The U.N. rights chief says eastern Congo’s escalating violence is being forgotten by the world

Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo — Volker Türk, the United Nations human rights chief, has called attention to the escalating violence in eastern Congo, expressing concern that the crisis is being overshadowed by other global conflicts. During a visit to the region on Wednesday, Türk emphasized the urgent need for increased support and peace efforts to address the humanitarian disaster affecting millions.

Eastern Congo, a region rich in resources, has been a battleground for over 120 armed groups vying for control, resulting in mass killings and one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The situation has deteriorated in recent months, with hundreds of thousands displaced, pushing the total number of displaced individuals in the area to approximately 7 million.

Türk's remarks came after meeting displaced persons in Bulengo, near Goma, the region's largest city, which is increasingly threatened by nearby conflicts. "There are a lot of conflicts in the world, and sometimes I have the impression that the situation here is being forgotten," Türk stated, highlighting the global community's apparent neglect.

The intensifying conflict between security forces and the M23 rebel group, believed to be linked to neighboring Rwanda, has exacerbated the displacement, with at least 165,000 people fleeing their homes in March alone. Many have sought refuge in Goma, a city already struggling with overstretched resources and a burgeoning population estimated at 2 million.

Local residents, like Asha Shamamba, a 25-year-old mother of five, voiced frustration over the slow and inadequate humanitarian response. "We’ve been here for two years now and not much has changed," Shamamba said. "When we see these white men marching here, we think they will be able to change something in our situation. But unfortunately, they only come with promises."

The U.N. rights chief stressed that the majority of those displaced are women and children, who are frequently forced to move due to ongoing bombings and gunfire from the surrounding areas. Türk expressed his deep sorrow over their plight and appealed to influential groups and individuals to help bring an end to the violence, although he did not specify any parties by name.

This plea for international attention and action underscores the dire circumstances in eastern Congo and the need for a focused global effort to prevent further humanitarian degradation in the region.