By The government of Ireland has donated 3.8 million euros towards humanitarian activities in embattled democratic republic of Congo, (DRC).
Ireland’s minister for Trade and Development, Joe Costello yesterday announced the funding. The money is to be used by UN agencies and NGOs in Democratic republic of Congo to be used in responding to the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
DRC civilians, especially in eastern part of the country have suffered from violation of their human rights abused by both rebels and government troops.Many women and underage girls have been raped and homes attacked and destroyed.
The funding will reportedly provide emergency food, water, health care and protection to millions of vulnerable people who are caught up in the long-running conflict, which has claimed millions of lives.
Costello said, ‘Many people are suffering in DRC. After decades of war and mismanagement, the country faces enormous humanitarian needs. More than 7 million people have died since 1998 as a result of the conflict.’
He added on that armed conflict, violence against civilians and the forced recruitment of children into armed groups continue in large areas of the eastern Congo.
Recently fighting broke out between government troops and M23 rebel group. That has led to thousands of people getting displaced with the country and others fled to neighboring Rwanda and Uganda.
It is estimated by UN that about 2.7 million people in DRC have been forced to flee their homes in the past few years. Currently peace talks between government and M23 fighters are taking place as one of the possible means of returning peace in the country.
END