Context

For decades, the population of the DRC has been paying the price of the armed conflict, particularly in the eastern provinces, which have been severely hit by violence and insecurity. By 31 December 2023, more than 9.6 million people were on the move in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 6.5 million IDPs, 2.6 million returnees from other countries and 527.000 refugees.

The security situation deteriorated in 2023, with the scale up of M23 offensives in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, causing internal displacement of populations. 

It is estimated that more than 25.4 million people – a quarter of the population – will need assistance in 2024. The spread of epidemics, such as cholera and measles and the climate-related shocks, such as heavy rains and river flooding intensify, are exacerbating the living conditions of vulnerable populations.

INTERSOS’ intervention

In 2023, our operators carried out protection monitoring activities, consisting of the identification and recording of protection incidents, as well as protection needs assessments with relevant analysis in order to ensure appropriate responses by the humanitarian organisations in the country. 

We worked to prevent and respond to Gender-Based Violence by identifying GBV cases and providing case management, referring survivors to specialised care structures where necessary. We provided cash assistance to the most vulnerable people to allow them to meet their most urgent needs. 

INTERSOS also implemented community-based protection: community-based structures were established and trained in humanitarian protection principles, enabling them to carry out protection case referral, protection incidents reporting , and awareness-raising sessions. 

Our staff also works in the Health and Nutrition sector, identifying focal points in the communities, training them in nutrition counselling, and then conducting awareness-raising campaigns on malnutrition issues. We also carry out mass screening for the detection of oedema and provide support in cases of severe acute malnutrition covering the cost of transport, food, laboratory tests and other medicines for the patients and their carers. In addition, we have rehabilitated areas dedicated to hospitalised children, where we used emotional stimulation activities to help the children regain a good level of resilience. 

Finally, we completed cash distributions to enable vulnerable people to meet their nutritional needs and facilitate access to food.