UNHCR Emergency Reponses (Chinese Earthquake, Myanmar Cyclone, South African Xenophobia Attacks)

Published June 09, 2008 @ 12:33PM PT

June 09, 2008

Update on UNHCR’s ongoing response to the Myanmar Cyclone

The UN Refugee Agency continues its efforts to provide urgent shelter for victims of the cyclone disaster in Myanmar.  As part of joint efforts to respond to the emergency, UNHCR has so far airlifted and trucked in more than 430 tons of relief items to the affected areas. They include plastic sheets, blankets, mosquito nets and kitchen sets. Another two flights are expected to bring some 74 tons of plastic rolls next week. UNHCR's partners, with the help of UNHCR staff, are distributing these emergency shelter and household items in the delta and affected areas around the main city of Yangon. The UN Refugee Agency has had a long-standing presence in Myanmar. So far, an estimated 150,000 men, women, and children have already benefited from the shelter assistance.  UNHCR’s goal is to provide enough shelter for a total of 250,000 people. You can help. 



UNHCR Provides Shelter to China Earthquake Victims

The UN Refugee Agency responded immediately to a May 12 earthquake in western China's Sichuan province by contributing $60,000 to the relief efforts. The earthquake—which measured an 8.0 on the Richter scale—left some 70,000 people dead, more than 373,000 injured and nearly 18,000 missing. UNHCR has so far donated 15,000 tents to house some 75,000 people.  As a result of UNHCR efforts, some 55,000 earthquake survivors in China now have a roof over their heads and another 20,000 are expected to receive tents by mid-June. "UNHCR is not usually mandated to respond to natural disasters, but we couldn't stand by and watch as so many people suffered," said Lam Naijit, UNHCR's senior regional protection officer in Beijing.  This is the biggest cooperation between UNHCR and the Chinese government in 30 years. UNHCR has worked in China since 1982.  





UNHCR aids those displaced by xenophobic attacks in South Africa

The UN Refugee Agency began providing aid in South Africa to address the massive displacement in the wake of violent attacks against migrants and refugees that has engulfed the country since mid-May. "UNHCR is deeply concerned about the widespread xenophobic attacks targeting foreigners in Gauteng province in South Africa. Those affected include refugees and asylum seekers who fled to South Africa seeking protection from persecution in their own countries," said Sanda Kimbimbi, UNHCR's representative in South Africa. Fifty-six people were killed and an estimated 100,000 people have been displaced by the attacks that were carried out by marauding gangs in South Africa's main urban centers. Many of the intended victims were refugees and asylum-seekers from Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Ethiopia and other African countries. UNHCR made an initial donation of 2,000 tents, 7,000 blankets and 2,000 sleeping mats to aid in the relief efforts. The Agency is also assisting local authorities in identifying suitable sites which would serve as temporary shelter for the displaced.  The UN Refugee Agency is continuing to monitor the situation in South Africa closely to asses the needs of the displaced.