1.2 million people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
2.8 million people do not have enough food to eat.
At the height of the conflict, more than 1.4 million people were displaced, over 800,000 were women.
The Greater Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a complex humanitarian crisis, generating enormous needs across all sectors.
During the intense fighting that began in 2016, all parties to the conflict committed indiscriminate acts of violence against the civilian population. Women and girls were especially vulnerable. There is very little sexual and reproductive health support in Kasai, and almost no protection for survivors.
When the violence abated and people began returning home, CARE’s needs assessment in two districts of the province of Kasai Oriental found that 100 per cent of respondents reported the occurrence of rape in their communities. In one district, people reported women and girls being raped by up to 10 armed men.
CARE is training health workers in the holistic care and support of survivors of sexual and gender based violence. Community mobilisers, volunteers also trained by CARE, spread the message about where to access these confidential services, reinforced by public service announcements on local radio stations.
Many people are returning to their villages only to find their homes looted or completely destroyed. Most lack the resources buy the seeds and tools to begin agricultural activities.
In addition to services in sexual and gender based violence, people urgently need food, water, sanitation, shelter and relief supplies.