Ethiopia + 1 more
Ethiopia: UNHCR Operational Update, 19 December 2014 - 7 January 2015
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The total number of South Sudanese refugees who have entered Ethiopia since the outbreak of the conflict in mid-December 2013 is now over 194,546 individuals, comprising 191,944 individuals who entered through Gambella and 2,602 who entered through the Assosa region.
The average arrival rate of South Sudanese refugees to the Gambella region has remained low, with approximately 70 new arrivals received during the week through Pagak and Akobo entry points.
On 24 December, UNHCR received official notification from ARRA that two sites had been identified and approved for development as refugee camps. The two sites are Koben and Cholan, 43 kilometres and 18 kilometres from Gambella respectively. UNHCR is following up with site assessments immediately to determine which site is most appropriate in terms of capacity and suitability.
On 2 January, UNHCR together with ARRA and IOM conducted a mission to Akobo entry point, where over 100 individuals from South Sudan arrived approximately three weeks ago. The mission met the local authorities and partners working in Akobo and registration for relocation was scheduled to begin on 5 January.
On 29 December, a crocodile killed a 15-year-old refugee boy who was swimming in Akobo River near Okugo Camp. An awareness campaign is now being conducted to sensitise the refugees about the dangers of swimming in the river.
A group of 20 refugees have been identified from Pugnido, Kule and Tierkidi Camp to participate in the upcoming Great Ethiopian Run which will take place in Gambella on 11 January.
The relocation exercise from Matar, Pagak and Pamdong to Pugnido Refugee Camp continued with support from IOM for transport. A total of 6,507 refugees have been relocated from Matar, including 844 unaccompanied and separated children. Of the total, 427 vulnerable refugees were relocated by helicopter. Additionally, 1,278 refugees have been relocated from Pagak, including 123 unaccompanied and separated children, and 421 refugees have been relocated from Pamdong. The relocation exercise ended at the end of 2014 as all refugees who had registered for relocation were moved.