Disaster Response Germany Project #22107

Help for Refugees

by Aktion Deutschland Hilft e.V.

Project Report | Oct 26, 2023
DR Congo: Violence forces millions to flee

By Theresa Aengenheyster | Project Leader

In no African country are currently living as many people on 
the run as in the DR Congo: more than six million people. The 
reason for this is escalating conflicts between non -state 
armed groups that terrorize the population. Around a quarter 
of the population currently flees in the province of Ituri and 
lives in extremely precarious conditions.

"The refugees only took what they could wear"

"Our employees report raids on refugee camps in which men, women 
and children are killed. In addition to the protection of people, 
it is now important to support them at all levels. Because the 
refugees live densely pushed in crowded camps, schools and churches 
and usually only took what they could wear. They lack everything, "
says country officer for the DR Congo at Malteser International.

Due to the increasing number of refugees, the Malteser are expanding 
their assistance in the Mahagi region of Ituri province. This aid 
is supported primarily by the Federal Foreign Office and the Federal 
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. "We distribute cash 
so that the displaced can buy food, as well as mattresses and blankets. 
The focus of our help is on the health facilities in order to maintain 
medical care. We deliver medicines, clean drinking water - also for 
the host population, in order to avoid unequal treatment - and 
consumables," says country officer.

DR Congo: Aid continues despite challenges

"Many can no longer cultivate their fields and no longer have the 
opportunity to feed their families. It is becoming increasingly difficult 
to reach people who are threatened by violence. The lives of our employees 
are also at risk."

The alliance organization of Aktion Deutschland Hilft, Malteser, have 
been supporting the people in the eastern provinces of the DR Congo 
since 1996, primarily in the areas of health, water/sanitation and 
hygiene (WASH) and food security.

Thank you for your donation!

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Jun 29, 2023
People with disabilities are often overlooked

By Theresa Aengenheyster | Project Leader

On the occasion of International Refugee Day on
June 20th, the alliance organization of Aktion 
Deutschland Hilft Handicap International (HI) 
emphasizes that the aid for refugees and displaced 
persons with disabilities in many refugee camps 
is insufficient.

Vulnerable groups need targeted support
Many have health problems and have to deal with the 
aftermath of bombing raids or accidents, as well as 
traumatic experiences when fleeing.

People with disabilities, pregnant women or the elderly 
need specific support. However, it is often 
particularly difficult for them to get food, relief 
supplies and medical aid.

This is how Handicap International helps refugees with disabilities
"Refugees and internally displaced persons with 
disabilities are often overlooked. They often live 
in precarious circumstances," Managing 
Director of Handicap International Germany emphasizes.

"We ensure barrier-free access to vital services, 
provide wheelchairs or prostheses that have often been 
lost when fleeing, and support traumatized victims with 
psychological help." 

In 2022 alone, HI helped around 380,000 refugees and 
360,000 internally displaced persons in a total of 35 
countries, including Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, 
Pakistan, South Sudan and Thailand, with comprehensive 
rehabilitation measures and projects for inclusive education 
and training as well as with the expansion of barrier-free 
access to relief measures.

Many refugee camps have become permanent
According to the UN, more than 100 million people worldwide 
had to flee from war, violence and persecution in 2022 alone. 
The climate catastrophe, rising living costs, an impending 
global economic recession and protracted conflicts are the 
main reasons for this increase in refugees and displaced 
persons. An increasing number of internally displaced 
persons are also among the refugees.

Many refugee camps have existed for decades and still have 
to take in more people - in many cases they have become 
permanent. The camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, for example, 
have existed since 1997 and are now home to 1 million people, 
most of whom are Rohingya refugees from Myanmar.

There are seven camps in Gambella, Ethiopia, housing over 
500,000 people as of 2017. The Kakuma camp in Kenya has 
existed since 1992 and is home to 800,000 people.
Nobody flees voluntarily. And everyone has the right to 
protection and security. Our strong alliance of more than 
20 aid organizations helps worldwide.

Thank you for your donation!

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Mar 6, 2023
Emergency aid worldwide

By Theresa Aengenheyster | Project Leader

Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: Rescue from the first hour
Thanks to your donation, helpers can be there immediately when people suddenly
find themselves in great need. Just like on the Turkish-Syrian border due to 
the devastating earthquakes. In such a situation, every minute really counts, 
so that people who have been buried can be rescued quickly and the injured 
can be treated immediately. Thanks to donations our alliance organization 
provides people in the earthquake area with food, drinking water, emergency 
power and warm accommodation. Not only in the earthquake area, but worldwide, 
donations enable us to help people directly.

In addition, we are currently using your donations primarily here:

• In Ukraine, the partners of our organizations continue to provide important 
winter aid. They provide people with stoves, warm clothing and blankets, and 
repair windows and doors to make buildings habitable again.
• In many East African countries, our alliance organizations support people
 who, after years of drought, are no longer able to bring in their own crops. 
The helpers distribute special seeds that grow even when it is dry, so that 
the farmers can finally harvest again. In addition, together with local partners, 
they are building water reservoirs and new wells so that there is enough water 
available even in dry times.
• In Yemen, which is plagued by civil war, our alliance organizations have 
been providing emergency aid for many years. Families receive medical care 
and are given food and drinking water. Due to mines and duds, there are many 
people with disabilities. They get prostheses so they can walk again. In this 
way, many can again provide for their own livelihood.

Your solidarity with people worldwide gives hope!

Thank you for supporting children, women and men in emergency situations. Sudden 
disasters put people in great distress. Your donation helps show them they are not 
alone! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your commitment.

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