New data shows higher numbers of internally displaced people in Mali
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More IDPs in Mali than previously known: UNHCR
There are more internally displaced people (IDPs) in Mali than previously reported, according to the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR).
The Commission on Population Movement in Mali, which is a working group under the Protection Cluster led by UNHCR, puts the number of people currently displaced at more than 203,000.
UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards says that previously the estimate was over 118,000 people.
"The revised figure reflects in part better access to areas in the north by the Commission, as well as improved counting of IDPs in Bamako. There the number of displaced people was estimated at 46,000 as of September from 12,000 last June and July. However, there have also been indications of actual new displacement. We have reports of people fleeing general insecurity and a deteriorating human rights situation in the north as fear of imminent military activity. People are also fleeing reporting loss of livelihoods, limited access to basic services." (Duration: 29")
UNHCR says that refugees from Mali are also arriving neighbouring Niger and Burkina Faso.
