Men of Hope Refugee Association Uganda

Men Of Hope Refugee Association Uganda

1 SSOCIA P A TIO O N H U F g O a

N d

M May 2015 Kampala, Uganda

W E E R B U EL T IE FU VE IN THE Introduction

Achievement

Executive meeting General Assembly meeting Contents In house training

Adult English Course SGBV Training Gender, Sex and Sexuality Human Right Video Documentary Training PTSD Training Research Training Business Activism TrainingAwareness,Sensitization and Advocacy (from a Victim, a Survivor to an Activist) Leadership skills trainingTOT Training by HIAS/Kenya Uganda Computer Training

Workshops

Advocacy

Aljazeera Interview (Male survivors fight stigma in Uganda-Aljazeera English, April 2013) Book, “Male rape myth or Reality” Video documentary “the Bench, ”October 2013

Community Awareness

Bondeko Centre, Bukesa Zone, Massajja Zone B, Najjankumbi, Katwe, Kyebando, Information session with Religious leaders, Information session with Stakeholders (InterAid, UNHCR protection and Community department)

2 INTRODUCTION

en of Hope Refugee Association areas and the need to overcome the chal- MUganda (MOHRAU) is an associa- lenges. The group currently has 200 regis- tion for male survivors of conflict-related tered members. It started as a support group sexual violence. The group emerged out of where members met once a week to discuss Refugee Law Project’s (RLP) work with and share experiences. Due to the enthusi- individual asm and the zeal of the members, the group « the group eventually survivors eventually became an association engaged and was in different activities and is in the process became an association established of registration as a legally recognised entity. engaged in different on 15th activities » September 2011. The group was formed due to the increasing numbers of male individuals presenting with challenges resulting from sexual violence in conflict

ACHIEVEMENTS

n February 2012 the association elected association members. These activities have Ithe first executive committee of eight been conducted with funding and technical members namely, the President, Vice- support from the Fund for Global Human President, Secretary, Treasurer, Advisor, Rights and Refugee Law Project. Refugee Vice-Advisor, Men Affairs and Youth de- Law Project has conducted training for sup- partment. Since 2011 the association has port group leaders on Sexual and Gender actively engaged in a number of activities Based Violence (SGBV), in a bid to em- initiated by the members. power refugees to create They include commu- awareness about SGBV nity awareness raising, issues in their communi- sensitisation, advocacy, “These activities ties, make SGBV referrals and documentation on have been conducted to the project for proper sexual violence against with funding and technical management, and also refugee men and boys. support from the empower male SGBV Such activities are con- Fund for Global Human victims to transition into ducted among refugee Rights and Refugee Law survivors through peer hosting communities in Project.” counselling. and around Kampala, and they are organised and facilitated by the

3 MEETINGS The Association conducts weekly executive run the Association’s activities, and also performs and general assembly meetings; other tasks as agreed on by the general assembly. In addition, it approves budgets, and makes financial and administrative reports.The Executive Executive meeting Committee meets twice a month and members are notified seven days prior to the meeting with a The Executive Committee is the implementation written agenda. organ which executes decisions of the general assembly and runs the daily management of the Association. It is responsible for making work plans and poli- cies for the association. Its duty is to also identify funding opportunities and prepare proposals for fundraising money to

4 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

The General Assembly is the supreme organ of the association and performs the following functions:

It approves the association budgets, proposals and also receives and approves audited financial reports from the administration council. The assembly also approves the minutes and reports of all organs of the association, and reviews all decisions taken by the executive committee. The assembly elects the president of the association and all other members of the executive through a democratic process of free and fair elections. It also deliberates on any issue, which may be raised by members.

IN HOUSE TRAININGS

Members of the as- signed to equip forced Sexual and Gen- sociation migrants der Based Violence have par- present- (SGBV) Training ticipated “Some MOHRAU ing at RLP in differ- executive commit- with basic Some MOHRAU exec- ent train- tee members were knowl- utive committee mem- ings to trained in SGBV by edge in the bers were trained in empower the Refugee Law English SGBV by the Refugee them with Project.” language Law Project. The pur- skills and in order to pose of the training was knowledge ease com- to equip support group to cope with life and munication for them. members with knowl- challenges in the coun- This has enables edge on the meaning of try of asylum. MOHRAU to overcome the SGBV concept and the language barrier in how it can be prevented. English for Adults the quest for different Participants were also services in Uganda. equipped with knowl- The English for Adults edge on how to identify (EFA) course was de- SGBV cases in their

5 communities, who can be Video documentary Business Training a perpetrator, victim and also how to respond to The video documentary A few members of the SGBV cases. training aimed at equip- MOH association were HIAS/TRUST Kenya ping association members given basic business skills Rubaga training on with photography and in order to foster eco- SGBV and Homosexual- videography skills that nomic independence and ity visa a visa, Religion, can enable them to use self-reliance. Clients were culture, Religion law, In- those media avenues for informed that social prob- ternational Human Right positive social change. lems like poverty can be a At the end of the training cause and effect of SGBV members came up with a and therefore there is need video documentary called to address such issues. As Human Rights “The Bench”. a result of the training, some members started In order to promote and engaging themselves in protect the rights of other business enterprises like survivors and refugees, PTSD (Post-Traumatic selling jewellery, building members of the asso- Stress Disorder) Train- and construction in order ciation needed training in ing to sustain themselves and human rights so that they their families. are made aware of their Members attended the rights and responsibilities training for the purpose as refugees and survivors of assisting new members of SGBV. The training identify signs and symp- Awareness, Sensitization component the included; toms of PTSD, and to and Advocacy Training the Penal Code Act, an provide peer counselling (from a Victim, a Survi- overview of human rights, as they refer the person vor to an Activist) international law, inter- for professional help. Sensitization and advoca- national human rights cy on SGBV against men law, international legal and boys is a key objec- instruments regulating Research tive for the MOH associa- forced migrants, domes- tion. In order to effective- tic definition of a refuge, The research training was ly achieve this objective, rights and obligations of meant to equip members association members were refugees with research skills that trained on how to tran- sources of international will enable them identify sit from being survivors human rights law, en- key issues for intervention to becoming activists. forcement and account- and advocacy regarding Awareness raising, sen- ability of refugee rights. SGBV against men and sitisation and advocacy boys. aims at breaking the cycle of shame and fear, and

6 also help to overcome negative traditional and even their homes to enable harmonious and religious beliefs about SGBV against living. men and boys. Sensitization and advocacy also aims at encouraging male survivors Men of Hope Association Executive Com- of sexual violence to come out and seek mittee members display their certificates professional help, and also to promote and awarded after the leadership training at protect their rights. Kolping Hotel. Fourth on left is Dr. David Ndawula, one of the facilitators.

Computer Training With funding from Fund for Global Human Rights, the Association was able to procure a laptop in order to ease their work. Execu- tive Committee members underwent a brief training in computer applications in order to master its use.

Leadership skills training For a smooth and efficient running of the association, Executive Committee members MOHRAU members with Dr. David Ndawula were equipped with leadership skills. They were encouraged to apply these skills be- yond the association to their communities

MOHRAU association members discussing in groups during one of the trainings.

7 WORKSHOPS Members of the association have also the association in the second South-South been part of several workshops aimed at Institute that is to be held in May 2015, in building their capacity and sharing expe- Cambodia. rience and best practices. They include; A workshop on Gender & Sexual Violence: Discussion on access to justice in conflict & Workshops in commemoration of the Post-Conflict Setting. SGBV week under the theme’ From sexual violence in conflict to domestic violence in the house.’ A workshop on building strong Refugees families. The first South-South Institute held in Kam- pala Uganda on sexual violence against men and boys from conflict and displace- ment.The theme was “Exclusive response to Sexual & Gender Based Violence”. The MOH president will be representing

8 COMMUNITY AWARENESS RAISING MOHRAU conducts SGBV community awareness raising sessions in refugee hosting communities in and around Kampala. The association has to date, successfully reached out to over 2,000 members of the Congolese, Burundian, Somali, Eritrean, Ethio- pian and Rwandese community in Kampala. These outreaches have been conducted in several places including: Bukesa, Bondeko Centre, Najjanankumbi, Masajja, Katwe, Kabowa, Makindye, and Kyebando villages.

Majjasa Zone SGBV community raising awareness session.

9 HIAS/TRUST Kenya Rubaga training on SGBV and Homosexuality vis-a-vis, Reli- gion, culture, Religion law, International Human Right

ADVOCACY

In order to create awareness about con- • Raise awareness on the plight of refugee flict-related sexual violence against men, male survivors of sexual violence. MOHRAU has been involved in advocacy • Inform councilors that both men and at both national and global levels as illus- women can be victims/survivors of trated below; sexual violence. • Raise awareness that male rape does not Information session with stakeholders only happen during conflict situations but also during times of‘peace or post- MOHRAU recognizes that some service conflict situations and in contexts of providers including refugee agencies are asylum. not informed on the plight of refugee male • Educate them about the distinction be- survivors of sexual violence. The need to tween male rape and homosexuality. reach out to these agencies came out of the • Highlight the roles of the community- feedback gathered from testimonies and leaders in fighting stigma and protecting experiences of individual survivors. There male survivors of sexual violence. was need to reach out to local councilors, medical and legal students as well as prac- titioners. Subsequently, the association successfully conducted information sessions with Local councilors of Bwaise and Masajja Zone B in order to;

10 MOHRAU has also hosted many other international figures including; •ErlendLinklater; Regional Humanitarian from Advisor UKAid •Emma Pemfre; Journalist from Christian Aid •Tony Tate; Program officer for African Great Lakes, Fund Global Human Rights •Andrea L. Wirtz, MH; Research Associate centre for public Health and Human Rights from Johns Hopkins Univer- sity •Laurel E. Fletcher; Clinic professor of Law and Director International Human Rights Law Clinic, from Berkeley Law University of California, and many others

“Many MOHRAU below: members have fea- MOHRAU presi- •Male survivors of conflict The association tured in different dent Alain Kabenga related sexual www.wish2. has also en- local and interna- overcame stigma gaged in the use be/uganda male survivors- tional media” by being among the of drama as an first male survivors of- conflict-related-violence advocacy and of conflict-related •www.irinnews.org awareness rais- sexual violence to •www.urbonu.com ing tool about sexual violence share his story in international •www.bloc.witness.org new against men. media. This bold step was aimed video series conducting in- at opening up debate on the terviews, survivors of sexual issue globally and also encour- •Video documentary “the violence bench” aging victims in hiding to come up. •www.en-maktoob.news. As a result of the training yahoo.com. male survivors in the use of video as an •The book “Male Rape; fight stigma advocacy tool, the associa- Myth or Reality” •www.youtube.com Guide tion filmed a video entitled The association also pub- to conducting interviews ‘the bench’ highlighting the lished a book entitled “Male with survivors of sexual vio- challenges male survivors Rape; Myth or Reality’ in lence and gender of sexual violence are in order to share the reality •www.jismmail.ac.uk/cgi- the country of asylum, and about male rape in conflict binwebadmi the lack of awareness about and post-conflict settings •www.youtube.com/wacth male rape among service and the challenges faced by •www.paulsanduleac.com/ providers. survivors. reportaj-class-pentu-mar •Alain Kabenga-Aljazeera- Many MOHRAU members •Rape masculinity by An- News, www.aljazeera. have featured in differ- drea Dijkstra Beacon www. com/ category/person/alain- ent local and international beaconreader.com/Andrea- kabenga media avenues as illustrated dijkstra 11 •BBC world service Radio-sound cloud www.sound- cloud.com male-victim-of rape-in-conflict-shares his experience. •Male survivors fight stigma in Uganda-Aljazeera English www.aljazeera.com/indept •www.huffingtonlive interview on Skype with Ma- dame Zainab Bangura, Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict •Interview in the British High Commission from the video conference direct in the UK •Interview at UNHCR office Kampala to Geneva via Skype. •MOHRAU has participated in the formulation of a screening tool to identify male survivors of sexual violence by John Hopkins School of Public Health and Refugee Law Project.

Training workshop on Digital Story-telling

12 Men affairs department

Men Affairs department, a department of Men of Hope Association, organised a couples’ meeting with Dr Chris Dolan and the RLP Gender team. The meeting took place on 8th March 2014 on International Women’s Day, sharing experiences of how our male survivors and their spouses have been able to support one another in overcoming different challenges faced by them.

A photo of MOHRAU member’s couple with Doctor Chris Dolan of RLP

13 Other Achievements

The Association distributed identification cards to all its members. Members offer peer support to each other and regularly visit colleagues who have lost family members. MOHRAU also supports hospitalized colleagues by looking after them while in hospital and also visiting them at home.

During the International Human Rights Day, MOHRAU raised awareness about the rights of men and boys survivors at InterAid office Kampala

In 2013 during the 16 days of Activism with HIAS/Trust Kenya, Rubaga office, Men of Hope raised awareness on rape of men and boys and spoke about challenges faced by the survivors (Men and Boys can be raped too)

Men of Hope joined Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Kampala cleaning the city in an activity “Healthy environment, healthy people”

The association also reaches out to host communities during occasions like the Interna- tional Human Rights Day, World Refugee Day, SGBVP Annual Awareness Week, 16 Days of Activism against SGBV, and World Aids Day.

MOHRAU executive members with service providers from several organisation cutting cake to make their second anniversary.

14 Men of Hope Second Anniversary leaders from other refugee support groups in Kam- On 30th January2014, MOHRAU commemorated pala, Isingiro and Gulu district. The objective of the its second anniversary at the Grand Global Hotel anniversary was to reflect on key achievements con- in Kampala.140 Participants attended the event, of solidated since MOHRAU’s establishment, review which 70 were male survivors of sexual violence. major challenges facing the association as well as Other invited guests that attended the anniversary explore and propose possible plans of action. were representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), service providers from other refugee serving agencies in Kampala, plus 16

15 Men of Hope planning for a video on “From victim to survivors to activism” with IDS and Refugee Law Project.

16 Men of Hope joined Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Kampala cleaning the city in an activity “Healthy environment, healthy people”

Meeting with UNHCR Agents, Community service, Protection, and Community service, Madam Maria and Madam Josephine Ngebeh, Madam Cissy gender officer from InterAid, Keiko Odashi- ro in an information session on men and boys survivors of sexual violence and the challenges they face in the country of Asylum.

17 Madam Bangura the Special Representative of the Secretary General on Sexual violence from UN and the Alain Kabenga, President of Men of Hope Refugee Association Uganda, met in Kampala (Uganda) discussing on the challenges faced by men and boys survivors in conflict in Uganda

MOHRAU was invited to participate in a workshop at Lake Victoria Serena Hotel organised by Berkeley Law and Refugee Law Project on Situating Strategic Litigation in RLP’s wider work on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence against Men and Boys, 25 November 2013.ww

18 Pictures of MOHRAU members has been [ub- lished in Magazines and news papers in western countries

Verkrachte mannen verbreken de stilte

Niet alleen vrouwen‚ ook veel mannen DEMOCRATISCHE REPUBLIEK worden in het gewelddadige Oost- CONGO OEGANDA Congo verkracht. Vanwege het stigma Kampala

Noord-Kivu praten ze er niet over en ook Goma RWANDA TANZANIA hulporganisaties besteden amper aandacht aan hun lot. Maar daar komt Zuid-Kivu BURUNDI langzaam verandering in. ‘Als we blijven zwijgen‚ helpt niemand ons.’

Tekst: Andrea Dijkstra ampala – ‘Liever was ik doodgegaan verzinnen. De man wil bewijzen zien en dus in de Oegandese hoofdstad Kampala‚ die Kig- zonder enige vorm van hulp. André Lufun- De zwaargewonde André Lufungola (40) kreeg van Fotografie: Jeroen van Loon dan dat ik dit had meegemaakt.’ Met moet Kighoma ten overstaan van de arts‚ ver- homa uiteindelijk opving. Eind jaren negen- gola (40) is één van hen. In Oost-Congo na- de dokter slechts een pijnstiller. Het duurde nog twee Klege ogen staart Steven Kighoma voor pleegsters‚ andere patiënten en zelfs toeval- tig hoorde de Brit voor het eerst over seksueel men rebellen hem mee‚ waarna hij drie jaar voor hij geopereerd werd. zich uit. In 2010 ontvoerden soldaten de 29-ja- lige bezoekers zijn broek naar beneden trek- geweld tegen mannen in conflictgebieden maanden lang elke dag door strijders werd rige Congolees en brachten ze hem naar een ken en zijn zwaar gehavende anus tonen. Hij toen hij in Noord-Oeganda onderzoek deed verkracht. Eenmaal in Oeganda geloofde de anus gestoken; ze worden gedwongen een legerkamp. ‘Eerst moest ik helpen met verta- trekt geen gordijn om Kighoma en hemzelf voor zijn proefschrift. Inmiddels leidt hij één politie hem niet. De VN-vluchtelingenorgani- gat in een bananenboom te penetreren; ze len maar na een paar dagen bonden ze me in heen. Vol afschuw roept de arts vervolgens van de weinige organisaties die ook manne- satie UNHCR deed niets‚ de hulporganisa tie moeten met hun genitaliën boven een vuur een hutje in gebukte houding aan een paal.’ dat de Congolees homoseksueel is‚ iets dat in lijke slachtoffers probeert te helpen. Interaid verwees hem door naar het staats- zitten of aan hun penis gebonden stenen Terwijl Kighoma over zijn hele lichaam trilt Oeganda en 39 andere Afrikaanse landen ziekenhuis‚ waar de dokter hem uiteindelijk voortslepen.’ en zijn gezicht achter zijn handen verbergt‚ strafbaar is. Als de dokter de politie dreigt te Vloek alleen een pijnstiller gaf. ‘Twee jaar liep ik Hoewel veel cliënten er aanvankelijk niet vertelt hij hoe de soldaten zijn broek omlaag bellen‚ trekt Kighoma diep beschaamd zijn Veel van hen durven er met niemand over te rond met een luier omdat ik zo bloedde en over willen praten‚ herkent Ongwech inmid- trokken en hem om de beurt verkrachtten. ‘Ik broek weer omhoog en verdwijnt. praten. ‘Ze zijn bang te worden verstoten’‚ niemand me wilde helpen’‚ zegt de verlegen dels bepaalde signalen. ‘Velen willen aller- schreeuwde het uit. Het deed zo’n ongeloof- Steven Kighoma is geen uitzondering. Ame- zegt Onen Ongwech‚ maatschappelijk wer- eerst niet gaan lijke pijn. En terwijl het bloed langs mijn be- rikaanse wetenschappers onderzochten in ker bij het RLP. ‘Volgens hun cultuur en reli- ‘Het beeld is nog altijd dat vrouwen slachtoffers zijn zitten. Doen ze dit nen stroomde‚ lachten de soldaten me uit.’ 2010 ruim duizend gezinnen in de Congolese gie zijn ze een vloek‚ ze voelen zich beroofd wel‚ dan gaan ze Kighoma weet te ontsnappen en vlucht zo provincies Noord- en Zuid-Kivu‚ die al jaren van hun mannelijkheid en in een homofobe en mannen alleen daders’ dikwijls op één bil snel mogelijk naar buurland Oeganda. Hij door militiegeweld worden geplaagd. Zij con- samenleving worden ze automatisch gezien zitten‚ ontwijken blijft bloeden‚ maar de zwaar getraumati- cludeerden dat in het oosten van de Democra- als homoseksueel.’ Ook misbruikte mannen je blik‚ klagen seerde Congolees durft niemand iets te ver- tische Republiek Congo 24 procent van de uit Rwanda‚ Eritrea en Somalië kloppen aan Congolees‚ naar de grond kijkend. Uiteinde- over ernstige pijn in hun onderrug en vertel- tellen. Als na zeven maanden de zweren aan mannen slachtoffer is van een vorm van con- bij het RLP. Ongwech legt uit dat het in Oost- lijk raadde iemand hem het RLP aan‚ dat len “door mannen” te zijn gemarteld – in de zijn anus te erg worden‚ verzamelt hij zijn flict-gerelateerd seksueel geweld – voorname- Afrika nog altijd taboe is om over seks te pra- hem doorverwees naar een privékliniek. hoop dat dit signaal wordt opgepikt.’ moed en gaat hij naar het ziekenhuis. lijk verkrachting – tegenover 40 procent bij ten. ‘Zelfs medici weten hierdoor vaak niet Daar is hij direct aan zijn anus geopereerd. Het verzwijgen is begrijpelijk‚ want veel ‘Jij als man verkracht? Dat is onmogelijk’‚ vrouwen. ‘Seksueel geweld tegen mannen is dat óók mannen kunnen worden verkracht.’ Mannen worden soms ook op andere ma- vrouwen die erachter komen dat hun man is reageert de dokter die vervolgens moppert een groot probleem’‚ vertelt ook Chris Dolan‚ Hierdoor lopen de slachtoffers vaak lange nieren seksueel mishandeld‚ vertelt Ongwech. verkracht‚ gaan bij hem weg‚ vertelt Salome dat vluchtelingen telkens weer iets nieuws directeur van het Refugee Law Project (RLP) tijd getraumatiseerd en zwaar gewond door‚ ‘Staven en schroevendraaiers worden in hun Atim‚ een van de andere maatschappelijk