Why is it an Area of Concern?

The behavior of the FDLR and the LRA during their retributive attacks in the DR Congo indicate that the targeting of civilians is a primary tactic of both groups. The widespread use of rape by armed actors throughout the DR Congo also indicates the direct targeting of civilians by constituent members of the FDLR, LRA and FARDC. As the Conflict in the DR Congo has been ongoing in multiple forms since the late 1990’s, resulting in a humanitarian situation that has deeply affected many residents of the country’s eastern provinces. This continued insecurity has resulted in widespread displacement across the region, with an estimated 2.1 million people displaced in the DR Congo, with 1.1 million displaced in North Kivu alone. Genocide Intervention Network considers this displacement an example of indifference to civilian harm due to the affects of the displacement including malnutrition and disease.