Crisis in the Congo!

Thousands of people who fled fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are crossing back into rebel-held territory because they say conditions at refugee camps are intolerable. Many of the refugees report that the camps are without food, water or sanitation facilities. Even though rebel groups are threatening the refugees with death, many people have decided that it is worth the risk to return to their homes. Last week, officials reported numerous instances of rebels killing and raping innocent civilians. In addition, many villages have been looted and emptied by the rebels.

Roads were filled with people returning to rebel-held territory, carrying their belongings on their heads or on their backs. Others, however, fearing renewed violence, left their homes -- overwhelming aid centers. Aid groups are expected to travel into the Congo's rebel-held territory in the coming days to help tens of thousands of people displaced by armed rebels.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the international community cannot allow Congo to become "another Rwanda," where 800,000 died during a 1994 genocide.

Officials stated that humanitarian needs for food, shelter, water and health care must be met through universal provision and secure routes for delivery. Let us not stand silent in the midst of this crisis.