Photo essay

Uprooted Congolese refugees find peace in Uganda

#ChildrenUprooted

UNICEF Uganda

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde

28 April 2018

From January 2018, nearly 60,000 refugees have arrived in Uganda from the Democratic Republic of Congo. 61 per cent of them, are children below 18 years. UNICEF’s interventions are protecting children from immediate and long term effects of the emergency.

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde An average of about 870 refugees arrive every day. They have fled renewed attacks by Mai-Mai militia in North Kivu and intertribal violence, arbitrary killings, rape, abductions and looting in Ituri.

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde Many families have used wooden boats, risking their lives.

It was the only option to safety and each person was charged USD6.4. Each boat carried about 70 people

says Kabagambe upon arrival

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde The displaced children and their families have spent days on the road, others on water, in the bushes and are happy to finally find peace in Uganda. The children arrive tired, hungry, malnourished and others alone.

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde Safe at last! Children aboard a truck upon arrival at the Ugandan border, in Nteko, Kisoro District. They have been provided with a healthy snack to recover from the hunger after days on the road with their parents.

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde The Government with support from partners like UNICEF, UNHCR, WFP, and others, is providing the refugees with food, water, education, shelter and healthcare services to ensure they live a decent life away from home.

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde Clean and safe water is essential in any emergency situation. UNICEF and partners are working hard to provide clean and safe water.

cholera outbreak among refugees — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde With UNICEF support, hygiene and sanitation promotion drives have also been conducted to promote appropriate behaviours to prevent diseases. IEC materials have been distributed in settlements hosting refugees following a cholera outbreak.

child friendly spaces for refugee children — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde #ChildrenUprooted. Here they are playing, singing and dancing at a UNICEF supported child friendly space in Kisoro District. The activities support their healing from trauma and stressful conditions they have encountered.

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde Others play in their new temporary home, a Catholic Church in Ntoroko District. They are happy to be safe, have a hot meal and a place to sleep.

congolese refugees seek refuge in Uganda — UNICEF Uganda/2018/Ntabadde While others find a moment to pause for a picture. They feel safe. Many times, child refugees are at greater risks of violence, abuse and exploitation. They need protection.

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