Protecting Children in the aftermath of conflict
Although the war in the DRC officially ended in 2003, there continues to be civil unrest and sporadic episodes of extreme violence led by armed groups and militias throughout the country. This has created an extremely volatile environment for children and families, many of whom continue to remain displaced over a decade later.
5.7 million children and adults from the DRC are currently displaced or refugees. Further, many people living in the DRC are refugees themselves from the neighboring Central African Republic. 80% of displacement is due to attacks and armed conflict.
It is estimated that there are nearly 400,000 children living on the streets in the DRC, and that number continues to rise. Children living on the streets continue to remain susceptible to militia recruitment, forced labor, or subject to extreme exploitation and violence.
14,258
Children, youth and adults benefited from our lifesaving program services in 2022.
RESPOND.
Our free child helplines called “Tukinge Watoto”- “Let’s Protect Children” are a lifeline for children suffering from abuse. Children can speak directly with a trained counselor or social worker who can help refer them to local authorities for help.
The “Cash for Protection” Intervention is an Emergency Response project we support, which provides cash assistance to children living in extremely vulnerable situations. These grants provide children with access to urgent medical, transportation, and shelter services. Beneficiaries of this intervention include survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, unaccompanied children, and former child soldiers.
RECOVER.
We’re helping to build up the Congolese child protection system. This includes prevention and response to child neglect and exploitation situations. We work with local partners and community networks with the tools they need to raise public awareness and inform children, parents, and community leaders about issues that affect children.
REBUILD.
Our support of education programing includes building safe spaces for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD). These activities allow children the ability to safely play and interact with one another.
Our partner, war child UK, has maintained a presence in the DRC since 2003.
We currently support projects in the Kasai and Kivu regions. Much of our work here is carried out in conjunction with local authorities to implement child protection laws and strengthen the reach of our current projects.