Kinshasa, July 2, 2024
On Sunday, June 30, the convoy of a humanitarian NGO was attacked in Butembo, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the death of two humanitarian workers, injuring several others, and causing the destruction of humanitarian property. The members of the INGO Forum deplore this tragic situation, extend their deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed, and offer their unconditional support to the affected organization as well as to all other organizations working in this area.
The INGO Forum condemns this act, which occurs in a context of increasing violence affecting the population of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which also affects humanitarian workers. As humanitarian workers take on increasing risks to provide vital assistance to those affected by conflicts, the extreme violence committed against an NGO in the course of its essential work severely undermines the ability of all organizations to carry out their critical mission. The humanitarian needs in the region are enormous and require continuous and secure intervention.
Humanitarian workers must never be targeted by violence. It is imperative that all parties to the conflict unconditionally respect the work of humanitarians and the physical integrity of their agents to enable them to reach the most vulnerable individuals, regardless of the conflict situation. The risks taken by NGOs today are solely for the benefit of the civilian population affected by conflicts, and acts of violence only hinder an already challenging humanitarian access.
The INGO Forum reiterates that it is essential for all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, the protection of civilians, and unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance. This access includes, among other things, the free and safe movement of humanitarian workers in all conflict-affected areas.
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ENDS
For more information on this communication, please contact Luc Lampriere : representant@forumongi-rdc.orgÂ
The INGO Forum in the DRC is an independent body composed of more than 124 international non-governmental organizations (INGOs). The members of the Forum ensure a presence across all provinces of the country and work in all humanitarian sectors, as well as in development and peacebuilding.
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