CONGRESSMAN JOE MORELLE CONDEMNS VIOLENCE IN EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, STANDS WITH ROCHESTER COMMUNITY

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, Congressman Joe Morelle condemned ongoing violence against Banyamulenge and Tutsi communities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and expressed support for members of the Rochester community impacted by the crisis.

“For years the reports coming out of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are horrific: families displaced, communities destroyed, and innocent people targeted simply because of who they are,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Here in Rochester, members of our community are watching this unfold with deep pain for loved ones abroad, and they deserve to know they are not alone.”

Morelle emphasized the need for international attention to the crisis, support the Doha peace process, and called on U.S. leadership to act.

“I urge Secretary of State Marco Rubio to use every diplomatic tool available to help end the violence, ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, and hold those responsible accountable,” Morelle continued. “The United States must stand firmly on the side of human rights and make clear that these atrocities will not be ignored.”

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