UNHCR alarmed over rising death toll in displaced in DRC

Central Africa – The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Friday that growing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is resulting in a surge in death toll and suffering of scores of displaced people. The UN agency further appealed for fresh humanitarian funds to meet the rising need across the country.

“This month, simultaneous attacks by armed groups in Ituri Province have left 11 people dead and 250 homes looted and burned. Between February and June this year, UNHCR and partners recorded over 800 deaths from firearm attacks and machete raids on local communities in Ituri,” reported UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh, briefing journalists in Geneva.

The UNHCR has reported that at least 715 of the people were sheltered in internal displacement sites or were attempting to return to home when they were attacked and killed. “In June alone, 97 were killed in attacks that included abductions, looting, and burning of homes,” UNHCR said.

Scores displaced due to regional conflict

“More than 20,000 people have been driven from their homes by such raids, which are also fueling acute food insecurity in the eastern Ituri province, where agricultural development in this fertile region has been stymied by long-standing intercommunal clashes,” the UN News noted.

“In recent weeks, fighting between the Congolese Army and the M23 (rebel) group in North Kivu Province has displaced more than 160,000 people across Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories. The redeployment of Government troops to this conflict has created power vacuums and a fragile security environment in both Ituri and North Kivu,” said the UNHCR spokesperson.

Urgent need for aid

The humanitarian situation in eastern DRC is extremely vulnerable and volatile due to conflicts between communities and non-state armed groups, clubbed with social and economic chaos and climate crisis. “UNHCR’s operation in DRC has received just 19 per cent of the US$225 million required to respond to the increasing needs of refugee and displaced people with urgent and life-saving support,” said Matthew Saltmarsh.

About Neha Mathur

Neha Mathur brings the most important international news stories to the table. She keeps a keen eye on the global regions & makes people aware of the international events which impact the world.

Neha Mathur

Neha Mathur brings the most important international news stories to the table. She keeps a keen eye on the global regions & makes people aware of the international events which impact the world.

Recent Posts

Tokyo Elder-Care Sector Opens New Jobs for Foreign Workers: Application Steps for Tokyo Residents

As Japan has a fast aging population, Tokyo is greatly growing in the number of healthcare professionals. There is an…

March 13, 2026

How Migrant Workers in Milan Can Legally Report Workplace Abuse in 2026

The migrant workers are a critical component of the labor force in Milan and at the same time one of…

March 13, 2026

Why Digital ID Programs in Jakarta Are Raising Civil Liberties Questions

Indonesia is rapidly expanding its digital governance initiatives, and Jakarta digital ID programs are a major part of this transformation.…

March 13, 2026

Day-One Rights: Changing Your Job in April? Here’s Why You’ll Get More Leave Instantly

A new employment in the United Kingdom may soon be accompanied with more direct rewards. The significant workplace changes that…

March 13, 2026

How the End of the “3-Day Rule” for Sick Pay Changes the UK Workforce

One of the changes that are being experienced in the United Kingdom is a significant change in the policy of…

March 13, 2026

Where Freelancers in Lisbon Are Finding Community Work Clubs in 2026

The Portuguese capital has emerged as one of the most appealing places in Europe to remote workers and digital nomads.…

March 13, 2026

This website uses cookies.

Read More