Conditions worsen in Congo

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has caused a drastic deterioration in living conditions, a human rights report says.

As the peace process falters, the Human Rights Watch report says, the humanitarian crisis deepens.

The Congo Advocacy Coalition, a collection of 83 aid agencies and human rights groups, called for urgent action to improve protection of civilians and an immediate increase in assistance to vulnerable populations.

Since Aug, 28, fighting has resumed between the Congolese army and rebel forces, breaking a fragile cease-fire that had been in place since the Goma peace agreement was signed in January. An estimated 100,000 civilians were forced to flee in the most recent violence.