For over twenty years, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been suffering from armed conflicts and the lack of a government or poor governance. The provinces in the east of the country are particularly affected by violence and displacement.

More than 6 million people have been displaced and around a quarter of the population, more than 25 million people, are suffering from hunger. Internally displaced persons, refugees and returnees are struggling with food shortages, a lack of healthcare and inadequate accommodation. Many have lost contact with their families and children are often separated from their parents. The situation in prisons is catastrophic as well, with overcrowded and dilapidated facilities, inadequate care and an increased risk of disease.

Many people in the DR Congo are therefore heavily reliant on the commitment of the International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC. The ICRC, which has been active on the ground since 1960, provides emergency humanitarian aid, promotes respect for international humanitarian law among all conflict parties, expands its medical care for victims of the conflict and supports family reunification. In the east of the country, the ICRC is particularly committed to improving the living conditions of prisoners. With its contribution, Liechtenstein is supporting one of the ICRC's most underfunded aid programmes and helps to alleviate the suffering of the people in the DR Congo.