Dear members and friends, we hope that you enjoy and are able to make the most of the coming winter months. Thank you in advance for taking a few minutes to read the following.
1° Syrie : Nutritional Support for Infants
In October, the on-site team provided nutritional supplements to 35 babies, including 12 new cases. Thanks to an unexpected donation received this week, the program will now be able to support 45 children per month. Considering the harsh winters in central Syria, this aid will provide much-needed relief to the new families who benefit from the scheme.
2° Support for Ukrainian Refugees in Krakow, Poland
In September and October, 161 refugees received allocations of food, medicine, and/or hygiene products, including 42 women and 119 children from Zhytomyr, Poltava, Krivoy Rog, Mariupol, Vinnytsia, Lviv, Dnipro, Khmelnytskyi, and Kharkiv.
Reminder: Vivere also conducts similar initiatives in Transnistria, Montenegro, and Ukraine itself for internally displaced persons in the eastern regions. However, the remaining funds for this work will be exhausted by the end of this year. Depending on location and individual family needs, the average cost per family for this assistance ranges from CHF 19 to 28 (€20.40 to €30.00) per month. We aim to not only continue but also intensify this work during the cold period at the beginning of next year. We extend our heartfelt thanks in advance to those who are able to donate to this appeal.
3°Assistance to Victims of Human Trafficking
Our permanent team in the Persian Gulf rescues an average of 10 to 15 new victims each month. Most of these individuals have been subject to sexual slavery after being deceived about the nature of the jobs they were promised upon arrival in the country. Since the start of this work in 2004, we have rescued, protected, and repatriated victims of 54 different nationalities.
Here is a report from the team (translated):
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Pho-U., a well-qualified, 24-year-old massage therapist, came to the Gulf to work in a massage salon. However, the Thai owner of the salon sold it to a Nigerian “investor,” who never actually arrived in the Gulf as he was involved in illegal activities in Lagos. His associates turned the salon into a brothel, forcing the female staff into prostitution. The former Thai owner was aware of these plans but still signed an employment contract with Pho-U. A tip-off led police in D… to raid the villa near Jebel…, arresting three Nigerians and five Thai women. Upon investigation, only Pho-U. was recognized as a victim of trafficking. She had been raped multiple times by the Nigerians and even by some of the clients, receiving no money, only cheap clothes and food. That she did not become pregnant is nothing short of a miracle! The police station in Al B… forwarded the case to the prosecutor—after the Nigerians admitted to raping her. With our assistance and support, Pho-U. was able to fly back to her home country, where she now plans to file charges against the former owner of the massage salon.
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5° République démocratique du Congo
Military Tribunal-mobile court: Last month, Vivere, in collaboration with its partner UCPDHO, facilitated court sessions on Idjwi Island, located in the middle of Lake Kivu. The cases addressed and adjudicated included those involving torture, child rape, and insurrection.
The document outlines judicial proceedings from the mobile chamber of the military tribunal in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here is a translated summary of the text:
EXCERPT OF THE CASE LIST
Public hearing of the Military Court of South Kivu in a second-degree mobile session, held in Bugarula, in the territory of Idjwi Nord, on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 9:00 AM.
Cases Introduced:
- Case No. 0167/024
- Defendants: Major AMANI BILALI (in detention).
- Charges: Misappropriation of military ammunition, torture, and arbitrary arrest.
- Civil Party: Mme Feza Bwami Nkambulo.
- Case No. 0754/023
- Defendants: MUTULWA KIKUNDI Adrien (in detention).
- Charges: Child rape.
- Civil Party: Mr. Imani Musahao Josué.
- Case No. 0757/023
- Defendants: Brigadier WABENGA KAZAMWALI Meshack (in detention).
- Charges: Child rape.
- Civil Party: Mme Baralibiru Rukwira Appoline.
- Case No. 0837/024
- Defendants:
- DUNIA MWIKIZI André (in detention).
- MAHESHA HABIMANA Jean Baptiste (in detention).
- MUGISHO MAHUSI Freddy Nicolas (in detention).
- NGENDO KAIKUNGA Joseph (released).
- SADIKI BITAKUYA Christophe (in detention).
- MAKUMBU ALBERTINE Mukeshimana (in detention).
- SHAMIAU LUKUMWANA Prosper (in detention).
- Charges: Participation in an armed insurrection.
Prepared in Bukavu on September 16, 2024,
Signed by Major NTAMBWE MIKOMBE Victor, Clerk of the Military Court of South Kivu.
All the accused have been sentenced to long terms of imprisonment.
Death Penalty
The International Federation of ACAT (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture) has documented reprisals against defenders of the abolition of the death penalty, who publicly opposed the lifting of the moratorium by the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) earlier this year. Alongside 55 other organizations, Vivere co-signed a detailed alert about this. The text can be provided upon request.
Executive Summary
On February 9, 2024, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) lifted the moratorium on executions that had been in place since 2003. This decision occurred against the backdrop of deteriorating security in the East and increasing restrictions on civic areas. Since the lifting of the moratorium, human rights defenders who publicly oppose this decision have faced intensified repression by Congolese authorities.
This document highlights the violations experienced by human rights activists across several provinces, including:
- Death threats and acts of physical violence;
- Arbitrary arrests and detentions;
- False accusations and dubious judicial procedures;
- Violations of property rights and freedom of movement;
- Harassment targeting close associates and collaborators.
These violations are primarily perpetrated by agents of:
- The National Intelligence Agency (ANR);
- The Military Detection of Anti-Patriotic Activities (Demiap);
- Security forces.
The perpetrators are only able to continue doing this because they are allowed to act with absolute impunity.
The note also underscores the considerable impact of the criminalization of defenders on their living conditions and those of their families, including:
- The inability to continue their activities for fear of reprisals;
- Economic and social consequences (loss of employment, marginalization);
- Disruption of family life (forced relocations, separation from family);
- Forced exile for some defenders at heightened risk.
The growing repression described in this note is part of a broader context of restrictions on civic space in the DRC, exacerbated by the state of emergency in certain eastern provinces. This repression risks having a significant deterrent effect on the abolitionist movement and, more broadly, on any opposition to the government.
5° Vivere at the Solidarity Christmas Market !
This year, the 18th edition of the Solidarity Christmas Market invites you on an extraordinary journey across 35 countries. More than just a market, it’s an opportunity to explore unique handcrafted products and hear inspiring stories of solidarity from around the world. From December 12 to 14 in Lausanne, come and meet the 42 Swiss-based associations that are transforming lives every day.
Practical Information:
- Thursday, December 12, and Friday, December 13: 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday, December 14: 11 AM to 8 PM
- Venue: Avenue Jean-Jacques Mercier 3, 1003 Lausanne / Pôle Sud
Every stand at the Solidarity Christmas Market offers a glimpse into a different region of the world, where each product tells a story. Strolling through the market, you’ll take a symbolic journey around the globe, exploring remote villages, lush forests, and distant mountains where solidarity projects are making a difference.
The 42 Swiss organizations present are not just selling items—they collaborate with local communities to develop solidarity initiatives that transform lives and have a positive impact. All proceeds go directly to international cooperation projects, whether they promote education, health, ecology, or human rights.
But the Solidarity Christmas Market is also a place for warmth and connection. Take a break to chat with exhibitors, enjoy daily meals accompanied by craft beers and mulled wine, and savor a moment of solidarity while warming up and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
6° Let’s Mobilise and Protest Against The proposed Federal Budget Cuts
A significant portion of our work in Pakistan is co-financed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation through our partnership with Fedevaco. We must join the call to action and support this solidarity alarm. Everyone is encouraged to learn more by clicking the link below.
BE SOLIDARITY MINDED
Alliance Sud and many organizations active in international cooperation, including Fedevaco, have launched a campaign to raise awareness about the budget cuts proposed by the Federal Government. alarme-solidarité.ch permet de tirer la sonnette d’alarme en deux clics et d’exprimer sa solidarité et son mécontentement par rapport à la direction que prend la coopération internationale en Suisse.
We thank you for your attention and wish you a very happy month of December.
With our best regards,
The Vivere committee