UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

September 2013 - Insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo escalated sharply in late 2012 and throughout 2013 due to a major increase in ethnic and resource-driven violence and banditry carried out by numerous armed groups, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces. This surge in violence has resulted in large-scale displacement of people from their homes, greater need to provide protection for people, and the destruction of assets, livelihoods, and basic infrastructure. People in affected areas are already extremely vulnerable due to chronic poverty and underdevelopment, poor governance, and very limited access to basic services. Cholera, measles, and malaria continue to take a toll across the country but are particularly prevalent in areas of high displacement. In addition, an estimated 6.35 million people across the country are acutely food insecure, or without access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food, including 1.2 million children who are malnourished. With the support of DFATD and other donors, UNICEF’s 2013 emergency operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo aim to provide protection and assistance to an estimated 11.2 million people affected by conflict and displacement. Funding is allocated according to the greatest need in the areas of: child protection; nutrition support; basic healthcare; water, sanitation, and hygiene services; emergency education for children; and the provision of basic relief items such as blankets and mosquito nets.