Why is UNICEF Urgently Requesting Funding Amidst the Exodus from Congo to Burundi and Uganda?
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Synopsis
The plight of over 136,000 refugees fleeing violence in eastern DRC highlights a critical humanitarian crisis. As Uganda and Burundi struggle to support these vulnerable populations, UNICEF warns of dire consequences without immediate funding. This situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and action to alleviate suffering and restore stability in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Over 136,000 people have fled eastern DRC due to violence.
- Burundi and Uganda are receiving thousands of refugees.
- Urgent needs include food, water, and medical care.
- UNICEF has requested $22 million to provide support.
- The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the rainy season.
Kinshasa, June 23 (NationPress) Over 136,000 individuals have been forced to flee due to escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since January, seeking safety in neighbouring Burundi and Uganda, as reported by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Monday.
Nearly 67,000 new arrivals have reached Uganda from the eastern DRC, making it one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, while Burundi has welcomed over 70,000 refugees, predominantly women and children, according to UNICEF.
Many of these refugees urgently require food, clean water, medical care, and protection, UNICEF noted in a situation report released on Monday, cautioning that transit centres in both nations are critically overstretched, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The situation is worsening with the onset of the rainy season, heightening risks of flooding, disease outbreaks, and additional displacement. UNICEF has emphasized alarming health issues, including elevated rates of malnutrition, cholera, and measles among children.
UNICEF is calling for $22 million in urgent funding to enhance life-saving support, stressing that without increased financial assistance, its capacity to provide essential services will be significantly limited.
Since January, security conditions in the eastern DRC have sharply declined, driven by a resurgence in conflict involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.
The M23 has captured several key towns, including Goma and Bukavu, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation.
The eastern DRC has been entrenched in conflict for decades, particularly due to actions by the M23, which Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting. In contrast, Rwanda denies any affiliation with the rebel faction, instead accusing the Congolese military of collaborating with remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a group tied to the 1994 genocide.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize that the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC demands immediate global attention. The plight of the refugees highlights the intersection of conflict and human rights, urging us to advocate for their needs and amplify their voices for a better future.
NationPress
23/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation in the eastern DRC?
The eastern DRC is experiencing escalating violence, resulting in over 136,000 people fleeing to Burundi and Uganda since January.
Who is affected by this crisis?
Most of the refugees are women and children, many of whom are in urgent need of food, clean water, and medical care.
What is UNICEF doing to help?
UNICEF is urgently appealing for $22 million to provide life-saving support and essential services to the displaced populations.
What are the health concerns for refugees?
Refugees face critical health issues, including malnutrition, cholera, and measles outbreaks among children.
Why is international support necessary?
Without international funding and support, UNICEF's ability to assist the growing number of refugees will be severely limited.
