DRC - Emergency Assistance - Solidarities International 2017

March 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 and other donors Solidarités International is providing assistance to address the urgent needs of up to up to 60 000 conflict-affected people in Aru Ituri province. This project focuses on increasing access to safe water and sanitation facilities to refugees and vulnerable host community households. Project activities include: (1) constructing or rehabilitating up to 20 water points benefitting up to 10 000 people; (2) providing cash for work opportunities for up to 400 households; (3) constructing up to 220 emergency latrines and/or showers; and (4) promoting and improving hygiene practices of up to 60 000 people.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to sanitation facilities and hygiene supplies; and (2) increased knowledge of good hygiene practices. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.