Strengthening Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in South Kivu

Between 2016 and 2019, Women’s Initiatives for Gender Justice implemented a Strategic Accountability Project in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, aimed at strengthening domestic accountability for conflict-related sexual and gender-based crimes.

South Kivu has long been among the provinces most affected by conflict-related sexual violence, with survivors facing significant barriers to justice and widespread impunity for perpetrators. In response, the project focused on building the capacity of key justice actors and addressing structural gaps across the investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of these crimes.

What we did

The project was developed following extensive consultations and mapping with local women’s rights organisations, civil society, police, prosecutors, and judges in Bukavu and Uvira. These consultations identified specific challenges at each stage of the justice process and informed a targeted, context-specific approach.

Based on this process, the project worked with selected military and civil courts in Uvira, Bukavu, and Kavumu, covering conflict-affected territories including Kabare, Kalehe, Uvira, and Fizi. Activities included:

• Tailored training for police, prosecutors, and judges on conflict-related sexual and gender-based crimes
• Ongoing follow-up and support for trained justice actors
• Local monitoring and advocacy around investigations and cases
• Support for documentation missions and survivor referrals through local partners
• A joint symposium bringing together trained actors across institutions

Training was delivered in partnership with national and international experts, including the UK Team of Experts for Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict and the International Association of Women Judges.

Results and outcomes

The project contributed to improved knowledge, coordination, and practice among justice actors handling conflict-related sexual and gender-based crimes in the selected courts. By focusing on specific jurisdictions and combining training with follow-up support and monitoring, the project supported more consistent handling of cases and strengthened access to justice for survivors.

An assessment at the end of the initial project period documented progress and lessons learned, providing a replicable model for strategic, court-focused accountability work in conflict-affected settings.