Attachments
Overview
As of the end of April 2023, Southern Africa hosts around 8.7 million people that UNHCR has the mandate and responsibility to protect and assist. This includes almost 776,300 refugees, 197,700 asylum-seekers, 29,600 others of concern, 7.1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) induced by conflicts, as well as returned refugees of more than 500 and 510,000 returned IDPs. In addition, 1.2 million IDPs are induced by climate change and disaster.The increase from the previous month is mainly caused by the growth in new internal displacements and IDPs returns in the DRC. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) hosts 82 per cent of the population in the region.
Refugees, Asylum-Seekers and Others of Concern
The 1 million refugees, asylum-seekers and others of concern has recorded a decrease compare to last year population figure. From the above mentioned figure, 75 per cent originate from countries outside Southern Africa region. The top five countries of origin: Central African Republic (242,500), Rwanda (238,000), Democratic Republic of the Congo (214,400), Burundi (83,600) and South Sudan (56,700).
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
In the Southern Africa region, 86 per cent of the internally displacements is caused by conflicts. 3 Around 510,000 individuals returned from internal displacement in DRC. The increase of IDPs from last month is observed in DRC. The number of returned IDPs has moved from around 145,600 to 510,400, increased by 251 per cent, contributing to increases of total population. IDPs induced by conflicts are reported in DRC, Congo and Mozambique, and IDPs induced by disaster are reported in DRC, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Education
As of April 2023, among refugee children with recorded education levels in the region, 40 per cent has had no education. Thirty-six per cent attained Grade six or lower level of education. Those who have achieved between Grade seven and fourteen or vocational education are 21 per cent. Only two per cent have attended university or post-graduate level. This low percentage impact the ability of forcibly displaced persons to participate in enhancing their livelihoods and general well-being meaningfully.