Fatshimetry
On June 20, the whole world comes together to celebrate World Refugee Day. This symbolic date highlights the situation of millions of people forced to flee their homes due to conflicts, persecution and violence in their countries of origin. On this day, it is crucial to recognize the courage and resilience of these individuals who had to abandon their daily lives to seek refuge elsewhere.
In 2024, the theme chosen for World Refugee Day is “For a world that welcomes refugees”. An invitation to solidarity and openness towards those who have been forced to leave everything behind to escape unbearable situations. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) commemorates the 117 million people forcibly displaced across the world, an alarming figure that continues to increase.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the refugee situation is particularly worrying. More than 527,000 people have been forced to leave their countries to seek refuge in Congo, while more than 7.3 million Congolese have been displaced within their own countries due to endemic conflict and violence. It is in this context that the province of Ituri stands out, welcoming both refugees from South Sudan and internally displaced people fleeing cycles of violence.
Despite these significant challenges, the Congolese government, civil society and host communities continue to show their solidarity with the displaced. Thanks to the action of the UNHCR and the humanitarian community, thousands of Congolese families have been able to regain a semblance of stability by integrating new places of life. However, humanitarian needs in the DRC remain among the highest in the world, particularly in terms of food security, health and education.
The fight against malnutrition, gender-based violence and epidemics constitute urgent challenges for the country. It is essential for the international community to continue to support efforts to provide effective humanitarian assistance to displaced populations in the DRC. Only concerted and united action will make it possible to build a more inclusive and protective future for refugees and internally displaced people in the DRC and throughout the world. The path to peace and stability for all requires our unconditional commitment and support.
On this World Refugee Day, let us remember that solidarity and empathy are essential values for building a world where everyone can find their place and refuge. May we work together to welcome, protect and support uprooted people, in order to build a fairer and more humane future for all.