Plan International Canada assists South Sudanese refugees seeking safety in Uganda

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Ottawa

Thanks to the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF), Humanitarian Coalition member Plan International Canada is assisting South Sudanese refugees seeking safety in Uganda’s West Nile Region.

Between July 7 and 15, 2016, thousands of people fled the escalating fighting in Juba, the capital of South Sudan. As insecurity persists, estimates show between 500 and 1,400 new refugees arriving daily in Uganda, with the refugee population expected to reach 120,000 people by the end of 2016. Of these, 87% are women and children, with the majority (64%) under the age of 18. The Government of Uganda has sought support from the international community to provide assistance.

With $371,200 allocated from the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund, Plan International Canada is ensuring new arrivals have access to essential hygiene items, clean drinking water and latrines. The organization will also establish and support four child-friendly spaces, providing children with a safe place to gather and receive psychosocial support. With these funds, Plan will be able to help 9,000 people, 7,000 of who are children.

Plan has been working in Uganda for the past 24 years with a focus on maternal and child health, youth economic empowerment, primary education, water and sanitation, and child protection. Plan has been responding to the South Sudanese Refugee influx since 2013.

The Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund is a joint mechanism primarily financed by Global Affairs Canada with the Humanitarian Coalition and its member agencies.