GLIDE n° OT-2011-000064-NER
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross Red Crescent response to emergencies. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of National Societies to respond to disasters.
CHF 250,318 has been allocated from the Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the National Society in delivering immediate assistance to some 4,270 families (29,890 beneficiaries). Unearmarked funds to replenish DREF are encouraged.
Summary:
Dirkou, located 550 km south of the border with Libya in northern Niger, has long served as a gateway for young people seeking opportunities in Libya and elsewhere. Their remittances sustain their families in Niger.
Since the beginning of the Libya uprising in February, the number of people (mainly Nigerien returnees) transiting through Dirkou increased from 150 per month to 850 persons per day as of 9 May. According to IOM, the number could reach 2,000 persons per day, if the security situation allows civilians who are trapped in the homes to leave the capital, Tripoli.
Movements of Nigerien returnees are also reported elsewhere, and in recent days the situation has deteriorated. Prices of staples including bread have soared. Transportation fares around border communities in Niger have more than tripled, making it difficult for returnees to get back to their home villages.
According to government authorities, NGOs and the Niger Red Cross, the humanitarian situation in the host communities is likely to deteriorate because most families had only the support of their members living in Libya, who are now returning penniless and without their belongings. The Government of Niger has requested for international humanitarian support and assistance to reduce the suffering of these vulnerable population in Niger.