Conflict in DRC

Since war broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1998, more than five million people have died—most of them from lack of access to food and health care. And though the conflict officially ended in 2003, fighting has continued, mainly in the country’s eastern provinces.

Years of sporadic conflict in Congo has resulted in one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, which has taken the lives of an estimated 5.4 million people. Preventable diseases have killed many of them.

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Ghosts of Christmas past
Protecting Congolese civilians from the LRA
No will, no way
US-funded security sector reform in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Now, the world is without me
An investigation of sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Waking the Devil
The impact of forced disarmament on civilians in the Kivus
Out of Site
Building better responses to displacement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by helping host families
For a Safer Tomorrow
This report, based on Oxfam International's experience in most of the world's conflicts, sets out an ambitious agenda to protect civilians in times of warfare.
A Fragile Future
Why scaling down MONUC too soon could spell disaster for the Congo
Oxfam International Humanitarian Policy Notes
These policy notes describe key issues for humanitarian organizations in the twenty-first century and provide recommendations derived from our experience working in the field as well as in the policy arena.
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Oxfam America organizing guide
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Take Action: Democratic Republic of Congo
According to Jan Egeland, the UN humanitarian chief in DRC from 2003-06, casualties in Congo amount to "a tsunami every month, year in and year out, for the last six years." Yet since Egeland made this statement in 2005 about the crisis in Congo, the situation remains grim, and the Congolese people are being subjected to unrivaled brutality.
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From Congo with love
Photographer Rankin found humanity in abundance on his return to Congo in 2009 when he asked villagers to tell him about the people and things they love.
Conflict surges in Congo
Atrocities are being committed against villagers in remote areas of Eastern Congo, where fighting between the Congolese army and the FDLR rebel group continues. At least 250,000 people have been forced to leave their homes since January.
Sexual violence in DR Congo
Oxfam's striking short film, shot in eastern Congo in 2008, elevates the stories of women working to overcome brutality and asks viewers to take action by joining a growing community of people who will not stand by any longer.
Update on conflict in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Michael Gratton, from Oxfam Quebec, reports on the needs of displaced people around Goma.
Update from DRC, Part 2
Samual Ngabe, Oxfam's humanitarian coordinator in Goma, gives a first-hand account of what's happening in DRC. Part 2 of 3.
Update from DRC, Part 1
Samual Ngabe, Oxfam's humanitarian coordinator in Goma, gives a first-hand account of what's happening in DRC. Part 1 of 3.
Update from DRC, Part 3
Samual Ngabe, Oxfam's humanitarian coordinator in Goma, gives a first-hand account of what's happening in DRC. Part 3 of 3.
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Rankin in Congo: 'Their humanity was what I wanted people to notice'

Rankin in Congo: 'Their humanity was what I wanted people to notice'

In 2009, celebrity photographer Rankin returned to Congo where he captured the love stories and portraits of people struggling through years of conflict in the eastern provinces.

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Geneva Convention turns 60

Geneva Convention turns 60

New respect needed for international law designed to protect civilians.

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As villagers flee new fighting in Congo, Oxfam works to bring them clean water

As villagers flee new fighting in Congo, Oxfam works to bring them clean water

Many are now sheltering with host families and often crowded into single-room houses with poor access to clean water and sanitation.

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'If only the world would not look away'

'If only the world would not look away'

A new wave of atrocities hits villagers as fighting continues between the Congolese army and a rebel group in eastern Congo.

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An aid worker's diary from Congo

An aid worker's diary from Congo

Helen Hawking, Oxfam's public health coordinator in eastern Congo, relates her day-by-day experiences coping with the crisis.

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The war just got closer

The war just got closer

Humanitarian press officer Rebecca Wynn reports from eastern Congo, where a wave of violence has forced more than 250,000 people to flee their homes since August.

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Just a boy: meeting child soldiers in eastern Congo

Just a boy: meeting child soldiers in eastern Congo

Humanitarian press officer Rebecca Wynn reports from eastern Congo, where a wave of violence has forced more than 250,000 people to flee their homes since August.

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Escalation of the crisis in Congo: November 2008

Escalation of the crisis in Congo: November 2008

A fresh wave of conflict in eastern Congo has forced a new round of displacement and violence.

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Eyewitness in Congo: Godefroid Marhegane

Eyewitness in Congo: Godefroid Marhegane

A first-hand account from staff member Godefroid Marhegane, who lives in Goma with his wife and six children.

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Rape: one global step toward stopping it

Rape: one global step toward stopping it

A new bill proposes a five-year strategy to address violence against women in countries around the world, particularly during times of conflict and humanitarian crises.

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Pumped up: lake water meets the needs of displaced people

Pumped up: lake water meets the needs of displaced people

For families crowded into camps for displaced people in Congo, clean water from Lake Kivu helps prevent the spread of disease.

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In Congo, women face sexual violence and legacy of shame

In Congo, women face sexual violence and legacy of shame

Spilling beyond the conflict that has swept the region, sexual violence is now beginning to corrode the core of traditional Congolese communities.

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His childhood lost to war, teenager starts new life in Congo

His childhood lost to war, teenager starts new life in Congo

A former child soldier, this young man now supports himself as a furniture-maker in a small shop in Goma.

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Fighting cholera, Oxfam helps clinics in Congo with clean water

Fighting cholera, Oxfam helps clinics in Congo with clean water

Outbreaks of cholera are just one of the consequences of Congo's underinvestment in everything from roads to health clinics to clean water.

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