UNDP Supports Survivors of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Unity State

Capacity Strengthening through Livelihood Skills and Fishing Canoes

August 28, 2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Gender and Inclusion Project, is strengthening efforts to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) in Unity State through a comprehensive initiative that combines protection, capacity building, and economic empowerment.

From 21st to 23rd July 2026, UNDP, in partnership with Active Women Arise Africa (AWA-Africa) and the Unity State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, officially launched the Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Prevention, Response, and Survivor-Centered Support Project in Bentiu. The initiative sought to improve the wellbeing, resilience, and socio-economic recovery of 50 survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, while also supporting other vulnerable groups, including widows, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.

The three-month long project adopted a survivor-centered approach, placing the rights, dignity, safety, and needs of survivors at the forefront of all interventions. By strengthening access to services and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, the initiative aims to help survivors rebuild their lives and regain economic independence.

The launch event brought together 30 participants representing a broad range of stakeholders, including traditional and religious leaders, women's groups, survivors, persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, the police protection unit, government institutions, and development partners such as UNFPA and UNHCR. The gathering provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and collective commitment to addressing conflict-related sexual violence in Unity State.

Officiated by the State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Hon. Rose Nyaboth Toch, emphasized the importance of coordinated action in preventing and responding to CRSV and ensuring that survivors receive the support they need to recover and thrive.

The launch was also an opportunity to strengthen institutional ownership and stakeholder engagement, reinforcing partnerships among government entities, humanitarian actors, community leaders, and development organizations. Participants discussed the critical role that communities play in preventing gender-based violence, promoting survivor protection, and supporting reintegration efforts.

The women groups receiving canoes

UNDP/2026

Project Implementation
Following the launch, the project facilitated a three-day capacity-building training for the 50 survivors. The training focused on financial literacy, legal rights, gender-based violence prevention, and CRSV referral pathways, equipping participants with practical knowledge and skills to better understand their rights, access available services, and pursue sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The training also provided a safe space for participants to engage with support providers and learn about referral mechanisms available for survivors seeking legal, psychosocial, health, and protection services. Through these sessions, survivors gained valuable information to strengthen their resilience and enhance their participation in economic and social activities within their communities.

As part of the project's economic empowerment component, the initiative culminated on 27 August 2026 with the handover of six fishing canoes to survivor groups in Unity State. The canoes will serve as livelihood starter assets, enabling beneficiaries to engage in fishing activities and generate income to support themselves and their families.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the acting State Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare highlighted the importance of livelihood support in restoring dignity and promoting long-term recovery for survivors. He noted that economic empowerment is an essential pillar in helping survivors rebuild their lives, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen self-reliance.

The canoes are expected to create new income-generating opportunities, improve household livelihoods, and contribute to the economic reintegration of survivors into their communities. By supporting collective fishing activities, the initiative also encourages social cohesion, mutual support, and community resilience.

To ensure sustainability, the Unity State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare will oversee the management, protection, and maintenance of the canoes in collaboration with beneficiary groups and community stakeholders. This arrangement is intended to maximize the long-term benefits of the assets and ensure that they continue to contribute to the economic empowerment and recovery of survivors beyond the duration of the project.

Through this initiative, UNDP and its partners reaffirm their commitment to advancing gender equality, protecting the rights of survivors, and supporting durable solutions that address the social and economic impacts of conflict-related sexual violence. By combining capacity building, protection services, and livelihood support, the project offers survivors a pathway toward recovery, resilience, and sustainable development.