Our first interim reparative measures project took place in Guinea from 2019 to 2023, where we worked with 158 survivors of conflict-related sexual violence committed at the Conakry’s 28 September Stadium in 2009.
Our newly released impact report summarises our four years of learning alongside Guinea’s survivors, which has shaped our approach to working with survivors of conflict-related sexual violence across the world. It was in Guinea that we put our concept of co-creation to the test, designing and adapting the project with survivors at every stage, to deliver support that could be truly effective.
Through compensation, livelihood initiatives, healthcare and psychological support, survivors not only rebuilt their lives, but supported each other in their recovery and became advocates for national change. Collectively, the women designed and launched a survivor’s centre in the western town of Maférinya, envisioned as a space for them to meet and organise activities, sell their produce, and simply be together. Inaugurated in September 2023, the centre also holds commemorative events and exhibitions. This would not have been possible without our partners, the Organisation guinéenne de défense des droits de l’Homme et du citoyen (OGDH) and L’Association des victimes, parents et Amis du 28 Septembre 2009 (AVIPA).
For the first time since the events, I was able to go back near the 28 September stadium, and to take a picture. I’m very proud of that, to have taken that step.
— A survivor
Survivors worked closely with our civil society partners to advocate for their needs and perspectives to be included in a national reparations law. Engaging with government ministers, UN experts and civil society actors, survivors successfully influenced the identification process, appeal procedures and medical care provisions provided to survivors under a potential law.
Other highlights include:
- Quality of life scores nearly doubled, rising from 35 to 68 over the course of the project
- Symptoms of depression and anxiety were significantly reduced following therapy and peer support
- Survivors used compensation to restart small businesses, secure housing, and send their children to school
- Social relationships improved, with survivors reporting less discrimination and stronger connections with family and community members
The full report is available here.