Post-conflict gender-based sexual violence (sgbv) and its implications on the reintegration process in lira district, northern Uganda

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Date
2010-09
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Kampala International University,School of Law
Abstract
This study examined the problem of gender-based sexual violence in post-armed conflicts and how it has affected reintegration of former rebel captives into the community in Lira District. Sexual and gender-based violence is a human rights violation and it is perpetuated by negative attitudes which discriminate people according to their sex. It can occur at individual level, in relationships such as marriage, at community and community levels. The study found out that women and girl mothers who have been raped by LRA rebels are rejected by the community, their families and former husbands because according to Lango culture they are a disgrace to the community. This rejection has affected them psychologically, health wise, economically and physically. Unfortunately, the reintegration process has not taken this into account as it has emphasized direct reintegration without considering the needs of these people, such as counseling, provision of medical services and addressing the problem of archaic cultural beliefs responsible for SGBV. Although the U.N Security Council and NGOs have taken steps in responding to SGBV, Uganda has not amended her penal laws to bring them in conformity with international legal instruments which oblige her to take all appropriate measures to protect women and girls from SGBV. As such the perpetrators of SGBV continue to walk scot-free. The study among others recommends that the government amends her penal laws, and steps up the campaign of educating the local people in Lira District about respect for human rights and the need to break negative attitudes that perpetuate SGBV. On the whole the study calls upon all stakeholders in the reintegration programmes to take into account the needs of different returnees if the reintegration process is to be successful.
Description
A research paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of a Degree of Bachelor of Laws of Kampala International University.
Keywords
Post-conflict, sexual violence, reintegration, northern Uganda
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