New camp for Somali refugees in Ethiopia
Listen /The number of Somali refugees living in the Dollo Ado refugee camp in southeast Ethiopia has passed the 170,000 mark, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR.
The agency says the Dollo Ado refugee complex is now the second largest refugee camp in the world after the Daadab complex in Kenya which hosts over 400,000 Somali refugees.
The Dollo Ado complex has five camps which are filled to capacity.
Andre Mahecic of UNHCR says the Ethiopian government has authorized the opening of a sixth camp site which is expected to cost more than five million dollars to set up.
"We are seeking support from donors and partners, including resources for NGO partners who would be working in the camp. For the initial phase, we urgently need US$1.5 million simply for the site preparation, the land demarcation and setting up basic infrastructure including bore holes, setting up water points, emergency clinic, latrines, etc. Although the rate of arrivals at Dollo Ado has slowed this year, people are continuing to flee conflict and insecurity in southern and central parts of Somalia. Many cite fear of harassment and forced recruitment by armed groups who still control large rural areas of Somalia." (Duration: 37")
