An organization committed to serving humanity.
The Ministère de l'Église pour les Réfugiés et les Urgences (MERU) is a Christian humanitarian and development non-profit organization that has worked for more than 20 years to sustainably improve living conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Understanding who we are.
A humanitarian and development organization serving communities.
The Church Ministry for Refugees and Emergencies (MERU) is a Christian humanitarian and development non-profit organization that has been dedicated for more than 20 years to sustainably improving living conditions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In response to major humanitarian crises, conflicts and disasters, MERU supports internally displaced persons, refugees, host communities and other vulnerable people by addressing essential needs, protecting their rights and contributing to the rebuilding of their lives.
Our work is based on integrated and locally driven solutions in food security and livelihoods, humanitarian assistance, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, education, peacebuilding and multisectoral cash assistance. Protection is an essential component of all our interventions.
Responding to the essential needs of people affected by crises, conflicts and disasters.
Strengthening the capacities and self-reliance of communities so they can shape their own development.
Protecting vulnerable people and placing their dignity, rights and well-being at the center of our work.
A society where dignity is guaranteed.
MERU envisions a society where the dignity of internally displaced persons, refugees, host communities and other victims of wars and disasters is guaranteed, with respect for their fundamental rights and within a context of regional integration.
Our ambition is to help people thrive through education, sustainable development, social work and humanitarian assistance, including support for displaced persons, local communities and refugees.
Turning needs into concrete action.
MERU responds to urgent needs while strengthening the capacities of people and communities to promote sustainable, inclusive solutions adapted to local realities.
Humanitarian assistance
Assist displaced persons, refugees and other vulnerable people with food and non-food assistance according to their essential needs.
Community empowerment
Support and strengthen grassroots and host communities in their process of self-reliance and development.
Education
Facilitate access to education for children and other vulnerable people and contribute to their development through learning.
Health & well-being
Help facilitate access to quality healthcare adapted to the needs of children and other vulnerable people.
Peace & social cohesion
Contribute to the promotion of peace, dialogue and social cohesion within grassroots communities.
Protection & support
Provide psychosocial support to women, children and other people affected by violence or facing situations of vulnerability.
Serving those who need it most.
MERU focuses its work on people and communities affected by conflict, displacement, disasters and humanitarian and social vulnerabilities.
Internally displaced persons
Supporting people forced to leave their homes because of conflict, violence or disasters.
Refugees
Providing assistance and support while respecting the dignity, fundamental rights and needs of refugees.
Host communities
Strengthening communities that host displaced people and contributing to solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
Other vulnerable people
Giving particular attention to women, children and people exposed to different forms of vulnerability.
Working with communities, not only for them.
For MERU, a sustainable response is not based on assistance alone. It also relies on listening, participation, protection, capacity strengthening and meaningful community involvement in the solutions that affect them.
The principles that guide our work.
Love of others
Place human dignity, well-being and protection at the center of every intervention, with respect, compassion and consideration.
Transparency & accountability
Manage resources, information, activities and decisions with honesty, integrity and accountability toward communities and partners.
Commitment & responsibility
Act with seriousness, professionalism and rigor, honor commitments and take responsibility for our decisions and actions.
Justice, equity & gender
Promote equal opportunities, inclusion and respect for everyone's rights while taking specific needs and vulnerabilities into account.
Based in North Kivu.
MERU's headquarters are located in Goma, North Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The organization is currently operational across the different provinces of the DRC.
Let's build a future with greater dignity.
Would you like to support MERU, become a partner or contribute to our work? Your engagement can help strengthen initiatives supporting vulnerable people and communities.