The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is arguably the world’s most deadly crisis since World War II and the death toll far exceeds those of other recent and more prominent crises, including those in Bosnia, Rwanda, Iraq, Afghanistan and Darfur.
According to a new survey released by the International Rescue Committee, an estimated 5.4 million people have died as a consequence of the war and its lingering effects since 1998.
Survey Conducted: January 2006–April 2007
Method: Researchers visited 14,000 randomly selected households in 35 districts in 11 provinces
Key Findings:
- 5.4 million people have died since 1998
- 45,000 people continue to die every month
- National mortality rate is nearly 60 percent higher than sub-Saharan average
- Most deaths are from malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia and malnutrition and other preventable diseases.
Key Policy Recommendations:
- DR Congo: Protect civilians, improve security, increase spending on health sector
- United Nations: Ensure that protecting civilians is priority of UN peacekeeping force and maintain current force levels.
- UN Member States: Insure implementation of Congo peace accord, promote and support better training and resources for national police and army.
- Donor Governments including U.S, Great Britain and EU: Support North Kivu peace agreement and adequate funding for UN peacekeeping force; fund projects in essential sectors such as health and education; provide funding for humanitarian programs; support strong, transparent government institutions.
IRC Programs in Congo:
-
Since 1996, the IRC has been working to save lives, revive communities and strengthen local capacity for recovery.
-
Operating with over 400 staff members in seven of eleven provinces, our effective programs are designed to make a long-term impact–helping Congolese reclaim their future through education, training, and community development.
Learn more at theIRC.org/congocrisis
