Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Kenya, Somalia
Protection
Registration
- UNHCR Dadaab kicked off a comprehensive Ration Card Exchange exercise on 15th August. 20,797 out of a total of 83,061 households received new ration cards on the first day of the six days food distribution cycle. UNHCR teams in all five Dadaab camps are located closely to the WFP food distribution points so that household representatives can exchange their cards right after collecting their food. Food ration card can be used for up to 34 food distributions and therefore needs to be exchanged after 17 months. The exercise is expected to end on 21st August.
Community Based Protection
- On 4th and 5th August 2015, UNHCR and its protection partner International Rescue Committee (IRC) trained 34 section leaders from Hagadera refugee camp on protection and health related issues. Community leaders play a major role in influencing community attitudes and practices regarding gender based violence, sexual exploitation, child abuse, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and home births. They are also key stakeholders in offering protection services to the community.
Monthly security meeting with refugee leaders
- UNHCR held a monthly security meeting with refugee leaders from all five Dadaab camps on 11th August in Dadaab town. The meeting was also attended by Department of Refugee Affairs (DRA) staff and the local police. Refugees leaders shared various threats that they have been facing as well as some concrete suggestions for improvement. They highlighted, for instance, the need for more support to members of the Community Peace and Protection Teams (CPPTs) so as to enable them to carry out their duties adequately and suggested creation of a hotline. Beyond mere security topics, refugee leaders also addressed other issues such as reduction in the number of teachers and delay in the facilitation of return of refugees eager to go back to Somalia. Responses were provided to their queries.