DR Congo violence as villagers flee ax, machete attacks

The survivors and the displaced live in a
desperate situation and in constant fear. They
remain at risk of new attacks and have had no
respite for the past three months. They have little
protection against violence and have received
hardly any assistance," Edwards said.
People need shelter, basic aid items, clean
drinking water and access to health services and
schools, he said. Aid projects have been
suspended because of the violence, of particular
concern where disease is already rife.
The UNHCR called on the government to protect
civilians and ensure humanitarian organizations
safe access to Beni and the surrounding areas. attacks over the last three months have
caused widespread fear and displacement. We are
appealing for humanitarian access to help people
in distress," UNHCR spokesman Adrian Edwards
told reporters in Geneva.
On Tuesday, Human Rights Watch also sounded
the alarm, saying its interviews with victims and
witnesses indicated unidentified rebel fighters
had killed at least 184 civilians -- though the
actual number is likely significantly higher -- and
injured many others in attacks on villages in Beni
territory.
About 88,000 people have been forced from their
homes in Beni and the surrounding area, with
some finding shelter with families while others
seek sanctuary in schools or churches, UNHCR
said. The violence has also spread northward
into Orientale province, the agency said.
Meanwhile, more attacks have been threatened,
prompting frightened villagers to flee again
toward larger towns and cities, the UNHCR said.