UN Agency, Partners Appeal for $1.2B for Refugees in Eastern Africa

KIGALI, Rwanda – The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and its development partners have appealed for a $1.2 billion funding to address the refugee crisis in eastern Africa.

The UNHCR appealed that the money is needed to deliver humanitarian assistance and protection to 2.3 million South Sudanese refugees and local communities in Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda.

“Funding is urgently needed to help these host countries to provide food, shelter, and access to essential services such as education and healthcare,” the statement said.

South Sudan continues to grapple with violence, food insecurity and flooding after nearly a decade of conflict.

It noted that while asylum-giving countries have kept their doors open for refugees, they are facing challenges from the climate crisis and the pandemic.

The statement added that “refugees and local communities will receive help to boost their resilience by identifying and diversifying opportunities to earn a living.”

UNCR said it is increasing the use of clean energy and making other green investments to better protect the environment and to minimize the impacts of the climate crisis.

The South Sudan refugee crisis- the largest on the African continent- was the least funded in 2021, according to the UN.

The UNHCR called for global solidarity and support for refugees in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Sudan, “which have generously welcomed South Sudanese refugees.”