Bishops in Ireland, Government Partner to Support Over 5 million Displaced in DR Congo

The gold-rich region of Ituri has borne the brunt of the country’s worst conflict with the UN sounding alarm over the violence in the region, which has mostly affected women and children.

With one million people displaced in the ongoing conflict, UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch said Tuesday, June 30 that the agency is “appalled” by the violence meted on displaced civilians by armed groups. The civilians are targeted in reprisal attacks for their perceived support for the DRC Government army.

In reaching out to the affected people, the Irish ambassador in Uganda, Ian Carlos on behalf of Irish Aid handed over a 40-tonne shipment of supplies to Trócaire Uganda Country Director, Ian Dolan on Saturday, June 27.

The supplies are on transit to DRC and include thousands of fleece blankets, hygiene kits, mosquito nets and solar LED lamps, as well as family-sized tents and tarpaulins. The items are expected to benefit 1,500 families displaced in the ongoing conflict, the leadership of the 47-year-old aid agency has said.

“Ireland is delighted to support Trócaire’s efforts to get much-needed supplies to DRC at this difficult time,” Ambassador Carlos has been quoted as saying, adding, “COVID-19 has exacerbated the serious issues already affecting the people of Ituri, and I am glad that Trócaire can provide some assistance despite the current challenges.”

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On behalf of Trocaire, Mr. Dolan said, “The generosity of the Irish people is legendary."

“This support from the Irish government through Irish Aid will now enable us to reach thousands of people in DRC. These are people who have left their homes behind as they have fled horrific violence,” Mr. Dolan added.

Trocaire’s Country Director in DRC, Saah Nyambe Lebreton is expected to receive the shipment upon arrival later in the week, together with representatives from the local Ituri government.

The supplies will be distributed to the most vulnerable families, with 80 percent being female headed households, the leadership of the Ireland-based aid agency has said.

Established in 1973, Trocaire has a dual mandate of supporting the most vulnerable people in the developing world while also raising awareness of injustice and global poverty in Ireland.