Exercise for the UNHCR Emergency Management Training

Exercise 8.1. Synthesis Field Exercise

Conditions in and around Xynas Camp continue to deteriorate. With the onset of the rainy season expected in two months, the Wassa River is likely to rise to flood levels. Without immediate action, the already high rates of diarrhoea and respiratory infections in Xynas camp are likely to skyrocket.

The Suremian Ministry of Health has decided Xynas Camp is just too overcrowded. To relieve crowding, the OSP has agreed to relocate a number of the estimated 25,000 Mardon refugees currently housed in the Camp. The GOS has proposed that the refugees be relocated to a new site north of Umaras. The international community has agreed to help finance the relocation provided the GOS can prepare and implement an adequate, well-coordinated plan for the effort. Desperately in need of funds, the GOS has agreed to the donor condition that teams of experts be sent to assess the site and put together technical sector plans for the new refugee camp.

Five management teams are be formed from the appropriate Ministries, organizations and agencies:

Registration & Protection Planning Team
Site & Shelter Planning Team
Food & Nutrition Planning Team
Water/Sanitation Planning Team
Coordination and Security Task Force (to oversee the transition from Xynas Camp to the new site near Umaras and security for humanitarian staff)

It should be noted that many in the nearby community of Umaras have voiced opposition to the Government’s plan. What little hospitality the Umaras population traditionally showed the refugee population has greatly diminished in recent years. Many blame the refugees for the environmental degradation and the economic slowdown in the area. The newly elected Mayor of Umaras has denounced the plan to relocate more refugees to the Umaras area. In an interview on Suremian television, he said, “Bringing in more refugees in will only spread disease throughout the south. Enough is enough! Donors are always throwing their money at these foreign beggars while the honest citizens of Umaras kill themselves trying to earn an honest living.”

A refugee leader in Xynas Camp, on the other hand, is calling for the relocation to begin immediately. “Xynas Camp is becoming our graveyard! Our women are at risk, our children are ill, and the rains will only worsen our plight. Please help us now!”

Additional guidance will be distributed to each team at the start of the field exercise.