19 February 2026, 19 February 2026 — In light of Commissioner Hadja Lahbib’s visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) underscores the importance of continued EU support as violence and economic unrest devastate lives in the country.
The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management will be spending time in the DRC as part of a broader visit to the Great Lakes region.
The prolonged military conflict in DRC is destroying health systems and leaving millions unable to meet their basic needs. Over 5 million people are displaced, and close to 15 million require humanitarian assistance. An estimated 5.4 million deaths have already occurred as a result of disease and malnutrition, and conditions are set to worsen in 2026 as food prices spike.
Humanitarian response services in the country have been slashed due to global cuts, while attacks on humanitarian workers are increasing, with security incidents rising by 33% in 2025. As a result, the DRC ranks highly on the IRC’s 2026 Emergency Watchlist, highlighting the countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian crisis this year.
In South Kivu, in eastern DRC, ongoing conflict and displacement haveleft civilians - particularly women and children - extremely vulnerable to abuse, including gender-based violence (GBV).
With EU Humanitarian Aid and local partners, the IRC has been delivering assistance to those most in need - regardless of age, gender, or legal status. In partnership with local organisations LSC and TPO, the IRC is concluding a 14-month programme focused on the protection and comprehensive care of GBV survivors.
Funded by the European Union and valued at more than €1.4 million, the project shows how targeted humanitarian support can make a tangible difference. More than 28,000 people received assistance through free healthcare services, medical equipment and supplies, and the construction of dedicated safe spaces for women and children. The programme also supported economic recovery activities, designed to help survivors rebuild their livelihoods and regain autonomy after crisis and trauma.
These services were delivered in remote and hard-to-reach areas where access to healthcare and protection is extremely limited. Without this EU-funded support, many communities would have been left without lifesaving medical care, safe spaces, or essential protection services.
Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, says:
“Civilians in eastern DR Congo are trapped between bullets and hunger. Families are fleeing, and survivors of violence are struggling to find even basic care. The EU’s humanitarian partners, including the International Rescue Committee, are delivering life-saving support to the most vulnerable. But they cannot do their work without safe, unhindered access to people in need. During my visit, I will press for full humanitarian access and for international humanitarian law to be respected, so EU-funded aid can keep reaching those whose lives depend on it.”
Imani, a 42-year-old mother of nine, who received psychosocial support from the programme, says:
“Through the training I received, I realised that I was going the wrong way. It helped rebuild me; we are all truly grateful for this rebirth and hope it continues to help us all overcome the traumatic events we have experienced.”
Heather Kerr, IRC Country Director in DRC, adds:
“By strengthening permanent community-based structures, this project empowered local actors to support survivors and protect those most at risk, including children and people with disabilities. As violence, displacement and humanitarian needs escalate in eastern DRC, families are being pushed to the brink. Sustained support to these community-led efforts are more critical than ever. The IRC remains committed to delivering the assistance communities need, and we call on the European Union to continue investing in programmes like this - whose disruption or reduction would have devastating consequences for vulnerable families. ”
Learn more about the project, and Imani’s story, here.
Read the press release in French here.
The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.