DRC - Emergency Assistance - Oxfam-Québec 2017

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing one of the world's gravest and forgotten humanitarian crises with approximately 7.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Exacerbating factors include extremely low levels of basic services increasing refugee populations and the violence perpetrated by approximately 60 different armed groups across the country. At least 1.9 million people in the DRC are internally displaced and a further 475 000 Congolese are living as refugees in neighbouring countries. Approximately 5 million people are food insecure and acute malnutrition is estimated at 8%. Sexual violence and other abuses related to the violence plaguing vast numbers of civilians remains a significant challenge particularly in the eastern provinces making protection a continuing priority. With the support of GAC Oxfam-Québec is providing assistance to address the urgent needs of up to up to 35 000 conflict-affected people in the Beni territory of North Kivu province. This project focuses on enhancing food security as well as increasing access to safe water sanitation facilities and protection services for vulnerable people. Project activities include: (1) providing access to agricultural inputs and livestock for up to 2 500 internally displaced people (IDPs) and host community vulnerable households; (2) providing access to safe drinking water for up to 35 000 beneficiaries; (3) providing access to sanitary structures for up to 20 000 beneficiaries; and (4) promoting and improving hygiene practices of up to 35 000 people.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to interventions designed to promote greater self-sufficiency; (2) increased access to safe drinking water; (3) increased access to sanitation facilities and hygiene supplies; and (4) increased access to services and assistance aimed at protecting the basic rights of crisis-affected groups. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.