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Refugees allowed to phone a family member or close relative anywhere in the world for two minutes
Over 7,000 Somali refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab camp have spoken to their families following the launch of a free mobile phone service last month, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Tuesday.
Many of the thousands of Somalis arriving in the world’s largest refugee camp every week – due to famine back home - have lost touch with their relatives.
"These men, women and children are exhausted when they finally make it to Dadaab," Valérie Preisner, ICRC’s protection coordinator, said in the statement.
"For most, letting their families know they have arrived safely is as important as finding food and water. Keeping in touch with their relatives gives them a bit of comfort in an extremely difficult situation."
The service, launched on August 18, has been used by 7,200 people, including almost 800 children, so far.
Recent arrivals are allowed to phone a family member or close relative anywhere in the world for two minutes.
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