Mali's Conflict Refugees. Responding to a Growing Crisis

Since January 2012, nearly 375,000 Malians have fled the conflict in the
north of their country.
Some 145,000, the majority of them women and
children, have crossed into neighbouring countries, mainly Burkina Faso,
Mauritania and Niger. For many—including those interviewed by
Oxfam—this was the latest of several flights from crisis over two
decades. Not surprisingly, they say they will not return until a true, lasting
peace in Mali is secured.

Those neighbouring governments, local communities, the UN and aid
agencies have delivered life-saving assistance to Mali’s refugees, often
in difficult circumstances. However, they are already struggling to cover
all basic needs. With conflict escalating in Mali following the launch of
Malian-French operations at the start of 2013 to counter a renewed
offensive by armed groups, host governments and humanitarian
agencies must urgently step up preparations to respond to any further
refugee flows.