GOMA, DRC — International aid agency, World Vision, is seriously concerned for the safety of children amidst escalating violence in the east of the DRC.

Artillery attacks and gunfire are currently decimating areas very near Goma, where children fleeing conflict in other parts of DRC are currently sheltering.

There are serious concerns for the safety of children amidst escalating violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Nearly 7 million have been forced to flee their homes. Tragically, half of these displaced people are children, who are facing severe hardships with little access to food, shelter, or healthcare.

In response Christian charity World Vision is providing humanitarian supplies to families as well as ensuring their safety as their Eastern Zone director David Munkley explains.

David Munkley – World Vision Eastern Zone Director:

What you find whenever there’s large numbers of displaced people all the protection mechanisms they disappear or they’re weakened entirely. What we need to do is that children and families have access to great protection mechanisms during this period of time, because what we’re seeing right now is greater violence, great displacement, less access and so much more difficulty right now.

World Vision is urging all parties to the conflict to protect innocent civilians and provide safe and unhindered humanitarian access.

About World Vision

World Vision International is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. World Vision has 50,000 dedicated and passionate staff and volunteers and serves 100 million people in World Vision supported communities.

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