The UN Refugee Agency has described as “shocking” an incident in which a 2-year-old refugee child was brutally murdered in Lamwo district in Northern Uganda.
The toddler, a South Sudanese refugee was living in the Palabek refugee settlement in Lamwo district.
According to a statement by UNHCR, the motive and circumstances under which the young child was killed are unclear and Police have since launched an investigation.
“UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency is deeply shocked and saddened by the brutal killing of a two-year-old South Sudanese refugee child, in Palabek refugee settlement, Lamwo District, in Northern Uganda,” a statement by the newly appointed UNHCR Representative in Uganda, Joël Boutroue read in part.
He termed the death as “barbaric” and “a terrible tragedy” that can not be justified.
Boutroue added that; “On behalf of UNHCR, I would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased child”.
The Agency has appealed to law enforcement authorities to ensure protection of refugees in the different settlements.
The dead boy will be buried today, Saturday through arrangements made by UNHCR and Lutheran World Federation (LWF).