### Forgotten refugees: a dark reality in the heart of North Kivu
In the besieged city of Goma, in North Kivu, a human drama takes place. For several days, families of soldiers and police, delivered to themselves, have been piled up in schools, victims not only of the violence that rages in the region, but also of stigma and desperation. A sad reality which, behind statistics and words, hides broken lives and multiple facets.
### An unacceptable situation
The current situation concerns around five thousand people, including many injured and invalid. These families, mainly from the army and the police, are not from the region, which makes their quest for refuge even more desperate. As part of a war that seems endless, these individuals find themselves as parias, driven not only by the rebels of the M23, but also by a system that marginalizes them.
#### Context and issues
The rebels of the M23, which continue to exercise control over strategic areas, consider these families as accomplices. This suspicion stems from a context where the hyperviolence of conflicts between different armed actors has created a generalized mistrust climate. In parallel, families are subject to additional constraints up to the evacuation of schools to allow the return to teaching, a fundamental right which seems strangely priority in the face of the human drama which is played out before our eyes.
### Comparison with other conflicts
This phenomenon is reminiscent of other conflicts around the world. Take the example of the war in Syria, where millions of people have been moved and find themselves awaiting vital humanitarian aid. Such situations highlight the absence of adequate mechanisms to protect the most vulnerable – an observation which crosses borders and which raises the question of the law of displaced people to benefit from a safe and dignified refuge.
### Lighting statistics
Globally, people displaced inside their own country (PDI) are estimated at 50 million according to the latest UNHCR report. Among them, a substantial number is made up of civilians caught in armed conflicts, as in Goma. In this context, it is essential not only to become aware of this crisis but also to act. The data indicates that in many cases, the affected populations do not have access to basic necessities such as food, hospital, and educational aid.
### What solutions?
To straighten the situation, it is imperative to explore lasting solutions. The first step would be to establish a dialogue between all stakeholders. Humanitarian actors must be supported in their mission, not only to provide help, but also to act as intermediaries in conflict areas. What is necessary is a multidimensional approach that includes reconciliation, economic development, and above all, respect for human rights.
### A call for solidarity
While the world continues to evolve, it is crucial that the international community does not look away from the suffering that takes place in Goma. Each voice, each gesture of solidarity counts. We cannot allow ourselves to forget the invisible refugees who live beyond the front lines, in oblivion and sometimes even in the most total indifference.
In conclusion, the future of these families cannot be considered through the prism of war and suspicion. Rather, he should move towards reconciliation, not only with their painful past, but also with a better future. It is time to transform this human tragedy into a story of resilience and hope, by ensuring that each voice counts in the struggle for human dignity in North Kivu.