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Caritas Congo Giving Hope to “victims of the daily violence” in North Kivu Province: Report

In the refugee camps in Goma, Caritas Goma is addressing essential needs by managing various WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities. Credit: Caritas Internationalis

Caritas Congo Asbl, the development and humanitarian arm of the Catholic Bishops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is giving hope to the victims of violence in the country’s North Kivu Province through humanitarian assistance, according to a report. 

In the July 17 report, officials of the entity of the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) say that the Central African nation has witnessed, in the recent months, “a worsening humanitarian crisis” amid overcrowded camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

“The latest surge in violence in North Kivu, which erupted in March 2022, has forced 1.2 million people to flee their homes, many seeking refuge in and around the provincial capital, Goma,” the report indicates about the Congolese town, where the Catholic Diocese of Goma is headquartered.

“The overcrowded IDP camps have also become hotspots for severe cases of sexual violence, particularly targeting women and girls, compounding the dire situation on the ground,” officials of Caritas Congo Asbl says.

They describe their entity as “a beacon of hope for victims of the daily violence” in the Central African nation “through its tireless work.”

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“For decades, the organization has been providing sustainable reconstruction assistance, as well as delivering immediate humanitarian aid for survival,” the Caritas officials say, and add, “Currently 150,000 people are assisted by Caritas Goma, which focuses on the areas most affected by displacement and violence, particularly the North Kivu province.”

Amid the increased number of IDPs and their related basic needs, including food and shelter as well as water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), Caritas Congo Asbl officials say they have “played a substantial role in supporting these needs by taking over various WASH facilities from other NGOs to supply potable water and preserve latrine blocks in IDP camps.”

“Over 1.2 million liters of water per day are provided by Caritas Goma, a figure that covers one-third of the water needs in the six main camps and includes the rehabilitation of municipal piping systems and water transport,” they say in the July 17 report.

The development and humanitarian arm of CENCO is also providing health and protection services to the vulnerable persons, including children, victims of sexual violence, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

“The need for medical support is crucial in these areas, where large numbers of families, often headed by women, struggle for their survival and that of their loved ones,” the Caritas officials say, adding that since 2004, the organization has been able to “reintegrate 12,400 former child soldiers, demonstrating a deep commitment to long-term recovery and subsequent social stability.”

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In the July 17 report, Caritas officials also refer to their development projects that focus on long-term sustainability in the region. They add, “Despite the difficulties of the ongoing conflict, these projects successfully aim to alleviate the food crisis by providing WASH, non-food items, and protection, benefiting thousands of families.”

Through the Justice and Peace Department of Caritas Goma, the officials say that interreligious forums and grassroots committees are being organized to address “conflict factors such as the politicization of ethnicity, hostilities over resources, and access to land.”

“Their goal involves addressing low-threshold conflicts in villages to prevent aggression and ensure that perpetrators of violence are justly punished,” they say, and lament, “Sadly, a large number of victims do not press charges for fear of even heavier repercussions.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.