Community Liaison Assistants (CLAs)
The 49 CLAs assist TOB/COBs deployed in 45 strategic and remote localities in eastern provinces to identify protection risks and develop locally-tailored protection responses. Regular information is sent by them and they monitor local protection plans, as well as monthly debriefings organized together with the other substantive sections and the military at the provincial level – all have contributed to improve the Mission’ response to protection challenges. Local communities now feel a sense of improved security because of those CLAs which monitor the implementation of this Community Alert Network project, local protection plans and JPT recommendations. An additional 40 CLAs are being recruited to ensure that each of the 75 priority COBs/TOBs in Eastern and selected areas in Western DRC is equipped with at least one CLA per base.
Joint Protection Teams (JPTs)
JPTs aim is to analyze local protection dynamics, improve community relations, anticipate protection risks and population needs, and draw up local protection plans. Coordinated by the Civil Affairs, JPTs serve as a catalyst for reinforcing joint planning and collaboration between the Mission’s civilian and military components. Furthermore, the increased interaction with local population and local authorities vis-à-vis JPT missions continues to improve the overall perception of the Mission on POC issues.
Community Alert Networks (CANs)
CANs enable local populations in isolated areas in Eastern DRC through the CLA to contact the relevant authorities (local authorities, PNC and FARDC) and/or the Mission’s Forces about an incident then requests an intervention in their community. The initial three-month pilot which started in December 2010 resulted in the establishment of 24 CANs covering a maximum of 200 selected communities in North Kivu, South Kivu and Orientale Province.
A second phase with a maximum of 20 CANs is anticipated, with the aim of covering more of the most vulnerable, “must protect” locations. The project is complemented by a HF radio project that is being implemented by a partner NGO and will be linked to this initiative. Our CAN system has already had a catalytic effect and has given momentum towards a number of other early warning initiatives, which are being considered by the Mission as true innovation in our fight to protect those most vulnerable.