Humanitarian Affairs

A priority action in the implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region (PSC Framework) is to facilitate durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Special Envoy is committed to supporting efforts to alleviate the difficult conditions faced by refugees and IDPs by promoting a conducive environment for durable solutions, namely voluntary, safe and dignified return, resettlement, local integration or other innovative solutions. The Special Envoy strives to promote political and security situations that will allow for durable solutions for displaced people in the Great Lakes region.

In its activities, the Office of the Special Envoy coordinates with Governments from the region, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Habitat and World Bank, among others. Additionally, to strengthen the partnership amongst UN agencies in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, the UN agencies align their activities regarding refugees and IDPs under pillar three (Mobility) of the UN Great Lakes Regional Strategic Framework.

In 2016, the Office of the Special Envoy collaborated with the World Bank and UNHCR to organize a meeting on local integration as a solution to displacement.