
Background
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces one of the world's most severe and complex humanitarian crises. According to the , approximately 25.4 million people are in need of assistance. This includes 6.9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), making the DRC home to one of the largest displacement crises globally. These figures underscore the urgent and expansive scope of humanitarian challenges in the country.
The situation is further compounded by ongoing armed conflicts, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, where clashes between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and armed groups such as the March 23 Movement (M23) have resulted in significant displacement and human rights violations. Heavy fighting in North Kivu Province has impeded humanitarian access, leaving many communities without critical aid. Meanwhile, natural disasters, including severe flooding and landslides in Ituri and South Kivu provinces during late 2024, have affected over 100,000 people, further straining resources.
Disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles, and malaria, have overwhelmed the country¡¯s limited healthcare infrastructure, putting millions at risk. Children are disproportionately affected, with many suffering from acute malnutrition and lacking access to education due to displacement. Âé¶¹´«Ã½ estimates that millions of children are in dire need of protection, healthcare, and schooling.
Humanitarian organizations, supported by international partners, are delivering food assistance, healthcare, shelter, and protection services to vulnerable populations. However, insecurity and logistical challenges ¡ª such as poor infrastructure and active conflict ¡ª continue to hamper aid delivery, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.
Despite the ongoing efforts, chronic underfunding of humanitarian appeals remains a significant obstacle. The complex interplay of armed conflict, displacement, natural disasters, and limited governance capacity requires not only immediate aid but also long-term solutions that address the root causes of the crisis. Sustained international engagement and coordinated response efforts are essential to alleviate suffering and support recovery in the DRC.
Immediate action is required to alleviate the suffering of civilians and enable life-saving humanitarian efforts to proceed. [...] Resuming the Luanda Process is of utmost urgency to ensure a path toward de-escalation and to avert the looming threat of a third Congo war.
Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), at a Briefing to the Security Council, 28 January 2025