Congo: Statement of the Emergency Relief Coordinator
The Emergency Relief Coordinator remains
deeply concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Republic
of Congo, which has been exacerbated by the continued denial of access
to the Pool region for humanitarian workers.
Since the outbreak of fighting between
members of the Ninja militia and government forces on 27 March, and despite
repeated requests, humanitarians have been impeded from bringing much-needed
food, medicines and shelter materials to some 15,000 internally displaced
persons in the Pool region. The Emergency Relief Coordinator underscores
the urgent need for safe and unimpeded access to be granted by authorities,
in line with international humanitarian law, to safeguard the lives of
vulnerable populations.