GWEFODE implemented Conflict resolution and community action for the Batwa Empowerment Project supported by UN Trust Fund for the Second International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. Activities included Human Rights Sensitization workshops, Consultative meeting with local Government leaders, Dialogue through roundtable and media campaigns such as radio jingles and distribution of information, education and communication materials.

CAPTION: Representatives of Batwa communities and stakeholders line up to elect human rights and peace support committees

The project sensitized Batwa women, youth, local leaders and other stakeholders about conflict resolution and peace building techniques and raised awareness for the rights of the marginalized Indigenous Peoples. GWEFODE further organized dialogue meeting with the Bantu representatives, Civil Society, conservation agencies, local governments and stakeholders on how the Batwa can secure their land rights and to dig deeper into the meaning and implication of securing human rights for the Batwa and make appropriate recommendations that will contribute to peaceful coexistence and improved quality of life of the Batwa in Kabale. The project established Human Rights and Peace Support Committees at sub county level to increase monitoring and reporting of human rights violations against the Batwa. Among project results are the raising awareness of the Batwa on their right to Water and Sanitation and other economic, social and cultural rights enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples; Information dissemination to different stakeholders and community members on the Water and Sanitation plight of Indigenous Batwa Communities. The beneficiaries and stakeholders have gained knowledge about water and sanitation as a human right, disputes resolution and mediation in case of water conflict, which the community will continue to make use of. The locals have now began to accept the Batwa as part of their community and this is manifested in reduced conflict over water between the Batwa and the Bakiga tribal communities as well as the founding of Human Rights and Peace Support Committees to monitor and report violation of Human Rights in communities.