Fri Jan 17 20:31:24 UTC 2025: ## UN Declares DRC Displacement Crisis ‘Most Alarming’ Humanitarian Emergency
**Geneva, Switzerland** – The United Nations has declared the ongoing displacement crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as one of the world’s most alarming humanitarian emergencies. Over 230,000 people have been forced from their homes since the beginning of the year due to escalating violence in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) described the situation as “the most alarming” global humanitarian crisis, highlighting the severe impact of ongoing conflict between the Congolese army and armed groups, most notably the M23 rebel group. The M23, designated a terrorist organization by the DRC government, has seized control of significant territory since 2021, further destabilizing the region already grappling with three decades of conflict.
According to UNHCR spokesperson Eujin Byun, intense fighting, particularly in Masisi and Lubero territories, forced approximately 150,000 people to flee between January 1st and 6th alone. Many attempted to return briefly, only to be displaced again by renewed fighting. In South Kivu’s Fizi territory, a further 84,000 people have sought refuge, prompting a plea for international assistance from local authorities.
Byun emphasized the severity of the humanitarian crisis, citing widespread human rights violations including indiscriminate bombings and sexual violence, with children specifically targeted. The already dire conditions are worsening rapidly, compounded by severely restricted access to vulnerable populations due to insecurity, roadblocks, and the presence of armed actors.
While UNHCR stands ready to provide aid as soon as access is granted, the agency stressed the urgent need for increased funding to address this escalating emergency. The crisis underscores the dire need for immediate international intervention to alleviate the suffering of hundreds of thousands of displaced Congolese civilians.
First Piper 