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Democratic Republic of Congo | An unprecedented displacement crisis in North Kivu

Since early 2022, the security situation in North Kivu has steadily deteriorated, culminating in intensified violence since late January 2024. This escalation adds to the already dire humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where displacement, disease outbreaks, and extreme climatic events further compound existing vulnerabilities among a significant part of the population. Despite efforts to broker peace in the region, such as the mini summit of heads of state in Addis Ababa on February 17, conflict persists. In the upcoming weeks and months, it is likely to continue, exacerbating the challenges faced by the region. 

To draw attention to the deteriorating situation, IMPACT – through its REACH initiative – produced a brief bringing together a wide range of recent data and analyses, both from REACH and secondary sources.

The numerous and violent armed clashes have caused large waves of displacement, leading to a dramatic increase in needs and vulnerabilities, particularly in internally displaced persons (IDP) sites. In North Kivu the conflict-linked displacement crisis reached alarming levels. Since August 2023, the number of displaced individuals has nearly tripled, surpassing 1.6 million. The recent surge in violence has directly fuelled this increase, particularly in areas surrounding Goma, or in the Minova health zone, where displaced households have surged by 438%. As a result, already vulnerable host communities are under strain, with formal sites becoming saturated and informal settlements emerging in dire conditions, amplifying the risk of mortality in the region. 

Map: Évolution du nombre de ménages déplacés internes par la résurgence du M23 au Nord-Kivu, entre août 2023 et février 2024 (DTM/OIM))

However, this situation plays out as the humanitarian response is hampered by significant financial constraints, with funding gaps widening amidst competing global crises. Yet urgent action is needed to address the escalating crisis in the DRC, including increased humanitarian assistance and funding.

Haiti | Latest surge of violence strike an already vulnerable Haiti

Haiti is facing a deteriorating humanitarian crisis fuelled by a combination of factors:  low resilience to climate hazards, a struggling socio-economic situation, political instability, and a surge in out-of-control gang violence. 

The exacerbation of violence is particularly concerning as it impacts an already vulnerable Haitian population. Indeed, REACH’s 2023 multi-sector needs assessment (MSNA) revealed that, at department level, over 80% of households face extreme unmet needs, with only 3% receiving any humanitarian assistance, excluding ZMPAP. While needs span various sectors, the significant prevalence of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) needs is particularly concerning, especially given the ongoing cholera outbreak in the nation. The deficiencies in public health services, coupled with widespread reliance on unimproved water sources and sanitation facilities, exacerbate Haiti's vulnerability to cholera outbreaks, particularly when compounded by events like flooding. It is therefore crucial for aid actors to consider Haiti's pre-existing vulnerabilities to plan effective responses to this deepening crisis.

More REACH News:  

Recognizing the unique experiences of women during crises is vital for designing effective interventions. However, humanitarian research often falls short in fully grasping these experiences. In our latest article, we share examples of IMPACT’s past gender-focused research and analysis in different crisis situations, drawing from our experiences and lessons learned in Ukraine, occupied Palestinian territories, Lebanon and Ethiopia. 

How can localized studies, like Area-Based Assessments (ABA), strengthen advocacy for marginalized areas in humanitarian response and assist local actors in developing sustainable solutions? In our latest article, we delve into an ABA conducted in Ciénaga, Colombia - a region grappling with armed conflict, displacement, and climate-related issues – to shed light on this multi-crisis situation, and to contribute to better informed humanitarian interventions. 

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About REACH

REACH is a leading humanitarian initiative that collects primary data and produces in-depth analysis to help aid actors make  evidence-based decisions in support of crisis-affected people. With this in mind, our flagship research programmes aim to inform the prioritisation of aid according to levels of need - both crisis-level planning and targeted rapid response - as well as decisions around appropriate modalities of aid. Through our team of assessment, data, geospatial, and thematic specialists, we promote the design of people-centred research and set standards for collecting and analysing  rigorous, high quality data in complex environments

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