Japan has pledged a significant amount of USD 600,000 to assist the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Rwanda for its 2024 program.
This financial support will primarily focus on providing crucial aid in health and nutrition while also enhancing livelihood and economic opportunities for refugees and asylum seekers.
Rwanda, currently hosting around 135,000 refugees and asylum seekers, has seen an increase in displacement, particularly with over 12,500 asylum seekers fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2023.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the swift approval of funding by the Japanese National Diet aims to address the escalating needs of these vulnerable populations.
Specifically, the funding will ensure the continuation of essential health and nutrition services provided by UNHCR and its partners in primary health care clinics across all refugee camps in Rwanda.
These services encompass a broad range, including GP consultations, vaccinations, reproductive health care, laboratory tests, and support for HIV/AIDS, benefiting both refugees and the Rwandan host community.
Moreover, Japan’s support will bolster efforts to enhance economic opportunities for refugees by cataloging their skills and talents, facilitating their integration into livelihoods that match their capabilities.
This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and Rwanda’s National Strategy for Transformation, emphasizing the importance of fostering refugee self-reliance in protracted situations.
Ms. Aissatou Ndiaye, UNHCR Rwanda Representative, emphasized the critical need for sustained support in health care services for refugees and expressed appreciation for Japan’s funding, stating that it comes at a pivotal time to bolster their 2024 program.
She highlighted the importance of this financial aid in enhancing refugee self-reliance by gathering essential data on their skills and talents.
