Edrychwch ar y dudalen hon yn Gymraeg

Welsh Rugby stars added their support to DEC Cymru's Wales-Wide appeal to raise funds to help the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Launching the DEC Cymru Congo Crisis Appeal, at St David's Hall, DEC Cymru Chair Richard Laydon said that while aid is getting through to those affected, a massive scale-up is required.

More than 250,000 people have been forced to flee their homes to escape the fighting in recent weeks, adding to more than one million already displaced as result of the conflict.

Wales captain, Ryan Jones, said, "Even at a time when we as a team are focused on matchday this Saturday, it's important to spare a thought and some change for those who are facing terrible circumstances around the world, especially in the Congo at the moment.

Jones added, "The Welsh public have always shown us tremendous support and we are offering our backing to the DEC Cymru Congo Crisis Appeal to encourage fans to support this worthy cause in the same way."

Agencies that make up the DEC are already delivering life-saving food, water, shelter and emergency medical supplies to those affected, but the scale of the crisis means much more is needed.

Aid workers on the ground are reporting:

- Many people displaced for the second, third or even fourth time by conflict.

- Thousands of children living in spontaneous settlement camps, where they are at increased risk of being physically and mentally abused.

- World Vision estimate there are around 5,500 former child soldiers in the camps, who are vulnerable to being re-recruited by the warring militias.

- Extremely high levels of rape and gender-based violence, with poor security to protect girls and women in the camps. In the town of Kanyabayonga, Oxfam reported a ten fold increase in the number of rapes reported at local hospitals and clinics between May and the beginning of November.

- A significant increase in child malnourishment. Before the latest upsurge in violence, nutrition experts were admitting one or two malnourished children per day at the World Vision nutrition centre in Rwanguba, east of Rutshuru. Since fighting devastated the rebel-held territory near Rutshuru, between eight and ten children have been arriving every day.

Ryan Jones, added, "If people are as generous today as they have been in the past they can make a real difference. Every penny counts."

It's easy to donate. Please visit our website on www.dec.org.uk or call the DEC on 0370 60 60 900 or donate at any high street bank or post office.