Given the persistence of communal and inter-ethnic conflicts in North Kivu, human rights violations, torture and sexual and domestic violence in particular, threats against human rights defenders, the presence of victims of human rights violations, ignorance of human rights by the population and local authorities, and gaps in local governance, the CVPD was created to contribute to the resolution of these problems.
It was initiated by one of the oldest and most committed human rights defenders in the DRC, Mr. Arnold DJUMA BATUNDI in November 2012 in Goma, capital of North Kivu Province. He was then joined by 12 other members. The CVPD's mission is therefore as follows:
- To support local initiatives working for the promotion and defense of human rights, the Promotion of Peace and integral and integrated development.
- To organize actions for the promotion of Peace, peaceful resolution of conflicts and good governance.
- Advocate various actions with national and international organizations and bodies for human rights, peace building and community development.
Peacebuilding activities
CVPD organizes training workshops bringing together community leaders from different ethnic groups in North Kivu, particularly in Masisi, Nyiragongo and Goma (60 peacebuilders trained in 2016).
Given the role of women in this area, it also strengthens the capacity of women from different ethnic groups in Masisi, Nyiragongo and Goma (130 women trained in 2016).
Given the role of local authorities, it also organizes training for administrative, military, police, judicial and security services authorities (54 authorities trained in 2016 and 44 in 2017).
Popular Awareness Activities and Conflict Prevention
The CVPD produces :
- Awareness posters (1000 posters produced and already distributed)
- Musical albums to raise awareness of cohabitation despite cultural differences (1 album produced, distribution of 300 CDs)
- Community theatres and debates (1 album of sketches already produced, distribution of 300 CDs) 349 people attended the projections of the sketches and theatres.
- Community events
Economic activities to strengthen social cohesion
In Masisi(Bweremana), CVPD supports 6 community groups of women from different ethnic groups around business, in each group there are 5 women. They have carried out the following businesses:
- Sale of palm oil
- Sale of various products in a shop
- Sale of beers and sweets
- Selling meat at the market
- Sale of loincloths
- Cutting and sewing
Cutting and sewing workshop and meeting in Bwereaman with the 5 women presidents of the business groups.
