UN HUMANITARIAN CHIEF VALERIE AMOS TO VISIT THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO AND RWANDA

GENEVA, Switzerland, August 3, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- UN HUMANITARIAN CHIEF VALERIE AMOS TO VISIT THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO AND RWANDA

WHO: Valerie Amos, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator

WHAT: Mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda

WHEN: 6 - 9 August 2012

WHERE: Kinshasa, Kigali and field visits within both countries

UN Humanitarian Chief Valerie Amos is scheduled to travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda from 6 to 9 August 2012.

The three-day visit aims to draw attention to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the DRC and the effect on the region. She is expected to discuss ways of strengthening relief efforts and mobilizing additional assistance, including financial support, with the Congolese and Rwandan authorities and other humanitarian partners.

Fighting in North Kivu has led to the displacement of more than a quarter of a million people in recent weeks, including tens of thousands across the borders into Rwanda and Uganda. Providing relief and protection to civilians is a priority for the humanitarian community but insecurity and poor infrastructure makes it challenging to reach affected communities. Since 2009, armed conflict in eastern DRC has internally displaced some 2.2 million people.

Ms. Amos is scheduled to travel to North Kivu to see for herself the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the ongoing relief efforts. On 9 August, she is expected to travel to Rwanda, where she plans to visit a camp hosting Congolese refugees.