UNHCR Sudan Operations

Transcription

1 UNHCR Sudan Operations No April 2009 Construction of a culvert bridge to be used by returning refugees, Lasu, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan Photo: Yei/UNHCR 1

2 UNHCR Sudan Operations Update Fe April 2009 General Overview During the month of April, UNHCR still concentrated its efforts within the broader interagency context to assess and respond to the repercussions of the post March 4 th NGOs expulsion, which hit UNHCR as an agency with loss of partners but were particularly severe on the protection sector/cluster. Despite the fact that the impact of the NGO expulsion on the Protection and Human rights activities has not been explicitely part of the Joint Assessment with the Government cluster actors at both the Khartoum level (countrywide Protection Steering Group) and in the field have continues to highliht the gaps and are under way to determine the possible measures to fill those gaps. It is expected that solutions may be found and even encouraged by the national authorities in some segments of the PHR cluster activities perceived as more permissible (e.g. psychosocial support and assistance to vulnerable children etc.). However, this may not address other equally important protection activities, most notably Gender Based Violence prevention and response, monitoring of gross breaches of international humanitarian and human rights law, human rights promotion and defence. In this environment, UNHCR continues to advocate that the PHR sector/cluster will have to be supported in seeking a predictable interaction with the responsible government authorities in Darfur and in the rest of North Sudan. UNHCR continued the voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees to South Sudan. Operations were however negatively affected by the deteriorating security environment in several areas of South Sudan, where the LRA activities as well as other inter-tribal clashes continued to flare up. Assistance to the LRA-affected Congolese refugees in Equatoria continued, with UNHCR strengtheinig some activities in the areas of mayor concentration. In Darfur, UNHCR contiued it support to refugees and IDPs both in camps and in rural areas, amidst the gaps left by the expelled NGOs main service providers not all of which could be addressed through interim measures. UNHCR, however, continuted to be denied access and possibility to conduct operations in South Darfur. In East Sudan, UNHCR progresses with the resistration, with preparatory work for its expansion outside refugee camps. The WFP UNHCR Joint Assessment Mission took place from 19 to 25 April and showed needs that have to be urgantly addressed. South Sudan Return and Reintegration 2

3 As of 25 April 2009 the repatriation of Sudanese refugees to South Sudan and Blue Nile State reached a cumulative total of 318,419, of which 161,589 returned under the organized and assisted self-repatriation programme. From 1 January to 25 April 2009, the total number of returnees receiving UNHCR assistance was 22,224, of whom 21,947 persons (99%) were organized and 277 persons (1%) returned under the assisted selfrepatriation programme. Year Organized Assisted Voluntary Self- Repatriation Spontaneous Total ,485 70, ,996 4,815 5,666 31, ,795 5,137 75, , ,564 1,846 5,578 67, , ,224 Total 149,302 12, , ,419 Table showing cumulative refugee returns to South Sudan as of 25 April 2009 Congolese refugee influx During April, UNHCR conducted a protection verification exercise at the Central Equatoria State refugee settlement of Lasu and continued to register new arrivals. In addition, in Lasu 16 women were chosen as deputy chiefs of villages and 67 were chosen as deputy chiefs of blocks, with a view towards equal gender representation in decision-making. In the Nyori settlement, there are currently over 5,965 refugees. A large demonstration occurred in Lasu on 23 April, with refugees protesting against UNHCR s removal from the Rubb Hall to the Yei warehouse of balance food-stock after a regular food distribution, for proper storage and accounting. Camp management activities continued in Lasu, including the selection of an NGO partner for camp management, the establishment of a second surface water treatment (SWAT) system, the drilling of boreholes and progress in the construction of a semi-permanent health clinic. The condition of the Yei-Lasu road, however, continues to be major operational challenge. In Western Equatoria State (WES) in the last week of April, UNHCR renewed registration activities in Makpandu settlement. It appears that many refugees have moved to Yambio town in search for economic activity to support themselves. A similar registration will take place in 3

4 Ezo County settlement at the beginning of May. Small numbers of refugees are also reported in two other locations along the Sudan-DRC border. The unaccompanied Congolese minors who are in the ICRC hosted centre in Yambio town undertook a familiarization visit to Makpandu. The outcome of the visit was positive and it is foreseen that some of them will be relocated there in early May. In Ezo, IOM has completed a semi-permanent structure for food distribution, and has almost completed the construction of 8 units (4 rooms each) of community latrines. WFP completed three Rubb halls (2 for IDP and 1 for refugee operation) in Ezo; a fourth one in Makpandu will be established soon. Clashes in Jonglei and Upper Nile In early April, in Upper Nile State, fighting occurred in Jamam between the Sudan Armed Forces and the SPLA components of the Joint Integrated Units (JIU), allegedly over a shared weapon facility; casualties were reported on both sides. Possible future military movements towards Bunj, where UNHCR Malakal has recently completed the repatriation of 500 IDPs from Blue Nile State (BNS), are now predicted. This continuous instability, together with the recurrent tribal clashes, creates an environment where conditions for a safe return have to be constantly monitored. UNDSS reported a quieter situation although the current political climate in Jonglei was described as complex and tense. The presumed resumption of inter-ethnic fighting in Pibor, Jonglei, did not materialise and the UNMIS peacekeepers deployed there have been withdrawn. There are now 341 Anuak refugees (from Ethiopia) residing at the Malakal way station following an exodus from Pibor. These refugees are yet to be allocated land by the Government. UNHCR is providing basic services i.e. health, water, firewood, hygiene materials directly as a temporary response; WFP is providing food on a monthly basis. Budget Crisis with projected revenues falling by 40% and equalling the 2008 expenditure level for the Army alone the GoSS is facing a critical budget crisis. The donors and international community are reconsidering their assumptions supporting the programme direction towards recovery and development, and a UNCT retreat was undertaken on 25 April to discuss ways in which the UN system can assist the Government to overcome this situation. It is clear that a sharp revenue shortfall will create serious obstacles for the development of infrastructure and the strengthening of social and educational services, which are key for a sustainable return of refugees from neighbouring countries. Darfur Operational and security matters The security situation during April was characterised by the unfortunately common trends of criminality, intimidations, arrests, car hijackings. The situation in camps was periodically tense where gaps in the level of services were felt as a consequence of the NGO expulsion. 4

5 On 29 April, the two international NGO staff from Aide Medicale Internationale (AMI) who were kidnapped at the beginning of the month were released. In border areas of West Darfur, the previously reported Chadian Armed Opposition group decreased with credible reports that most of them had moved to Chad for possible offensives. These groups were responsible for instability and for undermining the civilian character of camps. In other rural areas, Particularly in Buram and Tulus localities in South Darfur, the situation remained tense due to the ongoing tribal conflict between Fallata and Habaniya. Humanitarian needs have been difficult to ascertained because of lack of access to the localities. Refugees Assistance and community activities continued in the two major refugee camps in West Darfur. In absence of Medair, who withdrew their staff as a result of a recent attack on their guesthouse in Um Shalaya, UNHCR Mornei and Concern Worldwide organized an Um Shalaya refugee camp clean-up involving many local youth, including the digging of new latrines. Utilizing the child-friendly spaces available in Um Shalaya Refugee camp, West Darfur. Photo: Kinyanjui/UNHCR UNHCR Mukjar verified the list of persons with specific needs (PSNs) in Mukjar refugee camp for record updating purposes. Fourteen new arrivals to Mukjar Camp (13 Chad, 1 CAR) as well as one Chadian newborn baby were pre-registered by UNHCR prior to CoR verification. UNHCR Mukjar initiated the process to trace missing family members for a child refugee in Um Dukhun whose mother recently died, and two separate medical cases were referred from Mukjar to hospitals in Nyala and Zalingei for further treatment. Protection Working Groups Protection Working Groups (PWGs) continued their work throughout Darfur under the lead of UNHCR, with the exception of South Darfur where the PWG has not been fully functioning since late February due to the unsupportive position of national and local authorities. In spite of these constraints, several fora in SD continued their activities, focusing on specific protection issues. For example the working groups on Child Protection, SGBV, Rule of Law and Women s Protection, are developing a gaps matrix for the Protection and Human Rights Sector after the expulsion of INGOs from Darfur continued. 5

6 Returns Following a governmental request to assist in transporting IDPs displaced during the February 2008 attacks in the northern corridors back to Saraf Jidad (north of El Geneina), a joint UNDSS, UNHCR and OCHA mission was conducted. The area has been for long time declared inaccessible, but was subsequently cleared for further UN humanitarian missions. The area still appeared as destroyed and missing basic infrastructures. It is evident that the main Governmental actors in the area - HAC, National Security (NISS) and the local Sirba Commissioner have adopted a firm approach towards the promotion of a swift return of IDPs to Saraf Jidad for reasons which have yet to fully clarified, UNHCR is seeking to ensure that the returns be voluntary, safe and dignified before assisting or facilitating in this process. Consultations with IDPs communities, including women and children, have been ongoing to ascertain the intention of IDPs. The position of IDPs did not appear univocal, with youth not interested in returning and other community members adopting a prudent approach of a temporary return. Rural Localities Amongst many other UNHCR missions to rural areas, and as part of ongoing efforts to better engage with nomadic groups, UNHCR conducted a joint mission with UNAMID Civil Affairs and UNAMID Human Rights to Rij-el-Kubri, an area comprising of seven damras (semipermanent nomadic encampments) with a total population of 6,700 families. The population is approximately 80 percent nomadic and 20 percent sedentary tribes. The area has little access to services, with three schools covering the seven damras. The area currently has no clinic and no water points. There does not appear to be issues of land occupation in Rij-el-Kubri. Camps UNHCR continued conducting regular missions to camp locations in Geneina and El Fasher, however, in North Darfur, UNHCR s ability to go to Zamzam camp at short-notice has been curtailed by NISS s insistence that UNHCR strictly adhere to the 72-hour notice security clearance policy. The situation in South Darfur s IDP camps is still volatile, especially in Kalma Camp. The situation, in respect of humanitarian access to Kalma camp, however, has developed positively with the sheikhs accepting to have a national NGO called Child Development Foundation (CDF) undertake child protection activities. OCHA and UNHCR El Fasher are revamping the CCCM meeting in North Darfur, inter alia, as a way to streamline sectoral meetings and provide a venue in which to address tensions arising from uncoordinated gap filling activities in camps. Blue Nile State Returns 6

7 Among a spontaneous IDP returnee group in Tolongoshe, UNHCR Kurmuk verified eight families (55 individuals) who were registered by UNHCR Damazine in collaboration with HAC/SRRC in Bulang in These returnees were referred to WFP in order to receive food packages. At the beginning of April, UNHCR in cooperation with the authorities and its partner AHA assisted the return of 526 Mabaan IDPs from Damazine through Kurmuk to their final destination in Bunj, in Mabaan County. Returning IDPs were assisted with food (WFP), NFI (UNJLC) and livelihood tools (FAO) upon arrival. The group was part of a larger displaced community residing in Damazine, who had repeatedly expressed its intention to return to Upper Nile. It is likely that no further movement can be organised before the rainy season, due to concerns for road conditions and conditions in areas of arrival. Although the overall organised repatriation from camps in Ethiopia to Blue Nile state has de facto terminated, spontaneous refugee returns continue to periodically arrive. If in possession of a valid Voluntary Repatriation Form, returnees are assisted as those returning with UNHCR. Return monitoring and reintegration activities As part of the assistance to returnees, during the last week of April, UNHCR partner Africa Humanitarian Aid (AHA) distributed WFP food rations (May and June) to 1208 individuals in Belilla village, one of the areas of high return. Returnee monitoring revealed that weak infrastructure and services, particularly in the health sector, still represents a challenge in the area, despite the efforts of the humanitarian actors. Health Personnel in Belila returnee village reported that eye infection, malaria and diarrhoea remain common diseases affecting a disproportionate level of the population. On 13 and 14 April, UNHCR Kurmuk conducted a two days workshop on Hygiene Promotion at a returnee community in Belatuma, with a view to raising awareness of Water User Committees (WUCs), Community Health Committees (CHCs), and Community Promoters Committees (CPCs) on promotion of improved hygiene behaviour at water points. Fifty-five beneficiaries attended this training. SGBV training was also conducted in the three locations of Bilatuma, Borfa and Kolnogura with the total participants of 40 women and 50 men. East Sudan Rashaida Influx Assessment On 5 April, a humanitarian assessment mission investigating the recent influx east of Kassala of the Rashaida ethnic groups from Eritrea took place. It was established that, in fact, this influx of Rashaida was a return movement who had been asked to leave Eritrea by the Eritrean Government. It transpired that only four families were identified as new arrivals. Due to their 7

8 past experiences in East Sudan, some of this group has already integrated into the local community. Humanitarian assistance will be given to those most in need. Registration The development of standard operating procedures for the continuous registration operations is ongoing. COR and UNHCR agreed that an evaluation of the phase I verification be preceded before finalizing the preparatory work for verification of phase II in Port Sudan. The UNHCR organized evaluation workshop took place on 8 April in Kassala. The workshop provided an opportunity to review and make amendments to the second phase of registration. At the end of the workshop, it was agreed that registration in Port Sudan will continue mid April. Joint Assessment Mission UNHCR s field units, reintegration unit and community services unit participated in the 2009 Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) mission with the World Food Programme (WFP), which was conducted between 19th -25th April to assess the food security and self sufficiency situation in all of the refugee camps in East Sudan in addition to other thematic issues like Education, Health, and Livelihoods. Gaps and challenges were identified in all the thematic areas, some of which need urgent action. The mission included the participation of UN agencies, INGOs and the refugee community. School children in a refugee camp, East Sudan. Photo: Shibembe/UNHCR Seedling Production and Reforestation Seedling production in East Sudan is ongoing. In Fau central nursery, approximately 72,000 Eucalypt seedlings of microthica are being grown for the New Halfa irrigated plantation, as are 30,000 seedlings of various species of Acacia for the extension programme. In Kassala about 30,000 of Acacia nilotica species for Abu Alga rain-fed plantation are under germination. In total, 135,506 polybags were filled and 113,719 sown with Acacia species seeds but with only 76,761 germinations recorded. However continuous replacement of un-germinated poly bags is ongoing. Health UNHCR, in collaboration with the HIV Department of the Ministry of Health and the Sudanese Red Crescent revised the IGAD HIV/AIDS Regional Partnership Programme (IRAPP) work plan and project. The HIV IGAD/IRAPP project for East Sudan will be implemented in Wad 8

9 Sherifey camp and the surrounding villages. The same work plan will be adopted in all camps with the UNHCR regular budget. The analysis of the preliminary results of January/February Nutrition Survey reveals that all Shagarabs camps and Um Gargour camp face critical problems. Human Appeal conducted a rapid MUAC assessment in both camps, identified all malnourished children, and ensured that these children are enrolled in the selective feeding program. Khartoum UNHCR continues to express concern on the ongoing situation in the settlement of Mayo, a periurban area gathering communities in protracted displacement as well as other urban poor populations. Since December 2008, and more recently during the month of April, the area has been undergoing a sequence of demolitions and urban re-planning interventions. Although no excessive use of force was reported and the situation remains calm, the lengthy land allocation process and the difficulty for many families to find economic means to obtain the necessary documentation and be eligible to land is of serious concern. Due to unfinished or not even initiated plot demarcations and land allocation, many families remain in precarious make-shift shelters, often built on rubbles, supported by wooden poles and covered only with torn canvas. The imminent start of the rainy season is seen as a threat by many of the families, who are looking at the State authorities and at the humanitarian community to quickly enact some emergency shelter measures to protect the population from the most critical consequences of the flooding. Since January 2009, a group of UN Agencies has been requesting a meeting with the State authorities to find common ways to address the situation. The recent expulsion of several NGOs previously active in the area with projects to support this urban poor population has added strain to an already difficult situation, although long-term solutions cannot be found in humanitarian emergency measures only. Khartoum, 10 May