Since gaining independence in 1960, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has faced political instability, armed conflict, and civil war. Most recently, various separatist and rebel groups, supported by neighboring countries, have attacked the military and taken control of different communities. This conflict has displaced approximately 6.9 million Congolese internally and forced another 500,000+ to seek refuge in neighboring countries. 

In the past decade, the largest number of refugees admitted to the U.S. through the Refugee Admissions Program came from the DRC, with over 112,000 arrivals, accounting for nearly a quarter of all individuals resettled in the United States; over 75 percent are under 25. 

Additional resources for providers supporting Congolese children and youth are below.