DR Congo
Children in the DR Congo desperately need your help.
Children are suffering as fighting between the Democratic Republic of Congo’s army and rebel groups continues. More and more citizens of this war-torn country are being displaced. Conditions for newly displaced children and their families are dire and access to food, medicine and clean water is minimal - many have not had food for days. This is a desperate situation and we need your support to help children.
You can donate now using the form on the right.
Measles vaccinations continue for children in Kibati in spite of the front line being only kilometres away. Like cholera, measles can spread rapidly during large population movement and is a major child killer. Integrated vaccination activities have been launched in Goma and Rutshuru - a total of 60,000 children will receive vaccinations as well as Vitamin A supplements and treatment for worms. Therapeutic foods are being distributed to malnourished children.
Monitoring and reunification of children separated from their families is ongoing. Separated children are being placed in foster families until they are re-united.
Clean water continues to be trucked in for tens of thousands of displaced. Hundreds of toilets have been constructed and hygiene practices are being promoted. All of these interventions are critical to containing the spread of cholera and diarrhoea epidemics.
85% of schools have been closed due to insecurity in Rutshuru territory. With schools closed more children are at risk of abuse and violence. There are unconfirmed reports that children as young as 14 are being recruited and forced to fight in some areas, UNICEF continues to send messages via local radio informing groups that child recruitment is a war crime against humanity.
You can donate now using the form on the right.
Latest News
Mia Farrow calls for humanitarian access & protection in DR Congo
“What is unfolding in DR Congo is one of the worst situations I have ever encountered. In their own homes, people are raped, tortured, mutilated and abducted. All ordinary ways of life have been disrupted. People can’t farm, don’t have access to their land, there is no way to get food, children can’t go to school for fear of being raped or abducted. It’s a dire situation.” Read more.
A day on the ground in crisis stricken North Kivu
UNICEF Communications Specialist Jaya Murthy has been on the ground throughout the latest round of violence and displacement in eastern DR Congo. He reports on a day spent among the displaced. Read more.