The DRC INGO Forum expresses its deepest shock and sorrow following the tragic attack that claimed the lives of three HEKS/EPER humanitarian workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to official information published by the organization (HEKS/EPER), these dedicated aid workers were killed while striving to deliver essential assistance to vulnerable communities affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC.
This attack, which tragically illustrates the extreme and constant risks faced by humanitarian workers committed to upholding the humanitarian principles of humanity, independence, impartiality, and neutrality alongside distressed populations, also underscores the absolute imperative to protect their lives and ensure the continuation of their vital missions.
This attack comes at a time when the humanitarian situation in DRC is reaching catastrophic levels Humanitarian Lifeline in DRC Under Threat: INGOs Call for Urgent Action :
In Goma, more than 3,000 deaths have been recorded since the onset of violence, with at least 2,880 people injured, according to the latest estimates from INGOs on the ground
More than 500,000 people have been newly displaced due to ongoing conflict, further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Healthcare facilities are collapsing: hospitals are overwhelmed, facing severe shortages of beds, water, fuel, and medical staff, while cholera, measles, and mpox outbreaks threaten displaced populations.
The protection of humanitarian workers is increasingly at risk, jeopardizing critical aid delivery
January 2025 saw the highest number of incidents affecting humanitarian workers in at least a decade in North Kivu
In response to this tragic situation, the DRC INGO Forum calls for:
All parties to the conflict to respect International Humanitarian Law and immediately halt attacks on civilians and aid workers.
The global community to strongly condemn these violent acts and reinforce support for humanitarian organizations, ensuring safe and unhindered access to populations in need
Congolese authorities to take urgent measures to ensure the security of humanitarian personnel and hold perpetrators of these attacks accountable.
International donors to urgently mobilize flexible and additional funding to prevent the interruption of humanitarian operations, already under threat due to budget cuts.
The DRC INGO Forum stands in full solidarity with HEKS/EPER and the families of the victims. Despite increasing risks, we remain committed to supporting affected populations and ensuring the continuity of humanitarian assistance.
Press Contacts : representant@forumongi-rdc.org
The INGO Forum in DRC is an independent body of over 124 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). Forum members cover all the country’s provinces and work in all humanitarian, development, and peace-building sectors
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