5.72 million people displaced in eastern Africa

Transcription

1 Eastern Africa: Displaced Populations Report (Issue 11, 1 October ) 5.72 million people displaced in eastern Africa As at the beginning of April 212, there were 5,715,96 refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the eastern Africa region. 1 This represents an overall increase of 291,882 people (5.4 per cent) between 3 and end-. The Democratic Republic of the Congo () and continue to host more than one million IDPs each, while Kenya, and Tanzania host more than 25, refugees each. Attacks by the Lord s Resistance Army (LRA) constitute a major trigger for the internal displacements in eastern. OCHA estimates that 73 per cent (34,984) of the 466,637 IDPs in Orientale Province resulted from LRA activities. In addition, the ongoing fighting between the Congolese army and armed elements in s North Kivu Province precipitated major displacements of more than 1, Congolese refugees into Uganda during the reporting period. also witnessed an influx of Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees fleeing internal conflict in Blue Nile (early September) and Jonglei States (late December) respectively. Generalized insecurity resulting from the conflict in has forced more than 76, Somalis to live in protracted refugee conditions across the region. 75 per cent (52,432 people) of the total Somali refugee population in the region (761,79) are hosted in Kenya. In addition, the region was experiencing the most severe drought in 6 years during the reporting period, resulting in population displacements across borders. 2 Uganda and Kenya have meanwhile registered significant progress in their IDP resettlement programmes, with increased numbers of returns recorded. IDP distribution in eastern Africa distribution in eastern Africa Total displacement trends ETHIOPIA 3, - 35, SOMALIA ERITREA 4,698 DJIBOUTI 2,361 ETHIOPIA SOMALIA 2,94 38,313 5,8 5,6 5,4 5,562 5,45 5,423 5,423 5,715 2,17,898 UGANDA KENYA 3, 39,2 78,796 BURUNDI 1,36, 147,812 UGANDA 146,827 RWANDA 572,94 56,18 37,226 TANZANIA KENYA BURUNDI 5,2 298,328 Map Source(s): Sources: UNCS, OCHA, UNHCR, IDMC, MoSSP, GoB The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Map created on 16 May 212. Map Source(s): Sources: UNCS, OCHA, UNHCR, IDMC, MoSSP, GoB The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. Map created on 16 May million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 3.88 million 4.12 million IDPs per country (thousands) Sep '11 Mar '12 1, 2, 3, IDP trends 4,4 4,2 4,121 4, 3,8 3,6 Increased by 238,3 (6.1%) Kenya Burundi Uganda ,36 2,18 Source: OCHA 1 The ten countries referenced in this report are Burundi, (eastern), Djibouti, Eritrea,, Kenya, Rwanda,, Tanzania and Uganda. 2 Actual figures for the climate-induced displacements are not available as most of the movements were temporary.

2 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 2 As at end-, there were 4,121,3 IDPs in six of the ten countries in the eastern Africa region. This represents an overall increase of 6.1 per cent (238,3 people) since. The change in IDP figures is attributed to a cumulative revision of the IDP statistics in, Burundi and the, coupled with increased returns of about 43, people from IDP camps into either transit centres or original villages in the Acholi region of northern Uganda. A revised IDP assessment conducted by the IASC Population Movement Tracking (PMT) System reduced the overall figure from 1.46 million to 1.36 million IDPs countrywide. The results of an IDP profiling exercise conducted by the Government of Burundi in December 21 indicate that there were 78,796 IDPs, down from 157,167 people given in the 29 national census report. IDP statistics for have increased by 459,477 people since following the release of new statistics by OCHA. UNHCR closed its offices in Gulu, Uganda, following progressive returns and handed over its protection role to the Ugandan Human Rights Commission. There are currently 3,136 IDPs still living in the four remaining camps, transit centres and in local communities in the Acholi region of northern Uganda. At the conflict s peak in 25, there were 1.84 million IDPs living in 251 camps across 11 districts of northern Uganda. In Kenya, IDP resettlement for the remaining 29,2 post-27 election IDPs and forest evictees is expected to be concluded in June million 1.54 million 2, 1,5 1, 5 1, million Increased by 53,879 (3.5%) by host country (thousands) Sep '11 Mar ' Kenya Tanzania Uganda 147 Rwanda 56 Burundi 37 Djibouti 2 Eritrea 5 2 As at end-, there were 1,594,66 refugees in the ten countries in eastern Africa. There has been an increase of 3.5 per cent (53,879 people) since when the refugee population stood at 1,54,187 people. The majority of the new arrivals are persons fleeing generalized insecurity and drought in. The Somali refugee population in Kenya and increased by an estimated 13, and 22, people, respectively, during the reporting period. Uganda also recorded an increase of about 17, among the Congolese refugees during the reporting period as more people fled from protracted insecurity in eastern. The Sudanese caseload in, which includes both Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals, increased by some 24,664 people since. This was largely prompted by internal/clan conflict from Sudan s Blue Nile State and South Sudan s Jonglei State in early and December 211, respectively. Starting early 212, Kenya has also been receiving Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict in affected areas, with an average of 43 people registered per week in.

3 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 3 Analysis by Country Burundi Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 157, ,796 4 Decreased by 78,371 (5%) IDP trends Results of the IDP profiling exercise undertaken by the Government s Working Group on IDPs (GTPDI) and currently under finalization indicate a 5 per cent decrease (78,371 people) in IDP figures countrywide. The IDPs are located in 12 sites across the country. Burundi has experienced systematic IDP returns in light of positive socio-political and security developments in the country. However, despite government assurances on security, remaining IDPs and refugees cite insecurity, particularly in areas where massacres were carried out by neighbours, as the main reason for fear of return. UNHCR reports that a reintegration strategy will be devised in the context of an IDP cluster co-chaired by the Ministry of Solidarity and UNHCR to address the issues raised by the IDP Working Group. 44, ,226 6 Decreased by 7,418 (16.6%) Rwanda 42 36, Congolese nationals constitute 98 per cent of the refugee population in Burundi, the majority of whom continue to flee ongoing insecurity in eastern. Besides the refugees, Burundi is also host to some 9,967 asylum-seekers. 3 UNHCR Bujumbura, 3 4 UNHCR Bujumbura sharing statistics issued by the Government of Burundi Working Group on IDPs (GTPDI), UNHCR Operation in Burundi, Factsheet, 3 6 UNHCR Operation in Burundi, Factsheet, 3 Planning figures for Burundi, at

4 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 4 Democratic Republic of the Congo Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 7 1,558,421 Source: OCHA 2,17,898 Increased by 459,477 (29.5%) IDP trends 2,1 2,18 1,9 1,7 1,5 The change in IDP figures of 459,477 people within six months is a result of updated statistics issued by OCHA in 212, resulting in significant changes in the previously reported September 211 statistics 8. South Kivu recorded the highest increase with 292,529 people, 77 per cent of whom (224,999) were displaced between January and March 212. Violence has afflicted the South and North Kivu Provinces over several years, as government soldiers continue to engage armed elements operating in Province Number of IDPs Trends North Kivu 423, , ,372 South Kivu 563, , ,529 Orientale (Ituri, Haut Uélé, Bas-Uélé) 457,82 466,637 8,817 Katanga 49,383 71,692 22,39 Equateur 8,558 8,558 Maniema 55,45 66,9 11,45 TOTALS 1,558,421 2,17, ,477 the affected areas. UNHCR observes that since November 211, when presidential and parliamentary elections were held, an estimated 3, people have been newly displaced. Displacements in Orientale Province result mainly from LRA activities and a compounded effect of generalized insecurity, poor road network and minimal state engagement. The reporting period however witnessed reduced LRA attacks compared to the same period last year, hence fewer displacements in that region. No new IDPs were recorded in Equateur Province. 156, ,812 1 Decreased by 8,671 (5.5%) Burundi 8,755 Rwanda 58,931 4,235 Angola 75,891 Angolan refugees remain the majority in, representing 51 per cent (75,891 people) of the entire refugee population, followed by Rwanda with some 58,931 people, according to Government of estimates. Overall there was a decrease of 8,671 refugees traceable to a reduction of more than 4, people among the Rwandan population and 3,734 Angolans (3,15 of whom were repatriated). 7 OCHA, IMU_Mvt de population_1er trimester 212, Mars Figures in the report were: North Kivu: 6,984; South Kivu: 518,618; Orientale: 447,627; Katanga: 73,814; Equateur: 12,785; Maniema: 55,45 Total: 1,79,278 people 9 UNHCR Operation in, Fact Sheet, 3-1 UNHCR Operation in, Fact Sheet, 31

5 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 5 Djibouti 2, , Decreased by 25 (1.2%) ,445 Eritrea There has been a notable reduction of about 1, and 5 people among the n and Eritrean refugee populations respectively, during the six months covered by this report. Conversely, the Somali refugee population increased by some 1,286 people during the same period. Djibouti is also host to 1,945 asylum seekers. The Ali Addeh refugee camp initially designed for a caseload of 7, refugees has far exceeded its capacity. The Government of Djibouti has allowed the reopening of the former camp of Holl-Holl to accommodate new arrivals. A refugee verification exercise to guide the transfer and relocations to Holl-Holl site was conducted between December 211 and February 212. There are no IDPs reported in Djibouti. Eritrea 4, 13 4, Increased by 831 (2.8%) Sudan 1 4,67, 61 Somalis constitute the majority (4,67 people) of refugees in Eritrea and are hosted at Emkulu refugee camp. The others include Sudanese and ns hosted at Elit Camp. The increase is mainly among the Somalis, who increased by over 8 people. There are no IDPs reported in Eritrea. 11 UNHCR Operation in Djibouti, Factsheet, 1 October UNHCR Operation in Djibouti, Factsheet, 1 13 UNHCR Operation in Eritrea, Factsheet, 3 14 UNHCR Operation in Eritrea, Factsheet, Feb - Mar 212

6 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 6 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 3, - 35, 15 Source: IDMC 3, 35, 16 No Change IDP trends to 35 No official verification of the IDP population has been conducted in. As in previous reports, reference is made to the estimated figure of 3,-35, calculated by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) in late 21. However, according to IDMC, government restrictions on access to conflict areas have hindered effective monitoring of conflict, human rights violations and resulting displacement in. Armed conflicts and localized episodes of violence are understood as the major causes of displacement, especially in Gambella, Somali and southern Oromia Regions of. 254, , Increased by 53,48 (21%) Eritrea 57,89 Sudan +S Sudan 55,14 3, ,751 Of the 38,313 refugees registered in by end, 191,751 (62.2 per cent) are from, 57,89 (18.8 per cent) from Eritrea, 55,14 (17.8 per cent) from Sudan and 3,739 (1.3 per cent) from other countries. During the six-month period of October 211 -, 22,179 Somali refugees entered, with the majority fleeing ongoing instability and drought. has also witnessed an influx of Sudanese and South Sudanese refugees fleeing internal conflict that broke out in Sudan s Blue Nile State in early September 211 and clan conflicts that broke out in Akobo County of South Sudan s Jonglei State in late December 211- early January 212. The Sudanese caseload, which includes both Sudanese and South Sudanese nationals, has increased by 24,664 people since.the refugees are hosted in Beneshangul Gumuz and Gambella Regions of western, respectively. 15 IDMC, : Monitoring of conflict, human rights violations and resulting displacement still problematic, 2 January 211 on 16 IDMC UNHCR, Population of Concern: Statistical Report, 3 18 UNHCR, Population of Concern: Statistical Report, 31

7 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 7 Kenya Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 39,2 19 (25, protracted IDPs, plus 29,2 post-27 elections IDPs and another 3, evictions from various forests) Source: MoSSP 39,2 2 No Change IDP trends The Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of State for Special Programmes (MoSSP), is in the process of purchasing land for the resettlement of both the post-27 election violence (PEV) IDPs and remaining forest evictees. 21 Countrywide verification of the protracted caseloads is still on hold. The PEV resulted in displacement of 663,921 people, of whom 35, sought refuge in 118 camps while 313,921 were integrated in communities countrywide and 64 households took refuge in Uganda. So far, 424 households (approximately 2,12 people) have returned to Kenya, leaving a balance of 216 households (approximately 1,8 people) still in Uganda. Efforts are being made to fast track resettlement of the remaining 4,481 households affected by the PEV and 5,71 households comprising forest evictees. The 2,593 Turkanas, who are among the PEV IDPs, will be resettled on some 1,44 acres of land donated by the County Council of Turkana and Municipal Council of Lodwar , ,94 24 Increased by 14,754 (2.6%) ,535 Sudan 19,132 9,995 52,432 As at end-, more than a half million refugees were hosted in refugee camps in Dadaab (455,451 people) and Kakuma (71,866 people), and in different locations in Nairobi (44,777 people). Kenya is also host to some 37,771 asylum seekers, 54 per cent of whom (2,464 people) are hosted in Kakuma refugee camp. Dadaab and Nairobi host an estimated 8,6 asylum seekers each. Somalis constitute 91 per cent (52,432 people) of the refugees in Kenya. Dadaab refugee camp hosts 85 per cent of the Somali caseload due to its proximity to the Kenya- border. During the six months covered by this report, there was an increase of some 12,782 refugees among the Somali caseload, as people fled from generalized insecurity and drought in. Registration of new arrivals in Dadaab remains suspended since October 211, when the Government of Kenya halted the process due to increased insecurity in the area. UNHCR and partners continue to advocate with the Government for a lifting of the suspension to facilitate proper monitoring and effective provision of assistance to the new arrivals in the camp. During the first quarter of 212, Kakuma and Nairobi offices registered some 1,67 and 269 Somalis, respectively. Kenya is also experiencing a progressive increase among South Sudanese and Sudanese refugees, following conflicts in Jonglei and Blue Nile States. Some 4,354 Sudanese and South Sudanese asylum seekers and refugees were registered in Kenya between January and, with the numbers increasing from an average of 1 people per week in January to an average of 47 and 43 people per week in February and March, respectively. Most of the new Sudanese (971) and South Sudanese (3,383) arrivals are hosted in Kakuma. There has also been an increase of about 5 people each among the Burundi, and caseloads in Kakuma, between January and. 19 The figure includes an additional 2,593 Turkana households (approximately 12,965 people) displaced during the post-27 elections violence that were not considered in the April 211 report. 2 OCHA Eastern Africa, Nairobi, Kenya 21 Ministry of State for Special Programmes (MoSSP), Progress on resettlement of IDPs, 6 January Ministry of State for Special Programmes (MoSSP), Progress on resettlement of IDPs, 1 January UNHCR, Branch Office for Kenya, Nairobi, Statistical Summary, and Asylum Seekers, 3 24 UNHCR, Branch Office for Kenya, Nairobi, Statistical Summary, and Asylum Seekers, 31

8 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 8 Rwanda 55, ,18 26 Increased by 365 (.7%) Burundi , UNHCR reports that the countrywide refugee verification exercise initiated in 211 was in Phase 2 as at 31 March 212. Revised statistics are expected at the end of May 212. UNHCR is providing life-saving assistance to 56,18 refugees, 99 per cent of whom are from the. There are no IDPs reported in Rwanda. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 1,46, 27 Source: MoSSP 1,36, 28 Decreased by 1, (6.8%) IDP trends Latest reports by the IASC Population Movement Tracking (PMT) System indicate a seven per cent decrease in the overall IDP statistics for. The reduction is a result of a more accurate assessment conducted in the last quarter of 211. According to UNHCR, insecurity, including fighting between AMISOM/TFG and Al Shabaab in Afgooye corridor and the takeover of Baydhaba district of Bay region by pro-tfg forces, was the main reason for displacement, especially in 212. Other prevalent reasons for movement in are IDP and refugee returns, drought, planned eviction operations by the TFG of protracted IDPs living in public buildings in Mogadishu, and relocation. 1,5 1,4 1,3 1,36 2, ,94 3 2,2 2, 2,94 Decreased by 3 (1.4%) 1,8 1,6 2,94 ns constitute 99 per cent of the refugees in. Somaliland hosts 1,756 refugees (84 per cent of total caseload) while Puntland accounts for only 338 refugees. Similarly 6,88 asylum seekers are registered in with 1,865 (31 per cent) in Somaliland and 4,223 (69 per cent) in Puntland. 25 UNHCR Rwanda, Quarterly Statistical Report, 1 January to 3 June UNHCR Operation in Rwanda, Factsheet, 29 February UNHCR, Somali in the Region, 3 28 UNHCR, Somali in the Region, UNHCR Operations in, Factsheet, October UNHCR, Somali in the Region, 21

9 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 9 Tanzania 311, , Decreased by 12,822 (4.1%) ,961 62,53 Burundi 232, The refugee population in Tanzania consists of 12,121 refugees living in camps within Kigoma and Kasulu district; 173,98 Burundian and Somali refugees in settlements in Rukwa, Tanga and Tabora regions; and 22,227 Burundians spontaneously settled in villages in Kigoma region. Since 29, the Government of Tanzania has granted citizenship, by naturalization, to 162,152 Burundians and 1,423 Somalis living in Tanzania. In addition, together with UNHCR, the government has continued to facilitate voluntary returns to Burundi and. There are no IDPs reported in Tanzania. Uganda Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) 73, , Decreased by 43,13 (59%) IDP trends UNHCR closed its IDP operation at the end of December 211 following progressive returns of IDPs from camps to villages and transit centres, prompted by a return to relative peace. The signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Lord s Resistance Army and the Government of Uganda in 26 sparked the beginning of significant population movement back to original lands. Overall, there are currently 3,136 IDPs living in the four remaining camps, transit centres and local communities in the Acholi region of northern Uganda. UNHCR observes that the delays in return in the Acholi region are attributed to a longer period of traumatic experiences in the hands of rebels, and inadequate or dilapidated infrastructure for basic and essential services, including safe drinking water sites, health centres, educational facilities, public offices and road networks in or around villages. Land disputes continue to be rampant in return areas throughout the Acholi region. Protection monitoring of the IDPs is currently being handled by the Ugandan Human Rights Commission, with support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 31 UNHCR Tanzania Monthly Statistics, 1 October UNHCR Tanzania Monthly Statistics, 1 April UNHCR Operation in Uganda, Factsheet, 31 (figure consists of 26,39 IDPs remaining in active camps; 2, in settlements within the host community in Masindi and 46,849 in former camps, all of concern to UNHCR) 34 UNHCR Gulu Brief, Northern Uganda, Internally Displaced Persons, December 211. As at December 211, the estimated number of IDPs stood at 21,255 people in the Acholi region (with 465 in active camps, 11,465 in former camps, and 9,325 in transit sites); 1,31 IDPs in former camps in Adjumani District, Madi Sub Region; and 6 IDPs in former camps in Katakwi and 48 in Amuria all in the Teso Sub Region. In addition, there were 6,5 individuals hosted within local communities in Kiryandongo.

10 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 1 133, , Increased by 13,712 (1.3%) of origin 13,842 Rwanda 13,175 15,273 S.Sudan & Sudan 16,9 87,637 During the six months covered by this report, there have been notable increases among the Congolese and Somali caseloads, which registered increases of 11,31 and 2,591 people, respectively. Uganda is also host to some 24,714 asylum seekers, the majority of whom are from. According to UNHCR, the influx of refugees from has been ongoing since the end of July 211, with the new arrivals fleeing insecurity mainly in North Kivu Province of eastern. In addition, Uganda continues to receive increased numbers of Congolese and Somali asylum seekers directly in Kampala or in other settlements within the country. Some 5,417 asylum seekers, of whom 2,361 were from the, were registered in these locations during the first three months of 212. Also recorded are 54 asylum seekers from Jonglei State of South Sudan who arrived in the West Nile region in mid- March claiming to have fled inter-communal fighting. 35 UNHCR, Uganda Statistics by Settlement, 1 36 UNHCR Operations in Uganda, Factsheet, April 212

11 Displaced Populations Report (as at 31 ) 11 Breakdown of by Country of Origin as at Host Country Country of Origin September 211 March ,351 36,515 Burundi Rwanda Angola 79,625 75,891 Rwanda 62,97 58,931 Burundi 9,89 8,755 Uganda (Sudan, RoC, CAR) 3,982 4,219 18,159 19,445 1, Djibouti Eritrea Sudan, Yemen, Iraqi and Eritrea 3,834 4,67 & others Sudan 89 1 Sudan 3,35 55,14 Eritrea 51,319 57,89 169, ,751 (including, Kenya Burundi, Djibouti, Uganda) 3,664 3,739 57,65 52,432 Rwanda 1,579 1,463 Burundi Kenya Uganda ,82 22,535 Sudan 17,38 19, Congolese 5,156 5,631 Eritrea 1,237 1, Rwanda 55,445 55,778 Burundi and ,124 2,94 61,453 62,53 Tanzania Burundi 246, ,68 2,942 2, Kenya 1,332 1,344 Uganda Rwanda 12,642 13,175 Eritrea 3,474 3,579 77,336 87,637 Burundi 6,466 7,775 Sudan 19,91 16,9 12,682 15,273 and 1,92 1,144 For further information, please contact: Gabriella Waaijman, Deputy Head of Office, OCHA Eastern Africa, waaijman@un.org, Tel. (+254) Matthew Conway, Public Information Officer, OCHA Eastern Africa, conwaym@un.org, Tel. (+254) OCHA reports are available at The figures do not include asylum seekers pending determination of their refugee status in the various countries. 38 Includes 3,372 Sudanese, plus 15,76 South Sudanese. This distinction was not made in the past, but will be adopted henceforth.