UNHCR CHAD - NIGERIAN SITU ATION

UNHCR CHAD UPDATE 31 January, 2015

UNHCR CHAD - NIGERIAN SITUATION

NIGERIAN REFUGEES IN THE LAKE REGION

Arrival of Nigerian refugees from the Island of Kangalam to Bagasola, January 2015 Photo Ngargena/UNHCR

CONTEXT At the end of 2014, some 3,000 Nigerian refugees were registered in Chad. After Boko Haram militants attacked military installations and civilian populations in the northeastern Nigerian town of Bagakawa and its surroundings on 3rd January 2015, torching homes, allegedly killing hundreds and kidnapping many others, more than 14,000 Nigerian refugees have crossed Lake Chad by canoes and boats into Chad. Following the Bagakawa events, the Prime Minister of Chad called for the humanitarian community to support Chad to face the influx of Nigerian refugees. Given the proximity and strategic importance of Bagakawa town to Chad and additional considerations, including the growing anxiety about the safety of the main corridor supplying Chad’s imports through Cameroon, the Chadian Parliament promptly approved on 15 January 2015 the deployment of troops into Cameroon. Reports indicated that Chadian forces have also penetrated Nigeria territory. Chad, Cameroun and Niger have engaged their armed forces to fight Boko Haram, under the umbrella of the “Communauté du Bassin du Lac Tchad”, a regional body which also includes Benin. As of 31st January, In addition to 17,567 Nigerian refugees, Chad is hosting over 460,000 refugees including 377,000 Sudanese refugees in Eastern Chad and over 90,000 CAR refugees in southern Chad. Many of them have stayed in Chad for more than a decade and are thus facing a protracted situation. 1

UNHCR Thematic Update –Nigerian Refugees Update

RESPONSE TO THE INFLUX

Faced with this influx, UN Agencies and partners, led by UNHCR and CNARR took immediate action to respond to the urgent needs of the newly arrived population without distinction of status (refugees, returnees and third country nationals). CNARR, WFP, WHO, UNICEF, International Medical Corps (IMC), Chadian Red Cross (CRT), UNFPA, WHO as well as the Ministry of Health are coordinating actions to assist the population with protection, food, NFIs, shelter, water, and medical assistance.

SECTORIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE POPULATION UNHCR is working closely with CNARR, UN agencies and partners to provide a multi sectorial assistance that targets essential sectors such as protection (UNHCR, CNARR and UNICEF), food (WFP and CRT), health and nutrition (IMC and UNICEF), WASH (UNHCR, CRT and ASELPA) and Shelters (CRT). Others services like education (CRT, UNICEF) and livelihood will be expanded once the refugees are better installed.

Transfer from Bagasola to the site of Dar Es Salam, January 2015, Photo: Blaise/UNHCR

PROTECTION: Following the attacks of Baga, thousands of refugees fled towards the Lake Chad by canoes and boats. Families had been separated as people fled in all directions. For example, a large family made up 36 people had been separated during the attack. The head of this family found himself in Dar Es Salam camp with only one child. Many people suffered famine for many days before reaching Chad and were in a weak health condition. The newly arriving refugees showed evidence of the extreme violence they had suffered. Refugees have to be rescued and relocated from many isolated islands to safer areas. From the 3rd to 31st January, 2015, 14,638 new refugees were registered by CNARR and UNHCR and local authorities. Many refugees were living in remote areas of the islands not accessible by UNHCR and partners. Some were brought to more accessible areas where UNHCR and CNARR proceeded to their relocation in order to provide assistance. Relocation: UNHCR and CNARR organized 10 convoys to relocate refugees living in remote and insecure islands of the Lake (Kangalam, Alama, tetawa, Kinasserom…) and areas around N’Djamena, to the site of Dar Es Salam for better protection and assistance. In Ngouboua, UNHCR reached an agreement with the local authorities to relocate newly

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – www.unhcr.org

2


arrival refugees lodged in temporary shelters and the vulnerable refugees of Ngouboua to the site of Dar Es Salam. The total number of Nigerian refugees at Dar Es Salam is 3,049.

Refugee Profiling: Newly arrived refugees from Baga, Doro and Cross reported to have fled the vicious attacks of the Islamic group Boko Haram on 3 January, 2015. The attacks were made arbitrarily without any distinction; women, men and children were equally targeted and killed. They fled across the border by canoes and boats with little or no personal belongings or other essential domestic items. Due to the high cost of canoes several were forced to remain behind. Chadian returnees as well as third-country nationals were among the arrivals. Their number will be verified during the more comprehensive registration process (level 2). Initial profiling of the refugees showed that of the total population of 17,642, 8,273 (47%) are female and 9,369 (53%) male. Over 54% of the populations are children (0-17 years) and 46% adults (18-59 years). Of the 17,642 refugees, 64% are Hausa ethnic group followed by 18% Kanuri, and 5% Fulani. Child protection: Over 93 non-accompanied minor children have been identified (NAM), 4 of them were reunited with their families and the remaining children were placed in foster families in the site. UNICEF established a child friendly temporary learning space to foster learning to children. To date, UNICEF has also provided clothing to 1,250 refugee children of the Ngouboua site. The next distribution will cover children of the site of Dar Es Salam. Persons with Specific Needs (PSN): 7% of the populations showed at least one (1) vulnerability, including from this number are 34% of separated children, 20% single parents (18% among them are women) and 6% of children at risk. Occupations: People between 18 and 59 years for whom the occupations have been collected mainly reported being 21% fishermen, 13% manual workers and 12% farmers. FOOD WFP built two (2) warehouses and stored 159 Tons of supplies. A tripartite agreement between UNHCR, WFP and CRT was signed for food and supplies distribution. At the onset of the influx, WFP provided 2.5t of high protein biscuits to be distributed to refugees during and after relocation. Once at Bagasola after the transfer to the transit site, refugees are provided with hot meals for two days, followed by one month food supply comprised of rice, beans, salt, sugar and oil, an equivalent to a daily ration 2100 kcal/p/d. WFP also provided 10 days of food supply to refugees in Ngouboua who are waiting for relocation. Currently, WFP is conducting a feasibility study on the implementation of cash and vouchers assistance modality. A mission of WFP is on the Lake for a market assessment to make a feasibility study on the implementation of the cash and voucher. It is worthwhile mentioning that the community at the Lake provided support. On January 22, 2015, the host population of Bagasola provided 61 bags of 100kg of corn, 3 bags of 100kg of bean, 2 bags of 50kg of flour; 1 sec okra bag, and on January 27, the Catholic Church of Bagasola donated 30 bags of 100 kg of maize, 3 boxes of 50 kg of sugar and 5 boxes of tomato paste. HEALTH Access to primary healthcare is provided through preventive and curative intervention, with activities provided by the partner IMC such as vaccination, sensitization and treatment for common diseases. IMC works in collaboration with the “Medecin Chef de District” (MCD) to provide health care and health facilities in the Lake area, mainly in Ngouboua and Dar Es Salaam refugee sites. Patients in need of secondary healthcare are referred to the District Hospital of Bagasola. Two ambulances are available at Dar Es Salam and Ngouboua Health Centre for emergencies. On the onset of the emergency, early 2015, after the site was identified, consultation space delimitated, two tents were installed for


3


screening. Consultation by a 1 doctor and 5 IMC nurses started on the most urgent case from the island of Kangalam. Children received immunization against measles, those between 6 and 59 months oral polio and meningitis and children 12 to 59 months underwent deworming treatment at the health center on site. To reinforce the service of the healthcare center, WHO provided a kit of medicines. UNFPA contributed to the reproductive healthcare services with 4 delivery kits (2A) for 800 women, 5 kits (2B) for healthcare personnel, 1 birthing toolkit 6A for 10,000 women, 2 large tents 42 m2 for reproductive health consultations to IMC and 2 tents of 24 m2 to CRT for psychosocial support, as well as 2,500 mosquitoes nets. UNICEF is providing a support in vaccination, nutrition and psychological support to non-accompanied children. Nutrition concerns are paramount in Ngouboua. As of January 20, 2015, 77 moderate malnutrition cases were identified and forwarded to the Supplemental Nutrition Center. A total of nine severe acute malnutrition cases received attention by the Ambulatory Malnutrition Unit (AMU). The site of Dar Es Salam had 18 cases of moderate malnutrition referred to the Suplementary Nutrition Unit and 1 case of severe acute malnutrition, to the AMU. In order to enhance coordination, the Minister of Public Health called for a meeting with humanitarian partners (UNHCR, WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, IMC and MSF) to develop a joint action plan. The drafted document was submitted to the Minister of Public Health 3 days later when it was validated.

Shelter at the site of Dar Es Salam, Jan 2015 photos: M’Bemba/UNHCR

WASH AND SHELTER Former Nigerian refugees who arrived mostly in 2013 and 2014 were installed in the host villages of Ngouboua and Tchoukoutalia. For security concerns and better protection of refugees, the Government of Chad opted to create a site when thousands of refugees arrived on its borders. The site of Dar Es Salam was identified, at some 10 km from Bagasola and 70km from the Nigerian border, to accommodate the newly arrived, and to transfer formal refugees for better assistance and protection. The site of Dar Es Salam, with a capacity of 15,000 was inaugurated on January 9, 2015. The set-up of a site is in line with UNHCR’s strategic approach of alternative to camps and to strengthen socioeconomic integration. UNHCR and partners hereby provide assistance to both the refugees and the local population. Shelter: The construction of shelter, water mains points, latrines and showers at Dar Es Salam is conducted by UNHCR and the partner CRT. The plan is to erect 3,750 family shelters for average size family of four persons, with an area of 300m2 per household. The site is divided into block, and each block is fragmented into one hundred family shelters. To date, a total of 300 family shelters have been constructed with plastic sheeting in the first 3 blocks of the site. The


4


construction of additional shelters is ongoing. The constructions at the transit center are completed. UNHCR and CRT built 8 community shelters, CRT erected 1 hangar that will function as a reception center, 2 temporary health post, one warehouse, and 48 tents for the most vulnerable refugees. UNICEF extended the reception area with 2 tents. CARE donated 150 rolls of plastic sheeting to erect 500 shelters.

The site of Dar Es Salam, designed by the site planner; M. Diallo. January 2015.

Water: 9 out of 12 water mains points constructed by UNICEF and partners are functional in the site. The standard provided per person per day is 32 liters. Sanitation: The proposed ratio is 20 persons per latrine, and 50 per shower. So far, 99 latrines and 48 showers are in use in the site, for an average of 31 per latrines and 64 per shower. UNICEF works with the NGO ADERBA on prevention awareness on hygiene, water and sanitation. Each household received 10 laundry detergents, 10 toilet soaps, 1 bucket of 12 liters, 6 bags for water purification and semi collapsible jerry cans (20 liter). NFIs From the onset of the emergency, UNHCR transported through the partner AIRD NFIs that were distributed to the communities; (2000 non-collapsible jerry cans (20l), 500 plastic tarpaulin (4 x5), 40 Plastic tarpaulin (4x50), 4000 thermal synthetic fleece blanket, 1000 Kitchen sets, 500kgs of laundry soap, 2000 synthetic sleeping mats, and 2000 sqm (sanitary clothes). In addition UNICEF donated: 300 fleece blankets, 300 sleeping mats, and 300 mats. Finally, CRT distributed 959 Kitchen sets and 1600 buckets (12l) UNICEF also distributed at Ngouboua 171 cartons of 80 soap, 171 cartons of water purifiers, 780 sakanes, 69 collapsible jerry cans, 98 plastic tiles, 77 family kits and plastic sheeting. EDUCATION 77% of newly arrived children have never attended school. The Ministry of National Education (MEN) and education partners (CRT, IRC, and UNICEF) are working closely with the CNARR, UNHCR, to develop an information sharing system for better coordination and monitoring of field activities. A joint education mission of UNICEF, IRC and UNHCR took place from 15 to 17 January at the Lac (Ngouboua, Tchoukoutalia, Bagassola, Dar Es Salam ...) to make a quick assessment of the needs in terms of access to education. A second mission composed by UNHCR, UNICEF, CRT, and local authorities is planned for the 2nd to the 16th February 2015 in order to assess the educational needs and prepare a proposal for an action plan responding to their specific needs of refugee children.


5


SECURITY The security situation is calm, but prompts us to relocate the refugees from Ngouboua and the islands to the site of Dar Es Salam. Military assigned to secure the humanitarian personnel and refugees were redeployed to protect the border after the Chadian Government declared its offensive against the Islamic group Boko Haram. The Government has proposed the use of "Détachement pour la Protection des Humanitaires et de Réfugiés” (DPHR) elements to protect humanitarian and refugees in the Lake Chad. UNDSS is currently present on the lake region for a security assessment mission. MAJOR CHALLENGES  Harsh climactic conditions and logistical challenges of the Lake Chad Region.  Lack of infrastructures in the Lake area including housing and communication mechanisms  Limited staffings for emergency response.  Remoteness of the many islands and limited accessibility to these areas.  Closeness of the Nigerian border. OPERATION UNHCR maintains a Field Office in Bagasola, which currently has 17 staff. Because of the limited resources, staffs in Bagasola are redeployed and rotated from other UNHCR offices within Chad. They are reinforced to ensure timely delivery of services. Land was attributed by the Government to UNHCR to install the office. FUNDING An Inter-Agency Appeal for the Nigeria Situation in Chad is underway, due to be launched shortly. UNHCR has requested a total of USD 5 million under this appeal. MISSIONS On 21-23 January, ECHO, UNHCR, CNARR, and IMC, conducted a Joint mission to assess the needs of newly-arrived Nigerian refugees of Bagasola and their living conditions at the site of Dar Es Salam. The second Joint mission took place from 26 -28 January and included the “Direction Générale des Actions Sanitaires et Régionales du Tchad” (DGASR), BPRM, UNHCR, CNARR, UNICEF, OCHA, PAM and IMC. It assessed the healthcare capacities and visited the local authorities of Bol and Bagasola, then the District Hospital of Bagasola and finally the healthcare center on the site of Dar Es Salam. COORDINATION UNHCR works in close collaboration with the government of Chad (CNARR), local authorities (health and education in particular) and partners. Once a week in N’Djamena and twice a week on the field, UNHCR meets with the representative of the government, donors, UN agencies (WFP, UNICEF, OCHA, PNUD, UNFPA, WHO, IOM, UNDSS), NGOs, partners and other interested organizations to coordinate the response to the refugee influx.


6


General Population 31-Dec-2014

Ngouboua Tchoukoutalia

CNARR & UNHCR

CNARR & UNHCR

2,579

4,582

350

Baga Sola

Local Authorities

Total

-

4,582

-

Ndjamena

6,855

152 2,929

7,783

7,161

-

3,049

Iles Total

Grand Total

31-Jan-15

6,855

-

350

3,049

3,049

6,855

6,855

152

152

14,638

17,567

Distribution of Refugees by location

Contacts Danielle Dieguen, Executive Assistant, [email protected], Bettina Schulte, Reporting Officer, schulte @unhcr.org Victorien Ndakass, External Relation Associate, [email protected],

Tel: (235) 68 00 05 91 Tel: (235) 68 00 05 71 Tel: (235) 66 20 17 93


7