15/08/2026
The Refugee and IDPs Led Organizations Network – DRC (RILON-DRC) : A New Network Takes Its First Step!
On 14 August 2026, the Refugee and IDPs Led Organizations Network – DRC (RILON-DRC) held its first meeting, bringing together 50 selected members from refugee- and internally displaced persons (IDP)-led organizations.
The meeting marked an important first step toward building a stronger collective platform for organizations led by people with lived experience of displacement.
During the meeting, members discussed:
• The vision, mission and objectives of RILON-DRC
• The added value of a network of refugee- and IDP-led organizations
• Proposed governance and coordination mechanisms
• The establishment of an autonomous Coordination and Secretariat
• The next steps toward formalizing the network and strengthening collaboration among members
RILON-DRC is founded on a simple principle: people affected by displacement should not only be consulted, they should have the space, structures and collective voice to shape the responses and decisions that affect their communities.
As we move forward, members interested in contributing to the Coordination and/or Secretariat will have the opportunity to volunteer. A call for applications will be shared with the network internally during the week of 17–23 August 2026.
This is only the beginning.
Together, we are building a stronger collective voice for refugee- and IDP-led organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
