The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC worsens as UN officials call for aid access amid ongoing conflict with M23 rebels. Civilians face significant displacement, with heavy tolls reported in South Kivu. The UN stresses the urgent need for humanitarian flights and adherence to international laws to protect displaced persons. An immediate end to hostilities is critical to prevent further suffering and establish peace in the region.
As the UN Security Council convenes to discuss the escalating crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Bruno Lemarquis, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in the region, has urged all warring factions to permit the delivery of essential aid to vulnerable populations. He highlighted the severe toll on civilians due to the ongoing conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, which is rapidly expanding and impacting regional stability.
The conflict has seen an overwhelming number of civilians fleeing areas of combat, especially in light of the advancements made by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who recently seized control of Bukavu, a significant city in eastern DRC. “It is imperative to put an end to the confrontations” and reinitiate peace discussions, Lemarquis stated amid heightened concerns that the M23’s actions threaten not only local, but also regional security.
Lemarquis emphasized that vital priorities for humanitarian efforts include reopening airports for aid flights in Goma and Kavumu, both of which are under M23 control. The situation in Bukavu remains precarious, with reports of looting and unrest, while commercial ferry services have resumed on Lake Kivu.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has highlighted that numerous churches and community centers are housing displaced individuals. Humanitarian assessments have restarted as conditions allow, although the need for humanitarian flights and adherence to international laws protecting internally displaced persons (IDPs) remains urgent.
According to Lemarquis, returns of IDPs must be voluntary and conducted safely and with dignity, adhering to international principles. He further asserted that humanitarian efforts focus solely on providing assistance and upholding the rights of those affected by conflict, emphasizing the principles of neutrality and independence.
The crisis in the DRC is marked by extensive humanitarian needs, stemming from long-standing violence, human rights violations, and sexual abuse. The UN refugee agency underscores that approximately seven million people are displaced internally, while over a million have fled to neighboring countries, including Angola and Uganda.
This ongoing crisis has rapidly displaced hundreds of thousands within weeks, with UNHCR appealing for enhanced support for refugees and an immediate ceasefire to mitigate civilian suffering. The agency’s priority is to prevent further displacement during this escalating situation in eastern DRC.
To summarize, the DRC is facing one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises, exacerbated by the increasing conflict led by the M23 rebels. Civilians continue to bear the brunt with mass displacements and violations of their rights. The UN emphasizes the critical need for humanitarian access and resources while calling for peace talks to stabilize the region. Immediate international intervention is necessary to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the ongoing violence.
Original Source: news.un.org
