UNHCR-SUPPORTED REFUGEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

UNHCR-Supported Refugee Assistance Programme

Overview

Since January 2019, Society for Family Health (SFH) Namibia has been the implementing partner for a UNHCR-funded Social Assistance Programme in Osire Refugee Settlement, Namibia. This is being implemented through a tripartite agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)-Southern Africa. The activities are aimed at improving the protection, welfare, and resilience of refugees and asylum seekers in Namibia. Through this collaboration, SFH provides comprehensive humanitarian support focused on basic needs, self-reliance, and dignity for displaced communities.

Currently, there are over 6,620 refugees and asylum seekers in Namibia of which about 4,200 of them resides in Osire Refugees Settlement while the rest resides across cities and towns of Namibia. The three parties to the agreement work together to ensure overall protection, care, and maintenance of the well-being and livelihood refugees in Namibia. MHAISS provides protection of refugees in the settlement, and conducts the Refugee Status Determination (RSD).

Scope of Work in Osire Settlement

SFH, together with partners and stakeholder's plays a key role in delivering multi-sectoral support and services in the Osire Refugee Settlement. Our activities include:

• Distribution of Food & Core Relief Items (CRIs) - Ensuring refugees and asylum seekers have access to essential supplies, including food, hygiene products, and seasonal items.
• Shelter Construction & Maintenance - Building and maintaining durable housing to ensure safety and dignity for families.
• Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) - Providing clean water, functional sanitation systems, and hygiene promotion to reduce disease and improve living conditions.
• Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment - Offering training in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and income-generating activities to foster self-reliance.
• Health & Psychosocial Support - Facilitating access to healthcare services and providing mental health support for trauma-affected individuals.
• Child Protection - Assisting vulnerable children through birth registration, education access, and care arrangements.
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention & Response - Raising awareness and providing survivor-centered support services to prevent and respond to GBV.
• Voluntary Repatriation Support - Assisting refugees who wish to return to their countries of origin safely and with dignity.

SFH will support UNHCR during Voluntary Repatriation movements, with logistics both in Osire and Windhoek, with recording refugees intent of return to country of origin, counselling, facilitation of movement from Osire to Windhoek, accompany refugees from the guesthouse to the airport and facilitate their trips with airport assistance (immigration and boarding formalities).

The stakeholders committee consisting of different representatives from line ministries, development partners, private sectors, and most importantly those from the settlement and host communities, has been established and fully functioning.

SFH will support MHAISS to take ownership in facilitating stakeholders' meetings to promote a sustainable multi-sectoral response. SFH will continue to carry out regular consultations on all matters regarding the project. SFH is an active member of the various national and regional coordination mechanisms such as the Water and Sanitation Forum, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, and UNFPA led by the UN agencies and the National Planning Commission. SFH will continue to participate in these forums to influence policy change and resource allocation with a view to supporting durable solutions for refugees and asylum seekers.

Contact Information

Osire Office
Located within Osire Refugee Settlement.
Phone: 081 7557 119 / 67-306337

Windhoek Head Office
Address: 174 Nelson Mandela Avenue, Eros, Windhoek, Namibia
Phone: +264 61 440 600
Email: ntombi@sfh.org.na & f.haindongo@sfh.org.na
Working Hours: Monday – Friday | 08:00 – 17:00