UNICEF Ambassador Orlando Bloom Appeals for $804.3 Million Support towards the Impact of Violence in Eastern DR Congo

As violence continues to escalate and millions of people face displacement in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF has reported a surge in grave violations against children, marking an unprecedented level of suffering in the region.

UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom visited the area for the first time this week to witness the dire conditions. “The staggering scale of the conflict in eastern DRC, the horrific level of violence, and its devastating impact on the children and women I met is heart-wrenching,” expressed Mr. Bloom. He emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian support, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The ongoing conflict in the DRC has led to the displacement of almost seven million people, with a 25% increase in 2023 alone. Currently, 25.4 million people in the country are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, marking the highest number in any country globally in 2024.

Children and women bear the brunt of this conflict, facing abduction, recruitment by armed groups, violence, and abuse. UNICEF’s DRC Representative Grant Leaity highlighted the heartbreaking reality faced by children, calling for an end to grave violations and accountability for perpetrators.

During his visit, Bloom witnessed the impact of UNICEF’s support firsthand, particularly in child-friendly spaces like the one in the Bushagara displacement site. Despite the ongoing threat of violence, these spaces provide safety, psychosocial support, and recreational activities for children, offering a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.

Over the past year, UNICEF reunited over 9,000 children with their families in eastern DRC and assisted hundreds of thousands through mental health and psychosocial support.

Gender-based violence remains a significant concern, with reports indicating a rise in conflict-related sexual violence against women and children. Bloom met survivors at the Panzi Hospital and Foundation, acknowledging their resilience and the need for continued support and protection.

In response to the growing humanitarian crisis, UNICEF is providing essential services such as education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and protection assistance. However, the agency’s appeal for $804.3 million still needs to be funded, posing challenges to meeting the urgent needs of those affected.

Bloom concluded by urging collective action to ensure the safety and dignity of children and women in the DRC. As the conflict persists, addressing the humanitarian crisis remains paramount in providing relief and support to those in need.