Congo villagers take protection into their own hands

women found a voice in the protection committees established with help from Oxfam

security forces and dams

exploited or ignored by corrupt government officials, people in rural eastern Congo are increasingly turning to self-help. They are training the local safety committee, dedicated to asserting the rights of citizens.

Oxfam funded with money from the European Commission, the State of the United Nations and other donors, and non-state committees are changing the way people think about their lives and opportunities for their children, said Emma Fanning, head of Oxfam's protection program. "It's called protection. However, it is more about governance and it is properly installed in a fragile state," said Fanning. "They [the commission] are concerned with women's rights, children's rights, legal rights. And jobs, a very big problem commissions reflect a huge cultural change, but that's OK as long as they have committed to him. ".

with local NGOs, Oxfam has helped set up 56 committees since 2009, 12 in North Kivu province and 20 in the province of South Kivu (the center of the instability of Congo), and the other located elsewhere in the country. Each serves 8,000 people. The total expenditure to 1.5 million this year. The organization is seeking financial support for three additional years of the program.

Interviewed in a village in North Kivu (full name and exact location is withheld for security reasons), the 12 elected members of the local committee, six men and six women - told how the project will have some control over their lives in an environment characterized by anarchy, impunity and banditry.

"The main objective is to educate people about their rights and duties," said Kule, president of the commission. "We can direct them to appropriate services if a person has been abused or of crime. " People need to have the knowledge and confidence to seek help, said Sara, co-chair.

sexual violence, including rape of women and men, and illegal taxes were among the main problems facing the Committee and insecurity and the resettlement of displaced (IDPs), said.

"When there's murder, it is unclear who is responsible, because there are so many armed groups and then there is the army," said Kule. Land disputes are another source of conflict. And unemployment is endemic, he said, adding that tensions in the community.

• Committee members said one of his biggest successes was the change in attitudes of people internally displaced, who were often resentful when he arrived. To promote dialogue and exchange of resources, newcomers have been successfully integrated and, for example, are no longer dealing with an attack when they went to fetch water.
Sara said the committees, whose meetings are open to all, has increased women's rights. "Before, women were not heard. Should stay home and raise their children. They do not have much to say. They did not know they were creatures of value," he said. "After telling them of their rights and responsibilities, they learned to make their voices heard. Many of them have returned to school as a result, including some who are old enough. "

The Committee took two important decisions in its creation, members said the creation of a women's forum, and the appointment of so-called "change agents" - people who help solve conflicts, establish legal responsibilities and, for women seeking divorce, saying they have property rights and other measures, whatever her husband might say.

"I am a member of the protection," said Robert. "I work as a secretary. The committee made many important things. She helped the victims of sexual violence, allowing them to go to hospital for examination and psychological help and to find justice for themselves. "Saving girls from prostitution is a recurring challenge, at he said.

Kambale said his role was to work with displaced persons. "Since I am here, the committee allowed the displaced people and local communities to live together in peace. When he first came here from Ituru was very difficult for them. However, the committee gave them respect and after a while, he began performing weddings. Since then, these people have the respect in society. "

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