Multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations affected by armed conflict in hard-to-reach areas in eastern DRC (2025-2026)

The project, led by HEKS/EPER, aims to strengthen and complement the humanitarian assistance activities implemented by the HEKS/EPER delegation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Targeting the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Maniema, and Ituri, the project’s main objective is to ensure access to basic needs for internally displaced persons, returnees, and vulnerable host communities affected by armed conflict. This will be achieved through two main intervention axes:

• Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance from international and national organizations to priority and hard-to-reach areas;
• Providing a rapid response through unconditional multi-purpose cash assistance to cover the urgent needs of newly displaced persons and the most vulnerable.

Building on its expertise in opening humanitarian access routes, gained during the previous DG ECHO project, HEKS/EPER will work to reduce response times, improve operational deployment, and facilitate the timely delivery of aid to conflict-affected populations in isolated areas.

The project combines two complementary approaches. First, it will rehabilitate humanitarian access routes, enabling national and international actors to deliver assistance to hard-to-reach areas. This includes road clearing, small-scale infrastructure repair, and reforestation to mitigate environmental impacts. Second, it will deliver unconditional cash assistance, giving beneficiaries the flexibility and dignity to address their most pressing needs—such as food, water, healthcare, and essential household items—based on their own priorities. Transfer amounts will be adjusted according to household size and local market conditions.

In addition to direct assistance, HEKS/EPER will maintain a robust humanitarian monitoring system, conducting rapid needs assessments, analyzing market conditions, and sharing alerts with the humanitarian coordination system. The project will also work closely with local communities and leaders to ensure that targeting criteria are understood and accepted, minimizing tensions and promoting accountability.

Ultimately, the project seeks to improve living conditions for crisis-affected populations in Eastern DRC by combining rapid, flexible emergency responses with strengthened humanitarian access for all actors operating in the region. Through this dual approach, it aims not only to meet immediate needs but also to enhance the overall humanitarian presence and resilience in one of the most challenging operational environments in the world.