On Monday, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said the latest displacement followed an escalation in a conflict over boundaries and resources that has continued for more than two decades.
Almost 11 000 displaced people have sought shelter at the Oriental Mission Church compound in Kenya.
The remaining 25 600 people are being accommodated by communities along the Kenya-Ethiopia border despite already limited local resources.
IOM is working with the Kenyan government and the UN refugee agency to collect and manage displacement data and assess the humanitarian situation.
Initial assessments identified urgent needs for clean water, sanitation, shelter, food, healthcare, protection services and essential household items.
Humanitarian agencies have also called for support to reach host communities accommodating most of the displaced population.
The influx risks placing additional pressure on communities already experiencing limited access to water, food, healthcare and other essential services.
IOM and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will continue coordinating with Kenyan authorities to establish the scale and location of humanitarian needs.
The response will need to provide immediate protection and essential supplies while preventing the growing displacement from overwhelming host communities.
The renewed fighting has raised concern about security along the shared border and the effect of prolonged disputes on civilians.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
