Our Members

REGIONAL

HWHRDM is an umbrella organisation for the frontliners and other human rights defenders in the seven Highlands provinces. HWHRDM was established in 2018 in response to the need for regional coordination and support. It aims to promote peace building, end tribal warfare and eliminate SARV and GBV in the Highlands.

HWHRDM supports frontline CSOs, government frontline service providers and individual human rights defenders with:

• Information and capacity building to assist them in responding to SARV, GBV and other forms of violence.

• Networks and linkages with and between communities and governments.

• Advocacy and lobbying at local, regional, national and international levels for resources and essential services for survivors.

• Research, data and documentation of the impacts of GBV, SARV and tribal violence.

• Urgent funding to frontline organisations and human rights defenders at risk.

• Management, referral and funding for large, complex and/or cross-province SARV cases.

• Funding for survivors' and girls' education.

SIMBU PROVINCE

KWP is a community-based organisation based in Kerowagi District and serving Simbu Province. In 2000, KWP was formed by women leaders from four warring clans following 30 years of tribal fighting within Kup region. Since its establishment, KWP has helped survivors of violence access high-quality support services. KWP delivers:

• Counselling, paralegal services and case management around SARV and GBV.

• Referral services to police, hospitals, village courts, district courts, community development and child welfare.

• Coordination, training and other support to police, Community Development etc.

• Community-led education and healing on human rights, SARV, GBV and related laws.

• Training and support to a network of focal points.

• Capacity building for partners in conflict resolution, human rights, SARV and GBV.

• Repatriation and reintegration support to survivors of SARV and GBV.

• Mediation of tribal conflict, SARV and family disputes.

• Awareness raising among men, boys and community leaders of human rights.

• Peace mediation with communities, tribes and families to end violence.

• Crisis support services for SARV and GBV, such as counselling and case management.

• Resettlement support to SARV and GBV survivors.

EASTERN HIGHLANDS PROVINCE

KUSWA is a community-based organisation based in Goroka District that serves the Eastern Highlands Province. It was established in 2001 by eight women who were survivors of domestic violence. Its vision is to ensure that women and their families are protected, respected and supported to contribute equally to the wellbeing and prosperity of their communities. KUSWA provides:

• Counselling, paralegal services and case management around SARV and GBV.

• Referral services to police, hospitals, village courts, district courts, Community Development and child welfare.

• Coordination, training and other support to the police, Community Development and others.

• Community-led education and healing around human rights, SARV, GBV and related laws.

• Training and support to a network of focal points.

• Capacity building for partners in conflict resolution, human rights, SARV and GBV.

• Repatriation and reintegration support to survivors of SARV and GBV.

• Mediation of tribal conflict, SARV and family disputes.

• Awareness raising among men, boys and community leaders.

HELA PROVINCE

RWDF has been operating since 2008 and serves Hela Province. Originally focused on health, education and community infrastructure, RWDF has expanded to also provide case management and education around GBV and SARV since 2022. RWDF provides:

• Community education on health, human rights, SARV, GBV and climate change.

• Case management and referral to stakeholders on SARV and GBV.

• Safe houses for SARV and GBV survivors.

• Livelihood programs for survivors of SARV, GBV and tribal conflict.

• Capacity building, coordination and support to Hela Law and Justice Sector Committee partners.

• Mediation and repatriation for survivors of tribal conflict, SARV and GBV.

JIWAKA PROVINCE

VfC is a provincial women’s organisation serving Jiwaka and Western Highlands provinces. The organisation focuses on creating safe spaces for girls and women and empowering women economically. It engages in equitable development across many sectors, including law and justice, community development, social affairs, agriculture, finance, education, health and youth.

VfC operates largely as a one-stop shop for SARV, GBV and violence survivors – with a safe house, paralegal assistance, case management, leadership programs, economic empowerment and mediation. VfC also leads community awareness raising and training of influential people, as well as capacity building and support for service providers. It works with communities to develop by-laws to strengthen community ownership of non-violence.