The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced people, Paula Gaviria, has underscored the urgent need for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to fortify its national ownership in addressing the ongoing internal displacement crisis. Following her official visit to the DRC, Gaviria emphasized the importance of developing government-led strategies and policies to tackle the root causes of the crisis, an issue she intends to elaborate on further in her upcoming report to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2026.
With millions of people internally displaced due to persistent armed conflict, it is imperative for the Congolese government to assume its primary role in safeguarding these individuals. While acknowledging the government’s recent reforms aimed at conflict management and land-related legal structures, Gaviria highlighted the necessity for continued efforts. Her call to action gains significance amidst a marked decline in international aid, underscoring the need for efficient governmental intervention and policy implementation.
Gaviria stressed that the government must prioritize providing essential services for internally displaced individuals, particularly in the face of dwindling foreign assistance. She remarked, “Given the decline in international assistance, the government can no longer afford to outsource its responsibilities towards internally displaced persons.” Accordingly, the DRC is urged to lead coherent and accountable responses across its territory.
In light of the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflicts between Congolese military forces and non-state armed groups, the displacement figures are staggering. Approximately 6.9 million people are displaced across the DRC, making it one of the countries with the highest numbers of displaced persons globally. These figures highlight the critical need for sustainable solutions and the safe return of displaced individuals to their lands, with active cooperation from the international community.
For more detailed coverage on the UN’s position and recommendations, please see the full report here.