UNHCR Sudan Operations

Transcription

1 UNHCR Sudan Operations No March 2009 Displaced Masalit women in Mornei market, West Darfur Photo: Damian Rance/UNHCR For further information please contact: UNHCR Sudan SUDKH@UNHCR.ORG Teresa Ongaro ONGARO@UNHCR.ORG Damian Rance RANCE@UNHCR.ORG

2 South Sudan Insecurity affecting refugee returns In recent weeks, insecurity in several parts of Southern Sudan has hampered the repatriation of Southern Sudanese refugees from Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia. In the last weeks of March, several towns in the Central and Eastern Equatoria regions were paralysed by blockades organized by war veterans from the Sudan People s Liberation Army (SPLA) who had not been paid their benefits for six months. These sometimes violent protests disrupted life in the towns of Yei, Nimule and Kapoeta and Narus for several days. On March, after meetings with the President of the Government of South Sudan, Silva Kiir, the veterans lifted their blockade on Yei. However, protests continued in Nimule and in Kapoeta. In Narus a convoy of trucks with UNHCR escort was unable to leave the town for one week due to protests, and staff were likewise unable to leave the office compound in Kapoeta. Following further discussions with the authorities, the situation eventually returned to normal throughout and the convoy was able to continue to Kakuma to pick up refugees for return to Eastern Equatoria. The disturbances also affected returnees and humanitarian workers from Uganda, forcing UNHCR to temporarily suspend or halt five repatriation convoys carrying some 920 returnees from Arua and Adjumani in Uganda to Yei in Central Equatoria and to Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria. In late February, UNHCR suspended the repatriation of Southern Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia following clashes between the SPLA and SAF (Sudanese Armed Force) in Malakal, which left more than 50 people dead and led to the widespread looting of UN warehouses, and the subsequent relocation of some UN and NGO staff. All UNHCR Malakal staff who were relocated to Juba have now returned to Malakal and the programme has resumed. The number of Sudanese refugees who voluntarily repatriated to South Sudan and Blue Nile State with the help of UNHCR has now Year Organized Assisted Voluntary Self- Repatriation UNHCR Sudan Operations Update Fe UNHCR Sudan Operations Update March 2009 Spontaneous Total ,485 70, ,996 4,815 5,666 31, ,795 5,137 75, , ,564 1,846 5,578 67, , ,995 Total 144,140 12, , ,190 Table showing cumulative refugee returns to South Sudan as of 28 March 2009 reached 156,360 people with an additional 156,830 refugees returning spontaneously from neighbouring countries since the signature of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in January Refugees have been returning to South Sudan and Blue Nile State from the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya and Uganda and twenty other countries around the world including Cuba and the USA. Clashes in Jonglei UNHCR is also deeply concerned about the continuing conflict between the Nuer and Murle ethnic groups in the Jonglei region that has so far claimed the lives of hundreds and caused significant displacement. The fighting, which was sparked by cattle rustling raids in Pibor County, spread to Akobo and Wanding and the situation in Jonglei remains complex demanding humanitarian interventions to assist IDPs who fled Lekongole area in Pibor County. Concerns over the possibility of further clashes were raised by the local authorities in Bor. 2

3 Correspondingly, an increase in the security level on Pibor-Lekongole-Akobo road occurred, which makes the use of armed escorts along this corridor mandatory. The Commissioner of Akobo County has ordered the police and SPLA to intervene and has called the Chiefs of the concerned parties to Akobo for a reconciliation meeting. In the last week of March, the Governor of the Jonglei region convened an emergency meeting with UN agencies to coordinate a humanitarian response to the victims of the Nuer and Murle clashes in which UNHCR participated. Congolese Influx In Central Equatoria State, refugees located in Lasu are moving to the Nyori refugee settlement that was established by UNHCR. As of 27 March, the total number of refugees in Nyori is 5,764 (2,600 men and 3,164 women). The process of selecting an implementing partner to manage the Nyori Settlement Site is ongoing. In Western Equatoria State, the total population in Makpandu settlement has reached 1,960. In Ezo, new arrivals continue to be registered, bringing the total population to 3,984. Offloading returnee s luggage, South Sudan. Photo: UNHCR. Darfur Ongoing insecurity and assistance gaps Following the issuing of an arrest warrant for the President of Sudan by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the subsequent expulsion from Darfur of 13 International Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and 3 National NGOs, the GoS and UN conducted a Joint Assessment Mission to Darfur to map the most immediate and lifethreatening assistance gaps in four main sectors of activity: health/nutrition, food, water/ sanitation and emergency shelter. The Sudanese authorities, some national NGOs and interim arrangements - including voluntary work from formerstaff of expelled NGOs - are being used to cover the most immediate and urgent life-saving needs (e.g. vaccinations, primary health care and food distribution) left by the expulsion of these NGOs. However, long-term capacity and sustainability is not always assured and several remote locations remain underserved, as confirmed by several additional field assessments undertaken by UNHCR and other agencies after the expulsion. Regular Protection Working Groups (PWG) were held during March and discussed the emerging gaps in the protection/ human rights sector following the NGOs expulsions. Besides being directly engaged in protection activities (support to children, GBV referrals, legal aid), most of the expelled NGOs were in fact regular participants of the PWGs across Darfur, representing an essential link used by the communities to voice and refer protection concerns. During March, a series of violent incidents occurred throughout Darfur affecting aid workers, including UNHCR staff. Such incidents included the armed break-in and robbery of a UNHCR Field Office, the armed break-in and the robbery of our operational partners guesthouse in Um Shalaya refugee camp, and the killing and kidnapping of several NGO workers. The armed carjacking of vehicles belonging to the UN and INGOs also continued. Meanwhile, tensions between nomadic groups are again intensifying in South Darfur (conflict between Fallata and Habbaniya), raising the risks of new displacement. Tensions between IDPs and pastoralist groups are also reported in several locations in rural areas of West Darfur, signalling the importance of monitoring in rural areas and increasing the engagement and the dialogue with these population groups. 3

4 Humanitarian access and freedom of movement Throughout Darfur, ongoing ethnic tensions continue to exist between pastoralist and sedentary groups. In Azernei (West Darfur), community consultations during field missions have confirmed persisting tensions between IDPs and nomadic groups, especially in rural areas and during grass and firewood collection. The presence of nomadic militia is hindering movement in the Azernei locality, but people are able to undertake travel between Azernei, Kerenik and Geneina localities by employing these militia groups to act as escorts. Nomadic groups in the last two weeks of March have also prevented movement in the Masteri locality, with people being restricted from accessing grass and firewood. In numerous locations along the Habila Forobaranga road, locals have raised concerns with UNHCR with regard to nomadic groups restricting their access to food distributions, water and health services. Women collecting water from hand-pump, Adikong village, West Darfur. Photo: Annabel Mwangi/UNHCR IDP sheikhs in Kalma camp, South Darfur, continued blocking humanitarian access. All attempts to break this deadlock have so far been unsuccessful. The sheikhs remained adamant that unless the expelled INGOs are recalled, they shall not accept any other INGOs to deliver humanitarian assistance to them. The issue has been further exacerbated by the alleged arrest of 30 IDPs from the camp, including Sheikhs. The stance of the IDP leaders appears to be politically motivated and tensions within the IDP population on access to humanitarian assistance cannot be ruled out. The situation is being followed closely from both humanitarian and political perspectives by different mandated UN actors. Refugee new arrivals Um Shalaya refugee camp has seen the arrival of over 10 new Chadian families (50 individuals) throughout March, bringing the total population at that camp to 6781 individuals. UNHCR s Area of Responsibility (AoR) in Habila also received new Chadian arrivals, with approximately 21 families (81 Individuals) arriving in the vicinity of Fajr Hala. Mukjar camp did not report any new arrivals, with the population remaining at 725 persons, as at the end of March. The refugee population in Um Dukhun remains at 8500 persons, according to surveys undertaken in August The total refugee population in the Mukjar AoR approximates 9225 persons, including 250 refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR). Ongoing internal displacement From March, UNHCR El Fasher conducted daily road missions to Zamzam camp. New arrivals have been continuing to trickle in from Abu Dangal, Muhajeriya, Um Shijera and Khazan Jedid. Those arriving recently from Khazan Jedid are usually from other locations in South Darfur, but have recently decided to move to Zamzam because the security has worsened in Khazan Jedid. Discussions with authorities on an alternative camp site for the new arrivals (40,464 individuals/ 11,165 families as at 25 March verified by IOM) have not yet yield results. 4

5 The increasing assistance needs of Zam Zam camp have to be met in the midst of the decreasing humanitarian presence after the expulsion of the NGOs. WFP continue to issue one month food supplies from their EM allocation. Abuzar Camp fire, El Geneina, West Darfur At approximately midnight on 24 March, fire broke out in Abuzar camp (West Darfur) causing extensive damage. Preliminary assessments indicate that shelters belonging to 211 households were completely destroyed while an unconfirmed number of shelters remained partially destroyed. As result of the fire, a 50 year old woman and a year old man were killed. As the incident occurred not long after the bi-monthly food ration distribution, many IDPs lost almost all of their supplies. A limited number of livestock was also affected. The camp medical clinic and the HelpAge elderly persons centre were also destroyed. On March, UNHCR and other agencies assessed the damage and provided immediate assistance. Following an inter-agency meeting HAC provided the victims of the fire with NFIs and some food packages. WFP is currently assessing the situation to re-assist the victims with two months worth of food rations. Blue Nile State IDP returns On 15 March, a state-organised return movement of some 350 IDPs (of an announced 792 IDPs) from Khartoum to Blue Nile State (BNS) took place. Some 134 individuals were destined for Kurmuk locality (86 to Kurmuk and 34 to Chali) whilst the remaining 216 IDPs returned to Geissan locality. On 16 March, secondary transport to their final destinations took place. Another convoy left on 23 March, with 283 individuals heading mainly to Roseires, Geissan and Bau. UNHCR was not operationally involved in these moves, but with other UN partners will continue to conduct returnee monitoring in the areas of arrival. International Women s Day On 9 March, UNHCR, in collaboration with GOAL and UNMIS, celebrated the International Women s Day (IWD) in Kurmuk town. The celebration took place at the UNMIS compound where IDP women from five villages performed a number of drama events including local songs, and traditional dances from all the tribes that emphasized on this year theme: women and men united to end violence against women. The speakers on this occasion were the representatives from Government offices. In Shali, a major village of return, approximately 700 people partook in with their own celebrations of IWD. East Sudan General stability During March, East Sudan continued to experience political stability. Howevr, demonstrations related to the ICC decision were staged in Gedaref and Kassala States with varying degrees of participation from the general public, however, no reports of any incidents against international organisations and their staff were received. On 15 March, the Eastern Sudan Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ESRDF) - the development wing of the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement - held a display of development assistance materials and equipment in central Kassala. Among the dignitaries that attended the celebrations were the Federal Minister of Finance, the Federal Minister of Health, the Executive Manager of the ESRDF and the Head of Eastern Front/Assistant to the President. Tukul (hut) in Gibir refugee camp, Kassala state: Photo: Damian Rance/UNHCR 5

6 On 18 March, the Ethiopian community living in Kassala a mixture of both refugee and host groups - submitted a memo to the RSCO supporting the President of Sudan in light of the ICC s indictment, and praising Ethiopian- Sudanese relations. The group subsequently undertook peaceful demonstrations across Kassala town. Possible Eritrean influx into Kassala On 26 March, it was reported that a significant number of families from Eritrea living in tents, approximating 5,000 individuals, migrated into the rural Kassala area. UNHCR has attempted to field a mission to ascertain the status of this group, but this mission has thus far been unable to take place. Initial information attributes the influx to bombing of Rashayda residential areas in west Eritrea and east Sudan by belligerents unknown. The incident comes in conjunction with international media reports stating that attacks against groups thought to be smuggling weapons have occurred in East Sudan. Ongoing registration Ongoing registration of new arrivals, newborn babies, absentee refugees, bio-data updates, divorces and deaths, etc, continues in many of East Sudan s refugee camps. Preparations are underway for phase II of the refugee verification operation, scheduled to commence in Port Sudan. International Women s Day To celebrate International Women's Day on 18 and 19 of March, the UNHCR Livelihood Officer wished to assist a women s group showcasing their handicrafts in Kilo 26 camp. Unfortunately, however, members of the public and guests were denied entry to the camp. Despite this, the women's group displayed their handicraft products regardless and maintained their IWD celebrations. Khartoum General Issues With other UN agencies and UNMIS, UNHCR continues to monitor the effects of the demolitions in the IDP settlement/ squatter area of Mayo an area to where some 6,800 families were relocated in December 2008, following the urban re-planning of the area initiated by the State authorities. Whilst land allocation is ongoing and several families have started reconstructing their shelters, less than 1,700 plots have reportedly been allocated and a significant number of families remain temporarily homeless in a nearby transit area. Unfortunately, the shelter, hygiene and sanitation conditions of this transit area are also rapidly deteriorating. Difficulties in fulfilling all requirements for land acquisition persist due to economic or legal impediments. Despite continuous efforts, UN actors have not successfully engaged the State authorities in order to discuss possible joint solutions. The halting of the activities of an expelled INGO s that specialised in legal and documentation assistance has also had a large impact upon the population in the Mayo area. Gaps from NGO expulsion Recent measures against NGOs have had a significant impact on the residual level of humanitarian assistance in Khartoum State generally. Seven expelled NGOs, including the three national NGOs, were active in Khartoum, with projects supporting IDPs, urban poor and other vulnerable groups, including refugees, particularly in the field of protection/ human rights but also in health and emergency shelter. Overall, the Steering Protection Working Group, co-led by UNHCR and UNMIS and gathering the major protection and human rights actors in Khartoum, has been engaged with a gaps analysis in all various Northern States affected by the recent expulsion. The effects for the protection/ human rights sector/ cluster are significant, particularly in child protection (psychosocial support, recreational support, vocational training), legal aid and rights awareness for communities, referral of victims of violence (specifically GBV), and women s empowerment. In addition, the functional climate within which actors operate has deteriorated, with associated risks for the national staff of the expelled NGOs. The Steering PWG continues to be part of the broader dialogue within the Humanitarian Country Team. 6