UNHCR receives $7 million to help South Sudanese refugees in Sudan
February 3, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $7 million to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help address some of the most pressing needs of South Sudanese refugees in Sudan.
In statement extended to Sudan Tribune Wednesday, UNHCR representative in Sudan Mohammed Adar said the timing of the CERF funds is critical, describing it as the first significant contribution received this year.
“It will help address the increasing humanitarian needs of South Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict and violence at home, and finding safety in Sudan,” he said.
According to the statement, “the funds will be used to ease overcrowding in existing refugee sites and support protection, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, as well as emergency education”.
The statement pointed that the overcrowding has been a challenge in the seven sites where refugees have been living in White Nile State, increasing the risks to their health and well-being, saying the CERF’s funds will support the opening of two additional sites and help address overcrowding.
“The CERF funding being made available will support programmes that are implemented in White Nile State by UNHCR and other UN agencies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations World Food Programme, the United Nations Population Fund and the World Health Organization”, added the statement
The conflict in South Sudan erupted in mid-December 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir Mayardit and those backing former Vice President Riek Machar.
The violence which quickly spread across the country killed tens of thousands of people and forced an estimated two million flee their homes.
(ST)