ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Published purpose

31 December 2010 - Many countries in the Great Lakes region and Central Africa are now largely free of the armed conflicts that have plagued the region over the past several years, and continue to progress towards post conflict recovery and development. Despite these positive trends, the region remains destabilized by very fragile security conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, which continue to cause large-scale internal population displacement, refugee influxes into neighbouring countries, and gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. Protection, basic health and medical assistance, access to clean water and sanitation and shelter remain emergency needs for those affected by conflict and their hosts. In the context of increased stability elsewhere in the region, durable solutions, including sustainable returns, local integration and resettlement are at the top of the humanitarian agenda for 2011. With CIDA support, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing basic life-saving assistance to conflict affected populations in this region. Activities include: providing food assistance and health 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, 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.