D.R. CONGO: HUMANITARIAN NEEDS REMAIN DIRE IN SUD-UBANGI DISTRICT

(Kinshasa / New York / Geneva, 26 January 2010): The United Nations and its humanitarian partners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are highly concerned about persistently dire humanitarian needs in the country's north-western Sud-Ubangi district, caused by intense armed violence.

"After weeks of insecurity, the area is now sufficiently safe for humanitarian operations", said Abdou Dieng, acting Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, "and we are stepping up our response efforts". After heavy combats against armed non-governmental elements, law and order is gradually being re-established, thanks to the national army and the United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUC).

Humanitarians estimate that the province currently hosts at least 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), although many more could be present in locations that are not currently accessible. Meanwhile, a further 109,000 people have sought refuge in the bordering Republic of the Congo, and 18,000 in the Central African Republic (CAR). A vast majority of IDPs are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Most are expected to remain at their temporary locations for the immediate future, partly due to security concerns, but also due to lack of functioning infrastructure and supplies in the potential areas of return.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has already distributed a total of 48 metric tons (MT) of food aid for 30 days to 5,739 people in Boyazala and Bozene. Food rations for a further 30-day period, totalling 200 MT, are expected to reach an additional 22,393 IDPs in Bokonzi as soon as the security situation permits

High mortality and morbidity among IDPs is an important concern. Since late December, Médecins Sans Frontières - Belgium (MSF-B) is present in several parts of the district and provides support to local health structures, which has so far benefited at least 4,000 people. The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is planning a vaccination campaign against measles for all children under five, along with the provision of essential medicines, and the treatment of malnutrition for 10,000 children. Provision of non-food items (NFIs) and safe drinking water is also scheduled, along with the rehabilitation of schools and the distribution of educational materials.

Reconstruction remains a top priority, which is expected to allow a gradual return to normality. "Humanitarian activities intend not only to alleviate suffering, but also to facilitate the return of populations in their areas of origin when security conditions allow it", said Frederick Sizaret, Chief of Emergency Programme for UNICEF in the war-torn African country.

The Sud-Ubangi district is part of the country's north-western Equateur Province, located south of the CAR. The area had recurrently been the scene of sporadic inter-communal violence over the past several decades, mainly caused by tensions over limited resources. Intense clashes broke out in October 2009 in the area of Dongo, arising out of disputes over fishing rights - fish being essential to the survival of the impoverished local populations. The initial fights expanded to a much larger area, and gradually turned into widespread armed violence. In December, the national army intervened to re-establish the Government's control, with MONUC's support.

For further information, please contact: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA New York, +1 917 367 5126, bunker@un.org / Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, byrs@un.org / Maurizio Giuliano, OCHA Kinshasa, +243 995 901 533, giuliano@un.org / Stefania Trassari, OCHA Kinshasa, +243 99 2906637, trassari@un.org.

OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int.