ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Published purpose

31 December 2010 - In north and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), clashes between armed forces, rebel groups and various militias continue to wreak severe harm on civilians, who are routinely caught in the frontlines of confrontations. The result is extensive humanitarian needs and limited to nonexistent prospects for recovery and development. North Kivu, South Kivu and Orientale Province continue to be plagued by serious human rights violations, food insecurity, high mortality and morbidity rates, horrific sexual violence and considerable and ongoing displacement of population groups. Continued population displacements are straining hosting communities, themselves having limited resources and lacking the most basic services, including health and medical care and safe water infrastructure. With CIDA support, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing basic life-saving assistance to conflict-affected populations in Eastern DRC. Activities include: providing food assistance and medical care; distributing essential household items; rehabilitating water and sanitation systems; and providing conflict-affected populations with the means to become self-sufficient, such as through the provision of seeds, tools and training and equipment. Activities also focus on promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law with authorities, armed forces, weapons bearers and other stakeholders, and helping civilians to overcome the worst consequences of armed conflict.