women’s and Youth Participation in Peace Processes and Elections and Transitional Justice, Impunity, and Corruption.
The alternative UPR report underscores the critical role of civil society in monitoring and advocating for the implementation of UPR recommendations. Enhanced collaboration between the DRC government and CSOs is essential to drive progress in human rights, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.
Strengthening Women’s Participation in Conflict Prevention in South Sudan
This feature is a narration highlighting the crucial role of women in fostering peace. It encompasses success stories, participant testimonies, and the project’s impact on community development and policy change. Focusing on women’s empowerment and their influential role in conflict resolution, this feature provides a comprehensive overview of our peacebuilding initiative’s achievements, challenges, and the transformative journey of women leaders in Wau, South Sudan.
Read:
Strengthening Women’s Participation in Conflict Prevention in South Sudan 2024
WellBeing in Feminist Activism
“Have you ever felt like you could take over the world and do it all? That surge of energy where you’re operating at what we might call ‘high voltage’. But how do we harness this energy without burning out? Discover the secrets to keeping your activism alive and your spirit ignited. Dive into simple, transformative strategies that ensure you thrive—not just survive—in our quest for change. Ready to light up the world without dimming your spark? Join us in exploring how.”
Read This Blog: Wellbeing in Feminist Activism_
Celebration As Kotido District Launches Its Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
In commemoration of International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, Kotido District launched its Local Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security on 28 March 2024. The much anticipated day of celebration commenced with a parade match with different members of the local community amounting up to 1500 people, 70% of which were women eagerly matching around the town
Women Leaders Convening to Strategise Inclusion of 35% Quota in Political Party Constitutions and Regulations in South Sudan
During the Women’s Month of MARCH, South Sudanese, women leaders of political parties, civil society coalitions and media houses convened to dialogue on enshrining 35% Quota in the political party constitutions and regulations of their leadership statutes.
The two day meeting took place between the 27th and 28th March 2024, in Juba, the capital of South Sudan.
As a country South Sudan is preparing to hold its first elections since 2011, which are scheduled to be held in December 2024, it enacted the Nation Elections Act 2023 that allocated 35% representation to women.
There have been widespread speculations and doubt as to whether or not South Sudan will be able to hold free and fair elections. Alongside the sceptics, there is enthusiasm for sustainable peace.
One of the meeting objectives was to develop a robust advocacy document for 35% women's inclusion in party manifestos, ensuring sustainable peace and; inclusive governance raising important points such as resource mobilization is essential for women’s success in electoral processes and from grassroots
fundraising to government support.
Sessions included brainstorming innovative strategies to ensure financial backing for women candidates to compete effectively.
Now I pose these questions to you?
How can we strengthen coordination among women in leadership positions?
Form alliances to advance women's interests
Stand in solidarity & support one another
Offer mentorship to women leaders
Develop inclusive programs for women at all levels.
Unite for national agendas
Civil Society Organizations Trained to Develop Shadow Report on DRC’s Adherence to UPR Recommendations
As the DRC prepares to report on its third phase of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, The Peace Centre, in collaboration with Cordaid and the Civil Society Platform for Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (CSPPS), recently conducted training sessions for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) across four provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The objective was to collect date data and prepare a CSO shadow report on the country’s adherence to previous Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations.
The training covered four key themes, focusing on issues such as civil space, human rights protection, peace processes, assistance to internally displaced persons, and mechanisms of transitional justice. Over the course of the three-day workshops in Kinshasa, Goma, Bunia, and Bukavu, representatives from at least thirty organizations engaged in discussions and data collection related to these topics.
Through consultations and online sessions, the collected data was further analyzed and enriched by experts. An Adhoc Committee comprising five experts was then tasked with compiling the data into a comprehensive report to be submitted to the United Nations Council for Human Rights.
Find Report Here: UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW
Training Local Leaders on GBV Prevention and Response in Amuria District
In Amuria District, Uganda, we conducted two-day training on Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response for 33 participants from 28th to 29th February.
Aimed at school teachers and local authorities, the training sought to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and effectively respond to GBV cases within their communities and educational institutions
The training delved into understanding the various forms and impact of GBV, ranging from sexual harassment to corporal punishment and verbal abuse, which often plague the educational environment. Through interactive sessions and practical workshops, participants explored strategies for developing robust response mechanisms and policies, as well as fostering collaboration with parents and guardians to create safer and more inclusive spaces for children.
Attended by (25) schoolteachers, administrators, and a diverse array of local leaders, including government officials, religious and traditional leaders, health-care professionals, and community-based organizations’ representatives, the program served as a rallying point for collective action against GBV in Amuria District.
In a region where cultural norms, poverty, and a lack of awareness exacerbate the prevalence of GBV, initiatives like this training program are crucial steps towards safeguarding the rights and well-being of children. By aligning local policies with national and international standards on GBV prevention and response, Amuria District is forging a path towards a safer and more equitable future for its young generation.
Empowering Girls: Girls’ Power Camp in Amuria District, Uganda
The Peace Centre hosted a Girls’ Power Camp at Orungo Primary School in Amuria district, with over 300 girls aged 9-13 from 26th to 27th February. Over the course of several days, the camp provided a transformative experience for girls between primary 1 and primary 7, focusing on empowering them with knowledge, skills, and support.
The camp included sessions on essential topics such as menstrual hygiene, mental health, and puberty, aiming to enhance awareness and understanding among the girls. Through interactive activities and discussions, they learned about their bodies and minds, gaining confidence to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
A highlight of the camp was the emphasis on decision-making and life skills. Through scenario building and group exercises, the girls explored different choices and their potential outcomes, equipping them with valuable skills for navigating life’s challenges.
Another empowering aspect was the creation of personal action plans. Guided by mentors and peers, the girls set goals and outlined steps to achieve them, fostering a sense of purpose and agency among the participants.
The camp also addressed the girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) needs, emphasizing the importance of community support. Discussions highlighted the role of parents, teachers, and community leaders in providing guidance, support, and advocacy for girls’ rights and well-being.
As part of our commitment to girls’ empowerment, the Peace Centre distributed exercise books and pens and other scholastic materials to the girls at the end of the camp, contributing to their educational journey and basic needs.
Overall, the Girls Power Camp in Amuria proved to be a powerful catalyst for positive change, empowering young girls with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to thrive.
