Democratic Republic of the Congo: Access is key

(New York: 13 November 2003): The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan Egeland, in a meeting with the press in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, reaffirmed the moral obligation of the international community to assist the vulnerable people of Congo.
"We know the Congolese have high expectations of how we can and will assist you. Next week we launch an international appeal for increased assistance to the Congo in 2004. But we also have high expectations of the people and the authorities of this country. You must comply with the agreements signed, in order to bring about the much needed peace and respect for human rights that Congo has long sought."

Mr. Egeland underscored the need for more access to the vulnerable in conflict areas and noted that implementation of the disarmament programme would help realize this. "Peace is the door and access is the key," he said.

He reminded those present that the eyes of the international community are focused on both the aid community and the performance of Congolese authorities. "Your obligation is to be the primary protectorate of your citizens. We will work hand in hand with you to achieve this protection," he said.

He added that the level of suffering in the DRC is unconscionable. Flagrant human rights abuses continue, including sexual violence against women and children.

Today, the Under Secretary General travelled to Kindu and Bukavu in eastern DRC. He met with the governor of the province, whom he urged to continue efforts to end human rights abuses and violations against civilians. The governor assured the USG that he would work to this end. The USG also noted the large development challenge that lies ahead in DRC during the consolidation of peace, due to the serious deterioration of the infrastructure.

Mr. Egeland also visited a nutritional centre run by an Italian NGO that houses 137 severely malnourished children. The USG later met NGO, UN, and MONUC personnel. They informed him that access around the town of Kindu--which had been cut off for several years--is now becoming easier. However, as they move outside the town of Kindu, they are finding large-scale humanitarian needs.

DRC is the biggest humanitarian crisis in the world, with 3.5 million people displaced.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA NY, 917 367 5126, mobile 917 892 1679; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, 41 22 917 26 53. mobile 41 (O) 79 473 45 70.