United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (Kinshasa)
Bernard Kalume
18 December 2007
In North Kivu on 15-16 December 2007, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Gutteres, visted the displaced persons camps around Goma and that of Gasasa, in Kiwanja. The aim was for the High Commissioner to see for himself the realities on the ground and to pinpoint the problems in order to find solutions.
In Kiwanja, where he went after visiting the camps of Buhimba and Mugunga where 1,150 families have sought refuge, the High Commissioner followed with consternation the testimonies of the displaced, the endless suffering and precariousness of their current living conditions.
The situation of the women and children most shocked Mr. Gutteres. The case of Mukakarangwa, a lady raped in front of her husband, before his eyes were gouged out and before he was eventually killed, was highly shocking.
"I am dismayed by the way you live and believe me, my heart is with you. I am conscious of all that you've lost - loved ones, property and harvests. I have the right to raise my children in peace, and it is also your right," he said.
The displaced persons explained to him that they needed assistance in the camps, but more than all, they wanted to return to their villages and to continue their daily activities in peace.
In response, Mr. Gutteres promised to knock on all doors in order to find a durable solution to these conflicts which drive thousands from their homes.
"I will see all the people and all the institutions implied in these conflicts and will explain to them that it is imperative to stop the confrontations, so that you can return to your normal lives again," he concluded.
"We want peace! We want to join our cattle and our fields," sang the women and the children as Mr. Gutteres prepared to leave.
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