INTER-AGENCY STANDING COMMITTEE EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN OVER LIMITS ON DELIVERY OF ASSISTANCE TO EASTERN ZAIRE
Press Release
IHA/617
INTER-AGENCY STANDING COMMITTEE EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN OVER LIMITS ON DELIVERY OF ASSISTANCE TO EASTERN ZAIRE
19970128 Following is the statement of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee concerning access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to eastern Zaire issued today in New York:The Inter-Agency Standing Committee is gravely concerned about the lack of access to populations in need in eastern Zaire, caused by constraints from all the concerned parties. Effective planning for and provision of humanitarian assistance have been severely hampered throughout the crisis by extreme difficulties in reaching those in need. The recent increase in fighting has further undermined the efforts already undertaken by relief organizations to provide assistance in an area with difficult terrain and challenging logistics. Limitations on access are having a potentially devastating impact on vulnerable populations who are trapped in the middle of the conflict.
The Inter-Agency Standing Committee calls upon all parties concerned to ensure the immediate and safe access of humanitarian organizations to those in need in eastern Zaire.
* *** *