Security Council: UNHCR High Commissioner Calls for Maintaining Peace to Support Safe and Sustainable Return of Refugees and Displaced in DRC

UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih urged the UN Security Council to support peace efforts in the DRC to enable refugees and displaced persons to return safely and sustainably. He highlighted ongoing conflict between government forces and the AFC/M23 rebellion, backed by Rwanda, in eastern DRC, which continues to cause instability and displacement. Salih referenced recent diplomatic agreements, such as the Washington Peace Accord and the Doha Principles Declaration, as positive steps toward peace. He also noted a June 22 tripartite meeting between the DRC, Rwanda, and UNHCR focused on voluntary repatriation efforts.