UNHCR GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION TOOL (GDT) PILOTED IN SUDAN – The GDT was piloted in the Sharq El Nil locality distribution from 4-7 August. The GDT uses biometric registration data to quickly and accurately verify 2,432 refugees collecting NFI kits on behalf of their families. This helps to speed up the distribution process and reduced opportunities for fraud. Refugees were able to see real-time reports on exactly who had collected for their families and what had been received. This helped to mitigate uncertainty and duplication issues. They reported that the distribution process felt more organized and transparent. The GDT forms an important part of ensuring refugees are able to access assistance in a secure and dignified manner. GDT is being rolled out for distributions across Sudan.

From 7 September 2017 to 31 July 2019, 74,979 refugees voluntarily returned to Burundi in an organized manner with the support of UNHCR.

UNHCR’s Representative in Uganda today handed over three ambulances, thirty one motorcycles and a thermal scanner to the Ministry of Health to boost the Ebola response. Uganda has included refugees in the National Ebola Preparedness and Response Plan and continues to keep its borders open, ensuring safe and dignified asylum for the women, children and men arriving daily from the neighbouring countries.

UNHCR welcomes Uganda Communications Commission directive to improve refugees’ access to SIM cards.

UNHCR AND COR COMPLETE RAINY SEASON PREPAREDNESS NFI DISTRIBUTION IN KHARTOUM’S “OPEN AREAS” - From 23 June to 7 August, UNHCR and the Government of Sudan’s Commission of Refugees (COR) distributed NFI kits to over 15,000 South Sudanese refugee and host community households households across 9 ‘open area’ settlements in Khartoum State. The distribution also targeted newly displaced South Sudanese refugees who fled to Bantiu ‘Open Area’ in June following attacks in Khartoum, as well as vulnerable host community households. The kits included plastic sheets, mosquito nets and sleeping mats, and was part of rainy season preparedness for existing refugees, and emergency response to address the needs of newly displaced families in the open areas. ‘Open areas’ are informal settlements hosting South Sudanese refugees in Khartoum.

In June 2019, UNHCR undertook survey of South Sudanese refugees on intention of return and to identify the impediments preventing return, as perceived and conveyed by the refugees. The intention survey will also help guide planning for refugee operations in 2020-2021 as well as to enhance evidence-based decision making for the protection and solutions for South Sudan refugees and returnees.

On 30 June, a first case of Ebola was confirmed in Ariwara, Aru Territory, DRC. In order to strengthen preventive measures to contain the virus, UNHCR and its partners conducted four mass sensitization sessions in Biringi, Aru and Aba targeting refugees and host community members.

UNHCR is not promoting voluntary repatriation of Burundian refugees, it supports the exercise to ensure that all returns are safe and dignified, and the result of a free and informed choice.

HEAVY RAINS IN SOUTH KORDOFAN STATE RENDER FIVE REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS INACCESSABLE DUE TO WASHED OUT ROADS - Over 8,000 refugees live in the affected areas. Some partners are using tractors to access the area. In White Nile State, heavy rains left health facilities in Alagaya and Jouri camps flooded, highlighting the need to improve the health facility structures.

REFUGEES FROM KHARTOUM REGISTERED, ASSISTED IN WHITE NILE STATE – In White Nile State, Level I registration of newly displaced refugees from Khartoum ‘open areas’ went on in Um Sangour and Alagaya camps, with 571 households registered and supported with non-food items and food assistance. These are among the 5,500 refugees who relocated to camps in White Nile in June following attacks on their communities that included sexual and gender-based violence and looting. UNHCR and the Commission of Refugees (COR) conducted an assessment in Alagaya camp targeting refugees who had arrived from Khartoum. The assessment aimed to find the driving factors for refugees fleeing from Khartoum. Some of the key factors were the fragile security situation, and demonstrations in Khartoum and the need to register as refugees which will enable them to benefit from assistance and services in camps.