CONTEXT: NATURE AND HUMAN BEINGS ARE AT THE ORIGIN OF IMPORTANT HUMANITARIAN NEEDS
In its December 2020 humanitarian needs assessment, OCHA (the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) confirmed that humanitarian needs are very high in South Kivu. The province is ranked as the third most in need, after North Kivu and Ituri. The causes have remained the same over the past few years: eastern Congo is the scene of armed conflict and violence against the civilian population, communal aggression, and political tensions. The provinces of Maniema and South Kivu are also regularly experiencing increased rainfall leading to flooding, in part due to logging and urbanization. High winds also often cause extensive damage. In addition, cholera remains a persistent problem, particularly due to the lack of access to clean water.
HUMANITARIAN MONITORING SYSTEM
Since 2018, a humanitarian monitoring system has been put in place at the initiative of Caritas International, with the cooperation of the local Caritas network at the parish level. In case of imminent problems or disasters, a “flash alert” is sent to the various actors and authorities concerned so that a solution can be proposed as soon as possible. OCHA also takes this into account when assessing certain situations. Caritas Spain has meanwhile taken over the management of this network. The Caritas monitoring system is mainly active around Bukavu and Kasongo. It turns out to be a valuable tool for rapid action and plays an important role in this program.
WHAT DO WE WANT TO ACHIEVE AND HOW?
Most crisis response in the region is reactive: emergency assistance is provided to save lives. Few actors address the causes or contribute in a preventive manner to reduce risks for vulnerable groups, except perhaps in the area of health and protection. Caritas International and its partners therefore wish to improve living conditions in a sustainable manner. The participation and commitment of the people involved in all phases of the program is very important.
– So that communities that frequently face crisis situations are able to minimize the damage
In practice:
- Organizing workshops on risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction plans and assistance;
- Training first aiders and organizing simulation exercises;
- Meeting of authorities and leaders to evaluate, reflect and influence policies.
– So that vulnerable households affected by a disaster may see their basic needs satisfied through unconditional financial assistance.
In practice:
- Analysis of the crisis situation and the possibilities of humanitarian intervention;
- Organization of the financial assistance: establishment of contact with financial institutions, defining eligibility criteria, selection of households, concrete planning of the disbursement.
– So that households can recover their livelihoods after the crisis.
In practice:
- Analyse needs and possibilities;
- Provide assistance in the form of unconditional financial subsidies, vouchers, or in-kind support (seeds, shelter materials, agricultural supplies, etc.).
