DR Congo: Rights chief warns crisis could worsen, without international action
Posted: February 7, 2025, 12:00 AM
GENEVA, Switzerland – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has warned that the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could worsen significantly without urgent international action.
In a statement released on Monday, Türk said that the situation in the DRC is “deeply concerning,” with an estimated 5.5 million people facing severe food insecurity and 2.7 million people displaced from their homes due to conflict.
Türk said that the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, fueled by armed groups and ethnic tensions, is the primary driver of the humanitarian crisis. He expressed concern that the violence is escalating, with reports of summary executions, sexual violence, and other serious human rights violations.
“The international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Congolese people,” Türk said. “Urgent action is needed to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation and to address the root causes of the conflict.”
Türk called on all parties to the conflict to lay down their arms and engage in dialogue. He also urged the international community to provide financial support for humanitarian assistance, as well as to support efforts to promote peace and reconciliation in the DRC.
The DRC has been plagued by conflict and instability for decades. The country is rich in natural resources, but these resources have often been a source of conflict rather than prosperity.
The current conflict in eastern DRC began in 2012, when the M23 rebel group launched an offensive against the Congolese government. The conflict has since spread to other parts of the country, and has caused widespread suffering and displacement.
The international community has been providing humanitarian assistance to the DRC for many years. However, Türk said that more assistance is needed to meet the growing needs of the population.
“The Congolese people have endured years of suffering and hardship,” Türk said. “They deserve a life of peace and dignity. The international community must do everything in its power to support them.”
DR Congo: Rights chief warns crisis could worsen, without international action
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