Although the number of Burundian refugees fleeing to Rwanda has declined from over 1,000 a day to fewer than 100, the humanitarian crisis continues, with agencies now appealing for international assistance.
Under a tree at the Mahama camp in Kirehe district, Eastern Province, almost 200km from Burundi, sits Florence Maya, a 21-year-old Burundian, with her six-month-old child. They both need medical attention for a skin rash they contracted because of poor hygiene.
The issues affecting her and other refugees include lack of proper health facilities, clean water and a need for education and income generating projects.
This situation led to an appeal on June 8 by the UN High Commission for Refugees for additional humanitarian assistance.
European Commission Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection Operation (ECHO) director for humanitarian operations Jean-Louis DeBrouwer, who was in Rwanda last week, said the EC will push for more funding from other European countries.
“We have identified the needs to be covered. There are more countries that need to come on board, especially from the European Union,” Mr DeBrouwer said.
UNHCR external relations officer Martina Pomeroy said the areas that need immediate attention are water, sanitation and hygiene, human protection and shelter, and nonfood items, at a cost of about $49milllion.
If UNHCR’s plea is heard, the future may not be so bleak for Maya and her child.