Evidence from the Addressing Root Causes programmes in DR Congo and in Burundi (2016 - 2021, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs) have shown the crucial role of community based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. Individual trauma counseling and support groups as well as Community Based Sociotherapy have contributed to improved mental wellbeing, reduction of domestic violence, more social cohesion and reconciliation between identity groups and resistance to political identity manipulation.
ZOA and Help A Child have written this policy brief and recommend governments, NGOs and donors to integrate Community Based MHPSS in peacebuilding programming in order to achieve sustainable results.