On 20th November 2008 the DEC launched an appeal for funds to help member agencies respond to the deepening humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The population in this region have suffered for years from insecurity caused by warring factions. Since August this year at least 250,000 people have fled from their homes in search of a place of safety. Many are now accommodated in camps but others are grouped together away from organised support.

DEC Member Agencies are already responding to the plight of families in the following ways:

Provision of household items [known as "non-food items" or NFIs] at camps in and around Goma, Kibati, Sake, Lubero, Kanyabayonga, Rutshuru, Masisi and others south of Lake Edward. Our members target the most vulnerable people, including women and children, the elderly and disabled. Most people arrive at the camps with nothing. They are receiving water carriers, cooking pots and utensils, cups and plates, mosquito nets and some mattresses for pregnant women. In some camps people are also given tarpaulins to enable them to put up a shelter.

Distribution to meet personal needs, such as clothes, hygiene items such as bowls and buckets, soap, tooth brushes and sanitary ware for women.

Supply of water both for general use and drinking water and the rehabilitation of water systems.

Distribution of food, in conjunction with the World Food Programme.

Health activities include the secondment of surgeons, anaesthetists and a physiotherapist to a hospital in Goma for the treatment of the wounded; drug and medical supplies to existing clinics, many of which had been looted, camp health facilities and hospitals; support to a cholera clinic at the southern tip of Lake Edward.

Child Protection work and education, including providing safe places in the camps and materials for schooling and play. Children who have been separated from their families or parents who have lost children can register. Using this, interim care arrangements will be put in place if necessary whilst the process of tracing gets underway. Such children will be given special packs and clothes of essential items.

Nutrition programmes will support children and breast feeding mothers who are malnourished.