The UNHCR and the African Development Bank Collaborate to Assist Refugees
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The African Development Bank and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have committed to deepening their cooperation for the benefit of displaced persons and host communities in South Sudan. This follows a joint visit by representatives of both institutions, Raouf Mazou, Assistant High Commissioner for Operations, and Marie Laure Akin-Olugbade, Deputy Regional Vice President of the African Development Bank for Regional Integration and Service Delivery, to South Sudan last week, as stated in a press release by the UNHCR.
Akin-Olugbade stated, "We are committed to addressing the most significant developmental challenges facing the African continent, including preventing and addressing forced displacement. Our cooperation and partnership with the UNHCR are crucial and decisive ways to enhance resilience and provide sustainable solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons, and returnees, as well as their host communities in South Sudan."
The officials visited a refugee camp and a temporary gathering center hosting people who have recently arrived from Sudan, providing them with an opportunity to hear from those affected. They also met with high-level government officials in the capital, Juba, who welcomed the partnership and collaboration to address urgent needs in the country. Additionally, they met with representatives from the donor community, accompanied by South Sudans Deputy Commissioner for Refugee Affairs, John Dabe.
Raouf Mazou, the UNHCR representative, praised South Sudan for generously keeping its borders open to receive people fleeing the conflict in Sudan. However, he emphasized the countrys need for support and assistance, stating, "South Sudan has kept its borders generously open to receive those forced to flee the war in Sudan, but it cannot continue to do so alone. There is a need for more humanitarian and development support to provide vital assistance and enable conflict-affected communities to stand on their feet again and rebuild their lives."
