In Somalia, drought and ongoing conflict have reached crisis levels and affect over half of the population. More than 250,000 Somalis have fled their country in 2011 alone. The mass movement of rural Somalis across the border to Kenya has put significant pressure on already overcrowded refugee camps in Kenya.

Caritas Internationalis is appealing for €3,684,050 ($5 million US) to build water and sanitation facilities in a new refugee camp outside of Dadaab, Kenya, near the Somali border.

“Without proper sanitation, refugees already weakened by their long journey from Somalia to Kenya will fall prey to waterborne diseases,” says PM Jose, Country Representative for Catholic Relief Services Kenya, which will implement the project. “Building water systems, latrines, and showers will keep illness at bay.”

CRS Kenya will provide latrines, showers, and handwashing stations for 48,000 refugees currently relocating to Kambios, the newest of several refugee camps in Dadaab. CRS will also promote hygiene education and distribute supplies like soap and detergent to 12,000 families. Finally, CRS will support solid waste disposal management and water drainage in Kambios.

“Many Somali refugees have already endured starvation and atrocities as they made their way to the camps in Kenya,” says Jose. “They deserve to live in dignity.”

Please call Laura Sheahen on 0039 334 2344136 or 0039 06 698 797 55 or email sheahen@caritas.va