Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Belgium, Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Syrian Arab Republic
Highlights
- In November, United Nations agencies in Mauritania and the Mauritanian authorities joined together to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the United Nations. Several events were organized in Nouakchott and in other cities, including Bassikounou.
- While UNHCR continues to protect and assist urban refugees and asylum seekers located in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, an increase in the number of arrivals of Syrian asylum seekers has been observed since the beginning of 2015. As of 1st November, the number of Syrian refugees and asylum seekers protected by UNHCR in Mauritania stood at 309 individuals.
- On 22 October, the Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), Ertharin Cousin paid a visit to Mberra Camp. While stressing the progresses in improving living conditions for Malian refugees since 2012, WFP Chief warned that fund shortages could have a disastrous impact on food security in the camp.
- In October, UNHCR in Mauritania organized an internal retreat to review its 2016 plan. Given the permanence of insecurity in Northern Mali, UNHCR will reinforce its commitment to maintain protection and assistance for all Malian refugees with a particular attention for people with specific needs. Education, self-reliance and peaceful coexistence are also identified as key areas of intervention for 2016 in Mberra camp and in urban areas.
- On 6 October, the Lutheran World Federation (FLM) inaugurated a new market place in Mberra camp. The new 300m2 area will provide refugees with a place of exchange with the local communities and will play a key role in strengthening refugees’ self-reliance and promoting peaceful coexistence.