**HIGHLIGHTS **
South Sudanese refugees continue to arrive in Gambella at a daily average rate of 102 people. Akobo, Pagak and Pochalla are the main crossing points.
The total number of new arrivals from South Sudan since 15 December 2013 is now 209,309, including 206,174 in Gambella and 3,135 in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region near Assosa. 71% of the adult population are females and 67% are children. This brings the cumulative figure of the South Sudanese refugee population in Ethiopia to 273,591 refugees, including 64,282 refugees that were in country pre-December 2013.
During reporting week Sub-Office Gambella hosted a mission by Mr. Bornwell Kantande, the UNHCR Deputy Representative and Mr. Jacob Essen, ECHO Field Expert. The two officials were on the ground to review the delivery of services to refugees in Jewi camp and the reception of new arrivals in Akobo and Pagak. While in Gambella, they commended all the partners for the relocation of refugees from Lietchour to Jewi and urged them to give priority to improving water supply, hygiene promotion and sanitation in the new camp to avoid water-borne diseases. In addition, they requested ARRA to urgently follow up with the Regional authorities the authorization for Pugnido II which is expected to receive new arrivals.
World Environment Day was celebrated in Gambella and Assosa in close coordination with partners, ARRA, and the refugee communities. Messages were presented on the importance of environmental preservation.
In Field Unit Nyine Nyang which was responsible for the former camps of Leitchuor and Nip Nip, UNHCR, ARRA and partners are focusing on the rehabilitation of the existing infrastructures which will be handed over to the local administration and the host community. The work includes the rehabilitation and the construction of additional classrooms, rehabilitation of Child-friendly Spaces, rehabilitation of a water hand pump and three boreholes and connection of permanent water system from Leitchuor to Nying Nyang. In addition, the ARRA Health Centre will be handed over to the host community while the ARRA/Lutheran World Federation (LWF) premises will go to the Woreda administration.