Democratic Republic of the Congo: ICRC evacuates war casualties in South Kivu
| Publisher | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
| Publication Date | 12 January 2012 |
| Cite as | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Democratic Republic of the Congo: ICRC evacuates war casualties in South Kivu, 12 January 2012, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/4f18068f2.html [accessed 31 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Heavy fighting has been raging in Shabunda territory of South Kivu province since 31 December.
Since 5 January, 27 injured people, including eight children, have been evacuated to various hospitals in Bukavu with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
"Despite limited resources, health-care services in the area reacted quickly and have provided very effective care," said Laetitia Courtois, the head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Bukavu. "Because of the seriousness of some of the injuries, we offered our help in evacuating the people to the city of Bukavu."
Medical supplies, including dressing materials and antibiotics, have been provided for health-care centres in Nzovu, in Shabunda territory, to enable them to cope with any influx of casualties. At the same time, the ICRC continues to press the authorities and weapon bearers to respect and protect civilians.
"We are very concerned about the escalation in fighting in Shabunda," said Ms Courtois. "The massive population displacement that it causes is severely disrupting the already difficult daily lives of people in the area, who often have to abandon their livelihoods."
