HIGHLIGHTS
South Sudanese refugees continue to arrive in Ethiopia through Pagak, Akobo, Burbiey and Raad entry points. The total number of new arrivals from South Sudan since 15 December 2013 is 225,136 individuals, including 220,091 to Gambella and 5,045 individuals to Benishangul-Gumuz region. This brings the total number of South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia to 288,931 individuals, including 63,795 individuals who arrived before December 2013.
The daily average arrival rate of refugees is currently 35 people through the Pagak, Akobo and Burbiey entry points, where registration and border monitoring is continuing. New arrivals continue to be progressively transferred to the camps with support from IOM for transport to avoid congestion at the border entry points. Over the last week, Level 1 registration of new arrivals in Pagak was undertaken, with 468 refugees relocated to Pugnido 2.
Level 2 registration, including photographs and biometrics, of relocated refugees continued in Pugnido 2 camp. A total of 11,897 people have attended the exercise so far and have been issued with proof of registration documents by UNHCR. Of this figure, 3,285 people with vulnerabilities have been identified including 1,468 separated children and unaccompanied minors.
Construction of the biometric centres has commenced at all locations and is progressing well, with the biometrics pilot project scheduled to begin in Pugnido in November 2015.
A three-week Back to School campaign has been undertaken in all camps with support from UNHCR’s education partners and culminated by marking the reopening of schools for the 2015/2016 academic year. Thousands of children in all refugee camps participated in the event.