A/HRC/10/59 page 11 29. MONUC has deployed troops in a number of high risk areas and, on some occasions it has also conducted military operations with the goal to protect the civilian population, including to halt the advance of CNDP on Goma at the end of October 2008.11 A number of outside observers are concerned that MONUC does not have the troop strength and civilian capacity to effectively implement its civilian protection responsibility under its expanded Security Council mandate and often fails to prioritize the civilian protection aspect of its mandate. Several interlocutors also indicated that MONUC should make publicly available the information on human rights violations at its disposal in a much more timely fashion. Since 2006, a protection cluster led by UNHCR and co-chaired by MONUC has been set up, which has helped draw more attention to abuses by armed groups and the state security forces. Its performance in some regions has been criticized, not least due to the absence of key actors and shortage of protection staff. 2. Humanitarian crisis affecting economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to health 30. The displaced population in eastern DRC, as well as those who stay trapped in conflict areas, face a dire humanitarian situation often lacking basic food, potable water, shelter or basic hygiene and healthcare facilities or basic education. Schools and health posts have been destroyed or become non-functional because staff has been displaced. Many IDPs have lost all their belongings in the course of repeated displacement or due to pillaging, which further reduces their capacity for survival. An estimated two thirds of population displaced in North Kivu and up to 97 per cent in other provinces have been taken in by host families in keeping with African traditions of hospitality. Despite the fact that the capacities of host communities are often overstretched due to the increasing number of IDPs and the length of their stay, they receive very little humanitarian assistance.12 The remaining IDPs are sheltered in recognized IDP camps or have sought protection around MONUC bases or other ad hoc sites. Their living conditions often fall short of the minimum humanitarian standards recognized by the international community. 31. IDP women met by the Representative of the Secretary-General on the human rights of internally displaced persons in camps around Goma highlighted the rape of IDP women collecting firewood or water as a primary concern. The proximity of FARDC positions to IDP camps, notably the Kibati and Mugunga Camps, undermines the civilian character of the camps and exacerbates general insecurity. 32. While humanitarian organizations are present in the camps, a large percentage of the population is cut off from the humanitarian aid necessary to secure its survival. Despite efforts by humanitarian actors to negotiate safe access with conflict parties and MONUC efforts to secure humanitarian corridors, humanitarian workers continue to be obstructed and often attacked by armed actors from all sides. Logistical difficulties further limit humanitarian access. 33. The massive displacement in the east has further affected the health status and access to health care of an already highly fragile population. The situation in the Kivus region requires the 11 S/2008/773, para. 15, and S/2008/728, para. 59-60. 12 A/HRC/8/6/Add.3, para. 36.