Oganization for Victims and Survivors(OVS)

The organization for Victims and Survivors (OVS) is a non-profit local organization established by victims and survivors of gross human rights violations and conflict in the Somali region. It was established in April 2019 and is registered in 2022 with both Federal Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) under registration number 6488 and Somali Regional State Justice Bureau.

OVS was established to respond to the urgent needs of victims and survivors of violence, abuse, exploitation, and traumatic experiences. The organization was founded on the belief that every survivor deserves safety, dignity, justice, and the opportunity to heal and rebuild their lives.

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Recent Activities

Latest Activity
Capacity Building Training on the Role of Guilty individualization in promoting accountability and Justice. Organized by OVS. Funded by CR. Jigjiga, Somali Region, Et

Capacity Building Training on the Role of Guilty individualization in promoting accountability and Justice. Organized by OVS. Funded by CR. Jigjiga, Somali Region, Et

Capacity Building Training on the Role of Guilty individualization in promoting accountability and Justice. Organized by OVS. ...

June 14, 2026

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More Activities

Digital Capacity Building for OVS Communication Staff. Focus: Media editing and Website management skill.
Digital Capacity Building for OVS Communication Staff. Focus: Media editing and Website management skill.
Jun 12, 2026 Read More →
Community of Practice (CoP) Discussion Forum Held in Jigjiga
Community of Practice (CoP) Discussion Forum Held in Jigjiga
May 23, 2026 Read More →
One day discussion workshop on “Victim-Centered justice and service improvement” as part of the project of ” protecting peace, dealing with the past and future safeguarding “
One day discussion workshop on “Victim-Centered justice and service improvement” as part of the project of ” protecting peace, dealing with the past and future safeguarding “
Apr 25, 2026 Read More →
The Organization for Victims and Victims (OVS) held a workshop takes place at Istanbul Hotel
The Organization for Victims and Victims (OVS) held a workshop takes place at Istanbul Hotel
Apr 27, 2026 Read More →
Organisation for Victims and Survivors ( OVS) has organized a holistic workshop attended by victim groups, community representatives, CSOs, from the Somali Region and justice sector representatives of the Somali Regional State.
Organisation for Victims and Survivors ( OVS) has organized a holistic workshop attended by victim groups, community representatives, CSOs, from the Somali Region and justice sector representatives of the Somali Regional State.
May 03, 2026 Read More →
Oganization of Victims and Survivors(OVS)

The Organization of Victims and Survivors (OVS) is a local organization established by victims and survivors of gross human rights violations and conflict in the Somali region. It was established in April 2019 and is registered with the Somali Regional State's Justice Bureau and Disaster Risk Management Bureau. OVS is also registered the Federal Agency for Civil Society Organization, on October 31, 2022.

Mission
  • To organize and empower Victims and survivors through support and advocacy to promote peace building, protecting, restoring dignity and healing to prevent further violations against humanity by ensuring access to justice, safety and inclusivity
Vision
  • Victims and survivors are recognized, protected, Supported and to restore dignity, promote and attain sustainable justice and peace
Proposes
  • To prevent the recurrence of the previous atrocities, to mitigate conflict and advocacy for survivor’s policies-centered
Core value
  • Empathy
  • Integrity and impartiality
  • Compassion
  • Respect and dignity
  • Equality and justice
  • Transparence
  • Trustworthy
  • Accountability
FOCUS AREA
  • Advocacy and Awareness.
  • Human Rights Protection.
  • Stakeholder Networking and Engagement.
  • Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution.
  • Victims Livelihood.
  • Transitional Justice Process and Psychosocial Support.
  • Documentation, Monitoring and Memorialization..
TARGET GROUP
  • Victims and Survivors.
  • Victims and Survivors.
  • Venerable and Marginalized Communities.
  • Women and Gender-based violence .
  • Child-protection .
  • Persons with disabilities (PWD).
  • Conflicts-affected Communities.
  • Internally-displaced People (IDPs).
GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS
  • Somali Regional State of Ethiopia with its border areas.
  • Dire-dawa City administration.
APPROACH
  • OVS Adopts a holistic and right-centered services, working in collaboration with government level institutions, Healthcare providers, legal institutions federal and regional CSOs, community-based groups, Women-led organization, donors and International agencies to insure collaborated and effective support for victims and survivors, venerable communities and internally displaced peoples(IDPs)
Key Programs and Services
  • Psychosocial Support: - Trauma-informed counselling, group therapy, and emotional support.
  • Legal Assistance: - Legal information, referrals.
  • Emergency Support: - Safe shelter, medical referrals, and crisis response.
  • Case Management: - Individualized survivor support plans.
  • Economic Empowerment: - Skills training, livelihood support, and reintegration programs.
  • Advocacy and Awareness: - Community education, prevention campaigns, and policy advocacy.
Strategic Objectives
  • Strengthen the recognition and Support of victims and survivors as rights-holders and policy influencers.
  • Advocate for institutional reforms and effective implementation of transitional justice mechanisms in the Somali Region.
  • Provide psychosocial support, legal, economic, and medical support services that promote healing and rehabilitation.
  • Build the capacity of victims and survivors to organize, lead, and represent their interests at local, regional, and national levels.
  • Foster reconciliation, social cohesion, and sustainable peace through community dialogue and truth-seeking initiatives.
  • Promote accountability for past violations and prevent the recurrence of human rights abuses and conflict.
Our Donors/partners

OVS works closely with Government institutions, NGOs, Donors, international and community stakeholders to improve victim’s livelihood and to strength community inclusion and victims-centered transitional justice

1.Donors (Institutional funding)
  • Government of Ireland International Development Program
  • Civil Rights Defenders (CRD)
  • CR- Current collaborator and formal partner
  • OHCHR
2.National and Local NGOs
  • Consortium for Ethiopian Human Rights Organization (CEHRO)
  • OWDA
  • OWS-DF
  • SONSAG
  • HORMUD WOMAH GIRLS
  • Yatim organization
3.Government
  • DRM Bureau
  • TRC Commission
  • Peace and Security Bureau
  • Social Affairs Bureau
  • Trade Bureau
  • The Job Creation Commission
  • Referral Hospital
  • Office of the president
  • Women's Affairs Bureau
  • Jigjig University
  • Agriculture Bureau

LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM PRESIDENT MUSTAFE'S OFFICE