Humanitarian crisis deepens as violence escalates in DRC

The humanitarian crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is fast deteriorating as violence intensifies, forcing tens of thousands to flee to neighboring countries, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported on Friday.

According to the UNHCR, over 40,000 Congolese nationals, the majority women and children, have arrived in Burundi since February, seeking international protection. The UN refugee agency and its partners are scaling up efforts to provide food and shelter to the new arrivals.

At a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC highlighted the severe impacts of the March 23 Movement in North and South Kivu on civilian safety and security.