UNHCR Egypt extended its reception hours last week and received 3,876 individuals (1,709 families), approaching the office to renew their documents, update their information and add new family members to their records. Continuous verification contributes to a better understanding of the profile and needs of people registered with UNHCR. This exercise has also considerably reduced the waiting period to obtain a renewal appointment in our offices, which decreased from 3 months to 1 month. Additionally, 86 Syrian families also had the opportunity to complete their vulnerability assessment interviews.

UNHCR and the Ministry of Education held the opening ceremony of their joint teacher training programme for 2016. The training focused on developing the required skills for Arabic Language teachers who are working with primary students. The event was attended by Ms. Marian Schilperoord UNHCR Senior Operations Manager who gave a speech about the importance that UNHCR gives to the education of refugees. Ms. Schilperoord thanked the Ministry of Education for its generosity in admitting Syrian and Sudanese refugees in public schools at same footing as Egyptians. While Ms. Mai Mahmoud, UNHCR Associate Protection Officer presented UNHCR’s mandate to help the teachers understand better the circumstances of the refugee student they meet every day in their classroom.

UNHCR and Government of Malawi registered 107 new arrivals in 40 families from Mozambique between 5 and 9 December, 2016. The majority comes from Ncondedzi and Ndande villages in Moatize district, Tete Province. A total number of 3,007 asylum seekers are currently in Luwani Refugee Camp.

New UN chief says Syria peace is top concern.

Relocation of Mozambicans from the border areas of Chipinge District continues. Government of Zimbabwe and UNHCR have moved over 260 individuals since December 9. A forth convoy is expected to arrive to Tongogara camp today.

Across the Middle East and North Africa, conflict threatens decades of progress for children.

The Government of Zimbabwe and UNHCR started relocation of Mozambican asylum seekers from the border areas in Chipenge District. On December 9, 86 passengers moved to Tongogara camp with the first convoy: majority are women and children. They will be registered upon arrival to the camp, receive core relief items and allocated with a plot. A second convoy is scheduled for December 10.

New appeal seeks continued support for Syrian refugees and countries hosting them.

The Protection Working Group also finalized renewed Key Advocacy Messages on main protection priorities in Jordan

Half of population in Central African Republic need aid - U.N.