Democratic Republic of Congo
OVERVIEW of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) | Humanitarian situation | Essential sources | Countries of asylum information | Persecuted groups | Return to the DRC by refugees | Resettlement needs for DRC refugee population groups | Cultural profiles
OVERVIEW of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
| Capital: | Kinshasa |
| Area: | 2,345,410 km² |
| Population: | 62,660,551 (2006 estimate) |
| Language(s): | French (official), Lingala, Kingwana (a dialect of Kiswahili or Swahili), Kikongo, Tshiluba |
| Religion(s): | Roman Catholic – 50%, Protestant – 20%, Kimbanguist – 10%, Muslim – 10%, other syncretic sects and indigenous beliefs – 10% |
| Ethnic Group(s): | Over 200 African ethnic groups. The four largest tribes – Mongo, Luba, Kongo (all Bantu), and the Mangbetu-Azande (Hamitic) -45% |
https://www.international.gc.ca/cil-cai/country_insights-apercus_pays/overview-apercu_cd.aspx?lang=eng [accessed 26 February 2018].
Humanitarian situation
Over the past year (December 2017), some 120,000 Congolese fled to neighboring countries, joining the 510,000 refugees that were already in exile.
See: Congolese refugees perish as growing numbers seek safety in Uganda, February 13, 2018 http://www.unhcr.org/5a82b17f4.html. [accessed February 15, 2018]
Refugees flee fresh fighting in Congo to Uganda. http://www.unhcr.org/news/stories/2018/2/5a81779e4/refugees-flee-fresh-fighting-congo-uganda.html [accessed 12/02/2018]
UNHCR Sounds alert as fresh violence in DR Congo’s Ituri province displaces thousands. http://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing/2018/2/5a7971494/unhcr-sounds-alert-fresh-violence-dr-congos-ituri-province-displaces-thousands.html. [accessed 12/02/2018]
UN peacekeeping chief visits injured Tanzanian ‘blue helmets’ in DR Congo. UN News Service, UN peacekeeping chief visits injured Tanzanian ‘blue helmets’ in DR Congo, 13 December 2017, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5a33c2354.html. [accessed 12 February 2018]
Essential sources
World Report 2018 – Democratic Republic of Congo. Human Rights Watch, World Report 2018 – Democratic Republic of Congo, 18 January 2018, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5a61ee814.html [accessed 12 February 2018].
Security Council resolution 2389 (2017) [on implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC region] UN Security Council, Security Council resolution 2389 (2017) [on implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region], 8 December 2017, S/RES/2389 (2017), available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5a2fd2cc4.html [accessed 13 February 2018].
The UNHCR Global Report 2010, Democratic Republic of the Congo. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNHCR Global Report 2010, Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 2011, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4e5237951f.html [accessed 15 February 2018].
Serious atrocities have been committed in the Kasai region in the DRC since mid-2016, forcing many to leave their homes and even their country. While many are returning, the situation in the Kasai remains volatile, with the possibility of similar conflicts emerging elsewhere in the DRC, as the wider political situation continues to deteriorate. International Refugee Rights Initiative (IRRI), Conflict and Displacement in the Kasai, January 2018, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5a5f5ddc4.html [accessed 15 February 2018].
Operational Guide Note Democratic Republic of Congo Home Office UK Border Agency, May 2012. https://www.ecoi.net/en/file/local/1162653/1226_1337771009_drcongo.pdf [accessed 15 February 2018].
Democratic Republic of Congo: Situation of sexual minorities, including legislation and treatment by society and the authorities; state protection and support services (2011-Feb. 2014). Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Democratic Republic of Congo: Situation of sexual minorities, including legislation and treatment by society and the authorities; state protection and support services, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/53733c254.html [accessed 15 February 2018].
Democratic Republic of Congo: Government repression and violence against peaceful protesters, U.S Department of State https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/01/277614.htm [accessed 15 February 2018].
Countries of asylum information
DRC Regional Refugee Response Information Sharing Portal. Regional Overview: Refugees from DRC in neighboring countries, UNHCR data Portal, http://data.unhcr.org/drc/regional.php [accessed February 15, 2018]. The following are the countries of asylum for Congolese refugees (DRC Regional Refugee Response Information): Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Congo (Brazzaville), South Sudan, Central African Republic, Sudan and Ethiopia.
Persecuted groups
Refugees and Asylum-Seekers
Internally Displaced Persons
People holding certain Political Opinions or engaged in certain Political Activities
Women; Victims of Discrimination based on Gender Issues; Victims of Domestic Violence; Children
Membership of a Particular Social Group
See, UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNHCR Country Briefing Folder on Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 2009, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/4a9e3a792.html [accessed 12 March 2018].
Return to the DRC by refugees
Kasai Violence drives over 11,000 Congolese to seek refuge in Angola. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Kasai violence drives over 11,000 Congolese to seek refuge in Angola, 21 April 2017, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/590705964.html [accessed 15 February 2018].
Country Information and Guidance DRC treatment on return. United Kingdom: Home Office, Country Information and Guidance – Democratic Republic of Congo: treatment on return, 2 July 2015, Version 1.0, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/559b7a914.html [accessed 15 February 2018].
Resettlement needs for DRC refugee population groups
UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UNHCR Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2018, June 2017, available at: http://www.refworld.org/docid/5948ea944.html [accessed 26 February 2018].
Ethno-specific Organizations and Associations
Disclaimer: RSTP is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, these organizations. Their activities are not necessarily those of RSTP.
Cultural profiles
- Conversations
- Communication Styles
- Display of Emotion
- Dress, Punctuality & Formality
- Preferred Managerial Qualities
- Hierarchy and Decision-making
- Religion, Class, Ethnicity, & Gender
- Relationship-building
- Privileges and Favoritism
- Conflicts in the Workplace
- Motivating Local Colleagues
- Recommended Books, Films & Foods
- In-country Activities
- National Heroes
- Shared Historical Events with Canada
- Stereotypes
https://www.international.gc.ca/cil-cai/country_insights-apercus_pays/overview-apercu_cd.aspx?lang=eng [accessed 26 February 2018].