DR Congo emergency
DR Congo emergency
The emergency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world. Conditions for displaced people are worsening on a daily basis as attacks on sites for the internally displaced increase, resources run dry, and many find themselves unable to meet their most urgent needs without humanitarian assistance.
Countries affected: Angola | Burundi | Democratic Republic of the Congo | Republic of the Congo | Uganda | United Republic of Tanzania | Zambia
Leontina Bunyere, 80, and her family are internally displaced Congolese who tried to return home but found it destroyed and had to return to Sake, a temporary compound nearby where they live now.
people are internally displaced across the DRC (as of 30 November 2024)
refugees and asylum-seekers in the DRC
DRC refugees and asylum-seekers in neighbouring countries
Are you a refugee, asylum-seeker or stateless person looking for help? Visit the HELP site to find support and services from UNHCR.
Fragile peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo amid escalating displacement and humanitarian crisis
The DRC remains gripped by one of the world’s most complex displacement crises despite peace efforts. Decades of conflict, instability, epidemics, and climate shocks have uprooted millions, eroding livelihoods and deepening humanitarian needs.
By September 2025, 8.2 million people were displaced, projected to reach 9 million by end-2026, including 5.8 million IDPs. Over 1.2 million Congolese refugees are hosted across Africa, nearly half in Uganda.
Refugee returns are expected to rise, with 20,000 planned in 2026 under tripartite agreements, including 10,000 to Rwanda following the Washington Peace Agreement. However, insecurity, armed groups, gender-based violence, and cholera outbreaks persist, while food insecurity affects 28 million people.
Protracted crisis: UNHCR may designate some situations as protracted crises. This is an informal classification that indicates a long-term crisis with widespread and deepening humanitarian needs. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) falls into this category. Learn more about UNHCR emergency classifications.
We had a good life. There’s no way to go back home, everything has been destroyed. All I’m asking for is peace.
What is UNHCR doing to help?
UNHCR’s 2026 strategy prioritizes strengthening legal frameworks, asylum systems, and inclusion of displaced people in national structures. It will maintain emergency response capacity, lead Protection and Shelter Clusters, and advance durable solutions through community-based mechanisms and alternatives to camps.
UNHCR will support safe returns, relocation, and local integration, while ensuring access to basic services and eco-friendly shelters.
Partnerships with development and peace actors will drive resilience and self-reliance initiatives, including access to land and livelihoods.
Advocacy will continue to prevent violence against women and girls and expand social protection for displaced communities.
