VLIR-UOS Sexual and Gender-based Violence in a Protracted Refugee Situation in Nakivale Refugee Settlement, Southwestern Uganda

Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) against refugees is faced at different stages of displacement. In refugee camps, disruptions to community support structures, unsafe physical surroundings, separation from families, and patriarchal governing structures often heighten women and children’s vulnerability to SBGV. The longer a refugee situation persists, the more entrenched refugee-run management structures may become, in particular when the presence of international organizations such as UNHCR diminishes. This project focuses on SBGV among the Rwandan refugees in Nakivale refugee settlement and aims to address existing gaps in knowlegde and actions to prevent and respond to SGBV within protracted refugee situations. This will be done through collaborative knowledge-building, awareness and sensitization campaigns within the refugee community. In addition, key actors involved in the refugee community will receive training on how to prevent SGBV and how to respond to the needs of victims/survivors.