US Assistant Secretary of State visits Kenya, South Sudan

October 24, 2012 (JUBA) – The US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugee and Migration will effective Wednesday begin a one-week tour of Kenya and South Sudan, involving visiting various refugee settlements in the two nations.

Anne C. Richard’s visit, according to the US Department of State, will focus on protection and assistance for refugees in the two countries, as well as review US Refugee Admissions Programs in Kenya.

South Sudan currently hosts more than 200,000 refugees, who fled fighting in Sudan’s states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile where conflict has made it impossible for the population to access humanitarian assistance.

“Assistant Secretary of State will visit refugees and humanitarian staff, and observe ongoing efforts to provide safe neutral settlement and meet the emergency needs of new Sudanese arrivals,” partly reads the US Department of State release.

The world’s newest nation, aid agencies say, has been a home to more than 110,000 refugees in Maban County, Upper Nile state with an additional more than 60,000 in various camps Unity State since April.

Between 30,000-40,000 people, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), are likely to arrive into the country with the coming dry season, when the roads are passable.

While in Juba, the South Sudan capital, Richards is expected to met government officials and representatives from both international and non-governmental organizations.

(ST)