January 23, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has welcomed the Japanese government’s $1.6 million contribution meant for protection and assistance interventions for refugees in White Nile State of Sudan.
This contribution, UNHCR said in a statement issued on Monday, will benefit over 220,000 South Sudanese refugees in the state amid a complex humanitarian situation in the country, which has seen alarmingly high rates of food insecurity.
It will also benefit members of the host community in areas around the camps.
“We are grateful to the Government and people of Japan for this commitment and welcome our continued partnership to protect and assist refugees in Sudan,” explained Axel Bisschop, the UNHCR Representative in Sudan
He added, “As the country faces its worst food crisis in a decade, this timely funding will enable UNHCR to provide critical humanitarian assistance to refugees in White Nile State”.
Currently, White Nile State reportedly hosts over 280,000 refugees, over 80% of whom live in 10 camps in As Salam and Aj Jabalain localities. According to UNHCR, a standardized expanded nutrition survey conducted by the refugee agency in 2022 points to the alarming situation of refugees in the state.
“It is our honor to work with UNHCR Sudan through our project ‘Protection and Assistance to Refugees in Sudan’. The Government of Japan has long been a strong advocate of and contributor to providing humanitarian and various assistance to refugees worldwide and improving human security globally,” the Japanese Ambassador to Sudan, Takashi Hattori.
He said assisting refugees in Sudan remains one of the most critical humanitarian needs in the country.
“I sincerely hope that this project would contribute to improving access to basic human needs such as health and water for refugees and asylum seekers in White Nile State. The objective of this project perfectly aligns with our vision in enhancing basic human needs and human security,” stressed Takashi.
The funding has been earmarked to improve health and nutrition outcomes for refugees in White Nile State by supporting community-based management of acute malnutrition services for children and pregnant and lactating women.
Sudan is the second largest asylum country in Africa hosting over 1.1 million refugees and asylum-seekers. In 2023, UNHCR Sudan said it needs $396 million to deliver an effective response and provide life-saving assistance and protection.
(ST)
