Urgent Need for Humanitarian Aid in Goma
Human Rights Watch has called for Rwandan forces and the M23 armed group to facilitate immediate access to humanitarian aid for Goma’s residents in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The city, captured by M23 on January 27, 2025, has suffered extensive violence, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. This assault has severely restricted essential resources this population desperately needs, such as food, water, and medical supplies.
The Crisis Facing Displaced People
According to Lewis Mudge, Central Africa director at Human Rights Watch, the Rwandan and M23 forces must address the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe as Goma is now home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people fleeing recent conflicts. With ongoing hostilities impacting aid delivery, all parties involved must facilitate access, ensuring safe passage for civilians choosing to leave the city and essential assistance for those remaining.
Infrastructural Damage and Civilian Toll
Reports indicate that Goma, which normally houses over one million residents, now includes many displaced individuals due to recent fighting. The UN estimates about 2,800 injuries and 700 deaths in recent days. Moreover, local healthcare facilities have been compromised, with reports of targeted attacks leading to further deterioration of civilian infrastructure.
Plight of Displacement Camps
As reported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, many treated patients are women and children. The M23’s dismantling of displacement camps in nearby Minova has further endangered these vulnerable groups, with information suggesting that residents were forcibly evicted, left to fend for themselves. This displacement raises concerns about future access to humanitarian support for those affected.
Human Rights Obligations Ignored
Under international humanitarian law, all conflicting parties—including nonstate armed groups—are obligated to ensure unobstructed access to humanitarian aid. Human Rights Watch urges the UN and regional bodies to press the Rwandan government and M23 to fulfill their obligations to safeguard civil rights and provide for those they control, urging immediate action from all involved.
Increasing Desperation Among Residents
The situation in Goma is dire; soaring food prices and disrupted basic utilities like water and electricity are exacerbating the crisis. According to local reports, residents resort to drinking untreated water from Lake Kivu. With supplies scarce after the M23 seized control and a critical aid warehouse looted, the need for sustained humanitarian support has never been greater.
Human Rights Watch urges Rwandan and M23 forces to ensure humanitarian aid reaches Goma, where violence has displaced many. Reports suggest at least 2,800 injuries and 700 fatalities. Local utilities are disrupted, forcing residents to drink unsafe water. International entities need to demand accountability to protect civilians and aid workers, restoring vital aid operations.
Rwanda and M23 armed forces must prioritize facilitating humanitarian aid access in Goma to alleviate the suffering of residents, particularly the growing number of displaced individuals. As the crisis worsens, international organizations must hold them accountable to ensure the protection of civilians and aid workers, and support the restoration of aid operations disrupted by ongoing violence.
Original Source: www.hrw.org
