ICRC aiding refugee returns in DRC

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KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was working with its partners in DRC to ensure family unity as conflict there subsides.

The ICRC said it reunited more than 150 children with their families since November as a sense of normalcy returns to the eastern provinces along the border with Rwanda.

"The search continues in partnership with the DRC Red Cross in order to reunite the remaining registered children (more than 120) with their loved ones as soon as possible," the relief organization said in a statement.

Roger Meece, the U.N. special envoy for DRC, hailed the return to eastern DRC of Denis Mukwege, a chief medical doctor known for his work with victims of violence as a weapon of war. Mukwege was the victim of an attack in the region in late 2012

Conflict along the border separating DRC from Rwanda intensified last year when fighters from the March 23 movement mutinied, complaining Kinshasa wasn't honoring the terms of an early truce with rebel forces.

M23 rebels withdrew and entered into later peace talks in neighboring Uganda.