• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

UNHCR's Grandi calls for urgent international support to help refugees returning home in DR Congo and Rwanda

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

29 August 2025

GENEVA -- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, has concluded a week-long visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, urging greater international support for peace in the region and humanitarian efforts so that refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) can choose to return home safely and rebuild their lives.

"Safe and dignified voluntary return remains the most durable solution for many refugees in DRC and Rwanda. UNHCR appreciates recent peace efforts, notably the Washington agreement and the Doha peace process, which have recognized the importance of addressing refugee issues. Their true value will be measured by concrete actions that deliver lasting security, stability, and investment in communities - so that return is not only possible, but sustainable," Grandi said.

During his visit, a sign of hope emerged as 533 Rwandan refugees, mostly women and children, voluntarily returned home from eastern DRC to Rwanda on 25 August 2025. Achieved within a month of commitments made at the DRC-Rwanda-UNHCR Tripartite meeting in Addis Ababa, this repatriation is an important confidence-building step in the broader peace processes.

In Kinshasa, Grandi met with President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss UNHCR's support for the safe and dignified return of refugees and IDPs. He welcomed the President's commitment and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum on returns as part of ongoing peace efforts.

In Sake, a town 60 kilometres from Goma, Grandi spoke with people who have been forced to flee violence on multiple occasions about their hopes for stability and the immense challenges they face in rebuilding their lives. He also met humanitarian partners and the de facto authorities.

"For decades, the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo have endured conflict and repeated displacement. We hope the recent peace efforts will create an environment where unhindered humanitarian access is guaranteed, helping to reduce suffering and meet urgent needs. We also call on the international community to demonstrate stronger solidarity. Ending the cycle of violence and enabling communities to rebuild their lives is only possible through collective action," Grandi said.

During his visit to Rwanda, the High Commissioner also praised the country's progressive approach to including refugees in society. In his meeting with President Paul Kagame, Grandi discussed opportunities to advance durable peace in the region and reaffirmed UNHCR's readiness to support efforts addressing refugee situations in both Rwanda and the DRC.

"Rwanda's long-standing commitment to refugee protection and inclusion sets a powerful example. Its approach shows what is possible when displaced people are given the chance to learn, work, and thrive - and it merits strong international support," he said.

Looking ahead, Grandi reaffirmed UNHCR's readiness to support regional peace efforts, including voluntary repatriation under the tripartite framework.