Orlando Bloom describes the ‘devastating impact’ of violence in the DRC on women and children
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom visits the area for the first time this week he witnessed the dire conditions there.
“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 heartbreaking,” Mr. Bloom said.
“No child should have to live in the deplorable conditions I witnessed in displacement camps, separated from family, hungry, unable to go to school and constantly at risk of abuse and violence. and sexual exploitation.”
The ongoing conflict in DRC stems from years of conflict between numerous non-state armed groups, most notably M23 and the so-called Allied Democratic Forces (AFD).
The conflict has displaced nearly seven million people, one Increase 25% by 2023. Have 25.4 million people need humanitarian assistance, the largest number of any country globally by 2024.
Children and women are disproportionately affected by the conflict. Following the Hollywood actor’s trip to a displacement site, he issued a call for more humanitarian assistance in the conflict-torn region.
Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom serves porridge at the UNICEF-supported nutrition center at the Bushagara site for internally displaced people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Impact on children
The United Nations verified more than 1,000 serious human rights violations against children in the three eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu in the first quarter of this year, 30% higher than in the last quarter of 2023.
“The heartbreaking reality is that children caught up in conflict face kidnapping, recruitment and use by armed groups, violence and abuse, and we are aware of reports that they I have just the tip of the iceberg,” said. UNICEFDRC representative Grant Leaity.
The United Nations children’s agency calls on parties to this conflict to end serious violations against children and hold perpetrators accountable.
Support from UNICEF
Mr. Bloom visited the UNICEF-supported child-friendly space at the Bushagara relocation site, a safe environment where children can participate in supervised recreational activities and receive psychosocial support. festival. Despite the constant threat of violence that still permeates the region, he said he has witnessed a glimmer of hope.
“In these UNICEF-supported spaces, I see hope when girls and boys find a place where they feel safe, where they can receive psychosocial support, to dance, play and enjoy childhood.”
Over the past year, UNICEF has also reunited more than 9,000 children in eastern DRC with their families or placed them in temporary foster families. They have supported over 400,000 children, young people and carers with their mental health and psychosocial well-being.
Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom listens to the story of mother and son while visiting Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Gender aspects
Gender-based sexual violence and conflict against women and children remained high in 2023 and increased further this year.
Mr. Bloom met with survivors of sexual violence at Panzi Hospital and the Panzi Foundation in South Kivu during his visit, noting that the heartbreaking stories shared were “absolutely devastating.” However, Mr. Bloom has seen firsthand the difference dedicated support can make.
Mr Bloom said: “Support, including healthcare, psychological support and legal aid, is helping survivors find the strength to rebuild their lives, but more needs to be done to protect every girl and woman.”
Humanitarian needs are increasing
In eastern DRC, about 5 million people, including 2.8 million children, are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. UNICEF is providing education, health and psychosocial support. The agency is also providing water, sanitation and protection services to children, women and families affected by the conflict. However, the agency’s $804.3 million humanitarian appeal is only 10% funded.
“Every day, children and women in DRC’s displacement camps face enormous difficulties. Their needs are too great and their ability to respond to the crisis is increasingly difficult. We must urgently unite to ensure they live in safety and dignity,” the Goodwill Ambassador said.
Goodwill Ambassador Orlando Bloom meets with child reporters and children’s committee members at the child-friendly space at the Bulengo site for internally displaced persons in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
