Democratic Republic of Congo
War Child works with local partners in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to provide children affected by conflict and displacement with integrated child protection, education support, and mental health and psychosocial support services in one of the world's most complex humanitarian crises.
The situation for children
DRC has endured nearly three decades of violence since the First Congo War in the 1990s, fueled in part by the regional consequences of the Rwandan genocide. Today, ongoing insecurity and conflict between armed groups in eastern DRC continue to expose children to violence, displacement, hunger, family separation and barriers to education.
Our work in the Democratic Republic of Congo
War Child has been present in DRC since 2003, working with partners to deliver high-quality education, psychosocial support and child protection services to conflict-affected children.
In 2024, War Child scaled up its rapid emergency response in DRC, targeting high-risk areas in North and South Kivu, and combining immediate, life-saving assistance with education and mental health support.
Evidence-based Methodologies used in Democratic Republic of Congo
Youth-led advocacy
- Research-grounded
- Youth advocacy
Play and movement-based psychosocial support
- Evidence-based
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Supporting adolescent mental health
- Evidence-based
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Mental health needs detection tool
- Evidence-based
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Strengthening parent wellbeing and skills
- Evidence-based
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Latest news from Democratic Republic of Congo
Beyond the virus: How Ebola affects children
When people think about Ebola, they usually think about the physical illness. But for children, an Ebola outbreak can affect almost every part of life. Here's what many people don't realise – and how War Child is helping children cope.
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Space to breathe – TeamUp and BeThere in Democratic Republic of Congo
In the Masisi Territory located in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, children and caregivers traumatised by violence and displacement are learning to breathe again thanks to mental health and psychosocial support methodologies TeamUp and Bethere, supported by the Dutch Relief Alliance.
War Child strongly condemns attack on its office in Masisi, eastern DRC
War Child strongly condemns the drone attack on its office today in Masisi, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. Initial reports indicate that shrapnel has caused civilian casualties in nearby residential areas, though figures remain unconfirmed.
War Child Statement on Escalating Violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo
War Child is deeply alarmed by reports that fighting is escalating in South Kivu, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We are gravely concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children caught up in violence.
In Eastern DRC, Children Are Caught in a Crisis That Risks Being Forgotten
In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), conflict continues to tear families apart. A ceasefire, announced in April after months of stalled peace efforts, offered a sliver of hope. But that hope is fading, as is attention to this crisis.
How War Child helped children in some of the most acute crises in the world in 2024
2024 was another devastating year for children and families around the world affected by war and conflict. As well as the impacts of violence - natural hazards, including heavy rainfall and flooding, also left millions displaced and in need of aid.
