The indiscriminate shelling of displacement sites in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a heinous act of cowardice and brutality that flagrantly violates international humanitarian law.

Development Diaries reports that a displacement site has been indiscriminately bombed for the third time in less than six months, killing at least 18 people and injuring 32 more, according to data from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

We understand that the civilian population is no longer safe in overcrowded displacement camps, especially women and children.

Also, apart from the random shelling, there has been an increase in security incidents that put the affected people and humanitarian workers in danger due to the heavy artillery located near the camps and the extensive presence of armed groups within the facilities.

Such reprehensible actions not only cause immeasurable suffering to innocent civilians who have already endured unimaginable hardships but also undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.

Targeting displacement sites, where vulnerable individuals seek refuge from violence and conflict, is a betrayal of humanity.

Those responsible for these despicable attacks must be held accountable for their crimes, and concerted efforts must be made to ensure the safety and protection of all civilians in the DRC.

Development Diaries calls on all parties to the conflict to respect the civilian nature of displacement sites, protect civilians, and allow continued life-saving support for populations in dire need of assistance.

Warring parties must safeguard civilians and civilian settlements and permit secure, unrestricted humanitarian access to provide the vulnerable population with neutral, impartial life-saving services.

Source: NRC

Photo source:  Oxfam East Africa