Democratic Republic of the Congo
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Switzerland aims to alleviate the humanitarian consequences of the protracted conflicts in the east of the country. Through a combination of humanitarian aid, development and peace promotion, Switzerland is strengthening the protection of civilians, the economic resilience of vulnerable populations and access to basic services in order to promote peaceful and sustainable coexistence.
Background – Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a prolonged crisis marked by recurring armed conflicts, particularly in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Despite the country's wealth of natural resources, a large proportion of the population lives in extreme poverty, with limited access to basic services, security and economic opportunities. Armed violence, important population displacements and epidemics are weakening the social fabric and public institutions, particularly affecting women, children and displaced persons.
Switzerland is implementing a programme in the DRC that combines humanitarian aid, development cooperation and peace promotion. It aims to strengthen the protection of civilians, the resilience of vulnerable populations and peaceful cohabitation between communities, in line with the DRC's national priorities.
Protection of civilians and conflict prevention
Switzerland supports the protection of people affected by conflict and the prevention of armed violence in the east of the DRC. It strengthens local mediation, peaceful coexistence between communities and care for survivors of gender-based violence, while supporting civil society and independent media. Through its expertise in dialogue and mediation, it supports DRC and regional actors involved in peace processes, with a view to strengthening their inclusiveness and sustainability.
Economic resilience and food security
Switzerland is strengthening the economic resilience of vulnerable populations, particularly women, young people and displaced persons. It supports agricultural regeneration, the development of professional skills, entrepreneurship and access to means of production in order to improve incomes and food security. Targeted partnerships with the private sector complement these efforts to support local economic development.
Health and basic services
Switzerland supports access to high-quality health services for vulnerable populations, focusing on emergency care, maternal and child health, nutrition and the prevention of epidemics, in coordination with health authorities and humanitarian partners. It supports local capacity building and access to safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation.
Gender equality is mainstreamed across all programme activities. Switzerland encourages the participation of women in decision-making processes and supports their economic empowerment through targeted vocational training.
Approach and main partners
In an unstable context, Switzerland is implementing a nexus approach combining humanitarian aid, development and peace promotion in order to provide a sustainable response to the crises in the east of the DRC. The programme is based on international and local partnerships, in particular with the UN, international and local NGOs and multi-donor funds, with an increasing emphasis on local organisations. Conflict-sensitive management and the deployment of specialists to international partners strengthen the impact and coordination of Switzerland's commitment.
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern