UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for a five-day visit to assess the situation of women and children amidst what is widely seen as Africa's worst humanitarian crisis. Here is one in a series of related reports.
NEW YORK, USA, 28 August 2009 The situation facing children and families in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo was critical enough as they faced increasing conflict and insecurity in recent years, but at this moment the country is facing three major crises, says UNICEF Deputy Representative in DR Congo Steven Lauwerier.
These crises are taking place simultaneously in northern DR Congo, as well as North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, Mr. Lauwerier noted in a recent interview with UNICEF Television.
In all three areas, he said, various factions are battling for territorial control or political power, and relentlessly recruiting children into armed conflict.
Although the Governments of DR Congo, Rwanda and Uganda undertook joint military operations to defeat the armed groups earlier this year, the groups are still fighting. In fact, said Mr. Lauwerier, they are engaging in an unprecedented level of sexual violence, amongst other methods, to terrorize the population.
To read the full story, visit [ Ссылка ]
