Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Thursday announced the establishment a new site in Amhara region of Ethiopia for people fleeing unrest in Sudan.
“The new site has enhanced security through engagement with local authorities and hosting communities for better protection of refugees,” RRS said, noting that RRS, UNHCR and partners have continued providing better services including food assistance, clean water supply, sanitation facilities, medical aid and protection to the refugees at the new site.
The establishment of the new site known as Aftit came after the closure of two other sites, Awlala and Kumer in Amhara region, RRS said on Thursday in a statement.
“Ethiopia is committed to protecting refugees that seek safety in the country, and together with UNHCR and partners, ensuring they are supported with lifesaving assistance,” the statement quoted Teyiba Hassen, RRS Director General, as saying.
Nearly 3,000 men, women and children were transported to Aftit, while several hundred more who were staying in different locations within the Amhara region have moved to the new site, which has a capacity to host up to 12,500 people, the statement said.
“Following the closure of Kumer and Awlala sites, the efficient coordination with Ethiopian authorities and partners allowed us to swiftly identify the new site and begin the work of setting up essential services,” said Andrew Mbogori, UNHCR Representative in Ethiopia.
“This will allow refugees to find stability and rebuild their lives in a safer environment, with the generous support from the host community,” Mbogori added.
As one of the leading refugee-hosting countries in Africa, Ethiopia is home to nearly 1.1 million refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan.
MG/as/APA