To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effects of fighting in eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the people in the region; and what support his Department is providing to peace initiatives in those areas. (175513)

The Government are gravely concerned at the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has severe humanitarian consequences, hinders development and has the potential to undermine peace and stability in the region. It has led to around 375,000 people being displaced since December 2006 and a widespread problem of brutal sexual violence and other atrocities.

The UK is committed to finding a lasting solution to the violence. My noble Friend the Minister for Africa, Asia and the UN, the right hon. Lord Malloch-Brown, and other Ministers have spoken with leaders from the region urging them to look for a political solution to the problems affecting the east of the DRC. We are closely engaged with our international partners in efforts to bring the violence to an end.