Rwanda hosts approximately 150,000 refugees, fleeing conflict and violence in neighboring countries, mainly the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi. Refugees’ access to livelihood opportunities is severely constrained, especially in camps but also in urban areas. For women and girls, who make up the majority of refugees, early pregnancy and sexual and gender-based violence also pose major concerns. In addition, Rwanda has been experiencing floods and landslides triggered by heavy seasonal rains, causing widespread damage and loss of life. In response, UNFPA has been providing critical SRH and GBV services and information to affected women, girls and young people, and organizes training for local health providers.

Burundi, one of Africa’s most densely populated countries, continues to face political instability and violence, high levels of poverty and rising food insecurity. Recurrent and devastating natural disasters drive population displacement and add to pre-existing humanitarian needs. UNFPA leads the gender-based violence sub-cluster in Burundi and supports existing health structures with provision of sexual and reproductive health services, including maternal and newborn health care and family planning. Meeting the SRH needs of adolescents and young people constitutes another priority for UNFPA in Burundi.

Since December 2013, thousands of people have fled armed violence in the Central African Republic and found refuge in the Republic of Congo. As well as putting stress on an already weak health system, refugees are more vulnerable to violence and lack access to life-saving medical care, including sexual and reproductive health care. UNFPA's humanitarian efforts target young people and refugee women through a comprehensive package of SRH services and through the establishment of mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.

Humanitarian needs in Ethiopia are driven by conflict-related displacement and natural hazards, including recurrent drought, floods and desert locust infestation. The conflict in the Tigray region, which began in November of 2020, has forced tens of thousands more people from their homes. Internally displaced persons live under very challenging conditions, with limited access to basic services such as food, healthcare, water and sanitation. In Tigray region, there has been an alarming increase in reports of sexual violence. UNFPA's humanitarian action in Ethiopia includes maternal and newborn health, family planning as well as gender-based violence prevention and response services. UNFPA also distributes dignity kits, which contain items such as sanitary napkins, clothing, soap and undergarments, to support people in meeting their basic hygiene needs.