§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [58159]
§ Clare ShortThe UK is deeply concerned about the impact of the ongoing conflict upon the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We are pressing all parties to the conflict to agree to a cease-fire and to reach a negotiated settlement. The UK has urged all parties not to escalate the conflict in the east following the fall of Kindu to the rebels. It is clear that a resolution cannot be achieved militarily. A negotiated settlement must address the rights of all sections of Congolese society, as well as the legitimate security concerns of its neighbours, whilst respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC itself.
The situation in the west around Kinshasa, stable for several weeks, is now reported to be deteriorating and ethnic tensions, as demonstrated by attacks upon, and detention of, Congolese Tutsi, remain high. 581W Conditions in the east remain poor, with much of the local infrastructure damaged or destroyed. The conflict and movement of refugees are generating a significant requirement for humanitarian aid, but access is a major problem.
The UK is ready to respond to appeals from UN agencies and NGOs. We are already supporting a UNICEF project in the western Bas-Congo region to re-stock and rehabilitate health centres damaged in the conflict. Efforts to promote tolerance and respect for human rights are also being supported. Prior to the current conflict, UK humanitarian assistance to DRC during 1998 stood at almost £350,000.