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DR Congo

MONUSCO Police devise project to improve security in displaced camps

Goma, 26 February 2013 – The Police of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) is planning to develop a pilot project of more than one million dollars to train and equip a Congolese special police unit in intervention and combat techniques to fight sexual violence. The special unit’s mission will consist in effectively dealing with the security concerns in IDP camps around Goma, the capital of the Nord Kivu province.

Altogether, 150 police officers will be trained and deployed in Mugunga III camp as well as in Lake Vert, Mugunga I, Nzulo and Bulengo makeshift sites.

It is worth recalling that the project was launched in response to the increase of insecurity in the camps, including armed attacks and rapes over the last months, especially in the camps located at the edge of the Virunga Park where women go and fetch firewood.

Most humanitarians and UN partners acknowledged the relevance of this pilot project, which is yet to be implemented pending available funds.

Clara Padovan/ MONUSCO