UNHCR staff members wounded in DR Congo, UN chief calls for full investigation

Unidentified attackers opened occurrence connected the convoy which was being escorted by ‘blue helmets’ from the UN Stabilization Mission successful the DRC (MONUSCO) successful the Mambassa area, Lubero territory, North Kivu province, wherever instability is rife and dozens of equipped groups run freely.

The 3 UNHCR unit received exigency aesculapian assistance astatine the scene, according to a connection from the agency. “They were past brought to information by the (MONUSCO) escort. They person since been transported to infirmary wherever they are receiving treatment”, it continued.

The injured unit were traveling successful a intelligibly marked UNHCR vehicle, and were returning to the metropolis of Beni from the municipality of Kirumba, successful southbound Lubero territory, “after distributing assistance to radical already displaced from their homes by unit and to susceptible families from the big community.”

“UNHCR is shocked and outraged by the onslaught and calls successful the strongest presumption for the respect for planetary humanitarian and quality rights instrumentality to support civilians and humanitarian workers from violence, and to guarantee the perpetrators are brought to justness immediately”, said the agency.

Hold perpetrators accountable: Guterres

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson successful New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres powerfully condemned the attack, carried retired by suspected Mai-Mai militia, and wished a speedy and afloat betterment to the wounded unit members.

Mr. Guterres emphasized that attacks against United Nations unit and humanitarian workers, “may represent a warfare crime”.

“He calls connected the Congolese authorities to spare nary effort successful investigating and promptly holding accountable the perpetrators of this unacceptable attack”, said Mr. Dujarric. 

“The Secretary‑General reaffirms his continued enactment to each humanitarian workers successful their efforts to present assistance to the Congolese people.”