UNHCR begins registration of South Sudanese households in Khartoum

November 28, 2014 (JUBA/KHARTOUM) – The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) started registering South Sudanese households in Khartoum, a process expected to end by Sunday.

Some 15,000 South Sudanese were reportedly relocated by boat from the Matar way station in western Ethiopia, with the movement of the first group of 125 people.

“They [refugees] are expected to arrive at Pugnido refugee camp, a distance of nearly 300 km,” UNHCR said.

The agency also cited an outbreak of Measles, which was reported in Sudan’s Nuba Mountains with some 800 cases and 18 deaths said to have so far been confirmed.

“Currently there are about 5000-8000 people on transit to Yida refugee settlement (South Sudan). A vaccination center is going to be set up at the entry to Yida to make sure all eligible children are vaccinated as they arrive,” the UNHCR said.

DECLINING FOOD RATIONS

Meanwhile, the World Food Program (WFP) was reportedly forced to cut food rations to over 500,000 refugees by up to 50% in Kenya.

According to UNHCR, the cuts in Kakuma and Dadaab for refugees and host communities started and are expected to last for November and December 2014 and possibly January and February 2015, unless WFP receives a financial contribution soon.

“Cuts are expected to negatively affect the vulnerable population’s general health and nutrition status and are likely to result in unhealthy and risky coping and survival practices,” it further stated.

Cuts in food rations, WFP said, may also take effect in Uganda in coming months, adding that its refugee activities face severe funding crisis with the cuts to take effect as early as December.

“100% rations will go ahead this month, with the situation for December still pending,” it said.

(ST)