UN awaits rebel agreement to “unimpeachable” principles

The UN’s principles of engagement for emergency humanitarian assistance in the DRC have been presented to the rebel Rassemblement congolais pour la democratie (RCD) in meetings last Friday (document available from IRIN, or on Reliefweb: http://www.reliefweb.int “Great Lakes section”). The UN mission to Goma follows a successful presentation of the same principles to authorities in Kinshasa. A senior UN official said at the weekend the “pretty straightforward” principles - including clauses relating to impartiality, human rights and freedom of access - were “unimpeachable.” The UN will await confirmation in writing of verbal RCD assurances to abide by the principles. UN agencies have agreed to open a common office in Goma once they resume the delivery of aid. Operations “will largely depend on the security situation and the rebel’s continued efforts to ensure the return of confiscated equipment,” OCHA stated today (Monday).