More than 2,600 refugees have arrived in Sam Ouandja, in the extreme north-east of the Central African Republic, since late May this year.

The organizations providing humanitarian assistance to these refugees and the population of Sam Ouandja have now put together a briefing kit, with updates on the situation and their activities.

For photos please see our photo sets.

Download the document here

August Briefing Kit | Darfur refugees in CAR | HDPT CAR | English

August Briefing Kit | Darfur refugees in CAR | HDPT CAR | French

Or read the full text after the break.

Overview

On 22 May 2007, the first group of Sudanese refugees from the town of Daffak in South Darfur arrived in Sam Ouanja in the northeast of the Central African Republic. Over the following days, hundreds more of refugees would arrive after walking on foot for ten days or more. The population and authorities in Sam Ouandja welcomed the 2,646 refugees (according to the latest registration in late July) and allocated them land to settle and grow food. Despite the fact that the local population itself suffered from violent conflict in November and December 2006, and again in March 2007, the mayor generously distributed some food to the refugees before the arrival of aid organizations.

The Central African Government and humanitarian organizations – UN agencies and non-governmental organizations – reacted quickly to this new situation. A rapid assessment mission examined the situation in Sam Ouandja on 28 May 2007. The Minister of Social Affairs and the Secretary General of the National Refugee Commission visited Sam Ouandja, underlining the readiness of the Central African Government to support the humanitarian response in Sam Ouandja. A number of aid organizations have committed to address the fundamental humanitarian needs of the Sudanese refugees and the local population in Sam Ouandja.

Humanitarian Response

Food security

Given the logistical difficulties in the northeast of the Central African Republic, with roads becoming almost impassable during the rainy season, WFP had to transport high-nutrition biscuits to Sam Ouandja by plane, to respond to the most urgent needs of children, pregnant women and young mothers among the refugees, shortly after their arrival. Since then, WFP has transported 189 metric tons of food to Sam Ouandja, mostly for the refugees. In addition, some 2,000 persons with specific needs have been identified among the local population in Sam Ouandja, who will also receive half-rations of food. At the refugee site, the distributions, carried out by Tringle GH with support from UNHCR, will cover full-rations until end-September. In July, the FAO provided six metric tons of sorghum and 1,000 kits of agricultural tools, which were also distributed by Triangle GH to the refugees and the local population. This will enable refugees to improve their food security in the longer run, and to become self-sufficient.

Health and Nutrition

After WHO supported the local health centre during the first months after the arrival of the refugees UNICEF and the NGO International Medical Corps (IMC) now provide medicines, medical equipment and staff, to ensure access to primary and emergency health care for the refugees and the local population. UNICEF also provided therapeutic milk products and nutritional supplements for children under five years of age suffering from malnutrition. UNFPA has provided reproductive health kits. In partnership with UNICEF, IMC established a health post at the refugee site in late July, to address the nutritional situation and fight malnutrition. In end-July, registered cases of malaria and diarrhoea had dropped, while numerous cases of malnutrition and anaemia were still registered, particularly among children between 6 months and 5 years.

Water and Sanitation

UNICEF has installed a water treatment unit at the refugee site so that a minimum of 15 litres of drinking water are now available per person. The water unit, which was transported to Sam Ouandja by WFP, consists of a 30m3 water tank, two 5m3 bladders and two water distribution points with six taps. While chlorine is being transported to Sam Ouandja, UNICEF distributed water purification tablets to ensure the safety of the water. In addition, the water is being partially treated. The NGO Triangle GH has deployed a water and sanitation specialist and two assistants to Sam Ouandja to ensure access to treated water. With the help of volunteers of the Sudanese Red Cross among the refugees, families are encouraged to boil water before utilisation, to increase the amount of drinking water available.

Shelter and household items.

With logistical support from WFP, UNICEF and UNHCR have sent a number of basic household items to Sam Ouandja, including 600 pieces of plastic sheeting, 800 mosquito nets, 800 blankets, 400 kitchen sets, clothing, soap and jerry cans. The NGO Triangle GH and UNHCR distributed these items in Sam Ouandja, enabling the refugees to temporarily settle and to protect themselves against the rain, cold and mosquitoes.

Education

A primary school for 560 students has been opened at the refugee site, following the distribution of UNICEF school kits and the construction of temporary shelters by UNHCR. Among the four teachers, there are two Sudanese refugees and two inhabitants of Sam Ouandja, who teach Arabic, French, English, as well as maths, religion and music. A pre-school has been opened in July.

Protection

UNHCR and the National Refugee Commission have registered the entire refugee population in Sam Ouandja. In late July, there were a total of 2,646 Sudanese refugees, including 1,508 children (747 boys and 761 girls), 587 women and 551 men. A more exhaustive registration will be carried out in the coming weeks to ensure that activities respond to specific needs. The Central African Government and the local authorities have assured the refugees and UNHCR that the security of the refugees will be maintained. Currently, the security situation in Sam Ouandja is calm, even if sometimes tense. All stakeholders agree that the civilian character of the refugee site needs to be maintained, and the Central African authorities and UNHCR continue to closely collaborate in this sense. The National Refugee Commission is identifying a liaison officer who will permanently represent the Central African Government in Sam Ouandja.

For more information, maps and photos see www.hdptcar.net or email info@hdptcar.net