UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch in a statement issued to journalists at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Tuesday said more lives could be lost on the often perilous lake routes, as increasing numbers of refugees escape intercommunal violence and conflict, across the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC.
Grandi however, notes that although Uganda has been able to demonstrate that refugees can live within host communities and be allowed to cultivate their own food, such support could over stretch services among host communities. He notes that the patience of local communities should not overly be tested but should be made to benefit from refugee presence in their areas.
A statement from the EU delegation in Uganda says the money will be available for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies IFRC
Uganda has over the years been voted a top destination for refugees. Studies last year, found that just 1 of the refugees living in rural Ugandan settlements depend entirely on humanitarian assistance and that many operate their own businesses and even employ Ugandans.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council NRC said it is the duty of aid workers to work where needs are greatest.He however noted that international humanitarian community is failing too many people in too many places from Syria and Yemen to South Sudan and Nigeria.
Secretary of State John Kerry says the United States will continue to assist Ugandas efforts to build peace and security within the region by supporting the African Union Mission in Somalia and helping to address the ongoing threat posed by the Lords Resistance Army.
A new United Nations Refugee report says worldwide displacement from wars, conflict, and persecution is at the highest levels recorded, and accelerating fast.
