UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

31 December 2010 - In north and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), clashes between armed forces, rebel groups and various militias continue to wreak severe harm on civilians, who are routinely caught in the frontlines of confrontations. The result is extensive humanitarian needs and limited to nonexistent prospects for recovery and development. North Kivu, South Kivu and Orientale Province continue to be plagued by serious human rights violations, food insecurity, high mortality and morbidity rates, horrific sexual violence and considerable and ongoing displacement of population groups. Continued population displacements are straining hosting communities, themselves having limited resources and lacking the most basic services, including health and medical care and safe water infrastructure. With CIDA support, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is addressing the basic needs of refugees and internally displaced populations in the DRC. Activities include: improving access to basic services, including water, healthcare, shelter and sanitation for refugees and displaced populations in camps and urban settings; facilitating the return of displaced populations and providing assistance to sustain their reintegration in areas of origin, including through safe and secure transport to their areas of origin and through the provision of return packages to the most vulnerable returnee households; and supporting the creation of an environment which is conducive to voluntary return in safety and dignity and which reduces the risks of further displacement.