UNHCR says record high 68.5 million people forcibly displaced in 2017
In its annual Global Trends report, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, said 68.5 million people were displaced as of the end of 2017 — a record high.
Civilians in DRC struggle for survival amid growing violence at home
People fleeing unrest in Democratic Republic of Congo at record high. After five months of hiding in the bush from armed men and soldiers, Marie Kapinga is finally back at her family home in ...
Poorer countries host most of the forcibly displaced – report
According to a new UNHCR study, most of the 3.2 million who were driven from their homes in the first half of 2016 found shelter in low or middle income countries. GENEVA – Conflict, ...
Number fleeing Burundi to neighbouring countries tops 300,000
Reception capacities in host countries Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are severely overstretched, UNHCR warns. GENEVA – The number of people fleeing violence, threats, extrajudicial killings, abduction, torture and persecution ...
As beloved imam’s hope for peace live on
For decades, Imam Moussa Bawa worked with Italian nun Sister Maria Concetta to help refugees of all faiths to live in peace. On his death, his successor pledges to continue his work. When they ...
Popole makes history – twice – at Rio Games
Congolese judoka wins hearts among fellow refugees and Brazilians with tough story of triumph over adversity. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – When Popole Misenga’s image appeared on the giant television screen, the waiting crowd ...
Refugee and sexual violence survivor restores hope in Rwanda
KIGALI, Rwanda, Dec 7 (UNHCR)—Jacqueline Umutesi had a traumatic childhood. But that hasn’t stopped the 37-year-old refugee from helping to heal others as one of Rwanda’s most outspoken community organisers fighting sexual and gender ...
Thousands flee South Sudan fighting to Democratic Republic of the Congo
GENEVA, Dec 4 (UNHCR)—Recent fighting between local armed groups and the South Sudan army in the country’s Western Equatoria region has forced over 4,000 people to flee into a remote corner of eastern Democratic ...
As War Drags on, Athletes Cry Foul
They were at the top of their game when fighting shook the Central African Republic. Now living as refugees, six stars wonder if they’ll ever compete at that level again. Martial was a national ...