HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS DEEPLY CONCERNED OVER SITUATION IN CONGO REPUBLIC

28 May 2002


United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson issued the following statement today:
“I am deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in the Republic of Congo, in particular in the Pool region, where both parties to the ongoing conflict are showing blatant disregard for the safety and human rights of the civilian population.
“Serious fighting has been reported in and around the towns of Kinkala, Kindamba, Ngoma Tsé-Tsé and Vindza. According to witnesses, government forces have launched air-attacks by helicopter against inhabited villages in the Pool region, and an unknown number of civilians have been killed and injured as a result of indiscriminate rocket and machinegun fire. Widespread destruction of houses and other property is also reported. Dozens of women have allegedly been raped by men in uniform. A number of young men are reported to have been abducted from camps for internally displaced persons. Their fate and whereabouts are unknown.
“Since 27 March 2002, when fighting began, some 45,000 civilians have been displaced in the Pool region, and humanitarian access to the most affected parts of the region has been denied for the last two months. The situation in the besieged town of Kindamba is reported to be particularly critical, with food and medical supplies running low. At the same time, the civilian population of Kindamba continues to suffer from armed attacks by the so-called Ninja rebels.
“I appeal to the Government of the Republic of Congo to take immediate steps to ensure the safety and integrity of the civilian population. I urge the warring parties to grant humanitarian agencies free and unconditional access reach all those in need of assistance in the region of Pool”.



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