Profile - Dina Sinigallia
Dina Sinigallia was deployed to South Sudan with UNHCR’s Emergency Response Team in early 2009
Where are you posted?
I am currently in Yambio, Western Equatoria State in South Sudan.
What is your role – and UNHCR’s role – in this emergency?
UNHCR is dealing with the influx of refugees from Orientale Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These refugees are fleeing attacks committed by the Ugandan rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) on their villages and towns. This is in addition to the mass displacement caused by the ongoing civil war in the DRC.
At this time, we have verified some 6000 refugees but individuals continue to cross the border and we have received reports of large numbers of refugees further west towards the Central African Republic. I am deployed as Team Leader for the operation.
What have been your most difficult moments during this assignment?
Late one afternoon, a rumour started when a young girl saw a hunter while fetching water. She mistook him for an LRA soldier and started running. As she ran, she passed a market and alerted everyone. People ran and passed the site where we were transferring the refugees and the refugees started running as well. The situation was quickly resolved and people returned to the site, but this just highlights the state of fear and trauma the people are in.
What have you found most satisfying?
There have been many good moments. I have enjoyed the intensive team work, and seeing water running on site after many struggles. What I have probably enjoyed most is talking with my national colleagues about their own experiences as refugees and seeing the dedication with which they now work for UNHCR.
