Lack of safe access to vulnerable groups in Congo decried by UN relief official

A top United Nations relief official today stressed the urgent need for aid workers to be allowed access to vulnerable people in the Republic of Congo, where the humanitarian situation has been deteriorating.

The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Kenzo Oshima, underscored the urgent need for "safe and unimpeded access" to be granted by Congolese authorities, in line with international humanitarian law, to safeguard the lives of vulnerable populations.

Mr. Oshima said the worsening humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by the continued denial of access for humanitarian workers to the Pool region.