Human Rights Watch, an international non-governmental organisation, has raised concerns over the dire humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following the capture of Uvira town by M23/AFC rebels.
In a statement released on Monday, Dec. 15, Human Rights Watch reported that the offensive launched by M23/AFC, with support from Rwanda in Uvira and the surrounding areas, has resulted in a significant displacement of populations. It stated that access to humanitarian assistance has been severely diminished.
According to figures from the United Nations, approximately 200,000 people have fled the fighting, including over 30,000 who have crossed the border into Burundi. Congolese refugees arriving in Burundi have informed UN officials that they are receiving little to no humanitarian assistance. Human Rights Watch reports that local hospitals and health centres are overwhelmed amid a decline in humanitarian aid due to limited access and financial resources.
The organisation emphasises the suspension of food assistance in the province, stating that the UN World Food Programme has halted its support throughout South Kivu, worsening the living conditions of displaced populations still in areas affected by conflict. They are urging all forces present on the ground to ensure humanitarian access and the protection of civilians. In particular, they demand that the Rwandan authorities and the M23 guarantee access to essential items for the population’s survival, including water, food, and medicine.
Human Rights Watch states that the lack of progress in humanitarian aid, despite recent diplomatic efforts, is concerning.
“The Washington Accords dealing with the situation in the Eastern DR Congo have not permitted improved security nor better access to aid for the civilians near Uvira in South Kivu,” said Clementine de Montjoye, Human Rights Watch’s principal researcher for the Great Lakes region.
While humanitarian needs are rapidly increasing, Human Rights Watch exhorts its international partners to act quickly.
“The situation faced by civilians in South Kivu is more and more perilous, and the humanitarian needs are considerable,” the non-governmental organisation said, calling for an urgent reinforcement of assistance and the adequate protection of civilian populations.
Human Rights Watch has expressed alarm over the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly after the M23/AFC rebels, with Rwandan support, seized Uvira town. The conflict has displaced around 200,000 people, with over 30,000 fleeing to Burundi, where they receive minimal humanitarian support. The organisation highlights the overwhelming pressure on local health facilities and the suspension of the UN World Food Programme’s aid in South Kivu, exacerbating the plight of those in conflict-ridden areas.
Human Rights Watch urges all involved forces to ensure the protection of civilians and access to essential services like food, water, and medicine. Despite diplomatic efforts, progress in humanitarian aid remains limited, with recent agreements showing little effect on improving security or aid distribution in South Kivu. The NGO calls for urgent international action to bolster aid efforts and provide adequate protection for civilians amidst increasing peril and significant humanitarian needs.