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UNHCR official meets over 15,000 Burundian refugees in Uganda

Xinhua, November 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

A top UN refugee agency official has met over 15,000 Burundian refugees in Uganda who narrated their ordeal as a result of the deteriorating security situation back home.

The refugees, mostly women and children, told Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that they faced deplorable conditions that forced them to flee.

"The refugees spoke of their relief at reaching safety while requesting further support, particularly in the areas of education, water, sanitation and hygiene," a statement from the global refugee agency said on Thursday.

Clements thanked Uganda, a country which is now host to more than half a million refugees for hosting the Burundian refugees.

Shortly after their arrival in Uganda, refugees receive land and have access to the same social services as nationals. This allows both refugees and host communities to live together peacefully and for refugees to contribute to Uganda's economy.

"The Government of Uganda's innovative and transformative approach to refugee protection is a model to be showcased and replicated elsewhere," said Clements.

The agency said it needs over 13 million U.S. dollars to provide humanitarian assistance to Burundian refugees in Uganda.

The Burundi crisis broke out in April with protests against the third term bid of Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza.

More than 200 persons are reported to have been killed during the protests and the post-election violence. The worsening humanitarian situation has forced more than 200,000 Burundians to seek refuge in neighboring countries, according to aid agencies.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on last week calling for an inter-Burundians' dialogue to find a nationally owned solution to the crisis. Endit