Protection

LHI’s Commitment to Protection: Empowering Vulnerable Populations in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement

Let’s Help International (LHI) is deeply committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees, with a strong emphasis on community-based protection. Operating in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Uganda, LHI implements a range of protection activities designed to support Persons with Special Needs (PWS), children at risk, and other vulnerable groups. The organization’s work is strengthened by its formal and legal registration in Uganda as a Refugee-Led Organization (RLO), a valid recommendation from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and partnerships with Government institutions such as Kyegegwa District Local Government and organizations like ALIGHT and UNHCR.

Community-Based Protection (CBP) Activities

LHI’s community-based protection approach is centered on identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals within the refugee settlement. Key activities include:

  1. Identification and Support of Persons with Special Needs (PWS):
  • LHI identifies individuals with specific requirements, such as the elderly, disabled, and those with medical conditions, and refers them to the community-based protection team for further assessment and support. This includes connecting them to essential services and resources.
  1. Distribution of Non-Food Items (NFI):
  • LHI distributes essential non-food items, such as blankets, hygiene kits, and kitchen utensils, to individuals and families in need, ensuring that basic needs are met, especially for those in vulnerable situations.
  1. Community Mobilization and Engagement:
  • LHI actively engages the community through village meetings, dialogues, and commemorative events. These activities foster a sense of community, raise awareness about protection issues, and encourage collective action to support vulnerable members.
  1. Temporary Shelter Construction:
  • LHI supports the construction of temporary shelters for new arrivals and older individuals using a community-led approach. By providing construction materials and mobilizing community members, LHI ensures that those in need have access to safe and secure housing.

Child Protection Initiatives

LHI places a strong focus on child protection within the refugee settlement. The organization works to identify at-risk children, including those separated from their families or living in unsafe conditions. In addition to distributing non-food items to child mothers and other vulnerable children, LHI conducts awareness-raising activities to educate the community about child protection and the importance of safeguarding children’s rights.

Capacity Building and Training

LHI’s capacity to implement protection activities is bolstered by participation in various trainings, workshops, and coordination meetings. Some key capacity-building efforts include:

  • UNHCR Southwest Regional Protection Coordination Meetings and Training: Enhancing skills in refugee response operations, protection, child protection, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and community-based protection.
  • ALIGHT & UNHCR Standard Operating Procedures Training: Training on the identification, verification, and assistance of Persons with Special Needs (PSN), ensuring that LHI’s staff and volunteers are equipped to provide effective support.

Partnership with ALIGHT

LHI’s partnership with ALIGHT (formerly the American Refugee Council) is a cornerstone of its protection program. In 2023, LHI and ALIGHT collaborated on a Community-Based Protection (CBP) project in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, focusing on the identification and support of Extremely Vulnerable Individuals (EVI). The project addressed the specific needs of 150 EVI cases through targeted referrals and support services, ensuring that those most in need received timely assistance.

Key Components of the Partnership:

  • Community Engagement and Mobilization: Efforts were made across all nine zones of the settlement to engage the community in protection activities, including village meetings, dialogues, and participation in commemorative events.
  • Shelter Construction and Renovation: Assistance was provided for the construction and renovation of shelters for Persons with Special Needs, benefiting 15 households across the settlement. This support was tailored to meet the specific needs of each household, ensuring their safety and dignity.

A Comprehensive Approach to Protection

LHI’s Protection Program reflects a comprehensive approach to safeguarding the well-being of refugees in Kyaka II. By combining direct support services, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, LHI creates a protective environment that prioritizes the dignity, safety, and empowerment of vulnerable individuals. Whether through the distribution of essential items, the construction of shelters, or the identification of at-risk children, LHI remains dedicated to ensuring that every individual in the refugee settlement is protected and supported.

– UNHCR Southwest Regional Protection Coordination Meeting and Training – Mbarara (07-09/09/2022)
Celebrating Christmas together with children in December 2022 in Kyaka II R/S.
Identification of PSNs in need of shelter in Itambabiniga Zone, Kyaka II R/s
Provision of Scholastic materials for refugee children in Kyaka II R/s

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