Act for justice in the DRC

Caritas Australia has been supporting development programs in Congo, through local partners Caritas Congo and Caritas Goma, focusing on mitigating the impacts of HIV/AIDS, supporting survivors of sexual violence, medical assistance, trauma counselling and reintegration of child soldiers. 

A partnership sign in Democratic Republic of Congo

Caritas Australia’s local partners Caritas Congo and Caritas Goma are responding to the needs of those displaced by the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Lulu Mitshabu, Caritas Australia’s Africa Program Coordinator said tens of thousands of people have been displaced by outbreaks of fighting.

“The effects of these recurrent displacements are devastating particularly for children and for women," said Lulu.

"Under such conditions, there is always the risk of cholera and disease outbreaks, and increased cases of malnutrition among children. If there’s no reprieve in the fighting and displacements, the consequences will be life-threatening for the children and their families."

“We are extremely troubled by the current situation. Caritas partners are severely affected by the influx of refugees, struggling to provide shelter, clean water and food as well as medical assistance”.

The face of Congo suffering

As stated in a special report released by Caritas Australia — Forsaken Voices — the DRC is experiencing a humanitarian tragedy of unparalleled proportions, and it is escalating:

  • Over 1,500 people are killed each day
  • Incidents of mass rape reported as recently as September 2010
  • Australian mining companies are not being transparent
  • Over 30,000 child soldiers
  • Complicit and corrupt government leaders gaining from Australian and other foreign mining activities
  • A culture of sexual violence and intimidation
  • Little international attention to the plight of the Congolese especially women and children

Sifa's story

Sifa knows the reality of sexual violence all too well. The Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda (FDLR) took Sifa from her home, a village outside Walungu, when she was 14 and held her captive in the forest. During this time, she was beaten repeatedly on her arms, thighs and her face, forced to ‘be the wife’ of one of the men and eventually became pregnant. After five months she managed to escape by walking through the forest for three days.

Following the attack, Sifa no longer felt safe. She decided to stay with her uncle and aunt in Bukavu (the capital of South Kivu). Yet shortly after her arrival, her uncle’s house was burgled. During the course of the burglary, Sifa and her aunt were raped by several men. Sifa contracted HIV/AIDS and became pregnant for the second time. She is too afraid to return to her village – the FDLR continues to threaten her and has burnt down her house. She now lives with her son, Pascal, and her daughter, Pascaline, in a different village.

Forsaken Voices report

The groundbreaking report released by Caritas Australia Forsaken Voices: Rape and Plunder in the Democratic Republic of the Congo details the horrific effects of murder, rape, child soldiers and the extractive industry are having on the DRC. This direct account, garnered through local voices, gives a unique insight into the tragedy of the ongoing conflicts.

The Forsaken Voices report and a DRC fact sheet can be viewed via the related downloads at the bottom of this page. These resources outline the issues facing the Democratic Republic of Congo, and explain what the international community and Caritas are doing to help rebuild the lives of women who have suffered sexual violence in DRC. 

Caritas Australia has been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo for over two decades, rehabilitating child soldiers, helping those affected by sexual violence, and mitigating the spread of HIV/AIDS. Read about Caritas Australia's work in the DRC.

Take action for justice in the DRC

Learn more! Download Caritas Australia’s Forsaken Voices report and our Congo Fact Sheet (see downloads below) — share them with your family, school, parish and community.

Become an active online campaigner — join Caritas Australia on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Host a movie/film screening or organise a seminar and invite guest speakers to talk about the DRC. Contact Caritas Australia's Campaigns Team about a guest speaker or additional resources on 1800 024 413.

You can support Caritas Australia’s work in the DRC on HIV/AIDS, sexual violence and reintegrating child soldiers.

Related links:
Related downloads: