UN Refugee Agency Expresses Grave Concerns Over Violence in DR Congo
The UN refugee agency voices serious concerns regarding the worsening violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as conflict adds to civilian suffering and displaces over 400,000 this year. Human rights violations increase amidst ongoing clashes, and humanitarian access is severely restricted, necessitating urgent actions from all conflict parties and international involvement to achieve lasting peace and protect vulnerable populations.
The UN refugee agency has expressed deep concern regarding the escalating violence impacting civilians and internally displaced persons in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh reported a surge in displacement, with over 400,000 people fleeing conflict this year alone, almost doubling last week’s count. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, as ongoing clashes in South and North Kivu threaten the lives of millions of displaced individuals already in precarious situations.
Saltmarsh detailed that human rights violations are on the rise, including looting, killings, and the arbitrary detention of civilians mistaken for militants. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, and vulnerable populations, especially women and children, face dire living conditions with limited access to essential resources such as food and clean water. Humanitarian access has significantly declined, with key routes to Minova completely blocked.
The UN refugee agency has urgently called for all parties to guarantee unrestricted humanitarian access and prioritize the safety of civilians. Saltmarsh emphasized the necessity for peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, remarking that it is “vital, and long overdue, for peace to take root in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the benefit of its people and the region.”
Additionally, the UN human rights office has raised alarms over the potential for M23 armed group attacks on Goma, the capital of North Kivu, warning that such actions could have catastrophic effects on local civilians. Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani urged all conflict parties to de-escalate tensions and adhere to international human rights and humanitarian laws to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid access.
The human rights chief Volker Turk has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, specifically addressing states with influence over rebel groups to cease their support of ongoing violence in the area. The UN reiterated its support for any mediation efforts, including those proposed by Türkiye, emphasizing the importance of commitment to existing diplomatic processes to address the crisis.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced prolonged instability due to ongoing conflicts fueled by various armed groups, leading to a humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement, human rights violations, and deteriorating living conditions for civilians. The UN refugee agency and other international organizations have consistently called for peace negotiations and protection for affected populations, underscoring the critical need for humanitarian access in areas engulfed by conflict. Given the magnitude of the violence, immediate international attention and action are paramount to ensure the safety of millions.
In summary, the UN refugee agency and human rights officials are gravely concerned about the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which is increasing the number of internally displaced persons and exacerbating humanitarian challenges. There is an urgent call for peace and better protection for civilians amid the rising threats posed by armed groups, with a strong emphasis on the essential need for humanitarian access to affected populations. International cooperation and commitment to cease hostilities are imperative for any lasting resolution.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
