Highlights
In North Kivu, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO) set on 1 August a security zone around Goma. On 21 August, fighting resumed between FARDC and M23 in the Kibati area, 15 km north of Goma. Populated areas and UN posi-tions were directly targeted by mortars and hit by indiscriminate fire. MONUSCO FIB received from the SRSG the authorization to en-gage in fighting. Up until today fighting continues, with some pro-gress by FARDC supported by the FIB.
UNICEF is deeply concerned about a growing number of children being killed or injured in the renewed fighting. As many as 2,000 are being used as child soldiers in the conflict. In the statement released on 26 July, UNICEF reminded all parties that the recruit-ment and use of children under 18 years of age in armed forces and groups is a crime under Congolese and international law.
In Katanga Province, in August, 112 Children associated with armed groups have been extracted from the Mai Mai Bakata Katan-ga group (40 already reunited with their families). Unicef hopes to assist more than 300 children in the next few weeks.
In North and South Kivu, The Ministry of Education (EPSP) in collaboration with Unicef has identified 80 con-flict affected schools for rehabilitation through a community based cash transfer approach.
In August 15 and 17, launch of the second round of Polio National Immunisation Day (NID) coupled with Vitamin A and deworming.
In Katanga province, 20 suspected measles cases with so far 0 death were reported in five health zones of Lubumbashi (Kenya, Rwashi, Lubumbashi, Katuba and Kisanga) during the 32th epidemiological week.
A Human Rights Watch report released on 22 July accused Rwanda for continuing giving significant support to M23 rebel group in eastern Congo despite ongoing abuses including killings, rape and forced recruitment of children. The report says M23 has summarily executed at least 44 people and raped at least 61 women and girls since March.