"I have spoken with people driven from their original areas due to violence, massacres, rapes, and who find themselves in the same situation. It breaks my heart to see displaced people in an extremely precarious situation, here, at this site, who yearn for peace," lamented the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, on Wednesday, April 17th, following his visit to the displaced persons camp in Bulengo, in the city of Goma in North Kivu.

Accompanied by the head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, he listened attentively to their accounts and expressed the wish: "May these conflicts end and may everyone who has influence over the armed groups ensure the violence stops."

During a conversation, the displaced individuals notably shared their desire to return to their villages and reclaim their former lives.

The women took advantage of this meeting to discuss the unique challenges they face, specifically those concerning maternal healthcare and access to education for their children.

He thus showed empathy and expressed his commitment to the protection of human rights and the dignity of every individual.

Before Goma, he made a stop in Bunia in the province of Ituri, where he met with the military governor, Lieutenant-General Johnny Luboya.

Boni Tsala