DR Congo: Shortage of Humanitarian Routes Threatens Aid Operation, Top UN Official Warns
2025-02-13 12:00
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo – A top UN official has warned that a shortage of humanitarian routes is threatening aid operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Insufficient Access
“We are facing a critical shortage of humanitarian routes in the DRC,” said Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. “This is severely hampering our ability to provide life-saving assistance to millions of people in need.”
Griffiths noted that humanitarian organizations are increasingly unable to access conflict-affected areas due to insecurity, roadblocks, and bureaucratic hurdles. “In some cases, armed groups are deliberately denying access to aid workers,” he said.
Dire Humanitarian Situation
The DRC is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. According to the UN, an estimated 26 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. The country has been plagued by armed conflict, displacement, and chronic poverty.
The lack of humanitarian access is exacerbating the situation. Aid organizations are struggling to deliver food, water, shelter, and healthcare to those in need. This is having a devastating impact on vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly.
International Appeal
Griffiths called on the international community to urgently address the shortage of humanitarian routes. “We need all parties to the conflict to respect international law and allow humanitarian organizations to operate freely and safely,” he said.
Griffiths also urged the DRC government to work with humanitarian organizations to establish safe and reliable routes for aid delivery. “The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure that they have access to the assistance they need,” he said.
Time-Sensitive Crisis
“The situation in the DRC is time-sensitive,” Griffiths emphasized. “If we do not act now, millions of people will continue to suffer and die unnecessarily.”
He urged the UN Security Council to take action to address the shortage of humanitarian routes. “The Security Council has a mandate to protect civilians in conflict,” Griffiths said. “It must use its influence to ensure that aid organizations have the access they need to save lives.”
DR Congo: Shortage of humanitarian routes threatens aid operation, top UN official warns
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