Bujumbura, June 18, 2024 - Thanks to the US $1 million donation by the U. S. Government, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) are providing life-saving assistance to Burundians most affected by the recent floods.

Over the next seven months IOM and UNICEF will work closely with the Ministry of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender, the National Platform for Disaster Risk Management and the Burundian Red Cross to assist Burundians who were most severely affected by these climate-induced disasters.

Since September 2023, heavy rains due to the El Niño phenomenon have caused Lake Tanganyika to surge to peak levels, affecting the lives of around 220,000 people. Flooding, landslides and strong winds have led to loss of lives, shelter and livelihoods, and to an unprecedented wave of internal displacement. The situation has also increased disease outbreaks.

“IOM is grateful to the United States for their continued support to populations affected by the impacts of El Niño. This particular intervention will provide life-saving assistance to 10,000 direct beneficiaries through the provision of shelter, non-food items and improved access to water, sanitation and hygiene. This funding will also enable IOM and UNICEF to assess the needs for additional help to address most pressing needs linked to climate-induced hazard events,” says Vijaya Souri, IOM’s Chief of Mission in Burundi.

“UNICEF is deeply appreciative of this crucial support from the American people. In addition to the activities carried out with IOM, with this funding we will provide critical water, sanitation, and hygiene services to 20,000 of the most vulnerable individuals. Support will include drinkable water supply, emergency sanitation facilities, and community-based hygiene sensitization, which can help stop the spread of communicable diseases. Promoting social behavior changes regarding hygiene practices to protect children's health and well-being during this emergency will also be key,” says France Bégin, UNICEF Representative in Burundi.

For further information, please contact:

• Alexander Bee, Communications Officer, International Organization for Migration Burundi, alexbee@iom.int
• Fatoumata Tandiang, Partnerships Officer, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund Burundi, ftandiang@unicef.org