DRC (Congo)

The civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the world's deadliest conflict since World War II. Your donations have allowed UNHCR to provide humanitarian relief to millions of displaced people.

By providing assistance and monitoring areas of settlement for refugees, UNHCR works tirelessly to improve the standard or living for Congolese stationed in camps outside the DRC and those who have returned or are internally displaced.

The emergency: Struggles over political power and mineral wealth in the DRC have resulted in more than 5.4 million deaths.  Fighting has flared regularly since its outbreak in 1998, which has particularly devastated the northern provinces.  There are presently over two million internally displaced people (IDPs) within the DRC and almost half a million refugees living in camps in surrounding countries, including Nakivale Refugee Settlement.

UNHCR's role: The UNHCR has been able to work on providing shelter, aid distribution and camp management in responding to the crisis. Flaring of violence in North Kivu, Orientale and Equateur provinces has made UNHCR's role even more important in the provision of relief, shelter and services.

Relief provided: The UNHCR has played a major role in relief operations in IDP camps, providing non-food relief (such as jerry cans, blankets, and mosquito nets) and shelter items.  Legal services were also funded by the UNHCR for returning refugees in addition to projects to assist victims of sexual assault. For those Congolese crossing the border to escape the LRA attacks, UNHCR also ensured adequate shelter and protection.  To counter any possible outbreaks of disease, nine health posts and mobile clinics were established and water purification tablets were distributed en masse.

Total funds raised to date: AUD $2.335 million.

Read other examples as to how your donations have helped in an Emergency