The crisis in eastern DRC is escalating due to relentless M23 rebel attacks, displacing over 100,000 people and leading to hundreds of deaths. Human rights violations are rampant, and the security environment is deteriorating, with increasing crime targeting humanitarian agencies. MONUSCO’s operations are heavily constrained in rebel-held areas, yet they continue to protect displaced individuals and advocate for adherence to international laws.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is escalating as ongoing attacks from M23 rebels displace thousands and result in numerous fatalities. The UN humanitarian office, OCHA, reported on Monday that aid workers are among the casualties amidst widespread human rights violations, as articulated by UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, during a New York news briefing.
Recent clashes in the Lubero Territory, located north of Goma, precipitated the flight of over 100,000 individuals, with children comprising nearly half of this number. Dujarric highlighted that several local health facilities have had to suspend their operations due to this violence, with disturbing reports of human rights violations, including incidents of rape.
The security scenario in North and South Kivu has deteriorated significantly due to escalating M23 rebel activity. These rebels are advancing deeper into the region, taking control of critical towns and forcing thousands to flee, while criminal activities have surged in Goma, including home invasions, kidnappings, and vehicle hijackings targeting humanitarian agencies.
Reports indicate that South Kivu, particularly in Bukavu and Uvira, has also experienced a similar uptick in crime, with documented cases of rape and looting. The situation in North Kivu, where a humanitarian worker was fatally injured by a stray bullet during clashes, is grim, with the total number of aid workers killed this year reaching six.
OCHA has urged all conflicting parties to honor their obligations under international humanitarian law. The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, has reported that the security conditions in territories captured by M23 rebels remain unstable and unpredictable. MONUSCO’s capacity to execute its mandate in these regions is significantly constrained.
Despite the challenges, MONUSCO continues to provide refuge to thousands seeking safety within its bases and is actively seeking secure means for their transfer from Goma. On the same day, MONUSCO successfully facilitated the medical evacuation of 19 troops from the Southern African Development Community Mission in DRC.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is on the brink of deepening collapse due to ongoing M23 rebel assaults, displacing tens of thousands and claiming lives. The security environment is deteriorating, marked by escalating crime and violence, with significant implications for humanitarian workers. The call for adherence to international laws remains critical as the situation continues to develop unfavorably.
Original Source: news.un.org
