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Calling for help


February 8, 2012
By The IRC
Photo: Anne Edgerton, OCHA

Stories of horrific violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo are all too common; however, there are even more attacks — especially on women and children — that we don’t hear about. Villages, especially in the eastern provinces, are often raided by armed groups. Women and girls are raped and need immediate medical assistance; but health facilities are scarce. Boys and girls are abducted to be used as soldiers or porters. Girls are taken to be cooks and wives. These villages are isolated and have almost no means to defend themselves. Despite a 2008 peace agreement, Congo’s eastern provinces continue to be plagued by violent conflict. And civilians face egregious violations on a daily basis.

Over the last five years, Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict — a program of the IRC's affiliate Women's Refugee Commission — and its local partner organization in South Kivu have been using cellular technology to link those who have experienced violence to those who can help them.
 
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2 comments

Comments

i would like to get a shoe

Submitted by joanne foster (not verified) on May 11, 2012 - 1:55pm.

i would like to get a shoe box program going for shipment to the most needy in the Congo.
Any ideas how I can get them to the most needy?
I am not wealhty but have great people skills and want to help.
Any ideas?
Kind reagrds
Jo

Dear Jo:Thank you very much

Submitted by The.IRC on May 16, 2012 - 4:47pm.

Dear Jo:Thank you very much for your interest in starting a donation program supporting people in need in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Unfortunately, the International Rescue Committee cannot accept in-kind donations of relief items from the general public. These items often include offers of clothing, food items, etc.Additional information on why the IRC and other non-governmental organizations adhere to these policies can be found on the the Center for International Disaster Information website at http://www.cidi.org/inkind . This web page also explains why cash donations are the most efficient way to provide assistance to those in need.One option you might want to consider is to create your own online fundraising campaign in support of the IRC's humanitarian work. You can learn more on our DIY fundraising site, iRescue, at http://diy.rescue.org/.Thank you again.

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