Security Council Gives Thumbs Down to Attacks in DR Congo, Major Cholera Testing Breakthrough, Give a Big Yes to ‘My Health, My Right’ Campaign!
In a statement following a briefing last week by Bintou Keita, the head of the UN mission, MONUSCO, ambassadors condemned all armed groups operating in the country and demanded the immediate cessation of hostilities and of any further advances by the M23.
They expressed concern over ongoing displacement in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu and called on all donors to scale up support in response to the 2024 humanitarian response plan.
Safe, timely and unhindered access
They called on all parties, in particular the M23 and Congolese armed groups, to provide safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need and to end attacks against civilians.
The Council condemned “foreign military support provided to M23 and any other armed group”, saying any such assistance must end and that foreign fighters must withdraw.
They expressed deep concern at the reports of the Group of Experts on the DRC on foreign military support for M23 – reportedly involving the Russia-based Wagner Group – and direct military interventions on DRC territory.
The Council members condemned in the strongest terms recent attacks against MONUSCO, its personnel and its assets and reiterated their support to the gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of the UN Mission.
They strongly encouraged DRC authorities to take concrete action, including accelerated security sector reform and timely implementation of the national disarmament and demobilisation programme.
The members of the Security Council called on all parties to maintain diplomatic dialogue and to engage on concrete steps towards de-escalation.
Global deployment of rapid diagnostic tests to boost fight against cholera
A massive cholera-busting initiative partnered by the UN is underway, with more than 1.2 million rapid diagnostic tests for the disease heading to 14 countries.
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This is the largest global deployment of cholera tests ever, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The first shipment was due to land in Malawi on Friday.
Coordinated by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the tests will help local health authorities to improve the detection of cholera, monitor outbreaks and judge the effectiveness of their vaccination campaigns.
The cholera test kits are bound for countries at high risk of outbreaks in the coming months, including Ethiopia, Somalia, Syria and Zambia, and they follow pilot studies in DR Congo, Niger and Nepal.
Cholera has been surging globally since 2021, with high numbers of deaths despite the availability of simple, effective and affordable treatment.
The global rise in the preventable disease has been driven by poor access to safe water and sanitation and the failure to detect outbreaks quickly to limit their spread.
Communities impacted often do not have access to basic health services, a situation made worse by climate-related factors, conflict and population displacement, the UN health agency noted.
‘My health, my right’ campaign marks World Health Day
Staying with global health, World Health Day is this Sunday, and WHO is launching a new campaign to champion the right to health of everyone, everywhere.
My health, my right advocates for ensuring universal access to quality health services, education and information as well as safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, quality housing, decent working and environmental conditions and freedom from discrimination.
WHO contends that core challenges consistently compromising the right to health are political inaction, coupled with a lack of accountability and funding and compounded by intolerance, discrimination and stigma.
Populations facing marginalisation or vulnerability suffer the most, such as people who live in poverty, are displaced, are older or live with disabilities, the UN health agency said.
Exacerbated by crises
While inaction and injustice are the major drivers of the global failure to deliver on the right to health, current crises are leading to especially egregious violations.
The burning of fossil fuels is simultaneously driving the climate crisis and violating our right to breathe clean air.
“Everyone deserves access to quality, timely and appropriate health services, without being subjected to discrimination or financial hardship,” said WHO, launching the campaign.
“Yet, in 2021, 4.5 billion people, more than half of the world’s population, were not covered by essential health services, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and disasters.”
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
Could you provide more information on the countries involved in providing military support to armed groups in DR Congo highlighted in this article?
Sure, EmilyJohnson356. The Security Council condemned the foreign military support given to the M23 and other armed groups in DR Congo, urging for immediate cessation and withdrawal of foreign fighters. Countries like Russia, through groups like the Wagner Group, were cited for direct military interventions on DRC territory as per the Group of Experts’ reports. The Council emphasized the need for a halt to such assistance and called for concrete actions by the DRC authorities towards security sector reform and disarmament programs.
It’s crucial that all armed groups in DR Congo cease hostilities immediately. The ongoing displacement and attacks against civilians must come to an end. Foreign military support to these groups must be stopped, and safe humanitarian access must be provided without hindrance. The Security Council’s condemnation of these actions is a step in the right direction towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
It is crucial that all armed groups in DR Congo cease hostilities and allow safe and timely humanitarian access to those in need. The support provided to these groups must end, and foreign fighters should withdraw immediately. The Security Council’s condemnation of attacks against MONUSCO and the emphasis on security sector reform are steps in the right direction towards ensuring stability and peace in the region.
In my opinion, the Security Council’s condemnation of armed groups operating in DR Congo is a crucial step towards promoting peace and stability in the region. It is imperative that all parties, especially the M23 and Congolese armed groups, ensure safe and timely humanitarian access and end attacks against civilians. The international community must continue to support efforts for security sector reform and disarmament to address the root causes of conflict in the DRC.
Security Council Gives Thumbs Down to Attacks in DR Congo, Major Cholera Testing Breakthrough, Give a Big Yes to ‘My Health, My Right’ Campaign! In a statement following a briefing last week by Bintou Keita, the head of the UN mission, MONUSCO, ambassadors condemned all armed groups operating in the country and demanded the immediate cessation of hostilities and of any further advances by the M23. They express concern over ongoing displacement in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu and call on all donors to scale up support in response to the 2024 humanitarian response plan. Safe, timely and unhindered access. They call on all parties, in particular the M23 and Congolese armed groups, to provide safe, timely and unhindered humanitarian access to those in need and to end attacks against civilians. The Council condemns “foreign military support provided to M23 and any other armed group”, saying any such assistance must end and that foreign fighters must withdraw. They express deep concern at the reports of the Group of Experts on the DRC on foreign military support for M23 – reportedly involving the Russia-based Wagner Group – and direct military interventions on DRC territory. The Council members condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks against MONUSCO, its personnel and its assets and reiterate their support to the gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal of the UN Mission. They strongly encourage DRC authorities to take concrete action, including accelerated security sector reform and timely implementation of the national disarmament and demobilisation programme. The members of the Security Council call.
It’s crucial that all armed groups operating in the DR Congo immediately cease hostilities and provide safe humanitarian access to the vulnerable populations. Foreign military support to groups like M23 must come to an end for lasting peace and stability in the region.
It’s crucial that all armed groups operating in DR Congo cease hostilities and provide safe humanitarian access. The condemnation of foreign military support to armed groups must be enforced without delay. The Security Council’s support for withdrawal of the UN Mission is a positive step towards sustainable peace in the region.
Will the ‘My Health, My Right’ campaign include initiatives to improve access to healthcare for vulnerable populations affected by the ongoing conflicts in DR Congo?
Yes, the ‘My Health, My Right’ campaign aims to improve access to healthcare for all populations in DR Congo, especially focusing on vulnerable groups affected by the ongoing conflicts.
Security Council Gives Thumbs Down to Attacks in DR Congo, Major Cholera Testing Breakthrough, Give a Big Yes to ‘My Health, My Right’ Campaign! I believe it’s crucial that all armed groups are condemned and immediate cessation of hostilities is demanded. Safe, timely, and unhindered humanitarian access must be provided to those in need, and attacks against civilians must come to an end. Foreign military support to armed groups should cease, and DRC authorities need to take concrete action for lasting peace and security.