The incursion of Serbian forces into northern Albania, along with increased KLA presence, has made the situation around the Albania/Kosovo border very insecure, and attempts are being made to move people south to other locations. Movements in the conflict inside Kosovo mean that the area at risk from shelling is widening towards the border town of Kukes.
Refugees, the majority of whom are women and children, are arriving into Albania and Macedonia in a worse state now than previously. Many have shrapnel or bullet wounds sustained whilst trying to leave Kosovo. Others have had to walk for 20 hours or more, and many have fled their homes or perceived safe areas within Kosovo at least once. Landmines placed on the Morini border crossing have resulted in fatalities and temporarily closed another route out of Kosovo for refugees.

All refugees in Kukes town now have some form of shelter, though much of it in extremely poor condition. Due to an additional influx over the weekend, several thousand refugees were reported to be living outside in wet and cold conditions until they were airlifted to temporary camps. The school term began again this week resulting in refugees being moved out of some schools in which they were being temporarily accommodated.

Registration of refugees at the Macedonian border is continuing, though there is still a lack of clarity as to the total number of refugees in each camp. Oxfam is supplying water to the camps, and is working on providing washing and bathing facilities in those camps where the drinking water supply has been secured. Hygiene kits have been distributed by Oxfam to camp dwellers in both camps. Sanitation continues to be a concern, and refugee leaders are being identified to promote hygiene within the camps.

How to donate:

Oxfam has launched an appeal for Kosovo, as part of the DEC (Disasters Emergencies Committee) joint agency appeal, which has so far raised =A313m from the public.

Please use our secure online donation facility, or call Oxfam's credit card donations hotline on 01865 313131

=A9 Oxfam GB 1999