Rapid Needs Assessment in North and South Kivu

In June and July 2024, War Child’s country office in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) undertook a multisectoral rapid needs assessment in response to the escalating conflict in North and South Kivu. This assessment was crucial in understanding the dire circumstances faced by hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region and in shaping the subsequent humanitarian response.

The conflict, which reignited in 2023, has left North Kivu in a state of chronic insecurity, displacing millions and devastating communities. The numbers are staggering—4.9 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in the region. The escalation of violence has been particularly acute in the territories of Masisi, Sake, and Rutshuru, driving thousands from their homes and into overcrowded displacement camps or spontaneous sites around Goma.

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War Child’s assessment, conducted through ground-level surveys and consultations, documented the conditions in these camps. The images captured during this process offer a stark visual narrative of the overcrowding, lack of basic services, and the overwhelming needs of the displaced populations. The camps, originally intended to be temporary shelters, are now home to people who have lost everything, with little hope of returning home soon.

As of May 2024, Goma alone has seen an influx of approximately 450,000 newly displaced individuals. These people have sought refuge in existing camps, which were already stretched to capacity before the recent surge. The rapid needs assessment identified critical shortages in food, water, sanitation, healthcare, and protection services. These gaps underscore the urgent need for a coordinated and comprehensive humanitarian response.

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The assessment’s findings have justified immediate emergency actions, guiding both local and international humanitarian efforts in the region. War Child, along with other organizations, is advocating for increased support to meet the essential needs of those affected by this ongoing conflict. The situation in North and South Kivu remains fluid, and continued attention is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis.

War Child’s commitment to protecting and supporting the most vulnerable in conflict zones is unwavering. This assessment is not just a snapshot of the current situation but a call to action for the global community to address the urgent needs of the displaced populations in the DRC.

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