The report stated that in the eastern part of the country, a series of barbaric attacks by militants using machetes and heavy weapons forced one community after another to flee with only the most basic belongings. In some cases, entire families-including children-were hacked to death. The health center and school were looted and the entire village was set on fire. The report calls for an end to the conflict that has fueled one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
According to United Nations data, there are currently 5.2 million displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more than any country except Syria. Half of them have been displaced in the past 12 months. The UNICEF Democratic Republic of Congo representative Edouard Beigbeder pointed out that displaced children only know about fear, poverty, and violence. Generation after generation can only consider how to survive. However, the world seems to be increasingly indifferent to their fate. We need resources to continue to help these children have a better future.
The report described the testimony of children recruited as child soldiers who had suffered sexual assaults and other serious violations of their rights. Compared with the previous year, such violations have increased by 16% in the first six months of 2020.
A rapid response program jointly directed by UNICEF, national partners, and non-governmental organizations provides a temporary solution, providing necessities to nearly 500,000 people in 2020.
Typhaine Gendron, head of emergency affairs for the Democratic Republic of Congo, UNICEF, said that these emergency supplies can help deal with the direct impact of displacement, but they are also part of a comprehensive response to satisfy a family’s health, nutrition, and health. More extensive needs for protection, drinking water, sanitation, or education.
At the same time, security is the main concern of UNICEF staff and its local and international partners. stated that although the situation is still very turbulent, the Congolese army is trying to contain the militia and re-establish the country’s authority. Building on these small signs of progress must be a priority, and the international community must also play a key role.
However, solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo is waning. Only 11% of the US$384.4 million humanitarian appeals issued in 2021 have been funded. Bergbeide emphasized that without continuous humanitarian intervention, thousands of children will die of malnutrition or disease, and the displaced population will not receive the life-saving assistance they rely on.
