The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become concerning as the country records mass displacement, increasing dangers for women and children.
Development Diaries reports that the DRC currently has 6.7 million people displaced within its borders, amid serious flooding emergencies and a resurgence of measles and cholera outbreaks, according to figures from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Due to the dire situation, we understand that the DRC government and the humanitarian community have launched an appeal for U.S.$2.6 billion to fund the country’s 2024 humanitarian response plan.
The humanitarian situation in the DRC is dire, with widespread food insecurity, inadequate access to health care, and a lack of basic services. Women and children bear the brunt of the crisis, facing heightened risks of sexual violence, recruitment into armed groups, and malnutrition.
Moreover, the humanitarian response in the DRC faces numerous challenges, including logistical hurdles, funding shortages, and limited access to affected populations due to insecurity.
Reaching those in need continues to be a difficult challenge, despite the efforts of humanitarian organisations and peacekeeping teams.
Thousands of civilians are once again trapped in the crossfire and are in dire need of humanitarian aid as a result of the increase in intense fighting near Goma.
The Congolese government is primarily responsible for protecting its citizens.
The government needs to ensure that all parties involved in the current fighting in North Kivu put an immediate stop to intentional and indiscriminate strikes against civilians and make sure they are supported and protected as the fighting gets more intense.
Without sustained international support and concerted efforts to address the underlying drivers of the crisis, the suffering of the Congolese people will likely persist for years to come.
Development Diaries calls on the DRC government to prioritise the protection and assistance of civilians affected by the crisis.
Photo source: Amnesty International
