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UNHCR Country Representative Neimah Warsame Holds Up Check from Ambassador Koran

U.S. Ambassador Donald Koran Announces $3.6 Million Contribution to UNHCR Rwanda for Refugee Protection

Thursday, February 28, 2013: The U.S. Embassy in Rwanda announced a contribution of $3.6 million from the U.S. government to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for refugee protection activities in Rwanda. The check was received by the UNHCR Country Representative to Rwanda Mrs. Neimah Warsame. The funding was provided through the U.S. Department of State's Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). The event was witnessed by Rwandan Government officials, including the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR) Antoine Ruvebana and the Governor of Eastern Province Mr. Celestin Kabahizi. 

Each year, the United States government (USG) helps fund UNHCR, the World Food Program (WFP), and the American Refugee Committee (ARC) to provide protection and assistance to refugees in Rwanda.  These funds help ensure people have access to water, food, hygiene, and health and nutrition services in Kigeme, Gihembe, Kiziba, and Nyabiheke Camps, and in the Nkamira Transit Center.  We are proud to work with Rwanda’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs (MIDIMAR), UNHCR, WFP, ARC and our other implementing partners in providing these services.  

The recent increase of new refugee arrivals over the past two months underscores the need to renew our support in a timely manner.  Nkamira Center and Kigeme Camp are particularly under stress, with an acute need to expand and improve facilities and services for refugee families.  Last year, in addition to our general support for UNHCR, we provided a specific donation to Nkamira Center to improve water and sanitation services, including latrines.  Those funds helped prevent a potential health crisis among incoming refugees, and we are confident that UNHCR will be able to do much more with this larger contribution announced today.