INTER-AGENCY NEEDS ASSESSMENT. Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo Counties- WES

Transcription

1 INTER-AGENCY NEEDS ASSESSMENT Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo Counties- WES October 206

2 Contents Executive Summary... 3 INTRODUCTION... 4 PART I: Overview Introduction Accessibility Population figures Safety and Security... 8 PART II: Humanitarian needs Introduction Education Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) Health Nutrition Protection Child Protection Concerns PSNs and PWDs SGBV concerns Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items (ES/NFI) Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)... 7 PART III: Conclusions and Recommendations Humanitarian Assistance Immediate interventions Population s future intentions Recommendations

3 Executive Summary This report presents the findings of the inter-agency assessment conducted in the Greater Mundri area between the 25 th and the 30 th of October 206. The objective of the assessment was to ascertain the general humanitarian and displacement situation in Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo Counties (Western Equatoria State), safety and security, and the accessibility of the area, with the aim to inform and facilitate humanitarian response. The assessment appeal was launched to UN OCHA by Lacha Community and Economic Development (LCED), which also led the assessment in Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo Counties. Partners and Mundri and Juba which took part to the assessment Action Africa Help (AAH), International Aid Service (IAS), Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), Afro-Canadian Evangelist Mission (ACEM), African Humanitarian Organization (AHO), Grassroot Relief and Development Association (GREDA), Lacha Community and Economic Development (LCED), Mundri Relief and Development Association (MRDA), Mundri Active Youth Association (MAYA), New Page for Peace and Development (NP4PD), and Young Women Christian Association (YWCA). The areas covered by the assessment comprised: Bangolo, Landigwa, Gulu, Mbara, Okari, Mundri Center, Amadi, Bitti, Garyia/Medewu, Bari, Kotobi and Karika in Mundri West County; Lanyi, Lui, Wito, Lakama di, Dosho and Movo in Mundri East County; and Mvolo Centre, Bar El Girindi, Bagari, Yeri, Lessi, Dari and Kokori in Mvolo County. The methods of data collection used included interviews with key informants (local authorities and key opinion leaders), Focus Group Discussions (FDG) with women and youth, observation, and specific exercises such as the Middle-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements conducted by the nutrition team. After providing an overview of the conflict, security, accessibility and displacement trends in the area, the report analyses the needs of the population in the areas of education, FSL, health, nutrition, protection, ES/NFI and WASH. The most common concerns throughout all the areas assessed were safety and security, especially when moving from IO controlled areas to government controlled areas, exposure to SGBV, lack of food security, lack of NFI and WASH items, lack of proper health and nutrition services, and lack of education and protection for the children. The breakdown of structures that support education, health and social protection in the community poses consistent threats to the population assessed, with IDPs being particularly vulnerable. 3

4 INTRODUCTION After the fighting in Juba of July 206, between SPLA-IG and SPLA-IO, heavy deployment of SPLA-IG occurred in Mundri West and East Counties. This resulted in huge loss of lives among civilians, displacement and numerous human rights violations in the Greater Mundri area. This report presents the findings of the inter-agency assessment conducted in the Greater Mundri area between the 25 th and the 30 th of October 206. The objective of the assessment was to ascertain the general humanitarian and displacement situation in Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo Counties (Western Equatoria State), safety and security, and the accessibility of the area, in order to inform the country team as well as facilitate humanitarian assistance to the affected population. The assessment appeal was launched to UN OCHA by Lacha Community and Economic Development (LCED), which also led the assessment in Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo Counties. Partners and Mundri and Juba which took part to the assessment Action Africa Help (AAH), International Aid Service (IAS), Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), Afro-Canadian Evangelist Mission (ACEM), African Health Observatory (AHO), Grassroot Relief and Development Association (GREDA), Lacha Community and Economic Development (LCED), Mundri Relief and Development Association (MRDA), Mundri Active Youth Association (MAYA), New Page for Peace and Development (NP4PD), and Young Women Christian Association (YWCA). The areas covered by the assessment comprised: Bangolo, Landigwa, Gulu, Mbara, Okari, Mundri Center, Amadi, Bitti, Garyia/, Medewu, Bari, Kotobi and Karika in Mundri West County; Lanyi, Lui, Wito, Lakama di, Dosho and Movo in Mundri East County; and Mvolo Centre, Bar El Girindi, Bagari, Yeri, Lessi, Dari and Kokori in Mvolo County. The methodology used included interviews with key informants (local authorities and key opinion leaders), Focus Group Discussions with women and youth, and specific exercise such as the Middle-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) measurements conducted by the nutrition team. The tools used for data collection included IRNA questionnaires, cluster questionnaires and specific scales for health and nutrition. The reports from different partners were shared and LCED compiled a consolidated, final report, in consultation with the members of the INGOs and NNGOs who took part to the assessment. This report is divided in three parts: an overview of the situation, including background, safety and security, accessibility and displacement trends in the area; an analysis of the needs of IDPs and host population; and a final part including challenges and recommendations. 4

5 PART I: Overview. Introduction On July 8 th 206, fighting erupted between the personal guards of President Salva Kiir (SPLA-IG) and the ones of the former first vice president Riek Machar (SPLA-IO) at the presidential palace (J) in Juba city. Fighting continued until July th when a ceasefire was called, and the SPLA-IO withdrew from the city. The fighting resulted in hundreds, among soldiers and civilians, killed and injured. On the 9 th of July the conflict extended to West and South of Mundri West County and on 0 th July Mundri town was attacked. Heavy deployment of SPLA-IG took place and areas in the West and South of Mundri town, around Garyia/Medewu, were bombarded resulting in a huge loss of lives. Throughout the fighting many civilians were displaced in from Mundri West, Mundri East Counties and partly in Mvolo County. While some crossed international borders in search of safety, others remained in the country as Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). After the fighting ceased, some IDPs returned to their homes only to find everything looted or burned. The County Commissioner of Mundri East declared that on the 7 th of October, an SPLA-IO group attacked the army barracks in Kedi ba and Wandi. The incident resulted in deaths, and 5 injured people of which 3 reportedly in hiding. He also reported that about 500 children have been abducted by armed groups, but the assessment team was not able to verify such information independently. Most of the population of Kedi ba and Wandi escaped to the neighboring and at the time of the assessment was still in hiding in the bushes, fearing to return to their homes because of the perceived possibility of new attacks. The following sections highlight the accessibility of the area, population affected, safety and security, and displacement trends as a result of the conflict in the Greater Mundri area. 2. Accessibility Access to the areas of Mundri West, Mundri East and Mvolo Counties by air and road has just recently been established for the purpose of this assessment, since July 206. The airstrip runaway in Mundri was intact throughout the year, however it was not functioning in July and August 206 due to insecurity. Normal airstrip operations were resumed in October 206, and currently Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF- South Sudan) operates weekly flights to and from the area. Also UNHAS has regular flights to Mundri. Access by road is possible but there were reports of looting and sometimes killings between Juba and Rokon by unknown gunmen, though this have not happened to the humanitarian convoy during the assessment. 5

6 The events of July and their consequences created a massive displacement far into the bush, which hindered access to those areas by the organizations who took part to the assessment due to insecurity in those areas (e.g. Lozoh and Bangolo). Accessibility of the affected populations was verified in a coordinated manner between the government controlled areas and IO controlled areas, in greater Mundri, especially areas such as Bangalo, Kotobi, Lakama di and parts of Lozoh Payam. Most IDP locations far into the bushes are not accessible by the few roads in the Greater Mundri Counties. Furthermore, most roads are in bad conditions, and this might restrict movements of NGOs on the ground. Roads in bad conditions were the ones from Juba to Jambo, Lanyi, Lui and Mundri; from Mundri to Okari, Kotobi and Karika; from Mundri to Dosho, Wandi, Movo and Kedi ba; and from Mundri to Gulu, Mbara, Yeri, Lessi, Dari, Bahr Elgirindi, Baggari and Kokori. The roads in good conditions, even during the rainy season, were the ones from Mundri to Bari, Medewu/Garyia, Landigwa and Bangolo; and from Mundri to Amadi, Bitti and Lakama di. Particularly, the road leading to Mvolo from Mundri West is very poor and only Land Cruisers are able to use it. On the road from Juba to Mundri incidents of commercial trucks stopped were reported. Three check points are present on the road, but humanitarian organizations have moved freely during the assessment. 3. Population figures The table below report the figure of estimated population in Greater Mundri area, divided by Payam. County Payam Estimated population (October 206) Mundri West Mundri (including Mundri Center, Okari, 5,843 Gulu and Mbara) Bangolo (including Ladingwa and 4,960 Bangolo) Kotobi (including Medewu/Garyia, Bari 5,752 and Karika bomas) Amadi (including Bitti boma) 9,429 Total Mundri West 35,985 Mundri East Lozoh (including Lanyi) 8,000 Wito 8,700 Lui 8,500 Kedi ba (including Kedi ba, Wandi, 9,746 Dosho and Movo) Lakama di 4,200 Total Mundri East 39,46 Mvolo Mvolo,577 Bahr Elgirindi 8,7 Bagari 5,847 Yeri (Including Yeri, Kokori, Lessi, Dari) 8,438 Total Mvolo 33,979 Grand total 09,0 6

7 Before the July conflict many people migrated to Mundri Payam from Yambio and Maridi, due to the creation of the new States system. Furthermore, during the July-August fighting, there has been a high influx of IDPs from Yei, as well as returnees from Juba, which fled the conflict in the capital before it affected WES. From 60% to 90% of the population has been displaced in location reportedly controlled by the SPLA-IO, such as Bangolo, Landigwa, Mbara, Karika, Kotobi, Lanyi, Bitti and Gulu. Majority of the IDPs are located far into the bushes for fear of imminent attacks, and majority are women and children. After the incident of the 7 th October in Kedi ba and Wandi, 400 IDPs moved to Lakama di, 280 to Bitti (for a total of 500 IDPs in Bitti) and 445 to Mundri town. 000 IDPs have been reported in Amadi and 000 from Mundri West in Delewa (3 km from Lui town); most of them are women and children. The recent conflict created a mass displacement to the bushes near Bari, Garyia/Medewu, Landigwa, and Bangolo; most people fled to the nearby bush, while others sought refuge in Yei, Maridi and Mundri. The same situation was encountered in Kotobi and Karika, where most of the people hide in the nearby bushes with the intentions of returning to their homes, located on the Mundri-Maridi road and easy target for armed attacks. Forced displacement is reported as result of army searching in the bushes for their enemies. This leads people to temporarily vacate the area and come back as soon as the army left the place. Few people were displaced from Mundri town to Kotobi and Karika, which they consider safer. Most people from Mundri, Okari, Gulu, Mbara and Amadi remain displaced in the nearby bushes within Mundri. Some sought shelter in Amadi with their relatives with the negative effect on the host families. Gulu and Mbara continue to receive IDPs from within Mundri. This increases the vulnerability of the people in such locations. Some IDPs from further south also reached Mundri for safety and security. Most IDPs residing in In Mvolo, Bahr Elgrindi, Bagari, Yeri, Dari and Lessi are believed to have come from Mundri, Maridi and within other Payams of Mvolo. In Lui, Lanyi, Wito, Lakama di and Kedi ba Payam there has been massive population movement. IDPs from Mundri (Nyau) crossed to Lui, Kedi ba generated a high number of IDPs, some of which travelled to Lakama di (Mä du-ngama), while some people in Kasiko (Lakama di Payam) are pushed inside by the intertribal conflict in Yirol West and Terekeka. Most people in Lanyi remained internally displaced, and those who returned to their homes found the properties burnt and looted. A RRC report indicates more than 300 houses burnt in Lanyi, Buägyi and Wito areas. Similarly, the recent conflict in Kedi ba left 30 houses burnt and many looted. Mvolo County has been stable for the one year, during which 8,77 IDPs from Bahr Elgirindi fled to Mvolo center, becoming a burden on the host community. Additionally,,525 IDPs from Dari and Lessi were displaced in 204 and are still residing in Yeri. 7

8 4. Safety and Security The general security situation is reportedly deteriorated due to the short and long-term effects of the conflict, including lack of institutions which can ensure protection, high number of SGBV cases, and high possibility of arrest and persecution for people moving out of the IO controlled areas, especially to Mundri. The youth avoid travelling to Mundri town for fear of being arrested by the SPLA-IG. The key informants interviewed in Mundri reported that 5 youths were arrested and imprisoned by the armed forces in July, 9 of them released in late August 206. Freedom of expression is completely denied, since both government and IO forces target people who advocate for the wellbeing of their communities. Some families are afraid to send their children to because of the perceived danger. The data reported in the following paragraphs was extracted from the joint report of NP and MAYA. As rebel controlled areas, Bari, Medewu, Landigwa, and Bangolo were targeted during the July-August conflict and they are still experiencing its effects. The women present were clearly distraught by the crisis, but they were able to communicate their concerns clearly and without much hesitation. According to them, during the conflict in July and August and its aftermath people behave lawlessly and many human rights violations took place. Many people have been fleeing from those areas, people s properties were looted, and their houses burned, women experienced SGBV and children went missing. Threats against civilians are still posed by the security personnel (IO) and freedom of movement is restricted, especially towards Mundri town, because of the risk of arrest and abuses. Lack of food and poor economic prospects among families are also major concerns. The population in the areas has decreased as a result of fighting, as most of it has been displaced. Throughout the initial stages of the conflict people from the area fled to the bushes. Some children are reported have missed as result of escaping fighting. During the recent events some most vulnerable people such as the lame, blind and sick were not able to leave the area, some of which died in the crossfire. Some children who left were held at gunpoint and forced to join the IO groups. In Kotobi and Karika nearly the whole population has fled from the area at the beginning of the conflict, mostly to the bushes and smaller villages in the Payam. The security situation remains calm but there is fear of being targeted by SPLA-IG and/or SPLA-IO. Motorbike riders travel to the area on regular basis but the residents of Kotobi and Karika are not allowed to travel to Mundri due to fear of being arrested by the armed forces in Mundri. The respondents also revealed that the some male bodies were found in bush and and they are believed to have been killed by armed group. Reportedly 9 youths including one pastor were arrested by the armed forces. This left the youths to be in state of fear from being abducted or arrested by armed forces and groups in the area. The chief of the area was also arrested but lately released. The situation has been reported relatively calm in the areas of Mundri, Okari, Gulu, Mbara and Amadi. During the conflict, people from Mundri fled to the nearby bushes of Mago, Lendrewa, Ka baya, Gulu, 8

9 Mbara and Amadi. Some people were reported to have crossed to Lui (U du) from the southern side of Mundri (Nyau). There are rumors of imminent attacks by the armed groups located around Mundri town, which have been spotted on Mundri-Bari road. Due to such fear, people in Mundri town leave market places at 7:00 pm, curfew time established by the state local government. The security situation on the road leading to Juba remains calm (Lui, Lanyi and Wito), since commercial vehicles are moving to Juba. AAH-I and IAS have travelled to Juba on many occasions, while ACEM and NP4PD used the same road during this assessment. Mundri- Lakama di road is also accessible. This is evidenced by the assessment team and MAYA drama group also went and staged drama in Lakama di on 30 th October 206. The security situation in Kedi ba is volatile but lastly the County commissioner of Mundri East gave clearance to the humanitarian agencies. The IDPs in Kedi ba, Lakama di and Wandi still remain in the bushes because of the recent fighting that erupted on the 7 th of October. A situation of dire humanitarian need has been reported in Kedi ba, Lakama di, Lui, Lanyi and Wito. However, the recent fighting mostly affected people in Kedi ba, who crossed to Lakama di, Lui, and Mundri, while a considerable number still remains in the nearby bushes. UXO were reported in Lakama di, as a remnant of the SPLA fighting. The general security situation in Mvolo, Bahr Elgrindi, Bagari, Yeri, Dari and Lessi was reported to be relatively calm, although people still live in fear that the conflict will extend to Mvolo. A number of IDPs from Mundri and Maridi reached Mvolo, Bägäri and Yeri areas. 9

10 PART II: Humanitarian needs. Introduction The following sections illustrate the needs of the population in the locations visited. Those include: education, Food Security and Livelihood (FSL), health, nutrition, protection, Emergency Shelter and Non- Food Items (ES/NFI), and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). 2. Education The area of education was covered by New Page for Peace and Development (NP4PD) a national NGO based in Lui, Mundri East County, and Africa Humanitarian Organization (AHO) based in Mundri town, Mundri West County. The Conties visited included only Mundri West and Mundri East. The education sector in the areas visited faces several issues, such as shortage of teaching staffs, due to lack of payment and motivation, change of career direction, fighting in the area, displacement and increased enrollment of pupils in the functioning s. In functioning s, most classroom facilities such as desk, chalkboard, table chair and other essential furniture were looted and destroyed during the recent conflict. Therefore, before any new distribution of material, there is need for renovation of doors and windows in the looted s. The below table indicate the list of functioning s in the visited locations, and the non-functioning ones (since May 205) due to lack of scholastic material, destroyed facilities and lack of teaching staff. There is need for a more in-depth assessment in order to collect data about the number of teachers and pupils in the area, and in each. County Payam School Functioning Non-functioning since May 205 Mundri West Bangolo Bangolo primary Tori primary Diko primary Kotobi Kotobi primary Karika Karika primary Mandi primary Mundri Centre Baya primary Seven Day primary 0

11 Mundri primary Mundri 2 primary Janga primary Okari primary Ama-lo primary Milikanga Amadi Amadi primary Bitti primary Total Mundri West 0 6 Mundri East County Lozoh Lozoh primary Lanyi primary Karlicerer primary Wito Wito primary Lui Gori primary Lungini primary Lui Upper Primary Lakama di Lakamadi primary Kedi ba Kedi ba primary Wandi primary Minda primary Magiri primary Total Mundri East 3 9 Total 3 5 In relatively calm towns existing facilities are not enough due to the high number of students enrolled. This adds up to the lack of teaching aid, stationery material and textbooks. Furthermore, some s were not only affected by the conflict, but also by climatic events, as the case of Lui Upper Primary School, Lakama di and Amadi Primary s, with their roof blown off by the wind. In densely populated areas, displacement areas and other locations where facilities are not available, there is urgent need to

12 provide emergency shelters for teachers and pupils to enhance effective teaching. In the areas indicated above with non-functioning s, pupils have not taken the Primary Leaving Examination (PLE) for the past two years. 3. Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) The area of Food Security and Livelihood (FSL) was covered by the NNGOs, namely Grass-root Relief and Development Association (GREDA), and Afro-Canadian Evangelist Mission (ACEM). Some information regarding access to food was also provided by the INGO Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP). All the areas assessed presented extreme shortage of food for IDPs and local populations, which rely on wild fruit and roots for their survival. In many locations meals have reduced to two per day, in many cases one in deep field locations, and also the quantities have reduced. This is caused by the fact that there has not been any farming activity in the Counties in the past months, as a result of the conflict and the population displacement. As a consequence crops have failed, while food stocks have been burnt. Most locations do not have functioning markets, with the exceptions of Mundri town and Amadi centre; also Lui market is functional. Despite the presence of few food and non food items in such markets, the prices are highly inflated (one bag of maize in Lui costs SSP 900), and it is not safe for people to move to Mundri town from IO controlled areas, as previously mentioned. Karika and Kotobi were once food basket for Mundri town. The situation has since reversed since two farming seasons have passed without proper cultivation activities. This is due to the presence of a market in Mundri town, and food distribution conducted in June-July 206 (by WFP in partnership with MaCDA). However, the food distribution in Mundri West and East Counties did not cover Gulu and Mbara, although they were hosting many IDPs from Mundri, Lui and Buagyi in Mundri East. In Lui, it was reported that people s health is deteriorating since food ratio is reduced in every family and people eat once a day. Furthermore, it was reported that the food stocks were looted by armed forces in July and August. In Amadi, the IDPs posed more pressure on the host communities which are sharing their food. Such needs were not recorded since the past Initial Rapid Needs Assessment (IRNA) conducted in Mundri West County (June and October 205 and March 206) did not cover Amadi. Dry spell and consequent crops fail affected Amadi, where community leaders reported that two people died of hunger in September 206. Children were seen crossing to Yeri and Mbara to collect food overturned by the trucks hired by the UN Agencies taking the food supply to Lakes State. In Kedi ba and part of Lakama di, there has been persistent dry spell, which started in 205 and lasted for nearly 5 months in 206. This led to the crop failure and people enduring hunger. The RRC and the County commissioner of Mundri East reported that the last food stock would be get finished that same week of the 2

13 assessment. The same situation is happening in Lui and Lanyi, where the crime rate is reported to be increasing because of lack of food. 4. Health The area of health was covered by Action Africa Help- International (AAH-I) and the NNGO Afro-Canadian Evangelist Mission (ACEM). There is a general deteriorating health situation across the Greater Mundri area, aggravated by lack of basic drugs, equipment, adequate health facilities and health personnel as a result of the conflict. The community relies on traditional herbs to treat common ailments life fewer and diarrhea. The following table presents the number of functional and non-functional health facilities in the Greater Mundri area. HFs Functional Not functional Total HFs % functional % not functional Mundri West % 84% Mundri East % 33% Mvolo 0 9% 9% AAH-I is the sector lead implementing partner in Mundri West, and it has been running comprehensive 9 primary health care facilities, two of which (Kulundu & Noni) have been looted and burned down in 204. Due to conflict, in September 206, 9 health facilities including Mundri, Bangolo and Kotobi PHCCs, and Bari, Garyia/Medewu, Landigwa, Moba, Goribalua, and Gulu PHCUs have been seriously looted and vandalized. Items and equipment such as drugs, microscopes, maternity delivery beds, mattress, registers, solar systems, fridges, office chairs and weighing scales among others were destroyed. No health services including immunization, maternal child health care, FP, OPD, HE, are provided in those areas since September 206. Mundri PHCC re-opened and remains functional up to date with the support of MSF Spain. Overall, in Mundri West County only 3 health facilities are accessible and functional, currently providing health services including immunization to community surrounding: Mundri PHCC, Amadi and Bitti PHCUs. Health service providers of the health facilities were displaced but available. Mobile clinics were introduced in Bari, Garyia/Medewu, Landigwa and Bangolo by MSF Spain in March and May 206. Currently cases of typhoid and malaria were reported in the areas of Bari, Medewu, Landigwa and Bangolo. CUAMM is the health implementing partner in Mundri East County. During the assessment, only 3 health facilities were visited in the area: Lui Hospital, Lanyi and Lakama di PHCC. Besides Lui hospital, 4 out of 20 health facilities present in the County are operational, although they experience shortage of drugs, Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets (LITNs) and delivery kits supplies, as result of looting and insecurity in Wiroh, Sigiriwa, Lozoh, Doroh, Wandi PHCUs, Lanyi and Mideh PHCCs. In Lanyi, the last immunization campaign was conducted in June 205, therefore there is need for urgent immunization for children below 5 years old and pregnant mothers. EPI campaigns are ongoing in some areas, but have not covered the 3

14 entire County due to insecurity and inaccessibility of deep field locations. Three suspected cases of chicken pox were reported in Lakama di, including three children and their mother, yet to be investigated. Furthermore, the last distribution of LITNs in Mundri West County was conducted by PSI in 200. In Mvolo County, nodding diseases affecting children is the major concern in the areas of Mvolo, Bahr Elgrindi, Bagari, Yeri, Dari and Lessi. It was reported that around -2 children in each household is affected and not receiving treatment. 5. Nutrition The area of nutrition was covered by Afro-Canadian Evangelist Mission (ACEM), a Faith Based South Sudanese NNGO. There is a general deteriorating nutrition and health situation in the Greater Mundri Counties. Majority of the population including women, children and the elderly are displaced into far away bushes with fear of imminent attacks. There are no existing services in those areas as all the health facilities are visibly destroyed and equipment was looted from health centres and s. ACEM managed to screen only the children that were present in the field locations, as majority could not walk from their places of hiding. Malnourished children have been screened in Bangolo, Landigwa, Kotobi, Karina, and Mundri town in Mundri West County, and in Lui, Lanyi. However, many cases of malnourished and severely malnourished children were indicated by the local population in deep field locations such as displacement areas around Lozoh and Bangolo. The following table presents the findings from the rapid MUAC screening that were conducted during the assessment. Normal MAM SAM Oedema M F M F M F M F Bangolo, Landigwa Kotobi, Karika Mundri town (PHCC) Lanyi, Lui, Wito, Bitti Gulu Aggregate Total screened 450 Overall SAM rate=6.22% Overall GAM rate =22.9% 4

15 Challenges to the implementation of nutrition activities include massive population displacement far into the bushes, which hinders accessibility to some areas due to absence of roads and insecurity, and lack of health facilities and personnel on the ground to support such activities. During the assessment, cases of malnourished children were reported in hard to reach areas such as Bangolo and Lozoh, but the team was unable to access them, yet considering the lack of food and clean water, there is urgent need to identify such cases and take immediate action. Local authorities in Mvolo, and local population in other areas also indicated an urgent need for nutrition activities to support the community. A second major challenge is the lack of health facilities and health personnel in Bangolo, Landigwa, Mbara, Kotobi and Karika to support the nutrition partners. Additionally, lack of safe drinking water and food for the majority population (including IDPs and host population) will make it very difficult for any nutrition program to be successfully implemented after the identification of malnourished children and pregnant women. 6. Protection The area of protection was covered by the INGO Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), and the NNGOs African Health Observatory (AHO), Mundri Active Youth Association (MAYA), and Young Women Christian Association (YWCA). The main protection issues identified by the population and observed by the assessment team are looting, forced displacement, unaccompanied children, Children Associated with Armed Groups (CAWAG), and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The following three sections present data about three main protection-related areas: child protection concerns, Persons with Special Needs (PSNs), and SGBV concerns. 6. Child Protection Concerns In all the locations visited one major concern is for children s safety and education. Schools are not functioning and the security situation does not allow education to take place. Cases of orphans and unaccompanied children, missing children during their flight, and Children Associated with Armed Groups (CAWAG) in all locations, were all concerns reported by the population. Furthermore, no specific support is given to the most vulnerable population, such as female and child-headed households. In Karika and other areas, the community voluntarily started taking care of unaccompanied children. Respondents in Bangolo reported 20 orphans. 8 children between 4 and 5 years old were reported as orphans in Garyia/Medewu. In Kotobi and Karika, the respondent indicated 500 unaccompanied children who were believed to be displaced from Mundri town. Most going-age children remain at home because the parents cannot pay fees or because of lack of sanitary pads and facilities for girls. In Mvolo, Bahr Elgrindi, Bagari, Yeri, Dari and Lessi children were observed going to the river for fishing instead of going to. 5

16 Some of the children were reported to make use of drugs, and the assessment team suggested that this might be the result of trauma, since Psychosocial Support Services (PSS) are not provided. In Lui one respondent reported lack of child protection activities. Children are exposed to the abuses both psychologically and physically. There is no running community based child-friendly centre in the all Greater Mundri. MAYA tried to establish some of them within Mundri, but they have been destroyed during the conflict. 6.2 PSNs and PWDs Persons with Special Needs (PSNs) and Persons with Disability (PWDs) faced several challenges during the time of displacement. They were left behind by their family members, which resulted in death, torture, and harassment by the armed forces. A respondent was able to narrate how his brother with nodding disease was brutally killed by the armed forces from Nyau near Bari Boma. PWDs were targeted during the clashes in Kedi ba of the 7 th of October. One boy with nodding disease was killed by the armed men, while the elderly were left behind when people were escaping the violence. The survivors did not receive any medical or psychological assistance. In fact, one of the largest concerns for PSNs is the lack of medicine, to treat their condition or to heal the injuries inflicted them by the armed forces/groups. Lack of medicine is quite common, due to the looting and burning of several health facilities previously mentioned. In Kotobi and Karika, PSNs and PWDs live in the community with their families but no assistance is being provided to them. 6.3 SGBV concerns Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is widespread through the Greater Mundri area, since the beginning of the conflict. Generally, women are harassed, do not feel safe and their freedom of movement is restricted as a result of the risk of sexual assault. Women have reported and witnessed many cases of rape, mistreatment and harassment by men in uniform, and domestic violence. Stigma around SGBV victims is high and in many cases survivors only report what happens to their friends and not to the authorities. Women only feel safe during the day and when they are in groups, and they do not attempt to move alone. They also fear attacks when they go out to collect food or firewood. In Bari, Garyia/Medewu, Landigwa, and Bangolo respondents reported four cases of rape in the area. The assessment team observed under-age pregnancy of girls from 3 to 8 years of age. This clearly suggests the prevalence of SGBV cases in the area. Also in Kotobi and Karika several rape cases by armed men were reported by the women. Eight rape cases were reported by the community in Kotobi. However, CMR services in the area are not functional since the health facility was looted. Similarly, Lui hospital is also lacking adequate CMR facilities. Domestic violence on economic basis is present in Lui and Kedi ba, due to the high prices of food commodities in the market. 6

17 There is intense fear of rape of women and girls living in Mundri, Okari, Gulu, Mbara and Amadi, due to the heavy deployment of SPLA-IG forces. Seventeen cases of rape were reported in Mundri, but the number of such incidents might be higher, as respondents indicated more than thirty cases of rape. Additionally, lacke to a proper court makes it difficult to hold perpetrators into account. In Mundri, Okari, Gulu, Mbara and Amadi, targeted arrests of girls and women, men and boys based on their gender were also reported. Form 8 is charged SSP 50 for survivors of SGBV and other GBV cases who sort to receive medical services through accessing police services. MAYA produced 40 copies of form 8 and handed over to police Special Protection Unit (SPU) to be given for free to clients of GBV. 7. Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items (ES/NFI) The area of Emergency Shelter and Non-Food Items (N/NFI) was covered by Lacha Community and Economic Development (LCED), a national South Sudanese NGO operating in Mundri West and East Counties since Effects of the conflict in the Greater Mundri area included looting and destruction of the basic goods including NFI. Many houses were also vandalized in several locations across the Counties. While majority of IDPs are living under trees in the bush around Bangolo, Landigwa, Mbara, Karika, Kotobi, Lanyi, Bitti and Gulu; some of them use abandoned houses, which are in bad conditions. IDPs which left Kedi ba during the recent fighting left everything behind. Most of those who fled to Lakama di are living under the trees with their children, since they do not have access to temporary shelters or shelter materials. In Bangolo, Ledingwa, Garyia/Medewu and Bari, the population reported that NFI distribute by Oxfam GB in 206 were looted during the recent conflict. Most people in those areas are living under the trees and they do not possess basic NFI such as clothes, mats, mosquito nets, cooking utensils, jerry cans, buckets, soap, etc. Tools such as axes and pangas which could be used to build temporary shelters were also looted or destroyed. Similar findings were reported from Karika, Kotobi and Okari (Mundri West) and Wito, Lanyi and Lui (Mundri East). In Karika some homes were looted but their structure was not much affected, compared to other Payam. Additionally, no humanitarian aid had been delivered in Lanyi, Wito and Lui since February. 8. Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) The area of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) was covered by the INGO International Aid Service (IAS), and the NNGOs Grassroot Relief and Development Association (GREDA) and Lacha Community and Economic Development (LCED). 7

18 Generally, the Greater Mundri area presents an alarming hygiene situation, especially Mundri town. Lack of latrines for most households hiding in the bush, lack of soap, water treatment systems and lack of sanitary pads affect most of IDPs and local population. Women and girls of reproductive age reported using old, torn clothes as pads during menstruation period. In Bari, Garyia/Medewu, Landigwa, and Bangolo it was reported that the reusable sanitary pads (Afri-pads) distributed by Oxfam GB in April and May 206 were also looted or burnt by the fighting forces that reached the area. Therefore, women and girls in different locations strongly requested for the supply of sanitary pads/dignity kits with basic hygiene components. In many areas the boreholes are not functioning, in need of maintenance and repair, yet the functioning ones pump dirty water (yellow in color and having a bad smell). On average borehole serves up to 200 households. In Lakama di 4 out of 7 boreholes are functioning, situation which is aggravated but the high number of IDPs from Kedi ba. Also in Lanyi and Lui it was reported that the number of functioning boreholes is not sufficient to meet the needs of the population. In Bangolo, 3 boreholes were reported destroyed by government forces, while in Kotobi, 5 out of ten boreholes have bad water quality. The following table presents the list of functional and broken boreholes in Mundri East and West Counties, according to observation by the assessment team, and information provided by Rural Water Mundri East. County Payam Functional Broken Total boreholes boreholes boreholes Mundri Lanyi 4 East Kedi ba 5 Witto 4 Lakama di 7 Mundri Mundri West Kotobi Amadi 9 2 In different locations people have reportedly been drinking water from the stream, which is not clean given the concentration of people living around it, and the lack of pit latrines. At the same time, the respondent reported lack water filtering material and water guards. IAS supported some areas with water filtering training, in Mundri West, Mundri East, Mvolo and Maridi. However, their coverage is limited: they only targeted 50 boreholes for repair in the 4 counties mentioned, leaving Mundri West with 34 boreholes and Mundri East with 6 boreholes. In Lakama di people reported not receiving hygiene training in the past year, while in Bangolo, Ledingwa, Garyia/Medewu and Bari it did not occur since the beginning of the conflict in July

19 In Mundri, Okari, Gulu, Mbara and Amadi, the population received WASH materials from Oxfam GB in April 206, which was reported looted or finished. Due to the lack of functioning markets in all Greater Mundri, the population does not have access to soap, therefore hand washing and laundry activities are not practiced. 9

20 PART III: Conclusions and Recommendations. Humanitarian Assistance Since 205 when conflict erupted in Greater Mundri Counties the humanitarian situation was drastically affected. Service delivery in the sectors of education, FSL, health, nutrition, S/NFI and WASH has strongly deteriorated. As a result, a huge portion of the population is suffering from hunger, diseases that could be easily treated are killing people because of lack of proper food, safe water, adequate hygienic conditions, and medicines. Needless to say, the most affected and most vulnerable in such situation are women, children and the elderly. The challenges to humanitarian assistance in Greater Mundri are caused by inaccessibility of some areas due to insecurity, for instance Kedi ba and Wandi in Mundri East County, and to bad road conditions, such as Wito, Dari and Lessi in Mvolo County. Few NNGOs are present in the area, including MRDA, LCED and AHO in Mundri West, and CUAMM in Lui, Mundri East, and MAYA/IsraAID in both counties. NP is also trying to establish its presence on the ground. Concerning the specific field locations, no humanitarian assistance has been provided in Bari, Medewu, Landigwa, Bangolo, Karika and Kotobi in Mundri West County, and in Lui, Lanyi, Wito, Lakama di and Kedi ba in Mundri East County since the conflict started; the affected population is in urgent need of food, NFI and WASH facilities. MAYA is planning response in the area with the funding from UNICEF (December 206- November 207) and SSHF 2 nd round allocation 206 in partnership with IsraAID in the area of GBV, while LCED is doing the same in the area of ES/NFI. There are no drugs and often no equipment available in the health facilities. Consequently, morbidity and malnourishment rate are increasing, especially among children. NFI and shelter material need to be distributed both to IDPs and host community, prioritizing those living in the bush. 2. Immediate interventions MAYA is implementing a GBV program in Lui and Kedi ba, Mundri East. However, Kedi ba responde is temporarily suspended because of the 7 th October incident. CUAMM is offering health services in Lui hospital, while Lanyi PHCC is operational only on mobile basis. CMMB is offering health services in Mvolo, Bahr Elgrindi, Bagari, Yeri, Dari and Lessi. At the moment there are no partners covering child protection including PSS activities, and nutrition. Concerning education, NP4PD is the only partner in the Mundri which can provide response in Amadi and Kotobi boma. GREDA planning to intervene in Lui, Lanyi, Wito, Lakama di, Bitti, Dosho, Wandi, Movo and Kedi ba, Mundri West County, and Lessi and Dari in Mvolo County, with emergency response in the areas of WASH and FSL. Concerning WASH activities, GREDA aims at (a) repairing destroyed and non-functioning boreholes in those areas; (b) distributing water treating and filtering material to the affected population; (c) 20

21 conducting trainings on sanitation and hygiene and encourage the use of latrines where available; distributing water storage containers to the most vulnerable households. In the area of FSL, GREDA plans to (a) distribute food items to the IDPs in the conflict-affected areas mentioned above; (b) establish microfinance schemes to recover small market, in order for IDPs and host communities to have access to basic NFI (e.g. salt, soap, etc.); (c) distribute agricultural tools to IDPs and host communities to enable them to prepare for the next rainy season. GREDA is currently seeking funds for such activities, while it has been constructing robust shelters for widows in Kedi ba, before the incident of July 206. Based on the assessment findings and observations of its staff in the field, LCED plans to distribute ES/NFI to the most vulnerable population in Mundri town, Bari, Ladingwa, Garyia/Medewu, Bangolo, Kotobi and Karika, Mundri West County, and in Lui, Lozoh, Lanyi, Buagyi and Jambo Payam, Mundri East County. Besides direct distribution, LCED plans to utilize conditional cash transfers (vouchers) in order for IDPs and host population in those areas to buy NFI and material for robust shelters in more calm Counties. Such interventions will be implemented upon analysis of the context, in instances where the ES/NFI from the IOM pipeline could not be transported from Juba to Mundri East/West Counties, or in instances where relative peace is established in the Counties, in order to improve community resilience. The activities are funded by the CHF second round allocation. ACEM plans to intervene in different Payam in Mundri East and West Counties, with nutrition and FSL activities. Concerning nutrition, ACEM will provide nutrition services to children under 5, lactating mothers and pregnant women in Mundri town, Bangolo, Kotobi and Amadi Payam, Mundri West County, and in Kedi ba Payam in Mundri East County. Concerning FSL, seeds and agricultural tools will be distributed to IDPs and returnees in the areas of Kedi ba, Lozoh, Minga and Lakama di, Mundri East County, specifically targeting households with malnourished children, lactating mothers and pregnant mothers (3,000 individuals). In order to identify malnourished and severely malnourished children in the mentioned areas, a SMART survey will be conducted to guide future interventions. ACEM has an established presence both in Mundri West and Mundri East Counties, and the just mentioned activities are ongoing, as ACEM is strategically prepositioning material to expand to other hard-to-reach areas. The Nutrition program is funded by UNICEF after a rapid needs assessment was conducted in the project locations where high malnutrition cases were identified. The FSL program is funded by UN FAO. NP is planning to intervene in Bari, Kotobi, Karika, Bangolo, Garyia/Medewu and Mundri town, Mundri West County, Lanyi, Kedi ba, Lakama di and Wito Payam, Mundri East County, and Lessi, Dari and Bagari Payam in Mvolo County. These area were selected considering massive looting of properties and food items from houses and shops (including those distributed by WFP in July), and the people in the area missed two farming season. NP is implementing a two year protection project in the area, starting October 206, with the following objectives: (a) peace-building; (b) strengthening community resilience against violence through EWER, and capacity building; (c) reducing and preventing SGBV in the community; (d) protection mainstreaming and coordination. 2

22 Other INGOs and NNGOs who are planning to intervene or are already working in the area, but did not take part to the assessment are: WFP for FSL, Oxfam, AAH and NRC for WASH, NRC for ES/NFI, and IAS, AHO and CUAMM for health and nutrition (funded by UNICEF). NP4PD is conducting child protection activities with the support of the German Embassy in Lui Payam, while in Kotobi and Amadi the NNGO ADCORD is implementing Education in Emergency funded by the SSHF second round allocation Population s future intentions Although the unfolding of the situation in Greater Mundri is highly unpredictable, the assessment team collected information about the population s intention for the future. In Bari, Garyia/Medewu, Landigwa, and Bangolo there was a mixed reaction amongst the people surveyed concerning their future plans: if insecurity persists in the area, some declared that they will move, while others said that they will remain; majority of them stressed the need for peace in the area. In Kotobi and Karika the responded were worried about security and food, especially for their children, but they feel that there is no other place for them to live in South Sudan. Their priorities are protection, food, and education for their children. People in Mundri have no intention of leaving the area; they expressed strong attachment to the land and feeling of hopelessness related to the possibility of establishing a home somewhere else. Similarly, in Mvolo, Bahr Elgrindi, Bagari, Yeri, Dari and Lessi, participants expressed willingness to stay in their current places of residence, waiting for peace to be implemented. IDPs in Amadi, Gulu and Mbara are not willing to return to their homes because of fear of more attacks from armed forces. In Lui, Lanyi, Wito, Lakama di and Kedi ba respondents main concerns are security/protection, food security, access to medicines and health facilities, freedom of movement, association and freedom of speech (hindered by arbitrary arrests). The participants mentioned the following coping mechanisms used to reduce risks: respect the curfew, be careful about who to speak to and what to say, ration the food, for instance reduce food portions during meals and sometimes skip dinner, use local herbs instead of medicines. Most of the men preferred to stay in their homes in case the situations worsen, as long as their children and the wives are safe. 4. Recommendations Generally in Greater Mundri area there is urgent need for relief interventions, especially food, NFI and WASH material. Although access to the field locations by air and by road- has been secured during this assessment, it is temporary and it could be easily restricted at any time. Therefore, in order for humanitarian assistance to be delivered, negotiation with the conflicting parts should take place to secure accessibility to all field locations. Peace-building and reconciliation activities are also necessary to promote peaceful coexistence and reduce violence in the area. More interventions on livelihood should be implemented, including food distribution and support of local traders by small scale loans to provide services to the community. After securing access to food for the 22