**Editorial: The humanitarian crisis in the DRC, a call for collective action**
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, marked by massive population displacements and extremely precarious living conditions. This reality was strongly underlined by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, Jacquemin Shabani, during the 75th session of the Executive Committee of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The figures are alarming. More than a million Congolese refugees are currently in neighboring countries, while more than 500,000 refugees live inside the DRC. These massive displacements reflect the ongoing unrest in the region, fueled by ongoing armed conflicts that force millions of people into exile or internal displacement.
The consequences of this crisis are dramatic. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, exposed to sexual violence and irreparable trauma. Food insecurity affects millions of people, while children see their education compromised. And above all, the heavy toll in human lives continues to increase every day.
Faced with this emergency situation, it is crucial that the international community mobilizes collectively and in solidarity to provide an effective response. It is imperative to strengthen protection mechanisms for affected populations, ensure humanitarian access to the most isolated regions and promote a culture of peace and reconciliation.
The Congolese authorities must also redouble their efforts to guarantee the safety and dignity of all citizens, by promoting the voluntary return of refugees in adequate conditions. All this requires concerted action, including the strengthening of local institutions, the promotion of human rights and the fight against impunity.
Ultimately, the humanitarian crisis in the DRC challenges our collective conscience and calls for unprecedented mobilization. It is time to act, to show solidarity and empathy towards our Congolese brothers and sisters who are suffering. The time has come not for speeches, but for concrete and coordinated action to put an end to this tragedy that has been going on for far too long.