Press release
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Humanitarian workers must not be targets: The INGO Forum in the DRC strongly condemns the strike that killed a UNICEF aid worker in Goma and reiterates the obligation to protect civilians and humanitarian personnel.
Goma, 12 March 2026
The International Non-Governmental Organisations Forum (FONGI) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo expresses its deepest shock and indignation, and firmly condemns the strike of 11 March 2026 that killed a UNICEF staff member, and other potential victims, in a residential area of Goma, where many humanitarian and international solidarity workers reside. Forum members extend their profound sorrow and condolences to her family, her loved ones, and her colleagues.
This attack occurs amid an escalation of violence and conflict affecting civilians and increasingly exposing humanitarian workers in eastern DRC. In 2025, 13 aid workers were killed in this part of the country, compared with 9 in 2024. A total of 626 security incidents targeting humanitarian personnel were recorded in 2025, compared to 428 the previous year (OCHA 2025; OCHA 2024). In January 2026, the office of the international NGO War Child in Masisi, North Kivu province, had already suffered significant damage following an air attack in the area
FONGI reminds that humanitarian workers and their facilities are strictly civilian persons and objects. They must never be targeted, in accordance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Humanitarian actors work solely to save lives and respond to affected communities’ needs. Any attack against them gravely undermines access to life-saving assistance for affected populations; their safety, as well as the safety of those they assist, must be unconditionally guaranteed.
FONGI also reaffirms that the protection of civilians remains an absolute obligation for all parties to the conflict. Airstrikes, including drone strikes, in populated areas or near civilian infrastructure pose a direct threat to civilians and violate fundamental principles of IHL. Civilians, including humanitarian staff, must never be targets or collateral damage; this should be prioritized by all actors in their actions and decision making.
The INGO Forum in DRC:
Denounces the attack that claimed the life of an aid worker, and more broadly, all violence targeting civilians and humanitarian personnel;
Reminds that civilian and protected status of humanitarian installations and the strict obligation not to target them;
Urges all parties to the conflict to fully respect IHL, to protect civilians, and to guarantee safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance.
We call on the international community and all stakeholders to firmly condemn these violations and to take urgent measures to prevent such incidents.
Press contacts:
Petra HOSKOVEC, FONGI Representative - representant@forumongi-rdc.org
Lila BOINEL, FONGI Advocacy Manager - advocacy@forumongi-rdc.org
The INGO Forum in DRC is an independent body bringing together more than 130 international non-governmental organisations (INGO). Its members operate across all provinces of the country and work in the fields of humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding.
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