Kigali, 02 April 2015 – The Government of Japan has reached an agreement with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide funds of USD 1.3 m for the refugee children - in increasing access to basic social services including child protection, early childhood development and education needs. The project will be undertaken under the leadership of the Government of Rwanda in close coordination with UNHCR and partners.
“The Government of Rwanda values the partnership with the Government of Japan and appreciates the support to critical services established to respond to the needs of the refugee population, children in particular under the coordination of UNICEF, UNHCR and partners. This is another opportunity to respond to key protection challenges such as creating a safe environment for children, ensuring access to early childhood care and development, education and continued integration of children and families into social life.” said Honourable Mukantabana Séraphine, Minister of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR).
Building upon Japan’s earlier support in 2013 in the areas of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Early Childhood Development and Education, this grant of USD 1.3 million will further improve the situation of children in the camps.
“This grant will make a significant difference in the lives of children in the three refugee camps - Nyamagabe,
Mugombwa and Nyabiheke. We thank the people of Japan for their generous contribution” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF Representative.
In the area of protection, the project will focus on the two newly established camps enhancing protection of more than 5,000 refugee children including adolescent girls in Kigeme and Mugombwa. This will be complemented by all school-aged children enjoying improved quality of education and a new Early Childhood Development facility established in Nyabiheke refugee camp, Gatsibo district to provide children the best start in life.
“We are very pleased to partner with UNICEF to support the refugee children and their family. I believe that the increased access to protection, early cognitive stimulation and education will contribute to their overall development”, concluded H.E. Mr Kazuya OGAWA, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Rwanda.
For further information, please contact:
Candide Mwiseneza, Public Relations Officer, Embassy of Japan in Rwanda
Mob.: +250 (0) 25 250 0884, Email: m.candide@kq.mofa.go.jp
Siddartha (Sid) Shrestha, Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, UNICEF Rwanda,
Mob.: +250 (0) 788 301419, Email: sidshrestha@unicef.org