News / Press Release
UN Humanitarian Chief Valerie Amos visits DRC to draw attention to the deteriorating situation
08 Aug 2012 at 10:20hrs | Views
NEW YORK - On the second day of a visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UN Humanitarian Chief Valerie Amos met Congolese Prime Minister Augustin Matata Ponyo in Kinshasa to discuss the increased insecurity in North Kivu which in recent weeks has displaced some 270,000 people. They also discussed the Congolese Government's priorities for the relief effort.
After Kinshasa, Ms. Amos travelled to the conflict-affected province of North Kivu where she discussed with the Vice-Governor the urgent need for food, health care and shelter in displaced communities. She also met humanitarian actors to hear about the current situation, the on-going relief efforts, and the remaining challenges.
"Thousands of people are looking for help and support from their Government and the humanitarian community," said Ms. Amos. "Despite the extremely difficult conditions, aid agencies are delivering assistance to affected people in North Kivu. But we need to do more. To increase our response we need to reach those who need help. Insecurity and poor roads are hampering our efforts."
Ongoing relief efforts are also hampered by the lack of funding. This year, aid organizations need $791 million to respond to the humanitarian challenges in DRC. So far only $341 million has been received.
"While it is clear that there are competing humanitarian demands around the world, we must not forget the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," Ms. Amos said. "They are in the midst of one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world and deserve our continued support," she added.
More than 2.2 million people have been internally displaced throughout the DRC since 2009. Some 656,000 are in North Kivu.
After Kinshasa, Ms. Amos travelled to the conflict-affected province of North Kivu where she discussed with the Vice-Governor the urgent need for food, health care and shelter in displaced communities. She also met humanitarian actors to hear about the current situation, the on-going relief efforts, and the remaining challenges.
"Thousands of people are looking for help and support from their Government and the humanitarian community," said Ms. Amos. "Despite the extremely difficult conditions, aid agencies are delivering assistance to affected people in North Kivu. But we need to do more. To increase our response we need to reach those who need help. Insecurity and poor roads are hampering our efforts."
"While it is clear that there are competing humanitarian demands around the world, we must not forget the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," Ms. Amos said. "They are in the midst of one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world and deserve our continued support," she added.
More than 2.2 million people have been internally displaced throughout the DRC since 2009. Some 656,000 are in North Kivu.
Source - UNITED NATIONS
