HIGHLIGHTS
While Mauritania has maintained its borders open to new arrivals of asylum seekers in the country, UNHCR continues to cooperate with the Mauritanian authorities in order to strengthen protection for refugees and asylum seekers in Mauritania.
In October, the Government of Belgium generously contributed EUR 1.25 million to UNHCR’s operation in Mauritania, thus allowing the organization to strengthen its health and food security assistance.
A Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) was conducted by UNHCR and WFP in Mberra camp between August and September. This evaluation will help assess the current response to food insecurity in the camp and the livelihood situation of refugees. The conclusions of the assessment are being finalized.
On 15 September, a new Protection and Community Services Office was inaugurated by UNHCR in Mberra camp. This new structure will help improve the monitoring of and following up on protection cases, including individuals with specific needs.
UNHCR, in cooperation with WFP and the Commissariat à la sécurité alimentaire, organized a general food distribution in September targeting all refugees in the camp with a particular emphasis on people with specific needs.
In addition to its action in Mberra camp, UNHCR continues to protect and assist urban refugees and asylum seekers located in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou with a focus on strengthening their self-reliance through access to micro credits and vocational training.