United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR): DR Congo crisis deepens as funding cuts hit critical humanitarian aid
The critical funding gap has severely hampered humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and beyond, leaving thousands without life-saving assistance and pushing the already terrible humanitarian situation closer to disaster.
In less than three months, the number of Congolese people who have just fled to neighboring countries has soared to more than 100,000. Continued hostilities in the Northern Kivo province, especially in the Masisi and Volkale areas, as well as in the security situation in and around Bukaf, have been extremely unrest in the surrounding areas of Southern Kivo province, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee.
In and around the city of Goma in North Kivu, the ruins of the former site of 400,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been destroyed, leaving families in trouble without shelter or protection. Due to fund cuts, humanitarian partners are working to rebuild shelters, leaving few options for survival for displaced people.
Since January, more than 40,000 IDPs from the north and south have created a dangerous 700 km per route through multiple conflict zones and throughout the lake, reaching Kalemie, in the neighbouring Tanganyika province. These included young people, fleeing forced recruitment into armed groups, while women and children were displaced from their families.
The dangers of the journey lead to multiple tragedies because of the only means of overcrowded and fragile ships (usually over the vast waterways).
The United Nations refugee agencies, civil society and local governments are nearly impossible, limiting funding restrictions, which is almost impossible to allocate essentials such as blankets, mosquito nets, menstrual supplies and soap, hindering the construction and distribution of shelter. The frozen funds prevented UNHCR’s emergency stock supplement in Kalemie, leaving only 147 blankets for displaced persons.
The situation near Uganda and Burundi is almost terrible. More than 28,000 Congolese refugees have entered Uganda since January, a 500% increase from the same period last year – 10,000 people are expected to arrive by the end of this month. Reports from newcomers show that desperate flights have taken place from conflict and human rights violations. Currently, most reception and transit centers in Uganda have seven times the capacity of its capacity, lacking sufficient water, sanitation and shelter. The cuts overwhelmed the health center as feeding centers terminated malnutrition in areas where newcomers were hosting.
In Burundi’s Rugombo Commune, the majority of the 68,000 refugees who have arrived in the country since February, have insufficient sanitation facilities, overcrowded in and around the stadium, people have been in shelters, and limited health care, resulting in at least eight suspected cholera cases in George. Without more funds to increase medical services, there is a significant risk of further spread of the disease. The new site that hosts refugees have exceeded capacity. The ongoing financial crisis has led to food shortages among newcomers. Refugee services with other protection needs are also under pressure, including services from more than 400 unaccompanied and separated children and survivors of sexual violence.
We thank those who support the donors so that UNHCR and partners can strengthen their response efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighboring countries, but the growing demand far exceeds the resources available.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
