HIGHLIGHTS
The relocation of South Sudanese refugees from the flooded camps of Leitchuor and Nip Nip was successfully completed. A total of 47,038 refugees consisting of 11,182 households have been relocated to Jewi camp- 2,616 refugees from Nip Nip camp and 44,422 from Leitchuor camp. 521 of them were relocated by air while the rest were relocated by road.
UNHCR is currently working with the Government of Ethiopia and partners to rehabilitate the former camps in collaboration with the host community. South Sudanese refugees continue to arrive in Gambella at a daily average rate of 400 people. The majority of the new arrivals originated from Longechuk (Mathiang), Nasir, Ulang Maban and Akobo counties and entered mainly through the Pagak and Akobbo border crossing points. Some are also coming from Walgak, Bentiu, Ayod and Malakal.
The new arrivals mentioned armed conflict, food insecurity and search for missing family members as the main reasons for their flight. Meanwhile, UNHCR, together with ARRA and IOM as well as other partners relocated 2,478 new arrivals from the Pagak entry point to Pugnido refugee camp.
Another 4,399 refugees, including 3,939 who are level I-registered and 460 fresh arrivals, are at Pagak transit center awaiting relocation to the camps. The distribution of High Energy Biscuits is continuing pending the relocation. Moreover, 1,355 refugees are awaiting Level 1 registration at the Akobo Tiergo entry point and discussions are ongoing on undertaking a speedy registration.
The cumulative figure of new arrivals from South Sudan from 15 December 2013 is 208,700, including 205,565 in Gambella and 3,135 in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region near Assosa. 71% of the new arrivals are female and 67% are children.
This brings the South Sudanese refugee population in Ethiopia to 272,964 refugees, including 64,264 pre-December 2013.-----
Level 2 Registration of refugee relocated from Nip Nip camp was concluded this week, with a total of 2,177 individuals registered and issued with the Proof of Registration. Of these, 320 were Unaccompanied or Separated Children.
Thirty-two new arrivals comprising 20 households were Level 1-registered in Okugo refugee camp.