Ethiopia, UNHCR establish new site to host Sudanese refugees

ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday announced the establishment of a new site in Amhara region of Ethiopia for people fleeing unrest in neighboring Sudan.

The establishment of the new site known as Aftit came after the closure of two other sites, Awlala and Kumer, RRS said in a statement.

"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.

"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 RRS Director General Teyiba Hassen 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 can host up to 12,500 people, the statement said.

"Following the closure of Awlala and Kumer 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 generous support from the host community."

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. ■