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Nairobi, Kenya: 5 February 2025 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) calls for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure unimpeded access to lifesaving aid, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services.  The situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated catastrophically following the capture of Goma by M23 armed groups between 26 and 29 January 2025.  IPPF has received distressing reports of widespread suffering, with thousands of civilians trapped and deprived of essential humanitarian assistance, including access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. At least 900 people have been killed, nearly 3,000 injured, and countless others displaced, forced to seek refuge in overcrowded churches, schools, and temporary shelters, where their safety remains precarious.  IPPF’s partners in the DRC report the destruction of aid and healthcare facilities, looting by armed groups, and the evacuation of United Nations and humanitarian INGO staff, leaving civilians at heightened risk of sexual violence, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and food insecurity.    “We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe, with hospitals inaccessible and humanitarian access blocked, pregnant women and survivors of sexual violence have nowhere to turn. Maternal services, emergency contraception, post-rape care, and safe abortion services are entirely out of reach, leaving thousands of women and girls facing forced pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and lifelong trauma” said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.    IPPF’s in-country partners are not able to fully resume all Sexual and Reproductive Health in Emergencies (SRHiE) services, referrals, and psychosocial support due to safety concerns for their healthcare workers and shortage of commodities. The organization is calling for the urgent establishment of a protected humanitarian corridor to ensure the delivery of lifesaving care, particularly for those subjected to sexual violence.  "Conflict shatters lives and denying access to sexual reproductive health and rights only exacerbates the suffering, deepens inequalities, and robs people—especially women and girls—of their dignity and future. These are fundamental human rights, and are as critical as food, water, and shelter in times of crisis", added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.    “Goma is harbouring over 400.000 Internally displaced people that have scattered due to the clashes between the DRC army and M23. Women and children remaining have once again been victims of violence and could face sexual violence historically used as a weapon of war against civilian. The international community must prioritise women and children's needs and take decisive actions to prevent atrocities to unfold. We must ensure that the most vulnerable are at the heart of our response, and, most importantly, we must work to prevent sexual violence from happening in the first place", said Valerie Dourdin, IPPF Global Humanitarian Director.  IPPF urges regional leaders, the international community, and UN agencies to take immediate action to:  End the violence, with all parties ceasing their offensive and an immediate end to the targeting of civilians, in line with international humanitarian law.   Guarantee humanitarian access and safe, unhindered delivery of essential aid, including emergency SRH services, post-rape care, and safe abortion access.  Protect women and girls with a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence, with justice and accountability for perpetrators.  Ensure safe refuge and immediate protection for displaced persons, with neighbouring countries urged to accept and support refugees.  Restore healthcare services and the immediate re-establishment of essential healthcare and SRH services to support affected communities.   Protect healthcare workers and facilities by implementing measures to ensure their safety and put an end to attacks on frontline responders.  IPPF remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected by the ongoing conflict and will continue working with its Member Associations to restore access to life-saving humanitarian SRH services in the Eastern DRC and neighbouring countries.  END  For further information or to request an interview, please contact:  -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920   - Hanna Lund Adcock Senior Humanitarian Communication Adviser, IPPF Global Humanitarian Team – email:  [email protected] / Tel: +44 773 792 49 15 ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR)  The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization - in normal and humanitarian situations- in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR and SRHiE services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa.  Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR and SRHiE challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa.   Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.