Assistance to Displaced Populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo - UNHCR 2009

The situation remains extremely volatile in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and Orientale. Renewed clashes between armed opposition groups with government forces and foreign troops are resulting in significant displacement widespread looting sexual and gender-based violence and a deterioration of humanitarian conditions. It is estimated that altogether over 1.4 million people remain displaced in DRC and that many have been displaced repeatedly. On a daily basis displaced people face insecurity weak health services and lack of food survival items safe water and sanitation facilities. CIDA's contribution is used to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to strengthen the protection of displaced populations and search for durable solutions to their plight; to ensure that protection and community recovery needs are identified and adequate responses are coordinated; to help prevent and respond to violations of the human rights of civilians; to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and combat the impunity of perpetrators; to secure the voluntary return of Congolese refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in safety and dignity; to support the reintegration of refugees and IDPs and provide vulnerable groups with shelter and the means to earn their livelihoods; to respond to new displacements; to improve safety and well-being in IDP sites; and to reduce the impact of camps on the environment.