DR Congo: UNHCR Regional Update - Southern Africa Operational Update

ReliefWeb: Updates by Country 19.04.2024 13:31 Countries: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Central African Republic, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees Please refer to the attached file. Highlights UNHCR continues to monitor the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after an escalation of violence in the eastern provinces. The 2024 Response Plans for the Democratic Republic of the Congo situation were launched this month. Zambia declared a state of emergency due to the severe drought affecting most of the country. Regional Context: Key Developments ▪ Rising instability in the DRC: Security conditions quickly deteriorated in the eastern provinces of the DRC in February. Violent clashes between armed groups in North Kivu and South Kivu forced nearly 380,000 people to flee their homes, including from and to areas where humanitarian access is limited. Inclursions by non-state armed groups into IDP sites were also recorded, causing severe protection incidents. In Ituri, intercommunal clashes were responsible for dozens of deaths and human rights violations. UNHCR is closely monitoring the situation and providing assistance to communities affected by the violence. ▪ Escalation of the crisis in Mozambique: Intensifying clashes and attacks by non-state armed groups in Chiúre and other districts of Cabo Delgado have raised concerns among the humanitarian community. By the end of February, nearly 113,000 people had been forced to flee to escape the violence – most of them found refuge in displacement sites and with the host communities in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. UNHCR is working closely with local authorities, partners, and host communities, providing protection, shelter, and essential assistance to displaced families in need. ▪ Drought emergency in Zambia: On 29 February, President Hakainde Hichilema declared the drought that is ravaging Zambia a national disaster and emergency. The crisis is affecting 84 out of 116 districts and causing a significant decline in food production. UNHCR is working with the Government’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit and UN partners to advocate for the inclusion of refugees, former refugees, and asylum seekers in response plans.

Číst celý článek >>