Josh Weiner
Concerns over escalating violence in various regions across the globe have prompted international attention and calls for immediate action. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the neighborhoods of Lac Vert and Mugunga near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, have witnessed a surge in attacks on civilians, exacerbating an already volatile situation. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq expressed deep concern over the tense conditions in Goma, with reports of at least 11 explosive-related incidents since February. Bintou Keita, the Special Representative of the Secretary General for DRC and the head of MONUSCO, strongly condemned the violence and urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law to safeguard civilians.
The unrest in North Kivu has triggered a mass exodus to Goma, where over 500,000 displaced individuals have sought refuge. Despite the challenges posed by insecurity, humanitarian organizations and their partners continue to provide vital assistance to those in need. However, additional funding is urgently required to ensure the effective delivery of aid. The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan, seeking $2.6 billion, remains significantly underfunded at only 17 percent, with $430 million secured thus far. The fully funded plan aims to assist 8.7 million people with humanitarian aid and protection measures.
Meanwhile, in Cambodia, the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the conviction of trade union leader Chhim Sithar has raised serious concerns. Sithar, along with eight others, was sentenced to imprisonment in May 2023 on charges related to a strike at the NagaWorld Casino in Phnom Penh. The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called for Sithar’s immediate release, emphasizing that her conviction violates fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and association guaranteed by the Cambodian Constitution and international law. OHCHR urged the Cambodian Government to uphold human rights principles and allow citizens to exercise their rights freely.
In Haiti, recent attacks by armed gangs in Port-au-Prince have forced thousands of residents to flee their homes. A coordinated attack in the Solino neighborhood on May 1st resulted in widespread destruction, displacing approximately 10,000 individuals. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has activated emergency tracking measures to monitor displacement and coordinate humanitarian assistance. Food distributions and other life-saving aid are underway, but concerns over flooding and the spread of water-borne diseases loom large. Urgent needs include temporary shelters, hygiene kits, and access to clean water to mitigate the impact on affected communities.
