Airlift of emergency supplies to DRC

Villlagers leaving their homes fearing attack, Masisi, North Kivu, DRC. Photograph David Pratt for Concern

In response to conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has forced 130,000 people to leave their homes, we airlifted emergency supplies, including 18,000 blankets, 600 tarpaulins and 500 tents. These will be delivered by our partners on the ground, Concern, Christian Aid and Oxfam, to help provide shelter to some of the most vulnerable people forced to flee fighting in eastern DRC. 

Speaking recently on the conflict, Minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello T.D. said

“The people of DRC are grappling with one of the most complex and enduring humanitarian crises in the world. After decades of war and mismanagement, DRC is the world’s least developed country. More than five million Congolese have lost their lives since 1998.

This year we have provided nearly €5 million to UN agencies and international NGOs to help respond to the crisis in DRC.

“Ireland has repeatedly condemned the serious human rights violations which have blighted the lives of so many Congolese and has provided significant support to the United Nations and major international NGOs to assist them in responding to this devastating crisis.”

The fighting exacerbates the already serious situation where one in every four children in DRC is malnourished and nearly 6.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. In eastern DRC, where the latest fighting occurred, more than 30 armed groups are operating and widespread human rights violations by both the rebel groups and the army have been reported. 

This year we have provided nearly €5 million to UN agencies and international NGOs to help respond to the crisis in DRC.