The UN News Agency is reporting an increase in attacks against humanitarians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There were seven attacks against humanitarians in the region between February 14th and 24th. In comparison, only 15 attacks were reported since January 1st, 2009. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that some of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) attacks have been against health centers in the area. In response, humanitarian groups say they require military protection. The report supports a continuing theme of mine: the destruction of the norm of humanitarian neutrality.
Christopher R. Albon is a political science Ph.D. specializing in armed conflict, public health, human security, and health diplomacy.
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