Urgent Appeal for Humanitarian Aid in Eastern DRC Amid Escalating Conflict

The UN’s humanitarian coordinator for DRC warns of severe impacts on civilians due to escalating conflict, particularly in South Kivu. With M23 rebels advancing and capturing major cities, aid delivery is urgently needed. The UN calls for respect for international laws regarding internally displaced persons and emphasizes humanitarian principles in providing assistance to affected communities.

As the United Nations Security Council prepared to convene to address the escalating situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN’s top humanitarian official, Bruno Lemarquis, urged warring factions to facilitate the delivery of essential aid to those in need. Mr. Lemarquis highlighted the severe impact the conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, has on civilians, stating, “The population can no longer continue to pay such a heavy price for a conflict that continues to spread and now threatens the stability of the entire region.”

In recent developments, vulnerable individuals have fled combat zones, particularly as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced and captured Bukavu, a significant city in eastern DRC. Mr. Lemarquis emphasized the urgent necessity of ceasing hostilities and resuming dialogue to address the humanitarian crisis and maintain regional stability, echoing concerns shared by the UN Secretary-General about the M23 offensive’s implications.

Mr. Lemarquis urged the reopening of airports for humanitarian flights in Goma and Kavumu, both currently under M23 control, to allow aid teams to reach affected communities. The situation remains precarious in Bukavu, with reports of looting, including at a UN World Food Programme facility containing essential supplies, and displaced individuals seeking refuge in churches and collective centers.

In addition, Mr. Lemarquis called attention to the need for adherence to international law regarding the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), especially following a concerning ultimatum issued by M23 representatives mandating IDPs in Goma to return to their villages. He asserted, “Any return can only take place on a voluntary basis, under safe, dignified and sustainable conditions, in accordance with international principles.”

The core mission of relief teams, Mr. Lemarquis stated, remains the provision of critical assistance guided by humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence, without engagement in political matters. The ongoing crisis in DRC is among the most complex humanitarian emergencies globally, exacerbated by enduring conflicts involving both state and non-state armed groups.

Currently, the UNHCR reports that a staggering seven million people are displaced within DRC, with over one million having sought asylum in neighboring countries. Countries hosting these refugees include Angola, Burundi, and Rwanda, while DRC also accommodates more than half a million refugees and asylum seekers. Recently, the crisis has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands in just weeks, with thousands crossing into Burundi.

The UNHCR has issued an urgent appeal for increased support to aid refugees and mitigate further suffering, stressing the necessity of ending hostilities in eastern DRC to prevent additional displacement and protect civilians.

In summary, the situation in eastern DRC is dire, with escalating conflict resulting in significant civilian suffering and displacement. The UN humanitarian coordinator’s urgent appeals underscore the need for immediate action to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and restore dialogue among the warring parties. The international community’s commitment to addressing these urgent humanitarian needs is crucial to alleviate the ongoing crisis and protect vulnerable populations.

Original Source: news.un.org