PAKISTAN: Lahore, UNHCR Pakistan Representative, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela received Shaukat Khanam Memorial Cancer Hospital Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards 2018 in Lahore from Majeeb-ur-Rehman Shami. UNHCR donated USD 6.2 million for radiotherapy machines for SKMCH Peshawar to support free-of-cost treatment to cancer patients, including Afghan refugees.

The SGBV WG met regularly in March 2019 and reviewed the Terms of reference for the working group. In March the SGBV WG marked the celebration of International Women’s Day with the production of common IEC materials on the national theme “She innovates”. 300 posters were produced and disseminated in 3 refugee camps and host communities to celebrate refugee and Jordanian women volunteers commitment to innovate and build a safer environment for all women and girls in Jordan. The SGBV WG selected success stories of women and girls from 9 different organization producing and disseminating 100 boxes with stories featuring women and girls that despite facing challenges have found creative ways to claim their rights. Moreover the SGBV WG championed the inclusion of two priorities in OCHA humanitarian funding allocation and disseminated a guidance note on Do and Do not on GBV proposal writing. The first meeting of the SAG- Strategic Advisory Group took place for the discussion of workplan and strategic priorities. Moreover in March SGBV WG nominated three gender focal points to support gender mainstreaming in the sector. The sub working group completed the planning exercise for the Jordan Response Plan.

Due to continued new arrivals from Burundi into Rwanda, albeit in small numbers, additional space is needed to ensure a camp extension in Mahama Camp. The camp is designed for 60,000 refugees and the camp population has reached 59,319 as of 28 February 2019.

In February, there were reports that 500 South Sudanese returned from Uganda, 200 from Ethiopia and 100 from DRC. Although there is neither facilitation nor promotion of refugee returns to South Sudan, as the current conditions are not yet conducive for durable, safe and dignified returns, UNHCR recognizes the refugees’ right to return and has protection mandate for monitoring refugee returns, including those that return in a self-organized manner

Since the start of the voluntary repatriation exercise in September 2017, a total of 63,143 individuals have been assisted to return to Burundi from Tanzania as of 31 March 2019. Of those who have registered for return, 7,760 individuals are currently awaiting departure after having had their intention to voluntarily return verified.

IGAD Ministers commit further to improving livelihoods of refugees

Education is a major priority in the Uganda refugee response for 2019 and beyond. More than half of refugee children, and over one third of Ugandan children in refugee hosting areas, are out of school.

PAKISTAN: ISLAMABAD, 25 February, 2019: UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency Monday welcomed the decision made by Prime Minister Imran Khan to allow Afghan refugees to open bank accounts.

PAKISTAN: ISLAMABAD, 18 MARCH, 2019: NAMA Women Advancement Establishment (NAMA) has signed its first-ever agreement with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency to conduct a one-year project to support local and Afghan refugee women in Pakistan.

The Inter-Agency Feedback, Referral and Resolution Mechanism (FRRM) has been rolled-out countrywide and can be reached on 0800 32 32 32.