Patrick Maigua reports from Geneva that UNHCR says the IDPs who are currently at two of its camps in the Kibati area are just over a mile away from the rebel front line, which puts their security at risk:
"The IDPs are to be moved to a new camp 15 kilometers away from their current location. UNHCR says there has been sporadic fighting close to the camps and there was the risk that combatants from both sides of the conflict could infiltrate camps. The relocation is expected to take place next week. UNHCR spokesperson in Geneva Ron Redmond says majority of those to be moved will have to make the 15-kilometer journey on foot.
'They are extremely exposed to the possibility of a renewal of fighting and that's causing us great concern... they are extremely uncomfortable they have voiced their concerns about being exposed so it is essential that they be moved away... they have got to be moved quickly and that's why part of this operation will be done on foot. We set up way stations traditionally, health stations, water, food along the route so that people can be fed and have access to water. We use trucks to carry their belongings but we do not have enough vehicles to move everybody.'
UNHCR says the safety of the displaced persons was the sole responsibility of the government, but the agency was working with government forces and UN peacekeepers to ensure the safety of the IDPs was not compromised. An estimated 250,000 people have been displaced in Eastern Congo since the latest fighting broke out in August. Patrick Maigua UN radio Geneva."
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