14/05/2025
The Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern DRC: A Call for Global Solidarity and Urgent Action
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently experiencing one of the most severe and protracted humanitarian crises in the world. This crisis, marked by violent conflict, massive displacement, food insecurity, and a collapsing health and education infrastructure, continues to devastate the lives of millions of people. Despite its magnitude and complexity, it remains one of the most underfunded and underreported crises globally.
For decades, the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri have been plagued by recurring cycles of violence perpetrated by a multitude of armed groups. These groups have not only terrorized communities but have also fought over control of land, natural resources, and political power. The resurgence of rebels groups since late 2021 has significantly worsened the situation, particularly in the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi, and Nyiragongo in North Kivu. The renewed fighting has triggered fresh waves of displacement, forcing hundreds of thousands of people—mostly women and children—to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they own.
According to recent humanitarian assessments, over 7 million people are currently displaced across the country, with nearly 3 million in North Kivu alone. Many of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) live in overcrowded and makeshift camps with limited access to clean water, food, shelter, and basic healthcare. Sanitary conditions in many of these settlements are dire, increasing the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as cholera, measles, and malaria. The lack of adequate shelter, especially during the rainy season, exposes vulnerable populations—particularly children and the elderly—to further health risks.
Beyond displacement, the crisis has profound socio-economic impacts. Most of the affected communities have lost access to their farms, markets, and livelihoods. The disruption of agricultural activities and the insecurity on roads have contributed to a severe food crisis. Over 25 million people in DRC are estimated to be food insecure, with 6.7 million people in a state of emergency-level hunger, particularly in conflict-affected zones. Malnutrition is widespread, and humanitarian actors have warned of an alarming increase in stunting and wasting among children under five years of age.
Healthcare systems in the conflict zones are overwhelmed. Many health centers have been looted or destroyed, and those that remain operational often lack essential medicines, equipment, and staff. Pregnant women struggle to access prenatal and emergency obstetric care, while people with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis are unable to receive regular treatment. Mental health needs are also surging as communities grapple with the psychological toll of violence, displacement, and loss.
The crisis has had a devastating impact on education as well. Schools have been destroyed or occupied by armed groups or displaced families. Teachers have fled, and many children have dropped out of school, some for years. Girls are especially at risk of early marriage, sexual exploitation, and gender-based violence. In areas controlled by armed groups, forced recruitment of children remains a pressing concern, robbing an entire generation of their future.
Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the crisis. Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is widespread and used as a weapon of war. Survivors often lack access to medical care, psychological support, and legal redress. Many fear speaking out due to stigma and threats. Despite the efforts of local women-led organizations and humanitarian actors, much more support is needed to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls.
Amid all this suffering, humanitarian workers continue to deliver aid in extremely challenging conditions. However, the response is severely hampered by insecurity, logistical constraints, and a massive funding gap. As of early 2025, the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan for the DRC is less than 35% funded, leaving millions without the assistance they desperately need. This underfunding affects food distributions, water and sanitation interventions, health services, education in emergencies, and protection programs. The needs far outweigh the available resources.
We, the people of Eastern Congo, call upon the global community—governments, international organizations, civil society, faith-based groups, and individuals—to act with urgency, compassion, and solidarity. The world must not look away from this crisis. The suffering of millions of innocent people should not be forgotten or ignored simply because of its geographic distance or complexity.
We ask for:
1. Increased Humanitarian Funding: Immediate and sustained financial support to humanitarian organizations working on the ground to meet urgent needs in food, health, shelter, education, and protection.
2. Support for Peacebuilding Efforts: Political and diplomatic engagement to address the root causes of conflict, support peace negotiations, and hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable.
3. Protection of Civilians and Humanitarian Workers: Reinforced advocacy to ensure respect for international humanitarian law and the safety of aid workers and civilians in conflict zones.
4. Investment in Recovery and Development: Beyond emergency response, we call for long-term investments in rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening local governance, and supporting sustainable livelihoods to break the cycle of poverty and conflict.
5. Amplification of Local Voices: Support for community-based organizations and local humanitarian actors, whose knowledge and resilience are essential to any effective and sustainable response.
The crisis in Eastern Congo is not just a Congolese problem; it is a human tragedy that challenges our shared humanity. It calls for moral leadership and collective responsibility. Every child denied education, every woman who suffers violence, every family that goes hungry is a call to conscience. We must not fail them.
This is a plea—not just for aid—but for justice, for dignity, and for peace.
Together, we can make a difference.
Thanks
ONU Femmes en République CentrafricaineUNICEF en RDCUnited Nations OCHAWorld Vision InternationalUSAID - US Agency for International DevelopmentChildren InternationalShriners Children'sONU FemmesUSAID DRCCARE International SomALL - Accor Live LimitlessMercy For AnimalsSolidarity: a socialist, feminist, anti-racist organizationUNHCR, the UN Refugee AgencyUnited NationsUN Women Africa - ONU Femmes AfriqueWorld Food ProgrammeEnfant De La Patrie - OfficielFC BarcelonaCircus Music Festival
