United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or UNHCR on Wednesday began the relocation of two thousand one hundred and forty-three vulnerable Sudanese refugees from Yei town of Central Equatoria State to nearby Lasu Payam.
In a statement, UNHCR South Sudan Assistant Representative on Protection Isabelle Misic says extreme poverty and worsening economic situation expose many refugees to serious protection risks.
The official discloses UNHCR pledge to integrate the group of refugees in all existing services and assistance programmes available in the settlement such as shelter, food, water, health care and education.
The Assistant Representative appreciates the hospitality and generosity of Lasu Payam Administration and its people hosting refugees as part of their community.
The official says while 644 refugees were relocated to Lasu Settlement in coordination with the Commission for Refugee Affairs, ACROSS and the local authorities, the relocation operation will continue in the coming weeks to transfer the remaining 1,499 refugees.
Lasu Settlement which hosts some 8,300 refugees was established in 2009 to provide sanctuary to Congolese refugees fleeing violence from the Lord’s Resistance Army in the Democratic Republic of Congo.