Operational environment
While the Government of Angola officially maintained an open-door policy for refugees from the Kasai Province of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to Lunda Norte Province, in the course of 2018 several incidents of refoulement were reported, especially with the implementation of two governmental directives named Operação Transparência and Operação Resgate. Both directives targeted irregular migrants – with over 400,000 Congolese being expelled to the DRC. During the implementation of the directives, 1,500 refugees were expelled, and many more detained, although released upon UNHCR and partner intervention.
UNHCR and the Goverment worked extensively to plan a registration exercise for refugees and asylum-seekers in the Luanda urban area. Despite the efforts, registration did not take place, resulting in refugees and asylum-seekers facing serious protection concerns due to lack of documentation.
On a more positive note, implementing regulations for the National Commission for Refugees (CNR) - were approved by Parliament in September 2018 and the CNR was constituted in October 2018. As the CNR was not yet fully operational by the end of th eyear, it did not resume refugee status determination, registration, or renewal of documentation.
Population trends
At year-end, the population of concern in Angola stood at some 70,010, comprising of 39,870 refugees and 30,140 asylum-seekers. In Lunda Norte Province, 36,450 refugees were officially registered by UNHCR; out of whom 23,300 received monthly assistance. At the end of 2018, 18,080 refugees were living in the Lóvua Settlement, while 5,220 refugees remained in urban areas, with the majority residing in Dundo, Lunda Norte.
As the registration exercise remains pending, the number of the urban population in Luanda and other provinces remains unchanged, with an estimated 15,000 refugees and 30,000 asylum-seekers, including an unknown number of new arrivals who are gradually trying to present their asylum claims.
Key achievements
- A best interest determination panel and Standard Operating Procedures for child protection were established in Luanda and Lunda Norte Province;
- Five boreholes were drilled: four in the refugee settlement and one in a host community in Lunda Norte;
- Three permanent schools, each with eight classrooms were constructed in Lunda Norte;
- A second health clinic was constructed in Lunda Norte;
- Two additional distribution centres were constructed in Lunda Norte.
Unmet needs
- The implementation of 2015 Asylum Law remained pending, resulting in the lack of reliable refugee documentation;
- Refugees in Lunda Norte had limited livelihood options and local integration opportunities;
- Heightened uncertainty for refugees in Lunda Norte Province, following a crackdown on irregular migrants. Furthermore, the Operação Resgate directive resulted in uncertainty for urban refugees.