Tag Archives: gender justice

Two photos of Dominic Ongwen

The case of Ongwen is an opportunity for justice for conflict survivors in northern Uganda

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Two photos of Dominic Ongwen
In 2008, JRP’s Field Note “Complicating Victims’ and Perpetrators in Uganda” examined questions of individual responsibility, agency and collective victimisation with Dominic Ongwen as a case study.

In 2008, the Justice and Reconciliation Project conducted research into the life of Lord’s Resistance Army commander, Dominic Ongwen. This documentation followed his and four other top LRA commander’s indictments by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Ongwen case study, that of a person abducted when he was “too little to walk” and who eventually rose to a senior rank in the rebel army, illustrated the complexities of notions of ‘justice’ and ‘victimhood’ in the LRA-Government of Uganda conflict. In particular, it drew attention to the need for justice processes that handle cases involving individuals who carry the dual victim-perpetrator identity, that promote sustainable peace and which are sensitive to the needs of communities affected by the war. Six years after JRP’s report, there is still a need to reiterate the need for this.

Complex identities

Having been abducted around the age of nine, Dominic Ongwen’s victimhood is a strong factor that should be taken into consideration during his trial and any future justice mechanism. He is just one example of one of many who are both victims of abduction and the state’s failure to protect its citizens, and who were systematically indoctrinated into the LRA and other rebel groups in Uganda. Therefore, strategies appropriate to these complex identities should be implemented, such as local leaders dialoguing with and sensitising communities on them, affected persons being consulted, and future investigations by the Court considering the historical context in which these crimes are committed in order to identify complex political victims.

Reparations

JRP’s work in northern Uganda has consistently revealed that conflict-affected communities’ concept of justice relate to their need for support to help rebuild their lives after decades of war. Many of these communities have been waiting for decades for their challenges to be addressed and often cite reparations in the form of compensation to victims of mass atrocities and their families, healthcare, education and livelihood support as their most pressing needs. It is vital, therefore, that any justice process involving Ongwen or any other matter related to the northern Ugandan conflict promotes the provision of reparations.

Community participation

It is also important that a justice process, such as Ongwen’s trial, should be as participatory as possible and ensure the rights of victims to have their interests heard. This means that witnesses should receive adequate protection, affected community views should be solicited and formal proceedings should be as expeditious as possible. Outreach by the Court is also essential to keep communities informed about the ongoing processes and to build legitimacy and understanding of what is going on. A high level of participation in this vein would contribute to a sense of ownership of the process by northern Ugandan communities

Gender justice

Any sort of accountability process should also accommodate the unique needs of victims that belong to vulnerable groups, such as women and children. Female victims, for example, often face health complications from combat and sexual and gender-based violence. In addition, they also struggle with providing education for themselves and are unable to support the children they bore during conflict. Any justice process that comes to bear should take into account the gaps that already exist in addressing this. It should, for instance, properly investigate crimes involving vulnerable groups, level charges that reflect SGBV and ensure special reparations for victims of SGBV crimes. A trial, in particular, should make provisions for victims to testify by providing adequate psychosocial support to them and by protecting their identities.

Complementary TJ

While attention at the moment is naturally focused on formal court processes, other transitional justice processes should not be forgotten. Processes such as memorialisation, widespread reparations and truth-telling are also crucial in addressing past injustices that have been levelled towards communities in northern Uganda. The work of the Justice and Reconciliation Project has continually emphasised the need for a comprehensive transitional justice policy, based on views garnered from conflict-affected communities, which the Government of Uganda continues to work on. Both these efforts and the needs of the communities affected by conflict should not be forgotten in the midst of the Ongwen case.

Report on redress for SGBV launched in Lira

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Last Thursday, the Justice and Reconciliation Project launched “Establishing the Extent of SGBV Revictimisation among Female Survivors of Conflict SGBV in Northern Uganda”, a report on a baseline study assessing redress on providing redress for SGBV on conflict related wrongs.

The study was conducted in May and June 2014 to inform JRP’s project, “Redress for Sexual- and Gender-Based Violence on Conflict-Related Wrongs,” which aims to support transitional justice (TJ) efforts of female survivors of SGBV in Adjumani, Pader and Lira districts.

The baseline operated under a simple, yet alarming observation, based on JRP’s years of working with conflict victims: war-affected women are continuously targeted for sexual- and gender-based crimes. It sought to establish the diverse nature and extent to which SGBV revictimisation targets and affects war-affected women in the aforementioned districts. In doing so, it sought to determine the:

  •  Extent to which SGBV of today targets war-affected women;
  • Causes and consequences of SGBV revictimisation in war-affected communities; and
  • Perceptions and knowledge of the women and community regarding SGBV and SGBV revictimisation.
  • Perceptions and knowledge of the women and community regarding SGBV and SGBV revictimisation.

The launch and roundtable discussion on the findings of this survey was held in Lira on 24 November with members of a consortium of civil society organisations funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and women representatives of Adjumani, Pader and Lira districts in attendance.

Read this report here.

Establishing the Extent of SGBV Revictimisation among Female Survivors of Conflict SGBV in Northern Uganda

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Establishing the Extent of SGBV Revictimisation among Female Survivors of Conflict in Northern Uganda – Report Summary on a Baseline Study and Pre-Project Assessment on Redress for SGBV on Conflict-Related Wrongs
Report Summary on a Baseline Study and Pre-Project Assessment on Redress for SGBV on Conflict-Related Wrongs

 

This baseline study seeks to determine the extent to which revictimisation affects female survivors of conflict sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV) in northern Uganda. The information gathered will inform the Justice and Reconciliation Project’s (JRP) project, “Redress for Sexual- and Gender-Based Violence on Conflict-Related Wrongs” which aims to support transitional justice (TJ) efforts of female survivors of SGBV in the northern Ugandan districts of Adjumani, Pader and Lira, and the project of our partners under a consortium funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In addition, we intend for these findings to inform the work of the Justice, Law and Order Sector (JLOS) of the Government of Uganda (GoU), as they establish a national TJ policy to provide remedy and redress for victims of Uganda’s many longstanding armed conflicts. The baseline operated under a simple, yet alarming observation, based on JRP’s years of working with conflict victims: war-affected women are continuously targeted for sexual- and gender-based crimes.

In this summary, we provide an overview of the methodology and conceptual frameworks that were used in developing this baseline, as well as the key findings and conclusions that emerged. 

Read the report here: Establishing the Extent of SGBV Revictimisation among Female Survivors of Conflict SGBV in Northern Uganda (pdf)

Voices Magazine Issue 7

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Voices Issue 07 cover_sm

After years of engaging with survivors of conflict in northern Uganda, the Justice and Reconciliation Project’s work has revealed sexual and gender based violence as one of the most complex defining characteristics of the war that took place in the region. As such, addressing the issue has proven to be one of the biggest challenges facing peace-builders. In JRP’s recent Field Note – The Beasts at Burcoro – community members describe the molestation, rape and torture both men and women suffered at the hands of the National Resistance Army’s 22nd Battalion in 1991. Over twenty years after the occurrence, many survivors still harbour the lingering effects of the attack because mechanisms designed to address their specific needs have not been provided for them. This issue of Voices magazine deals with this very relevant aspect of transitional justice today, and examines the ways in which it can be addressed. Read more here (pdf)

Read the entire issue here: Voices Issue 07 (pdf)

We were those girls

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WAN Bring Back Our Sisters

 

We were those girls.

We are the Women’s Advocacy Network, a group of war affected women from northern Uganda that underwent a similar experience to our young sisters in Nigeria. We condemn in the strongest terms possible the heinous crime of abduction committed by the Boko Haram in Chibok north eastern Nigeria. We call for the immediate release of the school girls and ask the Nigerian Government and the international community not to spare any effort in trying to rescue the girls.

We recall that during our time when we were abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army, we ended up staying in misery with our captors for periods ranging from 5 to 12 years. We do not want what happened to us to happen to them or any other girl. We hope, pray and advocate that such should not be the case with our young sisters from Nigeria. We especially know what they are going through.

We also want to reiterate that women and girls should stop been targeted and used as weapons of war.

Parliament adopts resolution to address the needs of war-affected

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Women’s Advocacy Network petition unanimously adopted by Parliament

WAN parliament
Members of the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN) pose with Members of Parliament in front of Parliament in Kampala after presenting a petition to the Uganda Women Parliamentarian’s Association on 14 March 2014. Picture courtesy of Sylvia Opinia.

KAMPALA – On 9 April 2014, the Ugandan Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of a “gender sensitive reparations fund” and the offering of reparations for war-affected women and men. The resolution also calls for the government to provide free and accessible health services for war-affected women and children as well as to ensure the integration and resettlement of children born in captivity and formerly-abducted women in their communities.

This comes as a result of a motion tabled by Aswa County, Gulu District Member of Parliament Hon. Ronald Reagan Okumu on 3 April. It also comes on the heels of intense lobbying by civil society organisations such as the Justice and Reconciliation Project, a non-governmental organisation in Gulu, and specifically a petition presented by a collective of war-affected women known as the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN) to the Uganda Women Parliamentarian’s Association in March.

After the adoption of the resolution, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanya appointed a three member committee consisting of Hon. Rosemary Nyakingogoro, Hon. Reagan Okumu and Hon. Godfrey Kiwanda to follow up on the government’s implementation of the resolution and to update Parliament accordingly.

“This has begun the process of healing for me,” the chairperson of the Women’s Advocacy Network, Evelyn Amony said after hearing the news, “We plan to work to push for the issues we have raised until they are addressed. We also hope to meet the president of Uganda to let him know what we are going through and for him to understand the urgency of our needs.”

The resolution has been deemed a “success” and a “milestone” according to a statement issued by the Justice and Reconciliation Project.

“It has been six years since the government of Uganda undertook to establish measures that would ensure justice for victims of atrocities committed during the insurgency in northern Uganda. To date very little has been done to redress the harm that victims suffered but this landmark parliamentary resolution marks the beginning of healing and the restoration of dignity for many victims,” the organisation is quoted as saying.

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Download this press release here (pdf): Press release 2014-04-10

A milestone achieved

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Today is a very important day for the war affected women in northern Uganda. After presenting a petition to members of parliament seeking their intervention to address challenges they continue to face in post conflict northern Uganda, a motion was moved in parliament on 3rd of April 2014 by Hon Ronald Regan Okumu for a resolution on the plight of persons affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army. The motion received overwhelming support but was not adopted due to a few technicalities to which the speaker appointed a select committee to address and return the motion to the floor of parliament today for adoption.

On Wednesday I had the privilege of watching the sessions from the gallery. I was very happy at how the discussions were unfolding, at one point I felt the urge to stand and address all the legislators present to just let them know what they were discussing is real and are my everyday reality. I had longed for such a day and I thank God I was there to witness it.

We began this journey a year ago. There were numerous challenges along the way but we soldiered on. I am grateful for the support JRP continues to give to us. I was happy to hear the JRP’s Programm Coordinator say that we can always be assured that JRP will be there to offer assistance. This is a good thing since there will be a lot to do after the motion is adopted. I would also like to thank the Gulu District Local Government for working with us and helping us to actualize this dream.

As a way forward we plan to work with our supporters to push for the issues we have raised until they are addressed. I also dream of organizing the members of WAN to meet the president of Uganda as the women did in Liberia. He needs to know what we are going through and the urgency of our needs.

 On 9 April 2014, the members of Uganda’s Parliament will vote to adopt a resolution incorporating contents of a petition presented to the Uganda Women Parliamentarian’s Association (UWOPA) by the Women’s Advocacy Network on 12 March 2014. Read the petition here.

Women’s Advocacy Network petition

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24th February 2014

The Chairperson,

Uganda Women Parliamentarians’ Association (UWOPA)

Cc

1.       The Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga

Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda

Kampala -Uganda.

 2.       The Acholi Parliamentarians’ Association

 

PETITION BY WOMEN’S ADVOCACY NETWORK TO THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA SEEKING ITS INTERVENTION IN ADDRESSING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES FACED BY WAR AFFECTED WOMEN IN THE ACHOLI SUB REGION. 

 

Madam Chairperson,

 

This humble petition is submitted pursuant to rule 29 of the rules of procedure of the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.

 

Women’s Advocacy Network on behalf of war affected women in the Acholi sub region presents this petition to you. We are seeking your support to lobby for the intervention of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda to address issues and challenges faced by war affected women in the Acholi sub region.

 

Madam Chairperson, we acknowledge and are appreciative of the efforts and input of this August House in articulating and bringing to the fore the issues and concerns of the people of Northern Uganda who have been greatly affected in all spheres of life by the conflict that spanned over  twenty (20) years.  We are especially appreciative of the role UWOPA continues to play to ensure women issues are taken into consideration and their rights are upheld in Uganda.

 

Madam Chairperson, we were adversely affected by the conflict between the LRA and Government in Northern Uganda.  Some of us were abducted, tortured, raped, mutilated, forced to become wives of rebel commanders, provided forced labor in rebel camps and were also forcefully conscripted to engage in combat. We were forced to bear children under harsh and deplorable conditions. As a result we developed health complications such as gynecological problems, chronic back problems, gunshot wounds and were exposed to traumatic experiences.  We also gave birth to children in captivity who are being ostracized by the communities we live in.

 

Madam Chairperson, those of us who escaped abduction were forced to live in deplorable conditions in the Internally Displaced Peoples (IDP’s) camps where we were often targeted for rape and sexual exploitation. We contracted HIV/AIDS as a result and also bore children out of rape. We continue to bear the burden of looking after our immediate and extended families in absence of our husbands who were killed in the conflict or are still missing and are unaccounted for.

 

 

Our current status

 

Madam Chairperson, majority of us do not know the identity of the fathers of our children since the LRA commanders who sexually enslaved and abused us in captivity used pseudonyms, while the few whose identities are known, have refused to pay maintenance for the children they forced us to bear. We continue to face rejection and stigmatization from an embittered community and families that are not ready to accept children fathered by rebels.

 

Madam Chairperson, while most of the male combatants were integrated in the army and receive a monthly stipend, there was no such mechanism for the support and reintegration of the female victims apart from the amnesty package which did not take into consideration the children we came back with from captivity.We find ourselves re-victimized and forced to live in deplorable conditions.

 

Madam Chairperson, we are also vulnerable economically, socially, physically and psychologically. We missed out on opportunities of going to school and wasted a lot of our productive years in captivity. This hinders us from accessing formal employment, yet we live in a society where it is difficult for women to access land. This has relegated us to casual jobs that do not pay very well in spite of our everyday burdens and challenges inclusive of the cardinal responsibility of looking after our children that were born in captivity.

 

Madam Chairperson, we as Women’s Advocacy Network are not sitting down and wallowing in our pain and misery but rather doing our part in our small ways to alleviate the challenges we are facing.  We continue to hold dialogues in our communities aimed at reconciliation, fighting stigma and reintegration.

 

Prayers sought

 

Madam Chairperson, we are confident of the role that the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda plays in addressing issues that affect the citizens of Uganda and are assured that our concerns will be discussed by the August house. Therefore, as the Women’s Advocacy Network on behalf of war affected women in the Acholi sub-region, we request you to lobby the Parliament of the Republic of Uganda to;

 

  • Adopt a comprehensive reparations policy that will help us alleviate most of our problems related to our social economic status thus reducing our vulnerability.   The proposed reparations policy should offer individual and collective reparations to female survivors of this conflict as well as acknowledge, repair the harms suffered, restore our dignity and recognise our rights as citizens of this country.  The proposed reparations policy should offer free accessible health care tailored to address women’s health issues, livelihood skills to help us recover lost education opportunities and compensation for lost time.
  • Prioritize the creation of an urgent gender reparations fund to cater for the immediate needs of war-affected women.
  • Recommend for increased budgetary provisions for health services in war-affected areas, to ensure accessibility to reproductive and mental health services especially for children and women affected by the war.
  •  Recommend for increased budgetary allocation to the education sector to cater for war affected children in the Acholi sub region and particularly children born in captivity.  This allocation should also be used to train teachers on how to handle such children that may be experiencing trauma and other conditions related to their past.
  • Call for an accelerated finalization of the National Transitional Justice Policy and the establishment of a sound legal framework with comprehensive, adequate and sustainable mechanisms which are key in addressing the concerns of war affected women.
  • Ensure that the National Transitional Justice Policy that will be adopted is holistic and will include mechanisms to ensure full participation of war affected women.
  • Recognize the special and unique needs of the children born in captivity whose fathers and patrilineal heritage is unknown and request for a review of the laws that require information and documentation on paternity to be amended.
  • Call for strengthening of the Acholi cultural institution because it was also affected by the conflict yet it is a trusted body that can play a big role in addressing the reconciliation needs of its people.

 

Madam Chairperson, we are available whenever called upon to shade more light on issues encompassed in this petition.

 

We remain yours the undersigned;

 

Download: Women’s Advocacy Network petition (pdf)

Women’s Advocacy Network petition to be presented!

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A woman speaks during the first anniversary of the formation of the Women's Advocacy Network, 5 May 2013.
A woman speaks during the first anniversary of the formation of the Women’s Advocacy Network, 5 May 2013.

The time is finally here! On the 12th of March 2014, the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN) will present a petition to the Uganda Women Parliamentarian’s Association (UWOPA) at Parliament in Kampala to call for national policies which will address the needs of war-affected women in the region.

This is the first time the challenges facing war-affected women will be presented at national level.

We’ll be updating our blog with details about the petition.