“Currently, more than 9,000 Cameroonian refugees have been moved to new settlements, where they receive food as well as essential items such as mattresses, mosquito nets, stoves and cooking utensils, as well as equipment to build shelters,” said the UNHCR spokesperson, adding that women and girls are also being provided with dignity kits, including among other items, buckets, soap and towels.

In some instances, cash assistance is provided to enable refugees buy food directly from the markets in host communities, helping facilitate the integration of those forced to flee and those welcoming them, he stated.

Needs ‘far from being met’
However, despite the work of UNHCR and other aid organizations, the needs are “far from being met” and there are several challenges, including education opportunities for refugee children, explained Mr. Baloch.

“The rainy season and harsh road conditions to remote areas makes the assistance to the refugees outside of the newly-developed settlement very difficult, with acute needs for food, shelter, water and sanitation,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing with the Government for improved access to the displaced population.