img

Children in DRC need your help

DONATE NOW

Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Prolonged political unrest and armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has made it one of the most dangerous places in the world for children. Without urgent intervention, children’s lives will remain in jeopardy.  

 

A childhood scarred by terror 

In 2025 alone, 400,000 people have been displaced in eastern DRC due to escalating violence—adding to the seven million people already displaced. 

More than 4,000 children have been forcibly recruited into armed groups, suffering from sexual violence or forced into combat. 

More than 73% of people in DRC live on less than $2.15 a day.  

Nearly two million children have severe wasting, an extreme and life-threatening stage of undernutrition.  

The children and families in the DRC face severe challenges, which are only compounded by armed conflict, natural disasters and economic instability.  

Since 1989, SOS Children’s Villages has provided safe homes and loving families to children without parental care and strengthened families to prevent separation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

With escalating violence from the armed M23 rebel group threatening the lives of those in eastern DRC, hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes and the need for aid has exponentially increased. So far in 2025, it’s estimated that 11 million people in the DRC desperately need humanitarian assistance—most notably access to food and life-saving medical care. 

Humanitarian needs are at an all-time high, but we remain dedicated to protecting vulnerable children from violence, malnutrition and displacement—bringing decades of emergency expertise and strong local relationships to make a sustainable, lasting impact on those in need. 

Our collective impact in DRC

To date, with the support of compassionate people like you, our local staff and partner organizations, together, we:  

  • Evacuated 55 children, young people and staff from the SOS Children’s Village in Bukavu to a safer location. 

  • Supported more than 3,000 people with services like nutritious food, economic empowerment and more, to ensure families are strengthened and remain together. 

  • Delivered crucial health care to more than 2,500 individuals. 

  • Provided over 400 children with a safe, loving home and all the resources they need to thrive in three SOS Children’s Villages locations. 

How you can help children now 

Join the SOS Guardians  

Join the SOS Guardians and your compassionate monthly support will shield children in crisis worldwide. Your commitment delivers life-saving aid in the hardest to reach places when and where children need you most. 

Become a Guardian today

Donate to the Children in Crisis Fund  

Children in Colombia need immediate aid to escape the devastating effects of hunger, violence and family separation. Your gift to the Children in Crisis Fund saves lives—providing food, shelter and psychological care to the most vulnerable. 

Donate now