UN Urges Humanitarian Access Amid Rising Crisis in Eastern DR Congo
The UN’s top aid official, Bruno Lemarquis, has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian access in eastern DRC amidst escalating conflict with the M23 rebels. As tensions rise and civilians flee, he called for dialogue and respect for international law regarding internally displaced persons. The DRC faces one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises, with millions displaced both internally and externally, necessitating international support and intervention.
As the United Nations Security Council convenes to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN’s senior aid official, Bruno Lemarquis, has urged all combatants to ensure unhindered access to relief supplies for the most vulnerable populations. He emphasized the ongoing conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, has severely impacted civilians, with the situation threatening regional stability.
The situation remains dire as reports indicate that numerous people have fled conflict zones due to the advancing M23 rebels, who recently captured Bukavu, marking the second major city to fall to these groups in a matter of weeks. Mr. Lemarquis called for an immediate halt to hostilities and a resumption of dialogue, echoing concerns regarding the deteriorating stability.
In addition to the immediate cessation of violence, the UN official highlighted the pressing need to reopen airports in Goma and Kavumu for humanitarian flights, as these locations are essential for delivering aid to affected communities. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) acknowledged the tense security environment in Bukavu and noted that commercial transport has resumed on Lake Kivu, although the situation remains precarious with reports of widespread looting.
Displaced individuals are reportedly sheltering in churches and communal centers in Bukavu, as humanitarian assessment activities are set to continue. Mr. Lemarquis underscored the necessity for adherence to international law concerning the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), particularly highlighting the recent ultimatum placed by M23 to IDPs in Goma, demanding their return to villages.
The UN aid coordinator reiterated that relief efforts must remain neutral and focused solely on assisting vulnerable populations, as humanitarian principles dictate actions in conflict zones. The DRC is experiencing one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises, characterized by decades of conflict, human rights violations, and a staggering need for assistance.
Currently, over seven million people are internally displaced within the DRC, with more than one million seeking refuge abroad. Hosting nations such as Angola, Burundi, and Rwanda are caring for these refugees, while the DRC itself also accommodates over half a million refugees and asylum seekers. The situation continues to escalate, with hundreds of thousands displaced in recent weeks, prompting an urgent call for increased support and cessation of hostilities.
The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is critical, with escalating violence causing substantial civilian suffering and widespread displacement. Urgent actions, including the resumption of dialogue, unhindered aid access, and adherence to international humanitarian laws, are essential to alleviating the crisis. The international community must enhance its support for both the displaced populations and the host countries managing this influx, to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Original Source: news.un.org
