UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- Escalating violence in southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has forced thousands of people to flee their homes since August, UN humanitarians said Wednesday.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said its partners reported that nearly 12,000 people fled the Nambya area in Haut-Lomami province to the territory of Mitwaba in Haut-Katanga province on Monday, following attacks that reportedly killed two civilians, injured others, and led to abductions.
OCHA said the newly displaced families joined about 14,500 others who had fled similar attacks earlier this month. The new arrivals are putting more pressure on host communities and driving up humanitarian needs, particularly for protection, shelter, food, health care, water and sanitation.
The office warned that further violence could force more families to flee and make it even harder for humanitarian workers to reach people in need.
OCHA reiterated its call for all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and ensure safe, sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to people in need. ■
