Bringing internally displaced persons back into sight in the Democratic Republic of Congo

This briefing explores how livelihoods are created and maintained during and after conflict

Abstract

In both North and South Kivu, the majority of IDPs are currently living outside of camps, due to the lack of provisions in the provinces. In order to understand the urgent basic needs that are not being met for IDPs living in large cities, there is a need to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of IDPs.

This briefing is part of a broader SLRC programme, in partnership with Wageningen University, which works to explore how livelihoods are created and maintained during and after conflict, as well as what strategies are adopted by IDPs to secure these livelihoods in eastern DRC.

Key findings include:

  • Community ties that help integrate IDPs in the area of destination are key, though many remain vulnerable and lack of ties can lead to exclusion and unmet basic needs.
  • Access to land, education and markets are important for IDPs, particularly those most at risk, such as young women and girls.
  • International and national actors should monitor better the needs of IDPs who are unable to access support networks.

This research was funded under the Secure Livelihoods Research Consortium (SLRC) programme

Citation

Nguya, G., 2017. Bringing internally displaced persons back into sight in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Briefing Paper, London: Secure Livelihoods Research Consortium, 4p

Bringing internally displaced persons back into sight in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Published 13 April 2017