The United Nations has launched an appeal for $1.16 billion to provide essential aid to approximately 50,000 Ethiopian refugees who have sought refuge in Kenya. The funds will be used to provide food, shelter, water, and sanitation facilities, as well as registration and protection services for the refugees. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is working in conjunction with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UNICEF to ensure the refugees receive the necessary support.
According to Fatima Mohammed-Cole, the UNHCR representative in Kenya, the funds will be used to provide emergency relief to the refugees for the next three months. The aid will include food, shelter, water, and sanitation facilities, as well as essential household items and materials to construct temporary shelters. The UNHCR is also collecting emergency supplies, including household items and materials to build temporary shelters for around 12,000 refugees.
The refugees are fleeing ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia, with many arriving in Kenya's Moyale town. Despite reports of gunfire in the area, the situation was reported to be relatively calm on Friday afternoon. Malik Adan, the head of the Red Cross in the Upper Eastern region, stated that a large camp had been set up in the area, with around 5,000 people, mostly women and children.
The IOM has reported that thousands of people have crossed the border into Kenya in search of safety, with many being hosted by local communities. The organization has identified essential needs, including shelter, household items, water tanks, and water purification tablets. IOM head in Kenya, Nomagugu Ncube, stated that the organization is working with the Kenyan government and humanitarian agencies to assess the situation and provide support to those in need.
The Kenyan government and humanitarian agencies are preparing a plan to support up to 80,000 refugees in case the number of arrivals increases. The plan includes providing emergency relief, including shelter, food, and medical care. The UNHCR and other agencies are working to ensure that refugees receive the necessary support, including registration, protection, and essential services.
The situation in the region remains volatile, with reports of gunfire and ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia. The Red Cross has reported the birth of the first child of a refugee mother in a local hospital on Friday. The organization is working to provide medical care and other essential services to the refugees.
The UN's appeal for $1.16 billion aims to provide critical support to the refugees, who are facing significant challenges in their new environment. The funds will be used to provide emergency relief, including food, shelter, and medical care, as well as longer-term support to help the refugees rebuild their lives.
Key points
- The UN has appealed for $1.16 billion to aid 50,000 Ethiopian refugees in Kenya.
- The refugees are fleeing ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia and require emergency relief, including food, shelter, and medical care.
- The Kenyan government and humanitarian agencies are preparing a plan to support up to 80,000 refugees.
