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Thousands are fleeing DRC's war-torn North Kivu Province. [Photo: UNHCR]
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A humanitarian crisis of massive proportions is unfolding in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the resurgence of violence between rebel groups, governmental forces and pro-government militias.
Thousands of people have been displaced and preliminary reports show that several camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been looted and burnt. Investigations about widespread violations of human rights and humanitarian laws are under way.
[Read more about the crisis in DR Congo]
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"When one was finished the next would start." A victim of rape in DRC. [Photo: IRIN]
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"First, the women were raped in front of their children, their husbands and neighbors. Second, the rapes were done by many men at the same time. Third, not only were the women raped, but their vaginas were mutilated with guns and sticks. These situations show that sex was being used as a weapon that is cheap."
— Denis Mukwege, director of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
In nearly every humanitarian emergency, in nearly every war, a spectrum of brutality is visited disproportionately upon women and girls. Recent statistics show how pervasive the phenomenon is – whether in Myanmar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Balkans, Darfur, Nepal, or elsewhere.
Often called "one of history’s great silences," sexual violence has lately drawn increased attention – and outrage – around the globe, as a growing number of organizations and individuals seek to change the situation and to bring an end to the culture of impunity that enables these crimes.
This past February, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched UNite, a campaign to end violence against women.
"On my visits to conflict-torn areas around the world, I have spoken with women who have endured horrific forms of violence," said the Secretary-General in his opening remarks. "I will forever be haunted by their suffering – but equally, I will always be inspired by their courage. These mothers, sisters, daughters and friends are determined to reclaim their lives."
In addition, 12 UN entities have come together in support of UN Action Against Sexual Violence in Conflict, a global campaign of advocacy and action. As part of UN Action, OCHA is dedicated to the cause of eliminating this horror, and to assisting its victims.
[Read more: - Operationalizing Advocacy - Healing the Wounds of War - A Framework for Prevention and Response]
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Bijago Archipelago, Guinea Bissau: Children at Eva Orango school eat food provided by WFP [Photo: IRIN]
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An unprecedented increase in food prices has affected millions of people around the world. The causes are complex: higher demand for grains along with lower supply and rising fuel and fertilizer costs are central to the issue, but other factors such as bio-fuel conversion, climate change and government agricultural policies also play a significant part.
The potential consequences, on the other hand, are simple and severe. Among these are a rise in worldwide malnutrition rates, increased poverty and vulnerability among millions, and risks of economic and political instability.
In April, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the creation of a High Level Task Force on the global food crisis. Its primary aim is to coordinate the efforts of the United Nations system in addressing all aspects of the crisis. USG John Holmes was appointed Coordinator of the Task Force.
The High-Level Conference on Food Security, held 3-5 June in Rome, examined the impact of soaring food prices and the challenges of climate change and energy security.
The Task Force released its Comprehensive Framework for Action (CFA) in July. The CFA provides a set of measures to address the immediate needs of those affected by the crisis, as well as longer-term actions aimed at the structural components of the crisis.
[Read more: Global Food Trends - Confronting Challenges - Opportunities for Positive Change - Latest Updates]
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