In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in camps for displaced people around Goma, capital of the province of North Kivu, an average of 70 women have presented themselves every day in recent weeks in the structures of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), following a sexual assault, according to the NGO. “ Women are exposed to bad people », Explains Rasmané Kaboré, MSF emergency coordinator in this city.
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In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Doctors Without Borders (MSF) warns of the situation of women in displaced persons camps around Goma, in the east of the country. According to the organization, an average of 70 women presented themselves to their structures every day last month following a sexual assault. MSF denounces an increase in the number of cases, and an unacceptable situation, which is explained in particular by their very precarious living conditions.
“ They get attacked in the woods »
“ Women suffer these attacks because the aid provided to these displaced people does not meet their needs, in terms of food provision, shelter needs, and in particular protection needs. », deciphers Rasmané Kaboré, MSF emergency coordinator in Goma, on the microphone of Magali Lagrange.
He explains : ” The camps are located in villages or remote areas. They are seriously lacking in protection, which leaves women exposed to people with malicious intent. Also, when they go into the bush to look for wood to cook with, others to sell it to meet their needs, they are attacked in the woods. »
Rasmané Kaboré asks for help: “ MSF as a humanitarian organization alone cannot meet all needs. So my appeal would be that donors, humanitarian actors, and the authorities can redouble their efforts to meet the needs of these displaced people, to be able to, at least, reduce the exposure of these women. »
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