Action Against Hunger strongly condemns violence against civilians in Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo, which has led to a rapid and significant increase in humanitarian needs. Despite ongoing conflict and insecurity, the organization is preparing to respond to growing needs in this hard-to-access region, which is already home to 1.5 million displaced people.
Since January 8, attacks on villages have escalated in Djugu territory, driving thousands of people from their homes. At the Rhoe displacement site, 28,000 new people have arrived seeking refuge and aid. Rhoe now hosts 70,000 people in total. Camps for internally displaced people have also suffered deadly attacks. With their safety no longer guaranteed, humanitarian workers have been forced to evacuate.
“In these camps, where living conditions are already dire, it is imperative that humanitarian workers be able to provide lifesaving assistance. With the arrival of thousands of newly displaced people, there is growing pressure on health facilities and an increased risk of disease outbreaks,” says Giovanni Sciolto, Country Director for Action Against Hunger in DRC.
Due to unsafe roads and the threat of further violence, Action Against Hunger’s team traveled by air to reach the IDP camps in Rhoe. They have been assessing the humanitarian needs of newly displaced people.
“Aid workers are having difficulty transporting necessities to provide clean water and construct latrines, due to insecurity on the roads. Insecurity prevents us from accessing other areas, including villages of the different communities where humanitarian needs are very high and increasing by the day,” says Sciolto.
Action Against Hunger is concerned about the spiral of violence and calls for a peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflicts. All parties to the conflict must respect civilians and ensure that humanitarians have access to the most vulnerable people, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.
