UNICEF responding to the needs of refugees from Tigray
“It feels great that water is always available. The water itself is very good and cold.”
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The recent conflict in the Ethiopian province of Tigray that began in November 2020, has displaced over 60,000 refugees across the Sudan’s Eastern border. The number of new arrivals has stabilized with around 30-50 persons per day, according to recent UNHCR updates (March 2021). As more and more refugees are received, basic social services are over-stretched and the quality of services for both refugees and the host communities is compromised, posing additional threats to the welfare of children.
UNICEF is on the ground and is supporting the UNHCR led response, primarily addressing water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection, education and health and nutrition needs of the refugees currently settled in Tunaydbah and Um Rakuba camps, Gedaref State.
Importantly, the UNICEF refugee response in Gedaref is also supporting host communities.
Highlights from March 2021.
“My name is Capital and I attend the UNICEF child friendly space every day. I’m the first one here (always). I love playing football, volleyball and drawing animals,”
"I am a lab technician volunteer in Alight Clinic. Helping my people in this difficult time motivates me to do more. I speak the language and provide medical support,”
“It feels great that water is always available. The water itself is very good and cold,”
“I’m delighted with this work. Before I joined, I was thinking a lot, I wasn’t even able to sleep from overthinking. Now I bought clothes for me and my family and my personal needs are fulfilled,”
Thanks to the United Nations Central Emergency Fund (CERF) for supporting the WASH activities during the Tigray response.
