01/24/2006

Refugees International sent the following letter to the members of the UN Security Council to discuss our concerns surrounding the humanitarian crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Uganda. The letter was sent in anticipation of today's "Arria Formula" meeting, which provided an opportunity for non-governmental organizations and members of the Security Council to discuss the situation in the region.

Dear Ambassador:

Refugees International welcomes the ongoing engagement of the Security Council on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes region of Africa. Despite some positive developments in the Great Lakes, RI remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian crises in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and northern Uganda, as well as the threat of armed groups, including the Lord’s Resistance Army, to regional peace and security. Stability in the Great Lakes region depends on sustained international engagement and increased support for MONUC, as well as commitment from all regional governments to assist their populations, protect them from illegal armed groups, and stem the flow of weapons.

Addressing the humanitarian needs in the eastern DRC continues to be a priority. Congolese national army operations logistically supported by MONUC to disarm local and foreign militia groups, although necessary, are creating increased humanitarian suffering in the short term. Caught in the crossfire and forced to flee to escape harassment and abuse, civilians are difficult for humanitarian agencies to access because of the remoteness of their locations and ongoing insecurity.

Women continue to be systematically targeted for acts of sexual violence by all armed groups. RI welcomes recent steps taken to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation by UN peacekeepers, but more resources, training and commitment to gender equality are needed to ensure the success of initial reforms. Humanitarian response remains critical to meet basic needs of displaced groups and mandated agencies should receive the necessary financial resources. Congolese women and girls who suffer sexual abuse should have access to greater support and improved services.

The capacity of the government of the DRC and its army to guarantee the security of civilian populations should therefore be supported. Simultaneously, Congolese authorities have to ensure that those who commit war crimes, particularly in the case of violence against women, are held accountable; regionally, authorities must take steps to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2004 Gatumba massacre.

Addressing the situation in northern Uganda is another crucial component of peace, stability and development in the Great Lakes. The humanitarian and protection crisis in northern Uganda demands immediate Security Council action. The recent deaths of eight MONUC peacekeepers during a clash with Lord’s Resistance Army fighters further underscores the threat to peace and security in the Great Lakes that the LRA poses. As many as two million Ugandans have been displaced from their villages and are almost totally dependent on international assistance. Sudanese and Congolese civilians are the newest victims. RI endorses the recommendation of the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs that a panel of experts be created to examine the cross-border implications of the actions of the LRA. In addition, RI urges the Security Council to consider how UNMIS and MONUC can mitigate the threat the LRA poses to regional peace and security. Finally, RI urges Security Council members to continue to request regular briefings by the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and begin to request briefings by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The success of the return and reintegration process of refugees and internally displaced persons in Uganda, Burundi and the DRC is also crucial for sustainable peace. In order to avoid violence in the country of origin, return must be voluntary, as in the cases of Burundians living in Tanzania, Sudanese hosted in the DRC, or Congolese residing in Rwanda. Return should take place only to safe and secure areas. It is imperative that all countries in the region respect the principle of non-refoulement and refrain from forcing refugees back. When returns occur, national authorities and the international community should provide greater resources to support basic services and reintegration activities that would allow people to become self-sufficient. Internally displaced persons have returned to stable areas in the DRC and Burundi, but their basic needs are not being met, threatening to undermine any progress made.

Peace, security and development are all pieces of a complex puzzle. Continued Security Council engagement is an important part of any sustainable solution to the horrors that have characterized the Great Lakes region of Africa.

Sincerely,

Michelle Brown
UN Representative
Refugees International