South Sudanese Refugees transportation assistance from Pagak Reception Centre to Nguenyyiel Refugee Camp and Kule Refugee Camp in Gambella Region, and three-day convoy to Gure-Shembola Refugee Camp in Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. South Sudanese beneficiaries of transitional shelter in Nguenyyiel and Kule Refugee Camp in Gambella Region.
With the anabating conflict coupled with food insecurity in neighbouring country South Sudan, an influx of asylum-seekers and refugees continue to seek safety and enter Ethiopia in large numbers through Pagak border in Gambella Region. Since September 2016, IOM, through the Emergency and Post-Crisis (EPC) Unit provides pre-departure medical screening (PDMS), transportation assistance and transitional shelters to South Sudanese refugees. The movements are part of IOM’s response to transport refugees to places of safety in a safe and dignified manner. IOM’s transportation and relocation assistance ensures refugee access to life-saving services in the camps including food, WASH, health, and protection assistance. IOM, in coordination with the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) and UNHCR, has been engaged in logistical planning on routing, safety, security, and ensuring the protection needs of refugees during transport are addressed. From September 2016 to May 2017, South Sudanese Refugees were transported from Pagak Reception Centre to four refugee camps namely Jewi, Kule, Tierkidi and Nguenyyiel, all of which are located in Gambella Region. Due to Nguenyyiel camp reaching maximum capacity, the Government of Ethiopia decided to relocate refugees, starting May 2017, from Pagak entry point, Gambella Region to Assosa, Benishangul-Gumuz Region in Gure-Shembola refugee camp to accommodate the continuing influx of South Sudanese refugees. IOM and partners have established two way stations in Metu and Gimbi on the relocation route to Gure-Shembola for refugee accommodation during transit. To increase access to information among newly arrived refugees and ensure individuals are aware of services and assistance to which they are entitled,IOM also established a helpdesk at Pagak border entry point supported by host community volunteers. From September 2016 to July 2017, IOM has transported a total of 84,318 South Sudanese refugees from Pagak Reception Centre to refugee camps. IOM also provided transitional shelters to South Sudanese refugees in Kule, Jewi and Nguenyyiel Refugee Camps in Gambella Region and in Tsore Refugee Camp in Benishangul-Gumuz Region.