UNHCR’s presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been established since 1975. As of February 2015, some 221,737 refugees (mainly from Rwanda, Central African Republic -CAR-, Burundi) are hosted in DRC; which is also home to 2,715,185 IDPs while 467,102 Congolese refugees live in neighboring countries. UNHCR is providing assistance and protection to person of concern through 13 offices. |
News and stories about the Democratic Republic of Congo
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Popole makes history – twice – at Rio Games
Congolese judoka wins hearts among fellow refugees and Brazilians with tough story of triumph over adversity.
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Ahead of Rio 2016, capoeira brings a taste of Brazil to DRC
After fleeing violence in CAR refugees focus hopes on Refugee Olympic Team as they practice Brazilian martial art combining dance, acrobatics and music.
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Fresh fighting drives displacement in eastern DR Congo
UNHCR is extremely worried about the welfare of some 36,000 people forced to flee four camps in North Kivu and who are reported to be in a desperate situation.
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Guitars from Malawi camp hit right note with musicians around the world
Hidden among the dirt footpaths of Dzaleka refugee camp, Patron Palushong can be found carving his signature product.
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The most important thing
They fled Angola nearly empty-handed. Now finally returning home, some after decades in exile, 11 refugees present their most cherished belongings.
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Fighting in eastern DRC forces thousands to flee
Clashes between militias, rebel groups since November have driven tens of thousands of people from their homes.
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Congolese refugees flee new South Sudan fighting
Renewed insecurity in Equatoria states forces refugees to flee again and aid groups to leave temporarily.
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Congo border town helps Central African neighbours in need
Since 2013, residents, teachers and medics in Zongo, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, have helped refugees fleeing violence in the Central African Republic.
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Refugee and sexual violence survivor restores hope in Rwanda
Refugee from Democratic Republic of the Congo draws on her experience of sexual and gender-based violence to help others in Rwanda overcome abuse.
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Attacks on foreigners in South Africa expose refugee women to new dangers
DURBAN, South Africa, Oct 20 (UNHCR) - When Congolese refugee Faiza Lugi saw the mob toting machetes and heavy knobkerrie sticks surge down the main street in this port city chanting anti-foreigner slogans,...
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Six years on, Congolese refugees who fled LRA return home from CAR
Violence in neighbouring Anbar forced civilians from their homes, hundreds of whom trickled into his neighbourhood in Baghdad's western Mansour district.
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Refugee student's hard work pays off with scholarship to study in USA
A young Congolese refugee in Zimbabwe achieves his dream of going to university with a scholarship awarded by the US government.
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UNHCR condemns kidnapping of Congolese refugees by LRA rebels
Refugees were living in a camp in the Central African Republic after fleeing previous violence by the Lord's Resistance Army
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A Camp Becomes a Village
As hopes fade for peace back home, many survivors opt to settle for good in Katanga Province. The host community responds with open arms.
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Fire and Rain
A rebel attack six years ago drove Célestine from her home. Last month she was uprooted again, when hundreds of shelters were set ablaze.
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As one year ends, Central African refugees make a wish for 2015
Four refugees and two aid workers at a camp in northern Democratic Republic of the Congo tell UNHCR of their hopes and goals for the coming year.
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Eastern Congo's Beni region rocked by killings, rights abuses and fear
UNHCR calls for humanitarian access to the Beni area of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo amid a deteriorating security and human rights situation.
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Coexisting in Congo: rivals set an example for peace in Katanga village
When a group of Twa people fled fighting with the Luba community, they found shelter in the Luba village of Mukondo, setting an example for peace.