DRC: Humanitarian crisis in north Kivu at the center of discussions between the prime minister and the UN high commissioner for human rights
Every passing day, the situation worsens in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Plunged into a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by a resurgence of violence that has forced civilian populations to mass displacement away from their homes.
The situation was at the heart of a meeting on Thursday, April 18, 2024, in Kinshasa between the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
« It is clear that what is happening in the East is something that should attract international attention, and we will continue to advocate, especially from the perspective of human rights, for the affected people to find a solution to this », said United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to the press.
Faced with this crisis, the two personalities agreed to strengthen collaboration to better address this challenge. They also expect particular attention from the authorities towards the affected populations.
« With all the challenges that the country currently faces, it is clear and we agree on this, that human rights issues should be directed towards the population and ensure that the needs of the populations are at the forefront of government attention, and that human rights are something transversal that affects all sectors of administration and governance. We had a very fruitful exchange, and I am pleased to have close collaboration between my office, the United Nations, and the Prime Minister and her cabinet », said this senior UN official.
« The humanitarian situation, especially in the East, is precarious due to insecurity, waves of displacement, violence, and conflict. It is crucial that the administration and the United Nations continue to have close collaboration to address this humanitarian challenge and others. For this, we need fruitful collaboration. We agreed to collaborate closely, and I am delighted about that ».
As a reminder, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the humanitarian community launched an appeal on Tuesday, February 20, in Kinshasa, for the mobilization of 2.6 billion dollars to finance the 2024 humanitarian response plan in order to provide vital assistance and protection services to 8.7 million people whose survival largely depends on emergency aid.
