The onset of clashes last November between the
government forces and armed groups in the northern Ethiopian state of Tigray resulted
in an enormous number of displaced people in the neighboring countries. Of
these, more than 60,000 have fled to refugee camps in eastern Sudan where the
water and sanitation conditions are critically insufficient. Amid the global
pandemic, the refugees are also at a high risk of COVID-19 infection as a
result. To address these issues, AAR Japan started emergency relief activities
such as distributing hygiene kits and installing water tanks in cooperation
with a local partner organization.
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AAR field staff members listen to Mevlitt (right)
who lives in the Tunaydbah Refugee Camp (10 August) |
The newly established Tunaydbah Refugee Camp in
Gedaref State, Sudan, is home to approximately 8,800 families with 19,500
individuals. Their living conditions have been devastated in the current rainy
season – tents were broken by strong wind and heavy rain; paths and outdoor
toilets were flooded by poor drainage. Adding to the concerns of COVID-19
outbreak, cases of hepatitis E have been reported in the camp. To improve and
mitigate poor sanitary conditions, AAR will; 1) distribute hygiene items
(masks, soap, dustbins, mosquito nets, etc.), 2) set up water facilities (40
water tanks and 30 hand-washing stations), 3) offer awareness-raising
activities on hygiene precautions including COVID-19 measures.
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Tunaydbah Refugee Camp flooded in the rainy
season (13 July)
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Here are some of the voices of refugees in
the Tunaydbah Refugee Camp during the needs assessment for these activities.
Ms. Mebrit (31 years old, female)
We were living in a town near the border
with Sudan. One night in November last year, an air raid suddenly started, and
my husband and I crossed the border with our two daughters aged eight and one. Unfortunately,
I could not bring my parents with me and left them in the town in the urgent
situation. After we were received by the Sudanese border guards, we stayed in a
simple tent for two months, then relocated to Tunaydbah.
In Ethiopia, I had a job, and life was
comfortable. I was a teacher, and my husband was a farmer. Here, however, we
spend most of our time only doing housework, even though I sometimes attend
embroidery and sewing courses at the women's center. When the conflict is over
and it becomes safe, I would like to return to my home country, otherwise, I
will have to stay in Sudan.
Mr. Birhan (30 years old, male)
It was all of sudden. I woke up in the
morning and found the world changed. The only thing I could do was to take my
family to flee to Sudan. I was sure that we will be in hell if we stayed in
Tigray. On the way to Sudan, we saw many people lying on the roadside. We just
walked and walked without eating or drinking.
In the refugee camp, I help support aid
organizations and participate in hygiene awareness sessions to keep my family
healthy.
It's deplorable to live in this flooded
place with poor sanitary conditions. In addition, we cannot eat well or work
here either. I often talk with acquaintances about our future and share
information about Tigray. Of course, I would like to go back home as soon as we
can.
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Mr. Birhan (left, 4 August) |
Ms. Danat (18 years old, female)
I jumped out of my bed at 5 am from the
bombing sounds. Then I rushed to the Sudanese border with my parents. During
the evacuation, there were children, women, and elderly people randomly gathered
together. We were all under the horrible fear that we would be caught, killed,
or sexually assaulted. Luckily, the Sudanese border guards gave us shelters.
Like other women, I do housework for my
family and sometimes spend time at the women's center. Unlike in Tigray, the
refugee camp is safe, but I would like to return home if peace is assured.
Having seen so many deaths, violence and people forced to flee their homes,
something came into my mind. I would like to engage myself in peacebuilding for
future generations.
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Ms. Danat(right, 10 August) |
AAR has rich experience in aid activities
to improve water sanitation conditions and fight against infectious diseases in
Sudan. Therefore, we will utilize such knowledge and skills as well as networks
to support Ethiopian refugees.
Your understanding and warmest support will
be highly appreciated.