Chronic problems combined with war emergencies

The current humanitarian situation in the DRC is characterised by chronic low-intensity problems related to the country's long-term socio-economic decline, compounded by acute localised humanitarian emergencies arising directly from the war, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Darioush Bayandor told IRIN today. The chronic problems, such as food insecurity and poor water and hygiene conditions, need to be addressed through the regular programmes of the UN agencies and their partners, he said. For war-related acute emergencies, such as population displacements, refugee movements, pockets of food shortages and epidemics, the UN country team is considering establishing an inter-agency structure to support rapid humanitarian interventions through information collection, needs assessment and "spot delivery of assistance" to populations in need. Other major concerns in the country include the precarious situation of groups at risk in Kinshasa and other government areas, and reports of successive civilian massacres in rebel-held areas, Bayandor added.