UN peacekeeper providing safety and security to DRC civilians
from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – MILITIA groups have committed at least 440 human rights violations in two of the most dangerous regions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in recent weeks.
The violations documented in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu include murder, sexual violence, kidnappings and looting among others.
Cases of rape committed against minors remain a serious concern.
The statistics are for the period between October 29 and November 4, 2019.
There were 199 infringements in Ituri during the period.
More than 36 000 people have been displaced from their homes following the crisis that re-emerged in the region in June.
They have sought refuge in makeshift camps and host communities.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) lamented that civilians were voluntarily restricting their own movements in affected areas for fear of being attacked by armed men.
UNHCR also bemoaned the situation in North Kivu also remained of concern, with all territories affected by varying degrees of conflict, and the impact being felt by civilians.
The UN agency reported 241 human rights violations in the last week of October.
Armed groups destroying a health centre accused of being associated with the Ebola response.
It was for the second time in one month such an incident occurred.
Aid workers are also struggling to reach affected populations because of the insecurity.
Over 1,5 million people are displaced in North Kivu as of October.
DRC, Africa’s fourth most-populous country (86 million people) is also one of the continent’s most unstable nations.
– CAJ News