Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian aid from (a) UK and (b) international NGOs and partners to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UK is deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian impacts of the current situation in North Kivu. At the United Nations Security Council, the UK called on all parties not to obstruct the vital services that humanitarians are providing, and to cease hostilities and uphold the protection of humanitarian workers, as outlined in international humanitarian law. We also urged all parties to consider humanitarian corridors to restore essential services and ensure the safe passage of civilians and aid. The UK remains committed to supporting those most in need, providing £62 million this year in lifesaving humanitarian assistance.