UNHCR Sudan Operations No. 97 - May 2009 C o n s t r u c t i o n o f a c u l v e r t A r Refugee girl heading to her shelter after receiving UNHCR NFI at Lasu, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan Photo: Pranab/UNHCR For further information please contact: UNHCR Sudan SUDKH@UNHCR.ORG Teresa Ongaro ONGARO@UNHCR.ORG Muhammad Ilyas ILYASMU@UNHCR.ORG
UNHCR Sudan Operations Update Fe UNHCR Sudan Operations Update May 2009 National level Development Assessment of protection gaps As lead agency in the protection sector in Darfur and co-lead with UNMIS at the country level, UNHCR continued to steer the possible filling of the gaps created after the expulsion of the international and national NGOs in the month of March. The Protection Working Group meetings in various region of North Darfur are considering several solutions to fill the gaps in the field of psychosocial support for children through the managing of Child Friendly Spaces. In this regard, UNICEF is making efforts to better equip the staff of the Ministry for Social Welfare (MoSW) as well as the Family and Children Police Units, whilst some INGOs have already been allowed by the authorities to embark on the activities carried out by the expelled partners. At field level, strategic synergies are needed to ensure adequate presence, monitoring and coverage. UNHCR is intensifying efforts amongst protection actors, including UNAMID, to better coordinate field missions to areas previously covered by the expelled NGOs. Being co-lead for the Protection sector in the UN and Partners Work Plan for Sudan, UNHCR was engaged in the Mid-year update, revision and reporting on the Work Plan. In the Protection sector countrywide, 16 projects were amended, while 14 projects (more than seven million USD) were cancelled after the expulsion of the NGOs in March 2009. UNHCR steered the process at the central level and in the regions where it has a lead role. South Sudan Security update The Lord s Resistance Army (LRA) continues to create havoc to the west of Aba and in other areas resulting in continued internal displacement with a possibility of a slow trickle of refugees to Southern Sudan. Several security incidents were reported by UN sources linked to LRA activities in Western Equatoria State (WES), involving killing and abductions of civilians. International sources also reported that LRA attacked and looted Atanziri - 12 miles from Nzara and Yambio in WES - killing a policeman and a villager. Villagers were seen fleeing to the major towns of Tambura, Ezo, Nzara and Yambio in search of security. Continued movement of UPDF soldiers along the Yei-Lasu road was also observed by UNHCR. UPDF troops deployments at Libogo border of DRC indicates that the UPDF is in preparation for new operation against the LRA rebels hiding in the jungles of north-eastern DRC. On 28 April, 17 WFP trucks were looted by local people at gun point near Anyidi, Bor alleging that the convoy was supplying food to their rival Murle tribe in Pibor. Following the incident, Bor-Anyidi-Pibor including Bor-Juba road were raised to level III during May. Similarly, on 7 May in Eastern Equatoria State, Torit-Juba road has also been raised to security level III due to the armed attacks and banditry on commercial vehicles, posing challenges to returns and UNHCR operation through these corridors. Return and reintegration A cross border meeting was held in Kakuma, Kenya between Sudan and Kenya and discussed the new repatriation modalities in South Sudan followed by a Regional Retreat between UNHCR Kenya, Uganda and Sudan in Kampala on 21-22 May in view of lower projected numbers of the assisted returnees in 2010. UNHCR is likely to adopt a new mode of operation in 2010 to help reduce the returns expenditure and increased its focus on the reintegration of returnees. A Go and See visit from Uganda was also organized to Juba, Kajo Keji and Bor 2
where Sudanese refugees and Ugandan authorities met with UNHCR staff, State officials, UNHCR partners and returnees. Meanwhile, as of 31 May 2009, the repatriation of Sudanese refugees to South Sudan and Blue Nile State reached a cumulative total of 323,853 of which 167,023 returned under the organized and assisted self-repatriation programme. From 1 January to 31 May 2009, the total number of persons returned through organized means supported by UNHCR was 27,658 of whom 27,361 persons were organized and 297 persons returned under the self assisted repatriation programme. Repatriation to South Sudan has drastically dropped due to the onset of rains and cultivation and the new academic year in the country of asylum. IOM transported 324 individuals (188 families) from Juba to Kajo Keji accompanied by Juba County Commissioner, representatives of IOM and SSRRC. Similarly on 1 May, 340 IDPs from Kajo Keji County camps were assisted by IOM-SSRRC to return to Morobo and Yei counties with an overnight stay at UNHCR Kangai way station in Kajo Keji. On 7 May IOM repatriated another 487 IDPs (169 families) from Kajo Keji settlements to Lainya, Juba, Magwi, Terekeka and Yei counties, thereby concluding IDP repatriation in that county. In Jonglei State, the IDPs continue to arrive by barge from Kosti, Khartoum and other locations in the North. Upon arrival, the IDPs are verified by UN agencies, NGOs and SSRRC. The IOM tracking report indicates that approximately 3,700 IDP returnees have so far been tracked in Jonglei. In another development, the Bor Return and Reintegration Working Group (RRWG) discussed the findings of the inter-agency assessment mission to Akobo, where over 15,000 IDPs had been displaced from Nyandit Payam to Akobo town following the Murle attacks on Lou Nuer communities. Congolese refugee influx Central Equatoria State: The arrival of new refugees to Lasu refugee settlement in Central Equatoria States continues at an average of 15 persons per day. The number of newly registered refugees is 270 individuals (140 families, 130 male). The re-verification exercise which was commenced in the last part of April has been completed. Currently the number of registered population at Lasu settlement is 6,714 refugees. The Sub-Project Agreement between UNHCR and ACROSS for Lasu settlement management was concluded and detailed pre-implementation discussions were held between UNHCR, ACROSS and Yei County officials. UNHCR also met with NGOs SUHA, ACROSS and ADEO regarding the implementation of health sector activities in Lasu sub-project proposals on health are expected next month. On 2 May, UNHCR Yei, SSRRC, County representatives and the Refugee Taskforce Manager held a meeting to discuss the allegations of UNHCR distributing spoilt food in the settlement and reports that refugees from Lasu settlement are travelling to DRC to look for food. Following the meeting a visit to Lasu was carried out whereby the local government expressed satisfaction with the services being offered at the settlement. Meanwhile, on 4 May, primary schooling began with 949 pupils and 20 teachers at the food distribution centre and under trees whilst IP ACROSS has started the construction of school building. In addition, 296 plots have been allocated to 198 families along with tools and seeds from FAO. On 24 May, the Governor of Central Equtoria Sate visited the refugee settlement at Lasu. The Governor promised that there would be no refoulement to DRC and also pledged to raise the issue of repairs on the Yei-Lasu road with UNMIS at Juba. Refugees requested the expansion 3
of the health facility in Lasu, allocation of more agricultural land, provision of primary and secondary education and improved security measures from GoSS. Western Equatoria State: Following the conclusion of re-registration exercise in Western Equatoria State (WES) refugees settlements the number of register population in Makpandu is 1,577 and Ezo 1,462 persons. The centre of the unaccompanied Congolese managed by ICRC was closed on 8 May with the relocation of unaccompanied refugees from Yambio to Makpandu settlement. UNHCR is meeting with ICRC to discuss how to enhance support for the UAMs at the new settlement. On 25 May, two Sudanese villages bordering with DRC in Andari Payam were attacked resulting in displacement of locals as well as some refugees who had settled in those villages. Verification of IDPs at Andari and at Naandi by WFP, WVI and SRRC is ongoing. Some refugees newly arrived in Andari will be verified and registered in the beginning of June. The statistics of Congolese refugees continue to fluctuate due to new arrivals in Lasu, and some spontaneous repatriation from Ezo and other locations to Dungu. Following the re-verification of refugees in all settlements the number is as follow; Congolese refugees in Central and Western Equatoria States, 30 May 2009 State Location # of refugees Central Equatoria State (CES) Lasu 6,714 Western Equatoria State (WES) Ezo 1,462 WES Ganguara 1,997 WES Iggi 104 WES James Diko 94 WES Madebe 441 WES Makpandu 1,577 WES Nabanga 221 WES Sakure 910 WES Sangua 294 WES Tambura 240 WES Ukou 409 Total 14,463 Anuak refugees Anuak refugees who are currently residing in Malakal way station - awaiting land allocation by the authorities - are receiving direct assistance from UNHCR. The shelter at the way station is inadequate for the 341 refugees during the onset rainy season. NGO Solidarité distributed jerry cans, mosquito nets, and soap to 70 vulnerable families. UNHCR will also distribute mosquito nets. Most of the refugees expressed an interest in moving to Eastern Sudan and ADRA is being reviewed as an IP on this assistance project. Meanwhile, the VolRep interviews for Anuak refugees in Lologo are underway. UNHCR is planning a mission to Gambella in June to assess the repatriation prospects. UNHCR Ethiopia is supportive of the repatriation and UNHCR Sudan will finalize the modalities of the repatriation plan in the near future. 4
On 13 May, the distribution of plastic sheets and soaps to 679 began in Lologo settlement to Anuak refugees. In addition to the old caseload, 366 new arrivals have also received their NFIs package. The verified refugee population in Lologo currently stands at 1,045. On 11-12 May, UNHCR conducted the South Sudan Protection meeting in Juba and discussed UNHCR involvement with IDPs, strategy on Ethiopian Anuak refugees, returnee monitoring matrix, peace building initiatives and protection objectives for 2009. The second day of the meeting included a coordination session with the regional protection working group including UNMIS, UNICEF, UNFPA, IOM, IRC and WVI. Assessment missions During the ongoing exercise of returnee monitoring and village assessment missions in South Sudan, UNHCR carried out several returnee monitoring and village assessment missions to various villages of Kajo Keji in the month of May. Major concerns of respondents include water shortage, food insecurity, absence of hygiene promotion, long distances to access healthcare centres and ill-equipped primary health units. In another assessment mission in Eastern Equatoria State, UNHCR assessed the Community Based Reintegration Projects (CBRP) implemented by various IPs in Narus, Kapoeta. The assessment targeted the areas of Education, water and health facilities existing in Narus Payam. World refugees day Preparation for the World Refugee Day commemoration in all field locations in South Sudan has been initiated in line with the theme of "Real People, Real Needs". Blue Nile State Spontaneous returns UNHCR Kurmuk received three spontaneous refugee returnees from Sherkole camp, Ethiopia. Following the distribution of three month rations by WFP, the returnees were assisted by UNHCR with transportation costs to enable them reach their area of origin in Kadugli. From 4 to 8 May, UNHCR undertook a mission to Blue Nile State and officially informed the Governor of the State regarding UNHCR plan to close its field office in Damazine and scale down its operation in Kurmuk. The mission also met with the relevant stakeholders and discussed the handing over of the lead role in the sectors of return, re-integration, protection, human rights and the modalities for the support of skeleton presence of UNHCR in Kurmuk. Returnee monitoring and reintegration activities During the returnee monitoring mission in Kurmuk the community leaders in Samari village confirmed that the school which was used by the SPLA soldiers has been evacuated and handed over to the returns community. Meanwhile, On 27 April, UNHCR implementing partner Africa Humanitarian Action (AHA) carried out food distribution to 881 returnees in Samari village. UNHCR continues the hygiene promotion activities in Kurmuk. Two workshops were conducted in Samari and Balila villages with the view to improve hygiene activities at the water points and sanitation facilities, also raised awareness among the community on how to keep their environment clean and healthy to protect themselves from diseases that are common in their areas due to lack of hygiene education. Water User Committees (WUCs) were formed in both villages to take the responsibility of the boreholes. Returnees from various villages also requested UNHCR to liaise with relevant agencies to distribute seeds and tools on time. 5
UNHCR s implementing partner AHA have started dispatching 6.5 metric tones of seeds for approximately 1,500 families in Chali - a high returnee village. East Sudan New arrivals The monthly Refugees Status Determination (RSD) in East Sudan indicates that a total of 1,128 new arrivals entered into Sudan by 31 May from Eritrea, Ethiopia and Somalia. The majority of new arrivals are Eritrean (1,066). Registration Phase II of the verification exercise which was commenced in mid April in Port Sudan has been completed with 2,803 individuals verified by the verification team. The verification team moved to Kassala for the verification of urban refugees and following the information campaign and identification of the verification centres, the verification of the urban refugees has been started in the last part of May. However, COR has placed the verification exercise on hold pending UNHCR s examination of COR s demand that COR ID card holders be included in the verification. Protection monitoring and legal assistance During the regular visits to the Central Prison in Kassala, 49 detainees including six persons of concern benefited from UNHCR intervention. Their deportation was prevented and they were referred to a lawyer for legal representation. UNHCR also had a meeting with the senior law enforcement officials in the State and discussed the issue of detention, arrest and deportation of undocumented new arrivals. In this regard a workshop is expected together with the relevant authorities in the near future. Seedling production Seedling production in the East is in progress. Production sites in Shagarbs, Kilo 26, Wad Sharifey and Um Gargour were visited with different varieties of seeds which include Acacia seyer, Acacia senegal, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus species, fruit tree seedlings (guava, lemon), locally used indigenous species like Henna, Salvadora perthica etc. 16,930, 20,000 and 16,000 seeds were sown in poly bags respectively in Shagarab I, II and III. The nurseries were in good condition and with germination rates of 76%, 90% and 85% in the three Shagarabs. In Um Gargour 9,000 poly bags were seeded with similar species. In Kilo 26 two nurseries are having a total of 8,980 seedlings of various species like parkinsonia aculaeta, Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica, Psidium guajava and other Citrus species. The Wad Sharifey community nursery has some 10,000 species of mostly Acacia species seedlings. Darfur Security The security situation in North, South and West Darfur remained tense, fluid and uncertain due to the incident of killings, looting, kidnapping of humanitarian workers and their car jacking, the movement of unknown armed groups and break-ins into UN/NGOs compounds. During the first part of May, the Chadian Armed Opposition Group (CAOG) troops entered the South-Eastern part of Chadian towns and opened attacks against ANT. As a result, ground 6
skirmishes and air bombardments occurred in several locations in Eastern Chad. The ANT managed to defeat CAOG fighters who sustained sufficient casualties and was forced to retreat back to Sudan. Following the CAOG incursion, on 15-16 May, Government of Chad (GoC) helicopters attacked CAOG positions outside Sarow South Mukjar. As a result, the rebels sustained heavy casualties and dispersed into the surrounding areas of Garsila, Bindisi, Mukjar and some other locations. Sources also indicate that the CAOG subsequently moved further from Sarow to Arawala (East of Garsila) with the intention of heading towards El Geneina. Some rebels have still been seen in Bindisi and Kabar including areas in South Mukjar while some of their convoys were also observed passing through Habila town to an unknown location to the north. The present security situation represents a serious danger to the population on both sides of the border as well as to many UN offices, including UNHCR offices in Habila and Mukjar. The incursion by CAOG into Chad, only a day after the signing of the peace accord between Chad and Sudan in Doha on 3 May has ended the hopes of peaceful coexistence between these two countries. Chad is presently threatening to break up any existing agreements with Sudan. Refugees Um Shalaya: During the new born registration exercise, some 500 children has so far been registered by UNHCR in collaboration with COR and MOH in Um Shalaya refugee camp. UNHCR, COR and Sheikhs have also screened out about 150 individuals who claimed to be the new arrivals. The MedAir clinic has been restocked with drugs whilst the construction of the clinic for the Um Shalaya refugee community is steadily progressing and it is hoped to be completed by end of June. Preparations are also underway for the upcoming Food Relief Committee (FRC) meeting as well as regular monitoring of other service sectors in Um Shalaya. The refugee school is planned to open on 15 June with an enrollment of 169 pupils, including about 69 girls in grade two. Mukjar: The new arrivals from Chad and CAR who were registered in April in Mukjar refugee camp, received their three months food rations from WFP while NFIs and shelter materials were distributed by UNHCR. Another two new families of Chadian refugees who arrived in May have also been pre-registered by UNHCR awaiting COR confirmation. The refugee camp committee (RCC) in Mukjar requested the relocation of some families who are residing on the fire breaks and congested areas of the camp. UNHCR in collaboration with RCC demarcated 42 plots to 34 families. Plastic sheets and basic shelter material support were also provided to the relocating individuals. On 11 May, a committee of five members from the RCC met with WES and submitted a request for the construction of two new water points in the refugee camp followed by a meeting with the WES, who informed to start drilling the water points soon. On 19 May, UNHCR submitted the list of refugees for seed and tool distribution in the Triangle office for the agriculture sector in Mukjar. The list is comprised of 145 families Chadian / CAR 13 families, who are expected to receive the seeds in June 2009. Armankul/Tendelti: During a monitoring mission to Armankul and Tendelti, the sheiks of the refugees informed that there are 673 families of Chadian refugees in Armankul and some 600 families in Tendelti. The majority of the population is minors and most of the families are headed by women. The refugees have no plan to return due to unpredictable security across the border. Food has been found as one of their main constraints and they requested for food 7
rations and NFIs assistance. UNHCR El Geneina is reviewing its policy in terms of provision of assistance to refugees staying at the border areas. Refugee returns The number of the Sudanese refugees returning from Iridimi refugee camp in Chad reached to 46 families (158 individuals). UNHCR is making efforts with the concerned agencies for the provision of required assistance and services to them. IDP returns An inter-agency mission was carried out to Seraf Jedad to confirm the report on returns to the area from Armankul and Abu Zar camps in El Geneina town. The mission found that approximately 2,100 families have returned under the government assisted returns programme while some 300 families of IDPs originally from Abu Shejra and Abu Sourouj still remained in Armankul. IDPs Protection and assistance Missions To assess the current state of services and the relocation of IDPs from old to the new South Camp in Nertiti an interagency mission was undertaken to Nertiti and Kutrum in Zalingei from 19 to 21 May. The mission found that the situation in Nertiti and Kutrum has deteriorated in terms of basic services due to the expulsion of the NGOs. In Nertiti, the provision of health services has declined and IDPs also complained about the inadequate water points in the area. Regarding NFIs, the IDPs submitted a list of the beneficiaries to be verified later. In Kutrum, the HAC /SLA commended UNHCR and DRC for constructing a school. Regarding relocation, IDP Sheiks stated that as long as security is not assured, they would not move to the new camp. On 13 May, another mission to Kereinik was fielded to follow up on a caseload of 354 families in Abuja, which being displaced due to the construction of a new dam. To ensure that they are not cut off from the main town and that they are able to access services, it has been suggested to relocate the families to the East of Kereinik. The IDP population that risks displacement are requesting for relocation near to the west in order to access the lands allocated to them for the farming season. Discussions are ongoing with HAC, local authorities, IDP sheikhs and communities to identify a solution prior to the onset of the rainy season. Zamzam camp Some 1,100 new IDPs have arrived to Zamzam camp from Muhajiriya. Until last week they were staying in Dar Es Salam but have come to Zamzam due to recent instability in Dar Es Salam and a lack of humanitarian assistance. There is a huge disparity within the arrivals as some have come with nearly all of the necessary belongings and a makeshift shelter and others with nothing but a few pieces of clothing and no shade. UNHCR has arranged for emergency shelter to be provided to the new arrival in Zamzam camp. Khartoum Briefing on registration On 6 May, UNHCR Khartoum organized a briefing for the key donors and partners on the ongoing registration and verification exercise in East Sudan. The participants were also briefed on the specific UNHCR registration tool and the use of the data for solutions to the refugee 8
situation in Sudan. The reduction of the camp population, their departure from the camps to urban areas and abroad, the need for improved basic services and other major constraints were also discussed during the briefing. Resettlement Training A mission from the UNHCR resettlement hub organized trainings for the staff in Khartoum and East Sudan on the resettlement issues. The purpose of the trainings was to focus on the durable solution for the protracted refugee situation in East Sudan and the staff to be familiar with the criteria, application and referral procedures. Detention 453 undocumented individuals were found in various detention facilities in Khartoum. Of this number, 219 were screened by COR and UNHCR and found to be persons of concern. Following UNCHR interventions all of them were releases by the end of May. 9