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.