“The international community must support the people of Congo during this time of insecurity and growing humanitarian needs, especially in the eastern region,” said Tom Fletcher, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, after meeting with leaders of the rebel group AFC/M23 on Thursday, June 26, in Goma (North Kivu).
The meeting with AFC/M23 leaders concluded Tom Fletcher’s two-day visit to the North Kivu region.
After touring areas where thousands of displaced people have returned in the territories of Nyiragongo and Masisi (North Kivu), and Minova in Kalehe Territory (South Kivu), the UN official stated that he “witnessed firsthand the suffering of the people,” who are facing epidemics and crises caused by insecurity and humanitarian challenges.
He said: “The needs are huge! And so, the world must support the people of Congo, especially now, as they face difficult and complex situations.”
The United Nations is currently facing funding shortages, which hinder humanitarian operations.
Fletcher added: “But we remain committed, we are engaged, and we are still present.”
He noted that he discussed with AFC/M23 leaders the issue of international humanitarian law in the areas they control.
He also said they discussed matters related to food, healthcare, shelter, protection — especially sexual violence — and safeguarding humanitarian workers.
