United Nations Radio

Humanitarian workers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have appealed for close to $40 million to help civilians in the eastern part of the country.

woman and child in North Kivu, DRC

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Assistance (OCHA) says the funds are needed to save the lives of nearly one million civilians in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Relief workers say the already dire situation of these people has become worse after armed attacks and military operations in that part of the country.

They note that women and children have been the most affected by the situation where civilians appear to be constantly fleeing and then returning to their homes.

OCHA says new funds are needed to repair destroyed schools, water supply systems and health services and to respond to acts of sexual violence.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ross Mountain has warned that without additional support, relief workers will fail to meet their responsibility in the country.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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