Appraising access to justice for refugee women survivors of SGBV in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement

Abstract

This study explores access to justice for refugee women survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement. Drawing on qualitative data from interviews with survivors, community leaders, the police, prisons, judicial officers, a representative from the Office of the Prime Minister, the study finds that there exist informal and formal justice systems, each with their own unique challenges. The study assessed that violence is majorly rooted in economic disempowerment, harmful gender stereotypes, alcoholism, and internal conflicts. Notable barriers included social-cultural attitudes that undermine women and tolerate violence, resource constraints that make it difficult for the key actors to effectively perform their roles in supporting victims, long distances to courts, poverty, language barrier and an overall justice system that is not sensitive towards refugee women. The study reveals that despite Uganda’s exhaustive legal framework, a gap still exists in the implementation of the laws, especially towards refugees. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for the various stakeholders, in accordance with the key access to justice elements so as to enhance protection of women from violence and guarantee an accommodative justice system for victims.