The on-going conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have caused and continue to cause internal and external displacement of populations. In 2017, some 100,000 Congolese fled to neighbouring countries as refugees, due to widespread militia activities, unrest and violence, joining the 585,000 already in exile. The security conditions in DRC, especially in the eastern and central parts have continued to worsen since the beginning of 2018. Because of this, the Congolese refugee population is now among the ten largest in the world. Nearly 55 per cent are children, many crossing borders unaccompanied or separated. Existing camps and sites in many asylum countries are saturated, and available basic services are stretched to the limit. The situation requires support, adequate resources and collaboration so that effective protection and assistance can be delivered efficiently to Congolese refugees.

The Regional Bureau emphasises ensuring a favourable protection environment; providing community-based protection and multi-sectoral assistance; pursuing durable solutions for people of concern; promoting social cohesion and peaceful co-existence; enhancing emergency preparedness and response capacity. “We are never as effective as when the 'whole-of-society' is working together to bring compassion, resources and expertise in response to humanitarian situations. In the spirit of the Global Compact on Refugees and UNHCR’s IDP Policy, governments, NGOs, civil society, private sector and people of concern are UNHCR’s most important partners in responding to the displacement of more than [9.5 million] people of concern in the Southern Africa region.” Regional Director : Valentin Tapsoba