About
Umoja in Action is a national non-profit non-governmental organization based in Goma, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Created in 2009, it works for the promotion of human rights, social cohesion and community development. Its mission is to support vulnerable populations in the transformation of conflicts and the improvement of their living conditions through actions in the areas of peace, education, protection of women and children, food security and reproductive health. The organization also implements humanitarian and socio-economic programs to support communities affected by conflict, including women, youth, and displaced or vulnerable children. It collaborates with several partners and civil society networks to promote peace, social inclusion and sustainable development in eastern DRC.
Areas of Expertise
Carrying out the Protection Risk Analysis and the “Do no harm” for children at risk of protection in 10 villages in the Kayna and Kibirizi health zone, in North Kivu province)This study analysed the protection risks faced by children in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in North Kivu, in a context marked by armed conflicts, population displacements and humanitarian crises. The study was part of the RESPECT project, funded by European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations and implemented by the Tearfund consortium, Street Child and their partner Umoja in Action, in the health zones of Kibirizi (Rutshuru) and Kayna (Lubero). The main objective was to identify threats to the protective environment for children, including children associated with armed forces and groups (EAFGA), unaccompanied or separated children, as well as those exposed to different forms of violence.The research aimed to understand grave violations of children's rights, such as killings, abductions, recruitment into armed groups, violence sexual violence, the destruction of schools and obstacles to access to humanitarian aid. It also examined the psychosocial consequences on children, difficulties in accessing education and health services, as well as existing community-based mechanisms to prevent and respond to violence.To achieve these goals, the study adopted a participatory methodology combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. It was based on a literature review, surveys of 213 key informants (including children and adults), semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions with boys, girls and parents, and community observations. The data was collected using digital tools such as KoboCollect and analysed in order to establish a risk profile and propose mitigation measures.
Current Projects
Results & Achievements
The results highlight a high level of vulnerability of children, marked by violence, psychological trauma, difficulties in accessing social services and the persistence of the phenomenon of children associated with armed groups. The report also highlights the importance of community-based protection mechanisms and recommends strengthening prevention, psychosocial support and reintegration strategies for children affected by conflict.The study emphasizes the need to strengthen child protection systems, improve coordination between humanitarian and community actors, and develop sustainable measures to reduce risks and protect the human rights of children in conflict-affected areas.