The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a humanitarian tragedy of unparalleled proportions, with violence in the east of the country leaving thousands of people dead and many more homeless.

Caritas DRC, known locally as Caritas Développement Congo, faces challenges in helping people caught up in the current unrest and also those suffering the fallout from an earlier civil war and years of instability.

The war that ended in 2003 damaged the economy and left five million people dead; a further 2.4 million people were driven from their homes.


Staff

Over 1,000

Budget

US $10 million

Beneficiaries

over 500,000

In October 2008, Caritas launched a US$1.5 million appeal to help 90,000 people uprooted by violence in North and South Kivu, eastern Congo. 
The five-month project will provide household articles such as blankets, hygiene products and cooking equipment to 15,000 families who have lost their homes and possessions in the violence.

Meanwhile, attacks by Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army rebels in the north of Congo have terrorised the civilian population and forced many people to leave their homes.

Caritas appealed for US$440,000 in October 2008 to ensure 4000 families who had fled their homes were provided with clothes, blankets, cooking utensils and hygiene items.

Caritas is also involved in projects to enhance development and long-term sustainability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Themes

Caritas DRC is active in projects addressing:

  • HIV/AIDS prevention;
  • Education;
  • Peace-building;
  • Access to health services;
  • Access to water and sanitation;
  • Environmental management;
  • Diversification of livelihoods;
  • Care for the elderly.