Republic of the Congo

2012 UNHCR country operations profile - Republic of the Congo

Working environment

The context

While the economy of the Republic of the Congo registered a slight improvement in 2010-2011, half of its population still lives in poverty. This situation affects refugees and asylum-seekers living in urban centres or in rural communities who are forced to rely on the limited assistance extended to them by UNHCR.

The Congo hosts some 139 000 refugees and asylum-seekers, mainly from Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, but also from Burundi, the Central African Republic (CAR) and Chad. The humanitarian situation worsened following the arrival of nearly 115,000 people in 2009-2010 in north-eastern Congo, fleeing hostilities in Equator Province of the DRC.

The Government of the Congo has requested UNHCR's expertise to draft a contingency plan for the return of more than 9,000 Congolese refugees residing in Gabon, following the invocation of the cessation clause for this group in July 2011.

The needs

Due to a lack of financial resources, UNHCR is unable to provide enough assistance to all refugees and asylum-seekers in urban settings in the Congo, especially Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. However, it is giving targeted support to those with specific needs for health care, housing and livelihoods.

Activities aimed at refugee self-sufficiency and advocacy with the authorities need to be reinforced to pave the way for the gradual withdrawal of assistance and, ultimately, local integration. The neediest individuals, for whom other durable solutions are not an option, will be referred for resettlement, particularly the most vulnerable such as women at risk of violations of their human rights.

UNHCR's expertise and resources are required to support the drafting of the bill for asylum currently being developed by the Ministry of Justice. Further measures are also needed to strengthen the operational capacity of the Government to improve the quality of the refugee status determination (RSD) process, and promote adherence to international standards. About 1,000 claims are still pending with the country's Eligibility Commission; more action is needed to speed up RSD and reduce the backlog.

Main objectives and targets for 2012

Fair protection processes and documentation

The level of individual documentation is increased.

• All adults of concern possess individual protection documentation.
• Around 50 per cent of refugee children possess birth certificates.

Security from violence and exploitation

The risk of sexual and gender-based violence is reduced and the quality of the response is improved.

• 80 per cent of known SGBV survivors receive support.

Basic needs and services

The population of concern has optimal access to reproductive-health and HIV and AIDS services.

• HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment services are extended to some 120 refugee sites.
• All HIV-positive people of concern eligible for anti-retroviral treatment receive the therapy.
• All births are attended by skilled personnel.

Durable solutions

The potential for voluntary return is realized.

• All refugees who express an intention to return to their countries of origin are repatriated back to the DRC.

Self-reliance and livelihoods are improved.

• Some 25 per cent of people of concern have their own business or are self-employed for more than 12 months.

Strategy and activities in 2012

With the start of the voluntary repatriation programme for DRC refugees living in the Congo, UNHCR staff have accompanied cross-border visits by authorities and refugees. The intention of refugees to repatriate will be confirmed after the go-and-see visits, following which return movements should begin during the last months of 2011. These will continue throughout 2012 and 2013 if security in the DRC permits. Material assistance will be provided in 2012, but will be gradually reduced in favour of an extensive local integration programme for those refugees unwilling to return home.

UNHCR will advocate for the local integration of some 10,000 refugees in the north-east who have opted to remain in the Congo. It will encourage the central authorities to issue refugee identity cards to those DRC refugees who arrived between 2009 and 2010. To date they have not been issued with documents -- except for a ration card issued by UNHCR to heads of households.

By the end of 2012, it is expected that all refugees will possess a document proving their refugee status and children will have birth certificates. Most of the refugee children from the DRC living in Likouala currently do not possess birth certificates.

For both the Angolans and Rwandans the cessation clauses will come into force on 30 June 2012. UNHCR will ensure that the recommendations arising from tripartite meetings between the governments of Angola, the Congo, Rwanda and UNHCR are implemented, while providing protection for those who still need it, and promoting local integration for those who do not wish to return to their home countries.

In 2012, UNHCR will monitor the return of Congolese refugees as they repatriate from Gabon, as well as offer targeted assistance to enhance their reintegration prospects within their home communities.

Improving the protection of people of concern to UNHCR, is another essential aspect of the Office's overall strategy for 2012, in particular by assuring that RSD is conducted according to international standards and the capacity of national partners and human rights activists is developed.

UNHCR will also continue to advocate for the finalization and adoption of the draft asylum law for the Congo, offering its expertise. Assistance will also be provided to strengthen the operational capacity of the Government in asylum matters, including in RSD.

UNHCR will continue to monitor cases of arrest and detention of people under its mandate, intervene in all cases of arbitrary arrest and detention, and liaise with government counterparts in cases of discriminatory treatment.

Special attention will be given to ensure that Best Interest Determination (BID) panels are established in Brazzaville, Betou and Impfondo to assess and monitor the situation of unaccompanied and separated children, with a view to promoting family reunification whenever possible and ensuring that care is provided in foster families or institutions in accordance with the relevant standards.

Constraints

In addition to the complex logistics of working in the north and the volatile security situation in neighbouring DRC, funding has become a challenge. The socio-economic conditions affecting the Congolese population are generally precarious, and reduce opportunities for economic integration and self-sufficiency among refugees wishing to remain in the Congo.

The possibility of further influxes resulting from any deterioration in the political and security situation in the DRC would add to the difficulties that already face UNHCR to carry out its activities effectively.

Organization and implementation

Coordination

In the Congo, UNHCR will continue its collaboration with the Government as well as implementing and operational partners.

UNHCR will also cooperate with WFP, UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, UNFPA and UNDP in matters of food distribution, food security, nutritional and health support. General coordination meetings will be held on a regular basis for all UNHCR-funded programmes as well as sectorial meetings in each of the field offices.

Financial information

In 2012, UNHCR budgetary requirements for its programme in the Republic of the Congo will amount to USD 30.6 million; this will include activities to support the voluntary repatriation needs of refugees as well as continued assistance to those still awaiting a durable solution. For 2013, financial needs are estimated to be at USD 29.6 million.

Source: UNHCR Global Appeal 2012-2013

UNHCR contact information