Emergency Humanitarian Assistance for the Democratic Republic of Congo - ICRC 2009

The situation remains extremely volatile in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and Orientale. Renewed clashes between armed opposition groups with government forces and foreign troops are resulting in significant displacement widespread looting sexual and gender-based violence and a deterioration of humanitarian conditions. It is estimated that altogether over 1.4 million people remain displaced in DRC and that many have been displaced repeatedly. On a daily basis displaced people face insecurity weak health services and lack of food survival items safe water and sanitation facilities. CIDA's contribution is used to assist the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in ensuring that displaced people and residents affected by armed conflict and violence have the means to survive and become self-sufficient. In addition ICRC activities focus on ensuring that the wounded and sick receive adequate health care; helping to restore contact between separated family members; and reuniting displaced children with their families.