The International Non-Governmental Organizations FORUM in the Democratic Republic of Congo (FONGI-DRC) Condemns the Attack on an NGO and the Death of Humanitarian Workers

On Sunday, June 30, the convoy of a humanitarian NGO was attacked in Butembo, in the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in the death of two humanitarian workers, injuring several others, and destroying humanitarian property. The members of the INGO Forum deplore this tragic situation, extend their deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed, and offer their unconditional support to the affected organization as well as to all other organizations working in this area.

The INGO Forum condemns this act, which occurs in the context of increasing violence affecting the population of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which also targets humanitarian workers. As humanitarian workers take on growing risks to provide vital assistance to those affected by conflicts, the extreme violence committed against an NGO in the course of its essential work severely undermines the ability of all organizations to carry out their critical mission. The humanitarian needs in the region are enormous and require continuous and secure intervention.

Humanitarian workers must never be targeted by violence. All parties to the conflict must unconditionally respect the work of humanitarians and the physical integrity of their agents to enable them to reach the most vulnerable individuals, regardless of the conflict situation. The risks taken by NGOs today are solely for the benefit of the civilian population affected by conflicts, and acts of violence only hinder an already challenging humanitarian access.

The INGO Forum reiterates that all parties to the conflict must respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance. This access includes, among other things, the free and safe movement of humanitarian workers in all conflict-affected areas.