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Displaced Congolese

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1Displaced Congolese Empty Displaced Congolese October 5th 2009, 13:24

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

An appalling situation is happening in Congo today, though it has been happening for a long time already. Thousands of civilians have been taken by force to flee camps during various rebel advances, and they began returning to their home areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo today as aid workers are struggling to provide the humanitarian help needed. The following link discusses the need for aid for the suffereing Congolese:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/02/congo-foreignpolicy1

Hopefully we shall be able to come up with an effective resolution on this matter, for help is tremendously needed.

2Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese October 6th 2009, 13:50

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

The wars that have shaken Congo since 1996, killing over 5 million people are officially over. A peace treaty was signed in 2002, followed by general elections held in 2006.

However, conflict and the humanitarian crisis is still going on. According to the International Rescue Committee,45,000 people are dying every month from hunger,disease and violence, at almost the same appalling rate as during the war.

To put the death rate in perspective, at the climax of the Darfur crisis, the conflict related death rate there was less than a third of the Congo’s.

Why has the Congo been so largely forgotten?

Though the Darfur crisis had been neglected, the world suddenly became aware of the genocide occuring there. The Congo, on the other hand, still remains forgotten. Why? It is hard to say. It is estimated that the violence, hunger and poverty will kill twice as many this year as in the entire Darfur conflict.

The long-lasting effects of the war are in fact the foundation of the largest mass-murder since World War II, with the genocide of 800,000 Tutsis in the neighboring nation fo Rwanda.

This must be stopped.

3Displaced Congolese Empty NYT article on Darfur and Congo... October 7th 2009, 14:28

director_garrett



This draws the link between Rwanda and Congo and speaks about why Congo has been ignored while the genocide in Darfur has received so much (although not enough) attention. Jasmine has the PDF file if you want her to send it to you. I copy pasted the content below (but formatting is screwed up).

Rwanda’s Shadow, From Darfur to Congo
July 23, 2006
By Lydia Polgreen
GETI, Congo—Ngava Ngosi did not have much hope for her 3-month-old daughter,
Neena. The looted hospital in eastern Congo where she brought her child had no doctors.
She had already lost two sons to her country’s brutal civil war, and her daughter’s body
was stick-thin, her breath shallow.
As I talked to Ms. Ngosi, I was reminded of an infant in similarly dire condition I had
seen a month earlier in Zam Zam, a camp in Darfur, Sudan. Even though the 1-month-old
Mukhtar Ahmed was near death from pneumonia, at least the camp had a health center, a
doctor and antibiotics.
Last I heard, Mukhtar was recovering at a nearby city hospital. I don’t know if Neena
survived. But it seemed unlikely she would.
In a way, both of their fates were sealed by genocide. One child, Mukhtar, escaped what
many people, including President Bush, are calling the world’s newest genocide, in
Darfur. Neena, in an indirect but inescapable way, is the victim of an older, deeper
wound: the genocide in Rwanda that sparked the grim civil war in Congo that ultimately
took more lives than any conflict since World War II. The difference between life and
death for both these infants may well have been on which side of the great moral chasm
of genocide they stood.
The crisis in Darfur, long neglected, finally burst into the world’s consciousness. Congo
remains largely forgotten. It is hard to understand why. Four million people have died in
Congo since 1998, half of them children under 5, according to the International Rescue
Committee. Though the war in Congo officially ended in 2002, its deadly legacy of
violence and decay will kill twice as many people this year as have died in the entire
Darfur conflict, which began in 2003.
But such numerical comparisons belie a deeper truth. Darfur holds the world’s gaze
because of that magic word, genocide. The word, implying that there are clear criminals
and clear victims, has been perhaps the single greatest attention-getter for efforts,
however feeble, to end the fighting and organize relief efforts, even though the fighting
has lately turned in directions that indicate the situation was never so clear-cut.
The conflict in Congo, by contrast, long ago descended into a free-for-all with many
sides. Instead of Darfur’s seeming moral clarity, it offers a mind-numbing collection of
combatants known by a jumble of acronyms. And that has been a particularly cruel fate,
since the long-lasting war there in fact had its roots in the greatest mass killing since the
Holocaust — the unambiguous genocide of 800,000 mostly ethnic Tutsis in neighboring
Rwanda in the spring of 1994.
After Rwanda’s civil war ended, Hutus who had carried out the genocide fled into Zaire,
as Congo was then known, followed by their Rwandan enemies, bent on revenge. The
rest of the world, wracked by guilt because it stood by as Rwanda bled, did not intervene
in Rwanda’s Congolese conquests. This fighting touched off the next decade of killing.
Rwandan military leaders, with help from Uganda, decided to enrich themselves at
Congo’s expense, and rival home-grown militias soon joined the fray.
“A lot of the killings and horrors were in large part overlooked, either deliberately or
not,” said Anneke Van Woudenberg, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch for
Congo. “The Rwandan genocide was initially why there was limited criticism of Rwanda
and Uganda coming in.”
Nearly a decade later, the memory of how little the world did to stop the slaughter has
been invoked in efforts to end the newest atrocities, in Darfur.
Darfur seemed to present a clear moral choice. The crisis began in 2003 with a rebellion
that sought to end the marginalization of non-Arab tribes by the Arab-dominated
government. The Sudanese government’s brutal military response, aided by murderous
Arab militias, turned into a campaign that killed more than 200,000 people and drove
millions from their homes.
In taking up the cause, many activists and politicians made the conflict into a morality
play — a clear example of genocide in which one group, the Arabs, was determined to
slaughter another, Africans. The Bush administration, which had already intervened to
end the Muslim-led government’s suppression of Christians, describes the killings in
Darfur as genocide.
For all its emotional power, this label has done little to reduce the suffering in Darfur, and
less to force an international solution. Despite the attention from politicians and
celebrities, Darfur relief efforts are chronically short of cash. The peace agreement signed
in May is on life support.
Some analysts have always questioned the use of the word genocide in Darfur, because
the term may mask the possibility that a deeper tragedy is on the horizon.
Recent events in Sudan have revealed that the longer the Darfur conflict goes on, the
more it takes on an awful complexity, for which the notion of genocide may be too
dangerously simple. Rival non-Arab militias, supposedly representing the conflict’s
victims, have turned on each other with a ferocity rivaling that of the feared Janjaweed
Arab militias. Cleavages have opened between the Arab-dominated government and the
Arab militias.
The conflict has leaked into Chad, where Darfurian rebels raid refugee camps to kidnap
boys to fight and Janjaweed militias attack Chadian villagers. The United Nations warned
this month that the crisis may be spreading to the Central African Republic.
The peace agreement between the strongest rebel group and the Sudan government is
shaky, and two other rebel groups have refused to sign the deal. The Sudanese
government has so far refused to allow United Nations peacekeepers to replace the
overmatched African Union force now in place.
So in some ways, the greatest tragedy in Darfur may not be that it could become the next
Rwanda.
It is that it could easily become the next Congo.
If what had seemed to be a clear two-sided conflict continues to devolve into violence,
the death toll in a messy regional war could easily balloon into millions.
Mukhtar, the little boy I met in Zam Zam, may be a symbol of the grim present in Darfur.
But Neena, the dying girl here in Geti, portends what is to come.
On July 30, Congo will hold an election, the first real chance for the people to choose
their own leaders since 1965. The world hopes this event will finally draw a line between
the tragic past and an unknown future. The journey from mass murder to peace, by way
of a gruesome civil war, has been long and deadly.
Darfur may be at just the beginning of that path. For the sake of Mukhtar, and millions
like him, the journey had better be swift.
Copyright 2006
The New York Times Company

4Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese October 18th 2009, 10:57

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

Delegates,
With the violent rebels gone, the displaced Congolese began to see some hope of a clearing up ahead. Those who fled the conflict have begun to return to their nightmarish villages where the equally violent Congolese army dwells... hoping for something better than the poor, unbearable conditions they were living in "in cold, displacement camps." unfortunately, they have only encountered worse. Congo intends to provide more than small banana-leaf huts in the displacement camps in order to guarantee refuge and aid.

Here is an interesting website on what has been occurring in the area lately.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/24/AR2009012401882.html

5Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese October 18th 2009, 13:59

israel_andrea

israel_andrea

The Israeli delegate wishes to emphasize how much Israel is grieving at the Congo's misfortune. 1,200 people each day. Israel has an The International Israeli-Jewish Volunteer Movement called Brit Olam, that seeks to promote social welfare, community leadership, civic participation, and humanitarian aid among and between people and nations. It's emergency division manager, Uri Amit says, "We know about the atrocious situation not only from the news broadcasts, but also from the heartbreaking personal stories told by the Congolese refugees who are residing in Israel and with whom we are in close contact. Although the aid is just a drop in the ocean, at this stage every drop is crucial. The chance of saving even a single child or woman is what drives us."

In 2007, Brit Olam recruited donations of medicines and medical equipment from other organizations that were shipped to East Congo. The delegate of Israel is sad to see a day where hundreds of thousands women (and young girls) are raped just so that they carry the children of the enemy.

Because of this, there are 150 Congolese refugees living in a small community in Israel and Brit Olam also planned an agricultural village for rape victims. The Israeli delegate extends a hand to the delegate of Congo, and hopes there will be a day where this crisis and genocide is over and peace and prosperity returns.

6Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese October 20th 2009, 13:35

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

Thank you, delegate of Israel, for expressing your nation's concern and support on the appalling crisis. The situation resulting mainly from previous conflict is certainly a deteriorating humanitarian situation, and improved humanitarian assistance is most definitely needed for the Congolese population. It is disturbing to recall that the harsh political, economic and humanitarian consequences of the conflict are also harming other neighboring nations.

For any delegations interested, here is a helpful site on a specific overview on the crisis as well as a database of actions being taken on the conflict by the UNHCR itself.

http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/page?page=49e45c366&gclid=COT79oOEzJ0CFUdM5Qoduy1qrQ

7Displaced Congolese Empty congo clash November 6th 2009, 15:48

israel_andrea

israel_andrea

The Israeli delegate wishes to send it's regret of the battle that occurred this week. The clash between Enyele and Munzaya tribes in northern Democratic Republic of the Congo resulted in 16,000 civilians leaving their homes, more than 200 houses burned, 60 people killed, 40 seriously injured . The cause: farming and fishing rights. It's disturbing that such a small thing can cause so much chaos and suffering to it's surroundings.

The Israeli delegate just wishes to understand what the difference between the DRC and the Republic of Congo is and how it affects this situation. If the Congolese delegate could please clarify, it would be most appreciated.

8Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 8th 2009, 12:33

Chad_Taty

Chad_Taty

Delegate of Congo,
The delegate of Chad would like to show its full support towards your resolution. There is a huge similarity between the humanitarian crisis in Congo and the Darfur crisis.
The delegate sees that Darfur might turnout to be the next Congo if nothing is done. So Chad would show its support towards this issue and help end this crisis in Congolese territory.

9Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 8th 2009, 19:36

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

Delegate of Israel,

Once again, thank you for showing your concern on this matter. It is surprising how little delegates have been posting on this topic, but nevertheless, the situation in The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the world's worst humanitarian crises today, obtaining a death toll approaching that of the Nazi's eradication of Jews in WWII.

Very good question. Please delegates, do not get confused over the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo. Republic of the Congo (Brazzaville),also called "Congo-Brazzaville", is a smaller country which bordered the DRC. The larger, "other" Congo, which I am representing is called the Democratic Republic of the Congo (known as Zaire until 1997). The Congo, as a whole, was once an entire nation, yet historically, a division occurred due to differing political and national beliefs between historical leaders of the nation as well as the people.

The delegate of Congo has also become aware of this horrendous uprising which has led to massive displacement among Congolese citizens on Friday! Delegates, the event brought up by the Israeli delegate CLEARLY emphasizes how crucial the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is! People are dying as we speak. The conflict in DRC is affecting neighboring nations as well, given that there are 9 African nations involved in the conflict! Up until this point, the conflict in the DRC was predominantly in the eastern areas, yet now, to make matters worse, ethnic animosity between tribes has been occurring in the west! Displaced persons from the DRC have fled to the Rep. of Congo to seek refuge, and many injured and wounded people are being cared for in hospitals in Brazzaville(Rep. of Congo).

Before the current chaos, there were already 9,000 refugees from DRC in northern Rep. of Congo who seeked safety from the civil war in their country, which formally ended in 2003. Although large numbers went home to the DRC with return of peace, these 9,000 want to settle permanently in the Republic of Congo. The UNHCR is working with the government to find ways to make this possible.

Nations of the UNHCR! The clock is ticking.



Last edited by Congo_Jasmine on November 12th 2009, 08:20; edited 1 time in total

10Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 8th 2009, 19:57

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

And thank you, delegate of Chad, for your support.

Congo and Darfur certainly do share the scars derived from one evil word: hatred. Hatred, which has cost innocent people their freedom, their safety, their families, and their lives. It has left an enormous wound in the pages of a people’s history with endless suffering, fear and staggering violence and destruction. Entire ethnic groups have almost ceased to exist, but the outside world has turned its back, and much of the Congo's conflict has remained outside of the public eye, as Darfur receives attention from the media.

But although Darfur has received a greater amount of attention from the press, little has been done to end the conflict. The problem here is not merely promoting awareness, it is promoting action. The longer the genocide goes on, more dangerous it will become, and the deeper both Congo and Darfur will sink into devastation.

11Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 11th 2009, 10:57

israel_andrea

israel_andrea

Thank you, delegate of Congo, for making that clear. The Israeli delegate wishes for all countries to understand how much suffering is happening. When the Israeli delegate put an alert on refugee and humanitarian issues, at least one more battle from the Congo comes every other day. Yesterday, in another battle of tribes, 21,800 more refugees were created. 5,800 more people have fled the Congo than last weeks refugees. If this rate continues, the Congo will soon have no citizens, and all of it's people will have become refugees. It is clear a solution is needed. So, delegate of the Congo, what does the delegate propose doing in her resolution about the fighting tribes?

12Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 12th 2009, 08:10

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

First, Congo calls upon the full protection of civilians, humanitarian workforce and UN personnel under the threat of physical violence coming from any of the parties engaged in the conflict. This will be done by carrying out joint patrols with security forces and disarming, demobilizing, and monitoring the resources of foreign and Congolese armed groups. Blocking and searching approaches will also be carried out to assume all necessary operations of preventing attacks on civilians and disrupting the military potential of illegal armed groups that continue to use violence in areas of conflict.

Second, Congo expresses its hope that international partners such as the AU and the EU will assist the Congolese government in the attempt of reforming security in such regions. This shall be carried out through the creation of disciplined Congolese forces and through the development of the capacities of national police through efficient training in order to promote peace and security.

13Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 15th 2009, 21:44

Chad_Taty

Chad_Taty

Delegate of Congo,

The delegate of Chad would like to show its support to all the solutions suggested by the delegate of Congo.

The delegate of Chad would only like to know about what will be done with the refugees in Congo. Will they continue in Congo or will they return to their homeland?

Could Chad help somehow?

14Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 15th 2009, 22:40

israel_andrea

israel_andrea

The Israeli delegate also wishes to understand how much aid the Congo will be looking for, money wise. Israel agrees that ensuring the security of the citizens is crucial. To do that, how will you ensure no humanitarian crimes will be committed?

15Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 17th 2009, 14:45

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

Delegate of Chad,

As stated before, there are currently about 9,000 refugees from the DRC who wish to reside permanantly in The Republic of Congo. The UNHCR is working with the government to find ways to make this possible to ease out some of DRC's internal problems, and to allow these people to seek a more guaranteed refuge. However, according to UNICEF, approximately 350,000 internally dosplaced refugees went back to their homes in the DRC, and have decided to remain there.

Yes delegate, Congo definitely needs ALL THE HELP IT CAN GET. If Chad agrees to step up its efforts with solving the DRC conflict, not only will it benefit Congo, but Chad as well. This is the first African World War we are talking about! Are we going to follow through with our committment to the slogan: Never Again? There are currently 9 African nations involved in the conflict! The war has had harsh economic, political and humanitarian consequences on neighboring countries, such as the unexpected load of 16,000 Congolese civilians who fled to the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) for refuge since outbursts of conflict took place in western DRC on November 6, 2009!

Since Chad is a member of the African Union, Congo hope that the AU as a whole will assist the Congolese government in the attempt of reforming security in regions of conflict by creating disciplined and obedient Congolese forces and developing the capacities of national police through efficient training. If all African nations committed to this internationl partner cooperate, Congo's conflicts have a chance of being resolved.

16Displaced Congolese Empty Re: Displaced Congolese November 17th 2009, 15:00

Congo_Jasmine

Congo_Jasmine

Israel,

Congo seeks a total of $65 million for programs aimed at assisting the hundreds of thousands of displaced people in Congo. This will be broken up into $50 million to aid and support the return of around 98,000 Congolese refugees to their homes, covering voluntary aid for Congolese refugees from neighboring nations including The Republic of Congo, Tanzania and Zambia... as well as the easier access to basic services including health, shelter and education. The rest ($15 million) will be used to provide safety and aid for the displaced refugees in milder conditions, living with relatives or host families in the nation.

Congo attempts to impede any humanitarian crimes in such voluntary assistance as well as in the previous answer to Chad's question above.

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