PUBLIC STATEMENT-ActionAid Condemns Human Rights Violations in the East of the Country
ActionAid Condemns Human Rights Violations in the East of the Country
ActionAid DRC strongly condemns the recent attack on Mugunga near Goma city, which resulted in tragic loss of lives and injuries among displaced populations.
ActionAid, in partnership with the humanitarian community, is deeply concerned about the deteriorating situation in the East of the Country. The region has been plagued by serious human rights violations perpetrated by local and foreign armed groups, leading to unimaginable atrocities and a lack of hope for the affected population.
Provinces such as North Kivu, Ituri, South Kivu, Maniema, and Tanganyika have become hotspots for targeted assassinations/murders, rape cases, kidnappings, and other heinous crimes. The population lives in constant fear without any sense of security within their own country.
Despite facing challenges due to limited resources, ActionAid remains committed to supporting those most affected by this crisis. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in this context.
North Kivu province alone is home to approximately 2.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs), with over 1 million residing in Goma city. The displacement caused by conflict has resulted in makeshift camps on the outskirts of Goma where living conditions are deplorable due to insufficient humanitarian assistance.
The resumption of activities by M23 rebels poses further security risks for the already vulnerable population. Recent attacks on May 3rd targeted a site housing displaced people in Mugunga near Goma city. These bombings resulted in more than 40 deaths and over 50 serious injuries - a clear violation of human rights that cannot be tolerated.
As an organization dedicated to community protection, ActionAid strongly denounces these despicable acts and calls upon all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law (IHL), which guarantees safety within camps and ensures they remain unarmed zones.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all those affected by this attack. We urge both Congolese authorities and the wider humanitarian community to strengthen protection mechanisms inside and outside Sites for Human Dignity against such atrocious acts.
For media inquiries or further information:
Yakubu Mohammed Saani
Country Director - ActionAid DRC
Email : Saani.Yakubu@actionaid.org
Phone : +243822911100
About ActionAid DRC:
ActionAid has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for more than 20 years. With a focus on women's rights and social justice issues prevalent in protracted humanitarian crises across the country; particularly targeting Eastern DRC characterized by recurrent violence; our actions have saved countless lives throughout our tenure here.