More funds needed for humanitarian work in DR of Congo: Security Council

The United Nations Security Council today said donor countries must "come forward" to help fund the humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the UN body's president.

In a statement to the press following informal consultations on the DRC, Council President Jeremy Greenstock of the United Kingdom said the Congolese humanitarian situation was "horrific" and characterized by "significant under-funding."

"Please would Member States, capitals, look at that under-funding," he said, noting that the UN appeal for $72 million for the DRC was only 13 per cent funded. "There's a lot of work still to be done."

Ambassador Greenstock's comments followed a meeting of the Council during which members heard a briefing by UN Emergency Coordinator Kenzo Oshima on his visit to the DRC during the second week of April.