CERF allocates nearly $1.2 million to assist Congolese refugees in Uganda
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| Congolese refugees in Uganda [Photo: UNHCR] |
12 February 2009: As a result of the heightened insecurity and armed conflict between rebels allied to General Laurent Nkunda and Government Forces (FARDC) in North Kivu, DRC, an elevated number of Congolese citizens have been crossing into Kisoro and Kanungu districts of south-western Uganda. As of 31 December 2008, approximately 30,000 have crossed into Uganda, 13,000 having crossed between 26 and 27 November 2008.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) registers new arrivals in Kanungu and Kisoro districts on a daily basis. Given the unpredictability of the situation in the DRC, increasing numbers of refugees will likely enter Uganda in the coming weeks and months.
The massive influx of Congolese refugees has overstretched the existing insufficient structures and resources both at the border and in refugee settlements. Non-food item stocks are rapidly depleting. Water and sanitation infrastructure in host communities, reception centres and refugee settlements require urgent rehabilitation and expansion. In addition, transport of refugees from transit sites situated close to the border to a safe refugee settlement is urgently needed as rebel group may cross the border.
In response, CERF has allocated nearly $1.2 million to UNHCR to protect and provide emergency lifesaving assistance to the new arrivals at Nyakabanda (Kisoro), Ishasha (Kanungu) and Matanda (Kanungu) reception centres and in Nakivale refugee (Isingiro) settlement.
[Last Update: 12 February 2009]