More than 2.4 million refugees who have fled South Sudan constitute the 3rd largest refugee crises in the world today. A majority have fled into Northern Uganda with nowhere else to go. Two years ago, the Palabek Refugee Settlement was established in Northern Uganda help meet the needs of this growing population. This year, THRIVE began implementing the South Sudanese Refugee Project in partnership with Trocaire and Irish Aid. Palabek is home to over 38,000 South Sudanese Refugees and THRIVE will be providing Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPPS) to 10,000 of the refugees.
Last week, we launched the Humanitarian Program Plan in Lamwo District where the Palabek Settlement is located. Our Country Director Dora and Program Manager Austin were invited by UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Ministerto help train border patrol officials in understanding distress and trauma. It is vital that those who have first contact with refugees crossing the border will have a better understanding of the distress and mental health challenges that people are bringing with them. This effort will create a more compassionate and well-informed group of responders who will welcome individuals who are desperate, yet still in need of respect and dignity.
We are grateful to the support of our grant partners and our individual donors who make it possible to bring mental health support to refugees!
