UN relief agency launches 64.5 mln USD appeal for DR Congo

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday launched an appeal of 64.5 million U.S. dollars for the Kasai region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

An estimated 1 million people have been displaced by the violence that erupted in Kasai Central in August 2016 and rippled across neighbouring provinces, leading to civilian deaths, gross human right violations and disruption of livelihoods and education for thousands of children, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"The appeal launched today will provide water, food, health services and basic household items, as well as protection services to minors, women who have suffered sexual violence and other civilians who have been victims of violence," Dujarric said at the daily UN news briefing. Endit