Violence Against Children
DRC
YOBAC is expanding its VAC program, one of the core human rights instruments established by YOBAC in Uganda, to DRC. This initiative has helped transform children’s lives by advocating for their rights and protection. However, not every child gets to enjoy a full childhood. Many face exploitation, abuse, and the harsh realities of displacement.
Violence against children (VAC) remains a pervasive issue, exacerbated by the country’s instability. War, displacement, and socio-economic hardships expose children to forced labor, trafficking, early marriage, and sexual exploitation.
In collaboration with partners, YOBAC is implementing projects to end violence against children, youth, and adolescents while promoting life skills for improved livelihoods. These initiatives focus on strengthening child protection policies, improving access to education and healthcare, and providing psychosocial support to affected children.
COVID-19 further disrupted children’s lives, leading to school closures and increased cases of child abuse, hunger, and violence. Many vulnerable children lost access to essential services such as school meal programs, healthcare, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene). YOBAC is working to mitigate these risks by enhancing child protection mechanisms, supporting affected families, and ensuring children continue their education in a safe environment.