The humanitarian needs of Congolese expelled from Angola continues to be of concern. As of 20 April, some 67,000 Congolese have been registered by local crisis committees in Bandundu and Western Kasai Provinces of DRC.
However, these numbers do not account for the thousands who do not pass through registration points. Observers estimate between 80,000 to 100,000 Congolese are being expelled into these two provinces.
OCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) continues to receive numerous reports of physical and psychological abuse of Congolese civilians reportedly perpetrated by Angolan security forces. Searching for hidden diamonds, security forces are allegedly conducting public and unhygienic internal body searches on adults and children before they are forced to cross the river into Congo. OCHA has also received reports of rape, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, theft of personal belongings, arbitrary detention and killings.
Health and psychological support remains a major concern. These civilians, some of whom have never set foot in Congo, arrive traumatised from their ordeal and with little, if any, means to support themselves. Some have reported walking more than 100 km to arrive, while the sick and weak are often left behind.
According to Angolan authorities, approximately 100,000 illegal immigrants are to be expelled in 2004, out of an estimated 500,000 living in Angola.
Immediate Needs
OCHA led an inter-agency mission on 19 April to Tshikapa in Western Kasai Province. Mission participants included UNHCR, UNICEF, OHCHR, OCHA, CRS, Caritas and representatives from the Congolese Ministry of Solidarity and Humanitarian Affairs and Ministry of the Interior.
The mission participants agreed on the following urgent humanitarian priorities for the affected zones in Bandundu and Western Kasai Provinces: increased international operational capacity, food, health (including psychological support), water and transport.
Kilde: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
