Supporting families in crisis: emergency relief in DRC

The humanitarian crisis unfolding in the regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to exact a devastating toll on communities in situation of vulnerability. In particular, the cities have borne the brunt of the ongoing armed conflict, which has led to mass displacement, the collapse of local economies, food insecurity, the breakdown of healthcare infrastructure, and the widespread disruption of educational services. 

The conflict has led to the depletion of essential medical supplies. Since the rebel groups took control on January 2025, stocks of essential medicines have been rapidly depleting. Additionally, health facilities have reported a surge in conflict-related sexual violence cases, with survivors requiring comprehensive medical and psychological support. Children are particularly vulnerable in this crisis. The displacement has disrupted education, with many schools closed or occupied by IDPs, leaving thousands of children without access to learning. The influx of IDPs has overwhelmed existing WASH facilities, leading to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation. This situation heightens the risk of waterborne diseases, including cholera. The conflict has disrupted agricultural activities and local markets, leading to food shortages and increased prices. Both displaced and host communities are struggling to meet their basic food needs.

In response to this situation, the Marist Brothers of the Democratic Republic of Congo together with the East Central Africa Marist Province (PACE) and in collaboration with FMSI (Marist International Solidarity Foundation), have launched an emergency intervention aimed at supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs), families in situation of vulnerability, orphans, and those without the means to meet their most basic needs. This one-month initiative focuses on the distribution of essential food and hygiene kits to families, with a specific emphasis on restoring dignity and safeguarding the health and well-being of children, women, and the elderly. 

Thanks to this generous support, we have already been able to assist some families with food and hygiene kits, but many more families are still in urgent need of assistance. 

The project addresses four critical challenges: severe food insecurity (exacerbated by conflict-related disruptions to agriculture and local markets); lack of access to education (which has left thousands of children out of school and at risk of exploitation and recruitment by armed groups); fragile healthcare systems (unable to respond to the rising number of waterborne diseases and conflict-related injuries); inadequate housing (with many families forced to live in makeshift shelters). The intervention is not only delivering immediate life-saving relief but also creating the foundations for long-term community recovery. Through inclusive decision-making and the active involvement of local leaders and stakeholders, the project strengthens community resilience and fosters a spirit of solidarity in the face of ongoing adversity. 

To support this vital work, FMSI has launched a fundraising campaign thanks to the generosity of both Marist (including the contribution of the Global Marist Family Fund) and non-Marist donors. This support has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the emergency assistance provided.

how can you help

Contributions to the campaign are still welcome and urgently needed. You can support our emergency efforts in the DRC by: 

• Making a direct donation via FMSI official website;
• Sharing the campaign within your networks to help us reach more potential donors;
• Partnering with us as an organization to co-finance future phases of humanitarian response.

Your support can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who are suffering. Together, we can offer not just relief, but hope.

As we respond to the urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC, we as Marists do not forget the other crises unfolding around the world—where children and the most vulnerable continue to bear the heaviest burden. Our hearts and prayers are with those suffering in Gaza, where the prolonged war continues to devastate communities and disrupt the lives of millions, especially children. We remember the crisis in Myanmar, where civil unrest has driven countless families into displacement. In Ukraine, ongoing conflict has left families shattered and infrastructure in ruins. In Cameroon, violence and instability have similarly led to mass displacements. 

In all these places, the suffering of the innocent calls us to remain committed to our mission of compassion, justice, and solidarity.