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The International Trade Centre (ITC) is showcasing its longstanding leadership in sustainable coffee development at the Specialty Coffee Association’s World of Coffee – Europe’s largest coffee trade show – hosted for the first time in Geneva from 26–28 June 2025.

For over two decades, ITC has worked closely with the International Coffee Organization and regional institutions to support coffee value chains and SMEs across Latin America, Africa and Asia. From its flagship publication, The Coffee Guide – now in its fourth edition and widely regarded as the industry reference – to its deep partnerships promoting circular economy and inclusive business models, ITC supports building resilience, competitiveness and sustainable value chains for SME development..

This year’s presence at the World of Coffee spotlights how ITC is investing in value addition, technical capacity building, regional trade, and youth and women-led entrepreneurship – with a focus on accompanying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to benefit from trade while securing better market access and stronger returns. 

ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: ‘Coffee is more than a commodity – for the many small businesses we support in countries across the world, the ability to improve the quality of their beans, process at origin and meet sustainability requirements in the face of rising climate concerns means they’re able to adapt to changes to tap into new markets and compete at the global level.’

ICO Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira said: ‘No one can tackle the coffee sector’s challenges alone. We need expertise, funding, capable people and strong partnerships for collective action. The ICO and ITC have worked together for many years, and Pamela and I have deepened this collaboration – going beyond The Coffee Guide to drive calls to action across numerous coffee-producing countries. Together, we’ve supported efforts ranging from EUDR compliance and new field procedures to market access and boosting local consumption – each critical to increasing incomes where coffee is grown.’

Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said: ‘Uganda reaffirms its ambitious commitment to transform its export trajectory—from $50 billion to $500 billion—through strategic value addition. Coffee will be one of the primary drivers for achieving this target, reinforcing not only our economic competitiveness but also our national transformation agenda. Additionally, the Government of Uganda has set aside $100 million to support investment in the gradual transition of the coffee sector from green bean export to both green bean and soluble coffee exports in a bid to generate more revenue and income for the farmers and the country as a whole.’

In a separate meeting with ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo and her team, Hon. Bwino explored the possibility of a partnership with ITC focusing on value addition through science and technology transfer for sustainably increased coffee processing production.

ITC at World of Coffee

Booth 1359 | Palexpo Geneva | 26–28 June

At Booth 1359, visitors can taste unique coffees from across the globe, connect directly with producers, and learn how ITC programmes are enabling sustainable and inclusive coffee growth from seed to sip.

ITC will also co-host national booths with coffee sector stakeholders from:

• Booth 1359: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana 

• Booth 2469: Burundi

• Booth 2365: Kenya

• Booth 2531: Lao People’s Democratic Republic 

• Booth 2467: Papua New Guinea

• Booth 2271: Rwanda

• Booth 2377: United Republic of Tanzania

• Booth 2371: Uganda

ITC Programmes represented

• ITC Window I Trust Fund, related to the development of methodologies associated with accompanying SMEs in the green transition

• European Union-East African Community Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) II, funded by the EU, will support over 40 coffee companies from East Africa to exhibit and engage with buyers.

• African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) Business-Friendly, funded by the EU and Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, empowers small businesses through value addition, circular economy and trade development.

• Netherlands Trust Fund V, funded by the Government of the Netherlands, supports coffee producers in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal to grow exports and secure livelihoods.

• United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP), funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom and the European Union by maximizing the benefits of respective Economic Partnership Agreements and the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

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During its plenary sitting this afternoon, the National Assembly adopted the report of the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests on the non-disclosures of members’ interests for 2024.

The committee found eight Members of Parliament of the National Assembly in breach of the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for failing to submit their financial and other registrable interests by the deadline of 14 October 2024.

Members found in breach include Mr Mluleki Dlelanga(ANC), Mr Mkhuleko Hlengwa (IFP), Nhlamulo Ndhlela(MK), Mr Mzoleli Mrara (ANC), Ms MasetshegoMofokeng (ANC), Ms Maropene Ramokgopa (ANC), Mr Sihle Zikalala (ANC) and Mr Andries Nel (ANC).

A reprimand in the House and a fine of R10,000 were recommended for the eight members.

The Code serves as a vital instrument in promoting public trust and ensuring that Members of Parliament conduct their duties in the best interests of the people of South Africa. Mandatory disclosure of Members’ financial and other interests is a cornerstone of ethical governance. It helps prevent conflicts of interest, ensures accountability, reinforces public confidence in Parliament and safeguards Parliament’s integrity against undue influence or personal enrichment.

During 2024, which was an election year, Members were required to disclose their registrable interests within 60 working days after the Opening of Parliament. The next disclosure period occurs from 1 April to 30 June annually, i.e. during quarter one of the financial year. Whenever there are changes to their registrable or financial interests’, Members must update their disclosures during the remaining three quarters of the financial year. A Member with no interests to declare must still submit a “nil” return.

Disclosures must be submitted electronically and include detailed information on, among other things, employment, assets, gifts, interests held by immediate family members, and travel. The 2024 Public Register was published on the parliamentary website.

The Registrar of Members’ Interests plays a central role in administering the disclosure process. Among other things, the Registrar maintains the Register, oversees the timely submission of disclosures and handles complaints and preliminary investigations into breaches of the Code.

Where Members fail to disclose their interests or submit false information, the matter is referred to the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests. Depending on the severity of the breach, penalties may include reprimands, fines, suspension or other corrective actions as recommended by the Committee.

Parliament remains committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and transparency, reinforcing its role as a trusted representative of the South African people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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On June 26, 2025, in Vienna, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, Igor Sekreta, met with the Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Gerd Müller.

For reference: UNIDO is a specialised UN agency with a core mandate to assist countries in modernising industrial production, promoting environmentally sound and sustainable industrial development, and introducing and adapting new technologies.

Belarus consistently supports the strengthening of UNIDO’s leading role in promoting sustainable industrial development across the globe and actively utilises the Organisation’s expertise and resources to enhance the competitiveness and environmental sustainability of its industries and to implement modern technologies and standards. 

In December 2020, the Country Programme Framework for cooperation between the Government of Belarus and UNIDO was signed for an initial term of five years. It outlines the priority areas of expanded engagement and joint work, aligned with Belarus’s socio-economic development goals. Its duration has been extended until December 2030.

Belarus traditionally takes an active part in the work of UNIDO’s governing bodies. In November 2023, Belarus was elected for the fifth time to the Industrial Development Board.

I.Sekreta emphasised the symbolic significance of the meeting date – the 80th anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter – and noted the document’s continued relevance today.

The Deputy Minister highlighted the growing demand for UNIDO’s services and expertise in supporting sustainable industrial development and praised the Organisation’s ability to foster effective cross-sectoral cooperation among public and private actors, as well as scientific and expert communities.

The parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Belarus–UNIDO cooperation, the implementation of ongoing technical cooperation projects, and priority areas for further partnership under the existing Country Programme Framework.

Special attention was paid to initiatives in the field of digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including projects in the Brest and Mogilev regions.

The interlocutors also discussed the launch of a project in the “Great Stone” Industrial Park, with Chinese financing, aimed at granting the park eco-industrial status. Satisfaction was expressed with the agreement reached on the UNIDO technical mission to Belarus at the end of July to discuss the matter on-site.

The parties discussed opportunities for uniting Belarus’ efforts to strengthen the industrial and production potential of African countries and UNIDO’s project activities aimed at promoting industrial development in Africa, including through the use of the UNIDO Centre of Excellence in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and the potential of Belarusian industry and agriculture.

The Deputy Minister also addressed the issue of middle-income countries (MICs) and UNIDO’s role as the only organisation with a dedicated Strategic Framework for Partnering with MICs, aimed at helping them overcome development challenges. In this context, Belarus reaffirmed its initiative to update UNIDO’s Strategic Framework for MICs, which will be reviewed at the upcoming 53rd session of the Industrial Development Board (Vienna, June 30 – July 3, 2025).

UNIDO Director General, Gerd Müller, commended the level of cooperation with Belarus and expressed gratitude for the country’s consistent and active support of the Organisation’s work.

G.Müller confirmed UNIDO’s readiness to expand technical cooperation with Belarus and invited the Belarusian side to participate in the 21st session of the UNIDO General Conference, which will be held from 23 to 27 November 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Parties expressed their readiness to further deepen practical cooperation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus.

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H.E. Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, participated in the high-level discussion session titled “Where is the Belt and Road in 2025?” during her role as a co-chair of the World Economic Forum meetings, held from June 23-26, 2025, under the theme “Resilient Economic Policies to Keep Up with Global Change” in Tianjin, China.

The event saw high-level participation from policymakers, private sector leaders, and entrepreneurs from over 90 countries.

During her speech, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat pointed out that international partnerships are always built on shared and mutual interests, adding that the large number of countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reflects its importance. She noted the celebration last year of the 10th anniversary of the initiative’s launch, where participating countries showcased projects being implemented under the Belt and Road Initiative, which supported sustainable infrastructure in areas such as transport, renewable energy, and ports.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat added that each of these projects reflects the national priorities of the countries, and for Egypt, the projects were consistent with the national agenda and strategic goals of the state.

Regarding the stimulating factors contributing to accelerating the implementation of these projects, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat outlined that the Belt and Road Initiative has been a real catalyst in many cases for advancing national strategies. She pointed to the emergence of a number of national and international initiatives that integrate with and support the Belt and Road Initiative in the recent period, noting that China launched the Global Development Initiative several years ago, and many projects implemented under that initiative run in parallel with and support Belt and Road projects.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat also mentioned the issue of financing, explaining that much of the funding directed to these projects came through development finance. She highlighted that, with regard to sustainable transport and renewable energy projects in Egypt, there is a significant mobilization of resources towards the private sector, including low-cost development finance that has contributed to advancing investments.

Regarding relations between Egypt and China, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat stated that the historic visit of the Chinese President to Egypt in 2014 was an important starting point in Egyptian-Chinese relations, followed by the signing of MoU on the Belt and Road Initiative. She noted that relations between the two countries are based on two main aspects: the first relates to investments, with Chinese companies investing in Egypt, and the second is development cooperation between the two governments.

Regarding development cooperation, H.E. Minister Al-Mashat indicated that it includes projects in multiple fields such as health, satellites, and capacity building, noting the role of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) in supporting Egypt’s development agenda, in addition to China signing a debt swap agreement several years ago. She added that Egyptian-Chinese relations are also based on investment and trade, pointing to a large number of Chinese companies within the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone in Egypt, where more than 150 companies operate, providing over 10,000 job opportunities, with diverse activities across multiple sectors.

H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat reiterated that the Belt and Road Initiative does not impose a specific plan on countries; it is not an initiative based on a centralized blueprint that obliges each country to a specific path or project. Instead, it is a flexible framework that adapts to the priorities of each individual country.

Regarding the issue of financing, H.E. Dr. Al-Mashat referred to the “4th Financing for Development” conference to be held in Seville on June 30, a UN conference held every ten years focusing on ways to finance development in developing and emerging economies. She explained that one of the most prominent messages of this conference is that the world needs to reduce reliance on debt and increase the mobilization of resources from the private sector to finance development projects.

H.E. Minister Al-Mashat added that each country has full ownership in designing its projects, in line with its national vision, to then include these projects within the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. Furthermore, the cost of implementing these projects represents a common challenge and has been a strongly debated issue on the global stage for years, requiring innovative solutions and multiple sources of financing. She noted that, concerning debt, there are many international initiatives aimed at addressing this issue, including “debt-for-development and investment swaps” mechanisms.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

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“I was coughing. My eyes were red, and my nose was running. My skin had rashes.” 

7-year-old Djoubeda from Mayo-Oulo village in Cameroon’s North region was at home with her grandmother when she started showing worrying symptoms of measles. 

A highly contagious viral infection, measles spreads easily among the unvaccinated—with young children at highest risk. It’s a serious illness that can require hospital admission, cause permanent disability, and even kill if not treated properly.  

But thankfully help wasn’t far away. Local Cameroon Red Cross Society volunteer, Ramatou—affectionately known as Aunty Ramatou in the village—was called to come see little Djoubeda straight away. 

Ramatou had previously received training in how to recognize and prevent disease outbreaks, and how to quickly report any unusual health events to authorities, through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3).  

“I received training on detecting diseases in the population. When I visited Djoubeda, I deduced her symptoms resembled measles and that inaction could spread it,” she explains. 

Without hesitation, Ramatou notified local health authorities of the suspected measles case using a digital community-based surveillance tool set up through the CP3 programme, then took Djoubeda straight to the nearest health centre. 

Within three days, tests confirmed that Djoubeda did indeed have measles. During that time, Ramatou and fellow CP3 volunteers got to work educating the community in Mayo-Oulo about measles signs and symptoms, how to prevent it from spreading, and how to report if they noticed something was wrong. 

Upon confirmation of measles, local health authorities immediately launched a mass vaccination campaign in and around the village—calling upon Cameroon Red Cross volunteers for their support in sharing trusted health information about the vaccines and encouraging families to bring their children along to be immunized.  

“It’s you, the Red Cross, going around to sensitize us. It’s because of people going around the village talking about vaccination that I brought him,” explains Maya Sylvie, a mother from Mayo-Oulo village who was supported by the Cameroon Red Cross to vaccinate her baby boy. 

To achieve herd immunity against measles and prevent recurring outbreaks, at least 95% of the population must be fully vaccinated. This vaccination campaign was therefore a huge joint effort between local health authorities and Cameroon Red Cross volunteers, who mobilized as many community members as possible to bring their children for their jabs. Thankfully, since this outbreak, local health authorities haven’t recorded any further measles cases. 

“We vaccinated nearly 500 children. What if this epidemic had not been stopped? Measles is deadly. We could have recorded a lot of deaths. After the Ministry vaccinated all the children, we have not had any more cases of measles,” explains Dr Laboulaye, Head of the Mayo-Oulo Health Centre. 

“I want to say to the Red Cross: thank you. Thank you for your support, for all your disease prevention activities and help with the response,” she adds. 

For Ramatou, learning the skills to quickly detect and report outbreaks in Mayo-Oulo was exactly why she wanted to volunteer in the first place: 

“I’ve lived here for over 30 years, since I was 6 years old. I became a CP3 volunteer to help my community. As a volunteer, my motivation is to save lives, ease pain, help the sick, and prevent diseases from spreading. What pleases me is that people listen, volunteers work well, the past diseases are gone and the community values and appreciates our efforts.” 

And as for little Djoubeda, she happily made a full recovery from measles and is grateful to Ramatou for being there for her when she was sick. 

“I was injected and given medicine. I got better and went back home. Aunty Ramatou, who wears the uniform, does her job well,” she says. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

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In early May, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) launched an emergency response to a cholera outbreak in Lomera, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where a gold rush and poor sanitation fuelled rapid spread of the disease. Over 8,000 people were vaccinated and more than 600 patients received treatment, as teams worked around the clock to provide care and improve access to clean water.

Until recently, Lomera was a quiet lakeside village, barely known to most residents of South Kivu, DRC. That changed overnight last December when gold was discovered in its hills.

The rush for fortune—intensified by economic insecurity caused by clashes between the M23/AFC armed group, the Congolese army (FARDC), and their Wazalendo militia allies—has turned Lomera into a magnet for thousands of people seeking work and safety.

In less than a year, the population exploded from 1,500 to more than 12,000. The village is now a sprawling chaos of mineshafts and makeshift shelters.

“We live in tough conditions without much space, but we put up with it because we need to earn a living,” says Chiza Blonza, who left his farm in Walungu (some 90 kilometres away) behind to work the mines.

Every day, more people arrive, crowding into already packed shelters—sometimes 20 to a room. It was only a matter of time before disaster struck.

“Everything that could possibly fuel a cholera outbreak is here,” says Mathilde Cilley, MSF medical adviser. “We’re seeing severe overcrowding, barely any clean water, open defecation on the hills, and a total lack of waste management.”

Cholera is endemic in this part of DRC, and the lake is contaminated by the bacteria, but an epidemic of this scale is unusual. The first 13 cases in Lomera were reported on 20 April. Within two weeks, that number soared by over 700% to 109 cases—a figure likely underestimated. Today, the town accounts for 95% of cholera cases in the Katana health zone, an area that is home to more than 275,000 people.

MSF launched a rapid emergency response on 9 May. Our teams worked around the clock to contain the epidemic. In just four days, we vaccinated more than 8,000 people—though limited supplies meant only single-dose regimens were administered, instead of the recommended two.

More than 600 people have been treated for cholera at a temporary 20-bed cholera treatment unit we set up, with many arriving in critical condition.

“The vast majority of our patients work in the mines, where they use contaminated lake water to separate gold from the earth, exposing themselves to the bacteria,” says Dr Théophile Amani, an MSF doctor in Lomera. “Tough manual labour and high levels of alcohol consumption mean many are already dehydrated even prior to getting infected.”

After treatment, patients receive hygiene kits—buckets, water purification tablets, and soap—and vital health education from MSF staff on how to prevent future infections.

Bonheur Maganda, originally from Kabamba, is among them. He came to work in the mines to provide for his children and said that many of his colleagues had also fallen ill.

“Without MSF, many of them would have died,” he says. “The health promotion officer explained the importance of washing my hands with clean water and being careful with food. I will share this advice with others.”

MSF also installed a lakeside water treatment facility and distribution point, delivering around 60,000 litres of clean water daily. One hundred latrines and twenty-five supervised handwashing points were set up across the settlement, including at restaurants and public gathering spots. Contact tracing and preventive treatment for those exposed to cholera have been crucial in containing the spread.

MSF’s emergency response will soon be handed over to other partners, but there is an urgent need for long-term solutions to guarantee continued access to clean water.

“Without significant investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure, outbreaks like this are likely to persist on a regular basis,” warns Muriel Boursier, MSF’s head of mission in Bukavu. “At present, the nearest well is three kilometres away. International partners and local authorities must step up and implement sustainable solutions.”

Given the constant flux of people moving in and out of the town, further vaccine supplies will also be necessary to protect people.

“South Kivu—and eastern DRC as a whole—are facing major logistical hurdles in getting essential medical supplies, including vaccines, medicines, and equipment, to where they’re needed most,” says Boursier. 

“While insecurity is a factor, the closure of airports in Bukavu and Goma has had an even greater impact, severely restricting our ability to deliver lifesaving aid,” she says. “International cuts to humanitarian funding have also limited the availability of medical supplies. We urge governing authorities and international partners to do everything possible to help restore access and support the sanitary response to the wide range of health emergencies impacting the region.”

Responding to cholera outbreaks remains a central priority for MSF in DRC. In 2024 alone, MSF teams treated more than 15,000 cholera cases nationwide, working alongside local health authorities and communities to save lives and stop the spread of disease.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

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Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), has extended heartfelt congratulations to President Julius Maada Bio on his recent election as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority. In a congratulatory letter, Dr. Donkor emphasized that the election reflects the sub-region’s strong confidence in President Bio’s leadership. He also commended the President’s proven governance record and expressed optimism that his leadership will effectively tackle pressing regional issues such as economic growth, peace, and security throughout West Africa.

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) stands as a premier financial institution dedicated to advancing economic progress across West Africa. Based in Lomé, Togo, EBID finances critical sectors including infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). The Bank is instrumental in promoting regional integration, strengthening the private sector, and reducing poverty within ECOWAS member countries.

During the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Dr. Donkor also engaged in a productive discussion with President Bio. He reaffirmed EBID’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s developmental priorities and lauded President Bio’s leadership. Dr. Donkor pledged to explore potential areas of collaboration between EBID and Sierra Leone.

President Bio’s new role as ECOWAS Chairman highlights Sierra Leone’s expanding influence in regional affairs and represents a pivotal achievement for the nation. His tenure is expected to focus on fostering sustainable economic development, empowering communities, and revitalizing cultural heritage across West Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.

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The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities met this week to receive a briefing on the funding of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, the appointment of the National Youth Development Agency Board (NYDA) and the department’s Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 and annual performance plan for the 2025/26 financial year.

During the committee meeting, members raised serious concerns about the allocated budget of about R5 million for the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. The committee noted that this amount was insufficient to meet the comprehensive needs of the Council and the scale of the challenges the Council aims to address.

Emphasising the importance of sustainable funding, the Chairperson of the committee, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said, “It is imperative that we advocate for a budget that reflects the significance of this issue. The Council must be adequately funded to fulfil its mandate.”

Members also wanted to know how the budget would be used for staffing and operational costs. The department informed the members that discussions with National Treasury are ongoing. The department also assured the committee that it is committed to ensuring the Council has the resources it needs to develop and implement programmes to combat gender-based violence.

The committee was also concerned about the effectiveness of the Sanitary Dignity Framework – a policy aimed at preserving and maintaining the dignity of indigent girls and women during menstruation. “The framework is fragmented and not functioning effectively,” the Chairperson said. “It requires a thorough review to ensure that the funds allocated are spent appropriately.” The committee was also concerned provinces often misallocated the funds they receive for the sanitary dignity programme and highlighted the need for robust oversight to hold provinces accountable.

Tomorrow (27 June), the committee will receive a briefing from the National Youth Development Agency on its strategic plan and annual performance plan for the 2025/26 financial year.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, extends his warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the Republic of Mozambique on the joyful occasion of their Independence Day.

This golden jubilee commemorates five decades of sovereignty, hard-won through the unwavering courage and sacrifice of Mozambique’s liberation struggle in 1975. Your journey to freedom remains an inspiring testament to Africa’s relentless pursuit of self-determination, dignity, and unity. Today, we honor the heroes of the past and celebrate the resilience that continues to define Mozambique’s progress.

We commend Mozambique’s remarkable achievements in fostering peace, reconciliation, and sustainable development, as well as its vital contributions to Africa’s shared prosperity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).

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Speaking from the Goma region, whose main city was overrun by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in January, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher explained that people had suffered “decades of trauma”.

The last few months have been “particularly horrific for so many”, he added, referring to the lawless fall-out from heavy fighting this year between the rebel fighters and the regular DRC army that has been linked to serious human rights abuses, including potential war crimes.

“Most striking today and yesterday has been the stories of sexual violence, and sitting with women who tell horrific stories which are too horrific for me to tell here and who are trying to find the courage to rebuild their lives,” the UN relief chief said.

“We’re there providing that support to them, trying to help them rebuild, but they have been through hell.”

Peace call

All those newly displaced by the M23 rebel advance are in addition to the five million people already living in displacement camps in eastern DRC. Today, more than 20 million people need relief assistance. “They are desperate for this conflict to end,” Mr. Fletcher continued.

A day after NATO Member States agreed to a five per cent increase in funding for their collective defence, investment in the humanitarian work of the UN and its partners is at rock bottom.  

In DRC, a full 70 per cent of UN aid programmes was historically funded by the United States – “amazing generosity over decades” – Mr. Fletcher noted. But today “we’re seeing most of that disappearing”, he insisted, forcing the humanitarian community to make “brutal choices, life-and-death choices” about who receives help.

“For these women – the survivors of sexual violence, for the kids who told me they needed water, for the communities that told me they needed shelter, medicine, these cuts are real right now and people are dying because of the cuts,” the top UN official explained.

Aid teams haven’t stopped

Despite the difficulties linked to the protracted nature of the conflict in DRC and the massive needs, UN aid teams and their partners are “working hard to get access to those communities,” Mr. Fletcher insisted – “trying to get the airport back open, trying to get roads open, trying to unblock checkpoints that are impeding our aid from getting through”.

In an attempt to square the circle of the steadily diminishing amount of aid funding provided globally, Mr. Fletcher recently announced a “hyper-prioritized” plan to save 114 million lives this year. But that is dependent on receiving the necessary funding. “All we’re asking for to do that is one per cent of what the world spent on defence last year,” he continued.

After visiting and connecting with communities impacted time and again by the fighting, the top UN official insisted that they should not be forgotten. “They are the frontlines of the humanitarian effort,” he said.

Communities on front line

“I suppose the glimmer of hope in all of this is, yes, we can work in that more efficient and prioritized way and will do that; but also, the communities here who are – basically – they’ve come through so much and they are determined to support each other.”  

And despite rising antipathy in some countries towards international cooperation including the work and peace-promoting efforts of the United Nations, Mr. Fletcher insisted that reasons for optimism remain.

“I really strongly believe there is a movement out there that will back this work, that will support this work,” he told UN News. “We’ve got to find them. We’ve got to enlist them, and we’ve got to show them that we can deliver for them.

“And, you know, I have not given up on human kindness and human solidarity. I have not given up on the UN Charter for a second. And this work is at the heart of it.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.