#12021 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO IFRC COUNTRY PLAN Appeal number MAACDO02 Funding requirement in Swiss francs 8 Million Kinshasa iMMM Branches Staff 26 181 © ICRC Volunteers People to be reached 209,000 3,699,635 This document details the IFRC's support in areas agreed upon with the relevant National Society. The IFRC seeks resources to carry out this country/cluster plan listed here as funding requirements. +CIFRC www.ifrc.org#2COINQUGE X SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS RO © IFRC/Corrie Butler Population 86.79 million 2019 Human Development Index Ranking Vulnerability to disasters 175 ㅁㅁ MAN Floods Landslides Population movement Conflict Disease outbreak Locust infestation The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the largest French-speaking country in Africa, with over 80 million hectares of arable land and a population of more than 86 million people. Despite immense natural resources and financial wealth, the DRC has a high level of poverty and social insecurity among its vulnerable populations, exacerbated by the ongoing threat of violence from militias. People in the DRC are repeatedly faced with disease outbreaks, including Ebola, cholera, yellow fever, malaria, typhoid fever and acute respiratory infections, as well as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Natural disasters are also common, with recurring floods and landslides posing a significant threat to vulnerable communities. Access to clean, safe drinking water and basic hygiene and sanitation facilities are limited, further exacerbating the spread of disease. Armed conflict has resulted in mass population movements and violence against marginalised groups is also an ongoing issue. 2 Operational Plan ⚫ Democratic Republic of Congo Situational analysis#3XROUGE ACTIO HUMANITAL FRANC Alun A REPUBLIQUE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL SOCIETY CROIX-ROUGE + DE LA RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO Established 1963 UGE DC LAFRI OIFRC/Francesca Pezzola The DRC Red Cross was established in 1963 as an auxiliary to public authorities, connected with ministries at national and provincial level. The National Society, headquartered in Kinshasa, is also part of a Technical Secretariat set up by the Ministry of Public Health to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. With a large network of trained and motivated volunteers, a salaried staff team and property assets, the National Society is in a strong position to deliver its programmes. The strategic priorities for 2019-2023 are to further strengthen the National Society's capacity for organisational development and improve the quality of its services for the benefit of the most vulnerable people. 3 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Role of the National Society#4Name of Partner National Society French Red Cross Swedish Red Cross Belgium Red Cross Spanish Red Cross MEMBERSHIP COORDINATION AND MOVEMENT FOOTPRINT Membership coordination Climate Crises Health Migration Inclusion Movement footprint The National Society works with partner National Societies, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to execute its strategic plan, ensuring credible and transparent management of resources allocated to programmes and projects. The IFRC provides technical support to the National Society in the planning, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes, preparation and response to natural disasters, standardisation of procedures, strengthening of human and financial resources, and strengthening of cooperation between governance and management bodies. Partner National Societies are providing support in different areas of the DRC as follows: The French Red Cross supports the National Society to strengthen its protection and gender-based violence strategy and carry out food security actions in Kwango. It also helps facilitate the continuation of IFRC support on infection prevention and control and epidemic response The Swedish Red Cross provides support to the National Society on initiatives for health and WASH, protection, gender and inclusion, and disaster preparedness The Belgium Red Cross supports the National Society with its community engagement and responsibilities to volunteers The Spanish Red Cross supports the National Society to deliver its multi-sector resilience strategy to address malnutrition, food insecurity and economic development. It also supports gender equality, social inclusion and improved environmental protection The National Society continues to develop partnerships with external organisations, including the United Nations, intergovernmental bodies and international non-government organisations. 4 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Membership coordination and Movement footprint Engaged Accountable Trusted#5STRATEGIC PRIORITY CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CRISES Funding requirement in Swiss francs 500,000 People to be reached 789,000 IFRC The DRC has a wide variety of climates and landscapes, with a high average annual temperature and abundant rainfall. The climate and landscape of the equatorial zone and the mountainous regions in the east of the DRC are changing due to the influences of the Atlantic Ocean and the trade winds of the Indian Ocean. People in the DRC are greatly influenced by the forests which cover more than half of the country and make up around 47% of forests in Africa. Logging and mining are a considerable source of income for the country but have a negative environmental impact. Wood energy accounts for a combined total of around 88% of total energy consumption in the domestic and industrial sectors. Firewood is a common alternative energy source to the more expensive electricity, oil or gas. Around 475,000 hectares of forest in the DRC were cut down in 2019, second only to Brazil, according to Global Forest Watch. There is a national-level project to combat deforestation and to promote the use of domestic gas instead. According to the Ministry of the Environment 250 hectares of forest were saved during the first phase of the project which was launched in March 2020. Since June 1992, the DRC has been part of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a group that includes more than 185 countries. In this capacity, the country has undertaken a series of scientific activities in accordance with its commitments, including an inventory of its Greenhouse Gas emissions for 1994. The DRC is also developing its first National Adaptation Programme of Action on Climate Change (NAPA). 88% proportion of energy derived from wood 47% African forest in the DRC 5 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo O TARGET 1 789,000 people covered by RCRC forecast-based financing and delivery mechanisms, enabling them to act ahead of predicted disasters and crises. CACTIVITIES . • . The National Society will set up community watch teams to report early warning signs for climate risks The IFRC will support the National Society to engage with climate action campaigns The National Society will organise community-based sanitation and risk-motivating sessions The IFRC will support the National Society to participate in tree planting initiatives Climate and environmental crises#6STRATEGIC PRIORITY + CROIX - ROUGE DE LA RDC EVOLVING CRISES AND DISASTERS Funding requirement in Swiss francs People to be reached 900,000 847,000 IFRC/Corrie Butler The Democratic Republic of Congo is affected by violent conflict, natural disasters, epidemics, food insecurity, chronic poverty and structural deficiencies and is facing a humanitarian crisis that affects nearly 16 million people. The DRC is already facing several floods, 12 Ebola epidemics and several other epidemics, including cholera, yellow fever, and measles, as well as the COVID-19 epidemic. These structural and cyclical crises result in significant population movements, the deterioration of the living conditions of the most vulnerable people, a reduction in the respect of their fundamental rights and in their access to basic services. In 2021, the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of Congo (CR DRC) as an auxiliary to the public authorities plans to help respond to these various crises and to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable people in collaboration with Movement partners and others. Despite the scope activities, the CR DRC must constantly strive to learn and improve its organizational management capacities to become a more effective, efficient and responsible partner in the provision of its services. TARGET 1 847,000 people engaged in or supported through, action to ensure disaster risk reduction and mitigation, community resilience, community preparedness for response and recovery TARGET 2 2,000 people reached with support services, in-kind, cash and voucher assistance C ACTIVITIES • • The National Society will organise workshops to set up community networking in target branches The IFRC will support the National Society to preposition rescue, response, emergency, and communication equipment The IFRC will support the National Society to set up relay training centers in target branches The IFRC will support the National Society to set up a permanent emergency fund RÅ 1.7 million people displaced in the DRC due to conflict 70% people living with chronic food insecurity 6 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Evolving crises and disasters#7STRATEGIC PRIORITY GROWING GAPS IN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING Funding requirement in Swiss francs 4,500,000 People to be reached 1,084,935 Malnutrition is responsible for 45 per cent of deaths and affects 6.3 million young children. About half of this malnutrition is as a result of diarrhoea, infections of intestinal nematodes from unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, or poor hygiene. Stunting in children under 5 years of age is an alarming 42 per cent and around 52 per cent of children living in the poorest households are affected, compared to 18 per cent of those living in the wealthiest households. This health situation hinders child growth and development as well as the national economy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the DRC is facing its worst ever measles epidemic. Since the outbreak in August 2019, there have been more than 6,000 registered deaths. The fully immunized and measles coverage rate for children less than one year of age remains extremely low. The IFRC and the National Society have supported several pandemic responses in the DRC with prevention and control programs, the promotion of basic hygiene and sanitation, the strengthening community resilience, and with support for mother and child health. The IFRC has been supporting the National Society in the fight against the Ebola virus with safe and dignified burials (SDB), psychosocial support (PSS), risk communication and community engagement (RCCE), infection prevention and control (IPC). The IFRC also supports the National Society through the USAID-funded epidemic prevention program (CP3) in the provinces of Kinshasa and Kongo Central to strengthen community monitoring capacity and community-based surveillance activities. During recent floods, the IFRC supported the National Society to mobilise 178 volunteers to assist 1,700 households in Kinshasa and Nord Ubangi. O TARGET 1 1,084,935 people reached by National Societies with health services O TARGET 2 2500 people trained by National Societies in first aid O TARGET 3 1,084,935 people reached by National Societies with immunisation services O TARGET 4 2,000 people reached by National Society psychosocial and mental health services CACTIVITIES • • • The IFRC will support the National Society to distribute non-food items and dignity kits The IFRC will support the National Society to promote quality commercial first aid services in vulnerable communities to public and private sector institutions The IFRC will support the National Society to set up tele-counselling services for psychosocial support in emergency situations 7 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Growing gaps in health and well-being#8STRATEGIC PRIORITY 21 MIGRATION AND IDENTITY Funding requirement in Swiss francs People to be reached 450,000 698,700 IFRC/Maria Santto High levels of internal and international mobility are a significant part of Congolese life. The economic situation, war and poor governance are the main factors affecting migratory trends in the DRC since 2000. Migrant remittances are an important source of income for recipient households. In large cities, 80 per cent of households receive such funds to maintain their livelihoods. Population movement is prevalent in the east of the country due to conflict between armed groups, and in the central areas due to inter-ethnic conflict. Despite figures that are difficult to estimate, the DRC remains a country of immigration. The mining boom continues to attract foreign labour, while some migrants travel through the DRC on their way to South Africa or Europe. The humanitarian needs of migrants and internally displaced people range from emergency aid for health, water, sanitation, hygiene and nutritional needs, to assistance in restoring family links and more long-term needs related to livelihoods, education and social integration. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated specific vulnerabilities for migrants, many of whom are exposed to multiple risks due to the difficulties they face in accessing information and services related to health and water, sanitation and hygiene. This is often as a result of their legal status, language or cultural barriers, and social stigma. The socio-economic repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic could also lead to unanticipated population movements requiring greater preparedness from humanitarian organisations in the DRC. i 80% percentage of households in the DRC that receive migrant remittances O TARGET 1 698,700 migrants and displaced persons reached with assistance and protection services. C ACTIVITIES • The IFRC will support the National Society to set up first aid stations in priority branches ⚫ The IFRC will support the National Society to preposition emergency, response, recording and communication equipment . The CRRDC and the National Societies of neighbouring countries will organise joint workshops on the issue of population movement 8 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Migration and identity#9STRATEGIC PRIORITY VALUES, POWER, AND INCLUSION Funding requirement in Swiss francs People to be reached 550,000 280,000 © IFRC/Maria Santto The DRC currently ranks 152 out of 160 on the gender inequality index. While the literacy rate of the Congolese population is low as a whole, there is a significant gap between literate women and men, although the gap is decreasing among the young - 62 per cent of young girls are literate, compared to 69 per cent of young men. These figures reflect low enrolment rates. Only 32 per cent of girls and 34 per cent of boys attend primary school. The successful integration of gender and social inclusion into development programmes requires a good understanding of the barriers that limit the potential of gender equality and social inclusion. In the DRC, the structural and cultural barriers that women and adolescent girls of working age face are considerable. They lack access to basic human development services and economic goods, and are excluded from decision-making processes. Women and girls are also extremely vulnerable to early and forced marriage, as well as female genital mutilation and sexual and gender-based violence. At a political level, legislation is often not applied in a uniform manner. Access to justice for women and girls is poor and the reach of the Government is limited. When women and adolescent girls are able to work, their jobs are generally low-skilled and poorly paid in the informal sector, with very limited prospects for advancement. Although these challenges are not unique to the DRC, their impact is significant. This demonstrates a priority need for programming that addresses the inequalities facing women and other vulnerable groups. 78% proportion of literate men 26% 56% proportion of literate women the percentage of female representation in the workforce in the DRC O TARGET 1 280,000 people reached by protection, gender and inclusion programming O TARGET 2 90%-IFRC-supported operations that include a Gender, Age and Diversity analysis CACTIVITIES . • The National Society will encourage and support the participation of the DRC Red Cross youth in the Congolese Ministry of Youth The IFRC will support the National Society to advocate with state authorities and other partners for equitable access to education The IFRC will support the National Society to develop guidelines on taking gender into account in projects and programmes 9 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Values, power and inclusion#10YA ENABLING T NATIONAL SOCIETIES 0971063997 CROIX-ROUG CROIX-ROUCE IFRC/Corrie Butler ENABLER 1 ENGAGED WITH RENEWED INFLUENCE, INNOVATIVE AND DIGITALLY TRANSFORMED WITH GREATER EMPHASIS ON NATIONAL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT Funding requirement in Swiss francs 315,000 The National Society departments work in synergy for more innovation, digitalization and to increase visibility for its activities. Much work remains to be done, particularly in terms of human, material and financial resources to achieve this objective. However, there are initiatives attempting to address these issues. For example, at least 20 volunteers have been trained to use smartphones to conduct surveys and collect data with the Kobo Collect mobile application. Social networks are also being used to share information, communicate about activities to update volunteers, and for electronic payments. The IFRC digital transformation process will also help to strengthen the capacities of the National Society O TARGET 1 At least 20 volunteers are trained in the use of smartphones to conduct surveys and collect data with the mobile application Kobo Collect O TARGET 2 70% of National Society platforms and applications are maintained by the IFRC, including for the creation of data products and services and data use for decision-making. C ACTIVITIES • • The IFRC will support the National Society to strengthen its engagement with partners within and outside the network to work collectively on the key challenges facing communities. The IFRC will support the National Society to network on key themes at the regional and global levels, developing stronger visibility and adequate resources. The IFRC will support the National Society to develop IT digital systems to efficiently run and ensure accountability of daily operations. The IFRC will support the National Society to review its strategic plan and establish branch development plans The IFRC will support the National Society to organise and Lead regular Movement coordination forums The IFRC will support the development of structures in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri to promote the long-term sustainability of the National Society 10 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Enabler 1#11ENABLING NATIONAL SOCIETIES CROIX ROUGE JELA REPUQUE DEMOCRATIU IFRCY Corrie Butler DIGONGO ENABLER 2 ACCOUNTABLE WITH AN AGILE MANAGEMENT AND A RENEWED FINANCING MODEL WITH GREATER EMPHASIS ON NATIONAL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT Funding requirement in Swiss francs 551,000 The IFRC 2021 country plan intends to strengthen support to the National Society in six of the 26 provinces in the country, selected based on the National Society's Strategic Plan and to build on what has already been achieved. Additional staff will be recruited, and resource mobilization efforts will be intensified to enable the country delegation support. National and international staff, volunteers and all others representing or working for the IFRC will be sensitized to the Code of Conduct, and policies regarding fraud, corruption, harassment, and whistle blowing. The IFRC will support the National Society to develop and implement similar tools and the IFRC will ensure the optimum safety and security of its operations and staff in the DRC. O TARGET 1 80% appeal financial statement audits issued for which the IFRC has received an unqualified opinion TARGET 2 15 of IFRC staff trained in risk management C ACTIVITIES . • • • • • • The IFRC will support the National Society to ensure that its financial resources are safeguarded and managed effectively, efficiently and transparently. The IFRC will support the National Society to develop a strategy and action plan to mitigate the risk of fraud and corruption, sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse within the National Society. The IFRC will support the National Society to implement a new IT system that supports globally integrated processes for finance, PMER, HR, logistics and PRD. The IFRC will develop a new financing architecture to increase financial resources for the benefit of the National Society. The IFRC will support the National Society to develop multi-year and sustainable partnerships with different stakeholders and partners, including securing funding only available to international organisations The IFRC will support the National Society to implement new financial software at the National Society HQ • The IFRC will support the National Society to develop a cost recovery mechanism The IFRC will support the National Society to develop an anti-corruption policy and equip staff and the governing board with fraud and corruption prevention skills 11 Operational Plan ⚫ Democratic Republic of Congo Enabler 2#12ENABLING NATIONAL SOCIETIES CROIX ROUGE © IFRC / Corrie Butler ENABLER 3 TRUSTED BY COMMUNITIES, OWNED AND VALUED BY THE MEMBERSHIP WITH GREATER EMPHASIS ON NATIONAL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT Funding requirement in Swiss francs 229,000 In 2020, the IFRC supported the implementation of plans to strengthen the capacity and leadership of the National Society in the DRC and the development of branches, and the training of logistics and finance staff. In 2021, the IFRC will continue to motivate volunteers, support income generation and small grants, proposals development, and to ensure strong community engagement and accountability in all programmes. TARGET 1 National Society receives annual capacity building support for systems and structures (HR, Comms, Logistics, RM, IT, Finance, etc.) effectively aligned with their strategic and development priorities TARGET 2 The National Society integrates and institutionalises Movement-wide commitments for Community Engagement and Accountability in their policies, operations, and procedures C ACTIVITIES • • • • • • • The IFRC will support the National Society to become the trusted partner of choice for local humanitarian action, with the capabilities to act in the global network. The IFRC will support the National Society to prioritise volunteering development and youth action as critical catalysts of behavioural change and local action, ensuring access and nurturing trust in all contexts. The IFRC will support the National Society to strengthen its mechanisms to protect volunteers, promote psychosocial wellbeing and provide greater support to those killed or injured in the line of duty, and their families. The IFRC will support the National Society to ensure that people and communities, vulnerable to and affected by crises, are empowered to influence decisions affecting them The IFRC will support the National Society to strengthen engagement with and accountability to communities, by integrating mechanisms for communication, participation, feedback and complaints in its programmes. The IFRC will support the National Society to adapt a Community Engagement and Accountability performance measurement framework, with clear benchmarks, ensuring consistency and alignment with international commitments. The National Society will support youth participation in the 2021 Pan African Conference and General Assembly The IFRC will support the National Society to put long term psychosocial and wellbeing services in place for volunteers 12 Operational Plan Democratic Republic of Congo Enabler 3#13+C IFRC The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, with 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and around 14 million volunteers. Our volunteers are present in communities before, during and after a crisis or disaster. We work in the most hard to reach and complex settings in the world, saving lives and promoting human dignity. We support communities to become stronger and more resilient places where people can live safe and healthy lives, and have opportunities to thrive. Contact Information Momodou Lamin Fye Head of Country Office Democratic Republic of Congo T +243 851 239854 [email protected] Louise Daintrey Head of Unit Partnerships and Resource Development T +254 110 843978 [email protected]