New Humanitarian Project Launched to Support 10,000 Congolese Refugees and Internally Displaced People
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UN Women, with financial support from the Government of Japan, has launched a new humanitarian project aimed at addressing the urgent protection and livelihood needs of 10,000 Congolese refugees and Burundian internally displaced persons (IDPs), the majority of whom are women and girls.
With a total budget of USD 266,666, the project is being implemented in a challenging humanitarian context marked by the continued influx of refugees fleeing insecurity in eastern of Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as internal displacement caused by climate-related flooding in Burundi.
Women and Girls at the Center of the Response
Women and girls, who make up many displaced populations, face heightened risks of gender-based violence, economic insecurity, and loss of livelihoods. In response, the project adopts an integrated approach combining protection, economic empowerment, and early recovery. Key interventions include: prevention of and response to gender-based violence; support to livelihoods through income-generating activities; and strengthening economic resilience and empowerment of women and youth, including within host communities.
Strong Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
Project implementation will be led by UN Women in partnership with Japanese actors, including Yamaha Motors and the NGO Terra Renaissance, in close collaboration with national and local partners. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to maximize humanitarian impact while promoting sustainable and inclusive solutions.
The initiative reflects Japan’s strong commitment to human security, gender equality, and inclusive development, in line with the priorities of the TICAD 9.
“This project demonstrates our shared commitment to responding swiftly and effectively to the urgent needs of women and girls affected by humanitarian crises, while strengthening their resilience and livelihoods,” said the Representative of UN Women in Burundi.
The Ambassador of Japan to Burundi reaffirmed Japan’s continued support for the philosophy of human security, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all individuals can live in dignity, free from fear and want.
Restoring Dignity and Building Hope
By combining life-saving humanitarian assistance with early recovery and sustainable livelihood support, the project seeks to restore dignity, protection, and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable populations, contributing to a more inclusive and resilient humanitarian response in Burundi.