UNHCR Southern Africa Operational Update: Addressing Regional…

The UNHCR’s update for Southern Africa outlines the impacts of Cyclone Chido and unrest in Mozambique, emphasizing the provision of essential aid to affected communities. Registration in Angola and Namibia improves refugee conditions, while support for displaced people across five countries facilitates their access to education and vocational training. Regional discussions focus on coordinated efforts to strengthen migration and asylum policies.

This operational update from the UNHCR highlights significant challenges and responses in the Southern Africa region from October to December 2024. Communities affected by Cyclone Chido and election-related violence in Mozambique received essential aid. Additionally, registration initiatives in Angola and Namibia have enhanced refugee self-reliance and protection. Support was extended to displaced persons in Angola, DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, facilitating access to education and vocational training.

The regional context reflects several developments: Tropical Cyclone Chido struck northern Mozambique on December 15, severely affecting Cabo Delgado, Nampula, and Niassa provinces, impacting over 453,000 individuals. The cyclone destroyed over 70,000 homes and damaged infrastructure, exacerbating the plight of approximately 300,000 forcibly displaced persons. Further devastation occurred in Comoros and Malawi.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), armed conflict persisted, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces, inflicting violence, forced displacements, and escalating human rights abuses. A rise in mass displacements was recorded in December, prompting the renewal of the UN peacekeeping mandate for 2025 and the extension of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission by one year.

Post-election unrest plagued Mozambique after the presidential election on December 9, leading to demonstrations and road blockages. This volatility forced thousands to flee, resulting in over 1,100 asylum-seekers, including more than 600 children, registered in Malawi’s Nsanje District, and approximately 950 individuals seeking shelter at the Malindza Refugee Reception Centre in Eswatini.

In December, a collaborative meeting among Southern African government officials, co-convened by SADC and UNHCR, focused on addressing the complexities faced by refugees and migrants through a route-based approach. Dialogue emphasized the need for improved coordination among member states to enhance protection, align migration and asylum policies, and establish frameworks for consistent data sharing.

In summary, the UNHCR’s update reflects critical humanitarian needs in Southern Africa, responding to natural disasters and socio-political unrest. The essential assistance to affected communities, ongoing support for refugees and displaced individuals, and collective regional efforts highlight the commitment to protecting vulnerable populations amidst significant challenges. Continued cooperation among nations is vital for addressing the evolving complexities of migration and refugee movements in the region.

Original Source: reliefweb.int