DRC NGO network calls for national commission to aid internally displaced persons

A coalition of non-governmental organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is urgently advocating for the establishment of a national commission dedicated to assisting internally displaced persons (IDPs). The network, known as RODI-RDC, stated in a release on Monday, June 8, that such a commission would create a permanent institutional framework to coordinate, plan, and deliver sustainable support to the millions displaced across the country.

Ongoing security conflicts have resulted in over 6 million people being internally displaced in the DRC, living in extremely precarious conditions. Symphorien Kwengo, the coordinator for RODI-RDC, highlighted that the assistance currently provided to IDPs is often limited to occasional and irregular interventions. This sporadic aid exacerbates issues such as food insecurity, psychological trauma, and extreme vulnerability among the displaced population.

RODI-RDC stresses the need for humanitarian aid to be strategically planned, consistently budgeted within national and provincial public finances, and coordinated effectively with humanitarian partners and civil society organizations. "RODI-RDC encourages the government of the Republic to strengthen public policies for the prevention of forced displacement, the protection of civilian populations, and the socio-economic reintegration of internally displaced persons in order to restore their dignity and fundamental rights," Kwengo stated.

The organization is calling on all stakeholders to support the DRC's efforts in finding a structural and lasting solution to the humanitarian crisis affecting its displaced citizens. The proposal aims to move beyond temporary relief to establish a robust system that upholds the dignity and fundamental rights of those forced to flee their homes.

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RODI-RDC encourages the government of the Republic to strengthen public policies for the prevention of forced displacement, the protection of civilian populations, and the socio-economic reintegration of internally displaced persons in order to restore their dignity and fundamental rights.