Although the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has made significant progress in reducing child mortality and access to education for children, a majority of children remain deprived of many of their rights :
- 1 in 10 children dies before reaching the age of 5
- 7 children aged 5 to 17 are out of school
- 33 million people living in rural areas do not have access to safe drinking water
- 75% of children under 5 do not have their birth registered
- 6 million children suffer from chronic malnutrition or stunting
In spite of vast natural resources, the DRC is one of the poorest countries in the world. Beyond the challenges of long-term development, the year 2017 was marked by growing humanitarian needs following the crises in the Kasai region, as well as in the Provinces of Tanganyika and South Kivu. Almost 13 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
UNICEF has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1963 to reach the most disadvantaged children, to save their lives, to defend their rights and to help them fulfil their potential.
UNICEF’s work
Every child has a right to reach his or her full potential without discrimination.
Every child has a right to water, sanitation and a safe and clean community.
Every newborn, child, and adolescent should have an equal chance to survive and thrive.
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UNICEF works every day in the Democratic Republic of Congo to save children’s lives, to defend their rights and to help them fulfil their potential.
UNICEF works every day in the Democratic Republic of Congo to save children’s lives, to defend their rights and to help them fulfil their potential.