MPs and church aid groups express Congo concerns
-08/04/06
As the Democratic Republic o
MPs and church aid groups express Congo concerns
-08/04/06
As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepares for its first democratic elections in 45 years, a delegation of MPs from the UK has been visiting the DRC to see the situation for themselves ñ meeting, among others, church development workers.
Whilst in the eastern town of Bukavu, the parliamentarians were able to speak to people on the ground and see the truth for themselves reported Ntambala Muzindusi, the director of the Centre for Integrated Development, one of the organisations supported by UK-based international NGO Christian Aid.
The MPs also met with several other Christian Aid partners and local organisations to discuss human rights issues and the political situation in the region.
Both local NGOs and UK MPs agreed that security and the humanitarian situation are closely linked and there can be no progress without peace and this is a prerequisite for development.
Following the meeting Muzindusi said the MPs promised to raise issues that concern NGOs with the British government.
ìThe main issue is security. Security means people are safe to go to work but support is needed to ensure that this is soon translated into lasting peace,î he added.
Although the civil war officially ended in 2003, the civilian population in eastern DRC continues to be subjected to violence perpetrated by rebels, bandits and soldiers.
Rape, torture, kidnapping, murder, looting, and forced displacement are common. The UN reports that 45,000 women and girls were victims of sexual violence in south Kivu Province in 2005.
Fighting has also destroyed roads, homes, schools, and hospitals. As a result many people are prevented from accessing basic services.
The fighting also represents a serious threat to the current electoral process. In addition, calls by some parties to boycott the elections are raising fears that the results will not be accepted and this could lead to increased violence.
The Centre for Integrated Development (CID) works in regions severely affected by years of conflict. It supports farmer organisations to increase agricultural production and access markets to enable them to provide for themselves and earn a living.
CID is also promoting the knowledge of human rights among the farmers, thereby enabling them to defend their interests more effectively.
MPs and church aid groups express Congo concerns
-08/04/06
As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) prepares for its first democratic elections in 45 years, a delegation of MPs from the UK has been visiting the DRC to see the situation for themselves ñ meeting, among others, church development workers.
Whilst in the eastern town of Bukavu, the parliamentarians were able to speak to people on the ground and see the truth for themselves reported Ntambala Muzindusi, the director of the Centre for Integrated Development, one of the organisations supported by UK-based international NGO Christian Aid.
The MPs also met with several other Christian Aid partners and local organisations to discuss human rights issues and the political situation in the region.
Both local NGOs and UK MPs agreed that security and the humanitarian situation are closely linked and there can be no progress without peace and this is a prerequisite for development.
Following the meeting Muzindusi said the MPs promised to raise issues that concern NGOs with the British government.
ìThe main issue is security. Security means people are safe to go to work but support is needed to ensure that this is soon translated into lasting peace,î he added.
Although the civil war officially ended in 2003, the civilian population in eastern DRC continues to be subjected to violence perpetrated by rebels, bandits and soldiers.
Rape, torture, kidnapping, murder, looting, and forced displacement are common. The UN reports that 45,000 women and girls were victims of sexual violence in south Kivu Province in 2005.
Fighting has also destroyed roads, homes, schools, and hospitals. As a result many people are prevented from accessing basic services.
The fighting also represents a serious threat to the current electoral process. In addition, calls by some parties to boycott the elections are raising fears that the results will not be accepted and this could lead to increased violence.
The Centre for Integrated Development (CID) works in regions severely affected by years of conflict. It supports farmer organisations to increase agricultural production and access markets to enable them to provide for themselves and earn a living.
CID is also promoting the knowledge of human rights among the farmers, thereby enabling them to defend their interests more effectively.