Ethiopia: UNHCR to shut down two Sudanese refugee camps

March 2, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — The united nations higher commissioner for refugees (UNHCR) said it will close down two Sudanese refugee camps, where some 7500 Sudanese refugees are currently being sheltered.

According to cosmas chand, UNHCR’s deputy representative in Ethiopia, if the resumed repatriation program goes on as planned without disruption, Bonga and Dimma refugee camps will be closed by the end of may 2008.

“We have slightly over 5000 refugees in Bonga refugee camp” chanda said adding “if the operation moves on according to plan; there should not be any more refugees by May this year.”

“There are about 2500 Sudanese refugees in dimma refugee camp. It should also be able to close it at about the same time” he added.

The plan is to turn two refugee comes into training center after closure says Estifanos Gebremedhin, the administration of refugee and returnee Affairs (ARRA) Gambella sub office head.

“The camps will be turned into agricultural training center and a training center of handicrafts and weaving in collaboration with regional government” he said.

Currently over 35,000 sudanese refugees are sheltered in 4 camps.

(ST)