Refugees from South Kordofan, Sudan, at Yida refugee camp in Unity State in May [Gurtong| File AP]
By Teddy Chenya
JUBA, 23 October 2012 [Gurtong] - A release from the US Department of State says Assistant Secretary Richard will focus on protection and assistance for refugees in both countries, as well as review US Refugee Admissions Program operations in Kenya.
South Sudan currently hosts more than 200,000 refugees, mostly from Sudan. Assistant Secretary Richard will visit with refugees and humanitarian staff, and observe on-going efforts to provide safe neutral settlements and meet the emergency needs of new Sudanese arrivals.
There are currently some 110,000 Sudanese refugees in settlements in Maban County, and over 60,000 refugees at Yida and other sites in Unity State, double the number since April 2012.
Additional refugees are expected with the coming dry season, once roads are passable.
In Juba, she will meet with government officials and representatives of both international and nongovernmental organizations.