The representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angèle Dikongué-Atangana, recently painted an alarming picture of the situation of people forced to flee in the DRC. During a conference given to the diplomatic corps, she highlighted the major challenges faced by these distressed populations, as well as the actions undertaken by the UNHCR to try to improve their living conditions.
The ongoing crisis in the DRC has led to a daily deterioration in the living conditions of refugees and asylum seekers in the country. The lack of an adequate civil registration system exposes many people to the risk of statelessness, thus increasing their vulnerability.
Despite these difficulties, progress has been made in terms of voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin, such as Rwanda, the Central African Republic, Burundi and South Sudan. However, the number of displaced people remains extremely high, with more than 6.4 million internally displaced people and approximately 1 million Congolese refugees and asylum seekers in neighbouring countries and on the African continent.
The UNHCR representative issued an urgent call for action, urging the Congolese government, friendly governments in the sub-region and the international community to work together to establish lasting peace in the DRC. Because without peace, it is impossible to ensure respect for human rights and sustainable development.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees remains fully committed to finding durable solutions to the problems of displaced people in the DRC. Its actions aim to address the immediate needs of affected populations, strengthen community protection, and promote the autonomy and socio-economic inclusion of displaced people.
Despite the persistent challenges, UNHCR remains committed to acting and supporting vulnerable populations in the DRC. He will continue to work to offer hope for the future to refugees and displaced people, while advocating for lasting peace in the region.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC cannot be ignored. It is imperative that the international community mobilize its efforts to end this suffering and offer a better future to the populations in distress.