In Butembo, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the International Human Rights Commission -IHRC marked the New Year 2025 by intensifying its humanitarian efforts. The organisation provided critical assistance to war-displaced individuals and orphans, including pygmy survivors of the tragic Beni massacres.
This significant initiative was carried out on Tuesday, 31 December 2024, as part of IHRC’s end-of-year tradition to support vulnerable communities. The humanitarian aid included a substantial supply of food and essential non-food items, enabling recipients to celebrate the New Year with dignity.
A full truckload of provisions was distributed, comprising high-quality rice, cassava, beans, vegetable oil, milk, semolina, and salt, among other essentials. Non-food items such as clothing, shoes, mattresses, blankets, and utensils were also provided to improve living conditions.
“We are grateful to God for enabling us to execute this initiative. Celebrating Christmas and the New Year while ignoring the plight of our brothers and sisters in need would have been unconscionable. This year, our focus was on war-displaced individuals and orphans, identified through a detailed needs assessment. IHRC has long upheld a tradition of supporting vulnerable groups at year-end. During our visit, the dire conditions faced by displaced persons and orphans moved us deeply and compelled us to act. We also call upon others with the means to extend a helping hand,” stated Papy Amisa, an IHRC representative.
The beneficiaries included displaced individuals sheltered by the ISPRON organisation at the Catholic Cathedral in Butembo and six orphanages. Among these were facilities housing pygmy survivors from the Beni massacres in North Kivu, as well as those in Mambasa, Irumu (Ituri), and the Rughenda neighbourhood.
The gratitude expressed by the recipients was overwhelming at every location.
“This aid brings immense relief to us. It truly feels like a celebration. Your generosity and spirit of sharing have uplifted us, and we are deeply grateful. May you continue to be blessed,” remarked one of the displaced individuals.
Orphans and their caregivers also expressed their heartfelt thanks:
“You have made us feel loved and cared for. Thanks to your kindness, the children will have warm meals, proper clothing, and comfortable sleep. We cannot thank you enough and wish you great success in your noble endeavours.” -said representatives of the orphanages.
The distribution effort lasted the entire day under the supervision of the IHRC regional representative, ensuring that all identified beneficiaries received the aid.
Reported:
Ghislain Lukambo
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