Mothers' Stories: Ruti Riziki, Congo

“We have been forced to flee every two months,” Ruti Riziki told the IRC's Peter Biro.

Photo: Peter Biro/IRC

In honor of Mother's Day — Sunday, May 8 —  we're spotlighting mothers' stories:

Ruti Riziki, 30, is one of a staggering 2 million people believed to be displaced by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Most end up in overcrowded camps, unable to work and with little food, clean water and medical care. Ruti arrived in Mungote camp in November 2009 after fleeing fighting between government troops and rebels in her village of Bukala, a day’s walk away. The International Rescue Committee has been aiding Congolese families like Ruti’s since 1996.

Honor a Mother, Rescue Another

Help a mother like Ruti by buying an IRC Refuge gift for a special mother in your life