Japanese Ambassador Reaffirms Commitment to Assisting Refugees at Visit to Holl-Holl Refugee Camp, Djibouti

DJIBOUTI, 10 August 2017 (UNHCR) - His Excellency Tatsuo Arai, Ambassador of Japan, visited the Holl-Holl refugee camp together with an Economic and Development Cooperation Officer and members of the Japanese Self Defence Force. They were accompanied by UNHCR Representative in Djibouti, Mr. Abdoulaye Barry and Head of the Ali Sabieh Field Office, Mr. Jean Claude Barashyikirana.

The objective of the mission was to observe the condition of the refugees, to hear their concerns and assess the current situation, as well as possible opportunities for further cooperation. The occasion marked Ambassador Arai’s first visit to the Holl-Holl camp and completion of visits to all three refugee camps (Ali Addeh, Holl-Holl, and Obock) hosting all 27,601 total refugees in Djibouti.

Holl-Holl, situated over 30km from the Djiboutian capital, hosts a mix of approximately 4,617 Somali, Ethiopian, and Eritrean refugees. It was created when the number of refugees in nearby Ali Addeh camp swelled beyond capacity. As such, Holl-Holl camp continues to grapple with the challenges of addressing the needs of its population.

The delegation paid a courtesy call on Mr. Mohamed Waberi Assoweh, Prefet of Ali Sabieh, the region where the Holl-Holl and Ali Addeh camps are located. The Prefet welcomed the group, expressing his gratitude for their visit, but he also conveyed an appeal to continue their part in collaborating with donors like the Government of Japan in safeguarding the wellbeing of both the refugees and the host communities. In a show of solidarity and support, the Ambassador said that Japan and UNHCR were ready to continue their assistance.

Upon arrival at the Holl-Holl camp, the delegation was warmly greeted by refugees. They met with refugee leaders who described their day-to-day experiences, especially the needs and challenges they face. In response, the Ambassador stated that he was eager to hear how the Government of Japan could help. A common issue raised was the lack of a secondary school and lack of vocational training opportunities, which could enhance activities in the camp and help make refugees self-sufficient and foster a pathway for growth and independence.

The delegation toured the various projects made possible by funding from the Government of Japan including health assessment facilities, the medical supply room, a solar panel installation, as well as a primary school. In 2016, Japan contributed $3.5 million to UNHCR to aid in refugee protection, various livelihood projects, as well as to ensure basic needs (access to potable water, nutrition, and health services) are being met.

The delegation concluded their visit with a meeting with partner organizations including the Danish Refugee Council, Lutheran World Federation, Norwegian Refugee Council, as well as the Government of Djibouti’s organization tasked with looking after the wellbeing of refugees, ONARS (l’Office National d’Assistance aux Réfugiés et Sinistrés).

The Ambassador reiterated throughout the visit, that Japan stands ready to work with UNHCR and its partners in assessing those needs and gathering the aid and resources to effectively address them. Collaboratively, as we look at the record of past projects and current experiences, we also anticipate future challenges and brainstorm ideas to turn problems into opportunities for positive and lasting change.

Contact: Vanessa J. Panaligan, [email protected] +253 7723 0180