Water Sanitation and Protection in the Democratic Republic of Congo - World Vision Canada 2011

31 December 2010 - In north and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) clashes between armed forces rebel groups and various militias continue to wreak severe harm on civilians who are routinely caught in the frontlines of confrontations. The result is extensive humanitarian needs and limites to nonexistent propects for recovery and development. North Kivu South Kivu and Orientale Province continue to be plagued by serious human rights violations food insecurity high mortality and morbidity rates horrific sexual violence and considerable and ongoing displacement of population groups. Continued population displacements are straining hosting communities themselves having limites resources and lacking the most basic services including health and medical care and safe water infrastructure. With CIDA support World Vision is addressing the humanitarian needs of diplaced populations returnees and host communities in the sectors of water sanitation and protection in Rutshuru North Kivu. Activities focus on: rehabilitating conflict-damaged water supply systems and constructing latrines in areas hosting an influx of displaced populations; training community volunteers in key water and hygiene practices; mobilizing and educating community members on key protection and conflict resolution issues through radio broadcasts role play and meetings; and conducting conflict resolution sessions between returnees and receiving communities.