(DRC, July 16) - Renewed fighting in the troubled eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to a new wave of refugees fleeing into neighbouring Uganda to search for security. Initial reports by the Uganda Red Cross Society are that as many as 66,000 people have fled and are in need of assistance in Uganda. CARE Uganda and partners, along with the Government of Uganda and other humanitarian agencies, are assessing the situation.
CARE has humanitarian workers on the ground the DRC, who are on high alert and are monitoring the situation. In the DRC, where conflict is a sad reality of daily life, we continue to work to provide support to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. In collaboration with humanitarian partners, CARE is running two projects that treat survivors and work to stop sexual violence in conflict areas in North Kivu. CARE also supports internal displaced people with food, water and sanitation through cash and voucher programs.
CARE’s emergency response teams specialize in providing life-saving food, water, shelter and health care. CARE has more than six decades of experience helping people prepare for disasters, providing lifesaving assistance when a crisis hits, and helping communities recover after the emergency has passed. CARE is a nongovernmental, nonpartisan humanitarian organization that does not take sides in conflicts. Our mission is to provide relief to those most affected by disaster regardless of religion, political affiliation or other allegiance. CARE, working in 84 countries around the world, places a special focus on women, children and other vulnerable populations, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters. In 2012, our emergency response and recovery projects reached nearly 14 million people in 40 countries.
Read a press release about Angelina Jolie's visit to DR Congo, where she learnt about the impact of sexual violence on women.