UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

Since January 2025, the rapid escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has triggered mass displacement within DRC and across borders. Over 77,000 people have fled DRC to neighbouring countries in 2025, the majority since mid-February. As the crisis continues to escalate, the number of people displaced is likely to continue rising. In response to the fast-growing number people displaced by this violence, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has appealed for $40.4 million (USD), increasing its capacity to reach up to 533,000 people by the end of April 2025. GAC funding responds to UNHCR’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Appeal (February-April 2025) and will support assistance to new arrivals from DRC in Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. With GAC’s support, UNHCR will enhance access to safe and dignified reception, registration and transit of new arrivals, and increase multi-sectoral humanitarian assistance for this population in these five neighbouring countries. Project activities include: 1) reception, registration and transportation of new arrivals; 2) provision of protection services; 3) provision of emergency shelter and non-food items; and 4) support for basic needs including clean water, sanitation and hygiene services, health and nutrition.