Sudan: Clashes between SLA-AW & Arab armed group in Gharb Jabal Marrah (Thur Village), Central Dafur

From Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Sudan 
UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) - https://dtm.iom.int/
Early Warning Flash Alert
Dated Sunday, 31 December 2023 - here is a copy in full including map:

DTM Sudan Flash Alert: Conflict in Gharb Jabal Marrah (Thur Village), Central Dafur

DTM Sudan's Early Warning Flash Alerts provide immediate updates on incidents and sudden displacement in Sudan. These Flash Alerts aim to notify humanitarian partners of sudden events where DTM's Emergency Event Tracking (EET) may subsequently take place.

Update One: 31 December 2023

On 24 December 2023, clashes erupted between the Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA – Abdelwahid) and an Arab armed group in Thur village of Gharb Jabal Marrah locality, Central Darfur. Field teams reported that approximately 50 households were displaced from Nertiti Town to Golo village of Gharb Jabal Marrah locality. The situation remains tense and unpredictable. DTM is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further information on displacement and population mobility across Sudan, on a monthly basis, via its Monthly Displacement Overview.

Disclaimer: Due to the current circumstances, the DTM network is relying on remote interviews with key informants and further verification is not possible at this time.

*DTM Sudan Flash Alerts provide an initial estimation of affected population figures gathered from field reports. All information is therefore pending verification through DTM’s Emergency Event Tracking (EET) and/or registration activities and is not to be used as official figures.

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IOM humanitarian cross-border convoy from Chad has arrived in West Darfur, Sudan carrying critical aid

GOOD news. Humanitarian cross-border convoy from Chad has arrived in West Darfur, Sudan carrying long awaited critical aid. Great job done by all.

IOM humanitarian cross-border convoy from #Chad has arrived in #WestDarfur carrying critical aid to reach over 46,000 ppl affected by conflict across Darfur, thanks to @Solidarites_Int & @USAIDSavesLives.

Needs are dire.Unimpeded access is needed to ensure we #LeaveNoOneBehind. pic.twitter.com/1zZwreWpEa

— IOM Sudan 🇺🇳 (@IOMSudan) December 28, 2023

ENDS

Sudan: State of emergency & curfew declared in Wad Madani, Aj Jazirah 15 Dec due to SAF & RSF fighting

UN OCHA Flash Update No: 02 

Dated Saturday, 16 December 2023. Full copy:

Clashes in Wad Medani between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF)

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Fighting broke out in the morning of 15 December between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the outskirts of Wad Madani located in Aj Jazirah State 136 km southeast of the capital Khartoum. Airstrikes were reported on 15 and 16 December in the western, northern and eastern parts of Wad Madani and in the vicinity of Alsharfa Barakat village north of the town. Sporadic shootings were heard on 15 and 16 December in various areas in Wad Madani. Clashes remain ongoing. Panic is reportedly growing among the civilians in the town and people have been seen leaving on foot. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

According to the International Organization for Migration’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), approximately 14,000 - 15,000 people have been displaced from Madani Al Kubra locality. Affected residents have sought refuge in neighborhoods westward of Wad Madani town, as well as other locations in Aj Jazirah, and towards Sennar and Gedaref states. Displacement has also taken place into Gedaref State with the arrival of approximately 1,500 IDPs in Al Fao locality, approximately 3,000 IDPs in Madeinat Al Gedaref and approximately 250 IDPs in Ar Rahad locality.

Shops and markets remain closed since 15 December in Wad Madani. Hantoob bridge in Wad Madani is partially closed by SAF as a security measure.

The local authorities announced a state of emergency and introduced a curfew in Wad Madani (from 1800hrs to 0600hrs) effective 15 December 2023 until further notice.

Wad Madani has served as a hub for humanitarian operations since fighting broke out in April this year between SAF and RSF. Humanitarian organizations have reduced their footprint in Wad Madani due to the security situation. Staff have relocated to neighboring states to be positioned to return to address the increased humanitarian caseload once the situation permits.  A suspension of all humanitarian field missions within and from Aj Jazirah State has been put in place as of 15 December until further notice.

Background

After years of protracted crisis, Sudan plunged into a conflict of alarming scale in mid-April 2023 when fighting between SAF and RSF, broke out initially in the capital Khartoum on April 15, and quickly expanded to other areas across the country. Khartoum has been the site of heavy fighting, while severe violent clashes and heavy bombardments have also been reported in the greater Darfur and Kordofan regions. The hostilities have resulted in extensive damage to critical infrastructure and facilities, including water and healthcare, the collapse of banking and financial services, frequent interruptions to electricity supply and telecommunication services and widespread looting. Since the conflict broke out, humanitarian needs have increased and almost 25 million people now require assistance in Sudan. More than 6.7 million people have been forced to leave their homes in search of safety elsewhere.

An estimated 5.9 million people live in Aj Jazirah State, Sudan’s breadbasket, with 700,000 people living in Wad Madani. More than 270,000 people in the town are in need of humanitarian assistance. Since April 15, nearly 500,000 people fled to Al Jazirah State, 86,400 of those are in Wad Madani. About 1.9 million people are in crisis (IPC 3) and above levels of food security in the state with 179,000 in Madani between October 2023 and February 2024, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). There are 57 humanitarian organizations working in the state, including 25 INGOs, 21 NNGOs and six UN agencies. So far this year humanitarian organizations have reached 730,000 people in the State with food assistance, WASH, health and other humanitarian interventions.
 
***
For more information, please contact: Sofie Karlsson, Head of Communications and Analysis, OCHA Sudan, karlsson2@un.org,
Mob: +249 (0)912 174 456

Download the Flash Update here

View original: https://reliefweb.int/report/sudan/sudan-clashes-wad-medani-between-sudanese-armed-forces-saf-and-rapid-support-forces-rsf-flash-update-no-02-16-december-2023

UN OCHA (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)

To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.

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South Sudan: IOM, UNHCR concerned about risks relocating refugees & returnees from border areas

“This tragic and senseless incident puts into question our entire strategy to relocate refugees arriving in South Sudan through Abyei to a safe location in Wedweil, where we opened a new settlement to receive refugees fleeing the Sudan crisis,” said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Country Representative, who is also currently serving as the acting Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. Read more.

From Radio Tamazuj
Dated Friday, 15 December 2023 - here is a copy in full:

IOM, UNHCR concerned about risks in relocating refugees and returnees from border areas

Returnees and refugees from Sudan in Renk, Upper Nile State. (File photo)

(JUBA CITY) - Two separate incidents have brought to the forefront the major challenges humanitarian agencies are facing in South Sudan, a joint IOM and UNHCR statement said earlier in the week.

In the first incident, two refugees were tragically killed in an attack against a convoy organized by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) transporting Sudanese refugees from Abyei to the Wedweil refugee settlement. On the same day, a boat facilitated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) began taking on water due to high winds and rough water – all on board were moved to different boats and proceeded safely to Malakal.

According to the UN agencies, the two incidents highlight the considerable challenges that humanitarian partners are facing trying to help refugees and South Sudanese who are fleeing the fighting in Sudan to reach safety.

The boat began taking on water on Wednesday morning as it was attempting to leave the port of Kodok, in Upper Nile State. Local authorities and humanitarian partners immediately launched a rescue operation and all on board are now accounted for and safe, the joint statement said.

Since the start of the Sudan crisis in April, IOM has moved more than 105,000 people out of Renk by river and another 59,000 by plane to their final destinations across the country.

“Transport by river remains the only viable option to move returning South Sudanese arriving through the Joda Border Crossing Point to Malakal, and from there to their final destination,” said John McCue, IOM Chief of Mission in South Sudan. “The risks and challenges are huge but keeping people in Renk is not an option as reception sites are overcrowded and provision of basic services is stretched to breaking point.”

In the other incident, two refugees were abducted on Wednesday morning as they were crossing Twic County, Warrap State on their way from Abyei to the refugee settlement of Wedweil, near Aweil in Northern Bahr-e-Ghazal State onboard a UNHCR convoy. The vehicle carrying the two refugees was surrounded by armed youth who forced all onboard to alight and abducted two men, one 21-year-old, and the other - 62, both from Sudan’s Blue Nile State. Local authorities later reported that both of them had been found dead. The rest of the convoy made its way safely to Wedweil.

“This tragic and senseless incident puts into question our entire strategy to relocate refugees arriving in South Sudan through Abyei to a safe location in Wedweil, where we opened a new settlement to receive refugees fleeing the Sudan crisis,” said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Country Representative, who is also currently serving as the acting Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.

“Humanitarian partners have taken the lion's share of the immensely challenging job of moving people in distress who arrived at the South Sudan border fleeing for safety, however, the responsibility of ensuring that returnees, refugees, and humanitarian workers are safe lies firmly with the South Sudan’s Government” she added.

Both agencies called for renewed efforts from the Government to facilitate transportation of refugees and returnees to safe locations.

According to the UN, more than 438,000 people have arrived in South Sudan to escape the conflict in Sudan since April, of which 365,000 South Sudanese and 71,000 refugees. More than 24,000 refugees are stuck in Renk to the refugee camps in Maban County, Upper Nile State due to the current conditions. The road from Maban to Renk has been destroyed by the rains and while UNHCR is currently working on repairs, it has been requesting that the relevant ministries, as well as the private sector, take their share of the works.

 

View original:

https://www.radiotamazuj.org/en/news/article/iom-unhcr-concerned-about-risks-in-relocating-refugees-and-returnees-from-border-areas

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Sudan & South Sudan: Cholera crosses the Sudanese border and bursts into South Sudan refugee camps

THANKS to Lola Hierro (Hola Lola!) for informative reports and photos from Renk, South Sudan. At the Renk Transit Center, which has a capacity of 3,000 people, there are more than 16,000 current residents, and the roads that connect this out-of-the-way corner to the rest of the country are waterlogged by floods caused by end-of-summer rains. Renk’s risk lies in the fact that this [Vibrio cholerae] bacillus is transmitted through contact with contaminated foods and liquids, in conditions of overcrowding and lack of safe access to water and sanitation. Read more in this report.

From EL PLAIS

By LOLA HIERRO (Renk / Madrid)
Dated Tuesday, 12 December 2023 - 23:40 WET - full copy:

Cholera crosses the Sudanese border and bursts into South Sudan refugee camps

The Ministry of Health confirms a positive case in the Renk Transit Center, located in the north of the country, where thousands of displaced people are living shoulder to shoulder

Waiting room of the clinic located at the Renk Transit Center in northern South Sudan. ALA KHEIR (UNHCR)

South Sudan’s Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of cholera in Renk, a city in the far north of the country that is suffering a humanitarian crisis amidst the thousands of people from Sudan who have been displaced since war broke out last April. Sudan has been struggling against an outbreak of the diarrheal disease since September 26 and to date has documented 4,000 cases and 130 deaths.

“The public is advised not to panic, as measures have been put in place to respond to this threat,” the ministry has announced. Nonetheless, in Renk, general sentiment is very different, as described via WhatsApp by Atsuhiko Ochiai, coordinator of a Doctors Without Borders (DWB) clinic located in the Zero settlement of Renk, which has more than 3,500 residents. “[The situation] is getting worse. More people come from Sudan all the time and the water, latrines, food, plastic sheets, hygiene kits, etcetera, are just not enough. Open-air defecation is common,” he warns.

Doctor Ochiai’s fears are due to a minimal health infrastructure. More than 400,000 people have crossed the border in the last eight months. They arrive in impoverished conditions, without money, without a home in which to stay, with no hope of feeding or cleaning themselves or accessing any service beyond what meager humanitarian aid they can obtain. That’s because all the most important United Nations agencies and nonprofits are present in Renk, but the funds available to help the population are not sufficient: only 32% of the more than 225 million euros required by the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) have been covered. At the Renk Transit Center, which has a capacity of 3,000 people, there are more than 16,000 current residents, and the roads that connect this out-of-the-way corner to the rest of the country are waterlogged by floods caused by end-of-summer rains.

A woman cares for her son, who has been admitted to the hospital in Renk, northern South Sudan. ALA KHEIR (UNHCR)

Cholera presents a public health problem in 47 of the world’s poorest countries, where between 1.3 and four million cases are registered annually. The illness is caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria, which provokesd intense diarrhea, up to 20 liters a day, which can kill a person within four hours. With adequate treatment — rehydration and antibiotics in the most severe of cases— the death rate does not rise above 1%, but without it, it can soar to 50%.

Renk’s risk lies in the fact that this bacillus is transmitted through contact with contaminated foods and liquids, in conditions of overcrowding and lack of safe access to water and sanitation. This is precisely the scenario in the far north of South Sudan. If the region was already living in poverty and had been punished by nearly a decade of violence caused by internal conflicts, with 74% of the population in need of humanitarian aid, the waves of Sudanese and South Sudanese returnees from the new war have only worsened the situation.

The cholera patient identified at the transit center, a 38-year-old man who had recently crossed the border between the two states, has recovered. For the time being, no other positive cases have been reported. But the fear of new cases is very present. “When community-wide transmission of cholera happens in Renk, it will be catastrophic,” Ochiai predicts.

Doctor Francisco Luquero is the head of the team responsible for high-risk epidemic programs at the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and was in South Sudan during the 2014-2017 outbreak that affected more than 28,000 people. The doctor explains that since 2019 there have been hardly any cases, and those that have appeared have been very mild thanks to the country’s efforts to control the previous outbreak and the prevention campaigns that have been orchestrated “We know that in these scenarios there is a high risk of transmission and that in these areas it is difficult to provide adequate treatment, so there is concern,” he says over the phone.

With Sudan’s outbreak in mind, World Health Organization (WHO) mechanisms have been activated to avoid cholera’s arrival. These mainly involve the promotion of personal hygiene, especially hand-washing, raising awareness in communities, and distributing hygiene supplies to 3,000 households, including domestic items for transporting water like disinfectants and purifiers. But such measures are nearly impossible to implement when there are thousands of people sleeping outdoors, on muddy ground where rainwater stagnates and forms putrid puddles, and where there is no sewage system or toilets.

Water stagnates between tents where thousands of refugees survive in Renk. ALA KHEIR

A month before cholera had its opening act, fears were already present. In Zero’s mobile clinic, doctor Ferida Manoah hardly had time for a break: many small patients required her attention. Patients like Nya, María’s daughter. The little girl, at just over a year old, was due for a medical check-up. Her mother brought her to the health center, accessible only by a long row of sandbags that had been placed over the stagnant water.

Since she was apparently healthy, María only received some tips on nutrition and hygiene. Above all, the latter. “We have a large number of diarrhea cases and we’ve suspected the presence of typhus, but we aren’t able to test,” said Mahoah. Before the cholera outbreak, diarrhea was the third leading cause of mortality in Renk, after malaria and pneumonia.

A simple, but elusive remedy

The plan to address cholera begins with giving specific information to all health staff and community workers on how to inform authorities if they detect a suspicious case. Until there is confirmation, an outbreak is not announced, but independent of test results, it’s very important to provide treatment to patients to avoid death by dehydration.

Blocking the entrance of the illness at the border would be ideal, but in practice that turns out to be nearly impossible. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has health stations open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., which means that for 10 hours a day there is no one available to test. Not to mention, with 2,000 to 3,000 people crossing every day, even if the stations were open 24 hours, it would be very difficult to evaluate everyone who passes through.

Drinking water station in the field of Joda, where thousands of people wait weeks to be transported to the Renk Transit Center in South Sudan. 

LOLA HIERRO

Luquero thinks that prevention at the border is not realistic because similar to people affected by Covid-19, a patient can be contagious and also asymptomatic, something that occurs in 80% of cases. Nonetheless, for him it “is super necessary to replenish kits to treat the sick, because rehydration saves lives.”

The GAVI leader trusts in the skills South Sudan showed in the past thanks to its prevention strategy. “South Sudan has taken a lot of initiative in vaccination, reactive as well as preventative,” he says. They have implemented various campaigns and since 2019, received more than three million doses through the Global Task Force on Cholera Control. “It’s true that it’s a very fragile country, but it’s also a case in which they’ve been able to successfully control a national outbreak,” he says.

Immunization campaigns, however, have not yet arrived to Renk. Luquero thinks it would be best to solicit them as soon as possible from the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, which is in charge of emergency requests. “It’s one method that can be used to access the doses more quickly, linked to the humanitarian crisis in the north, without having to make a global vaccination plan,” he says. “What we need to do is to make a good epidemiological assessment as quickly as possible and, based on that, send the vaccine request as quickly as possible. And I emphasize speed.”

View original: https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-12-12/cholera-crosses-the-sudanese-border-and-bursts-into-south-sudan-refugee-camps.html

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Sudan UN OCHA Humanitarian Update (7 Dec 2023)

Analysis from UN OCHA

Dated Thursday, 7 December 2023 - here is a copy in full:

 

SUDAN Humanitarian Update 7 December 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

• 6.6 million people have been displaced inside and outside Sudan since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

• More than 12,190 people have been killed since the fighting broke out in mid-April.

• Eighty children have been identified among the people detained by Rapid Support Forces in Ardamata, West Darfur State.

• The number of suspected cholera cases has more than doubled over the past month reaching 5,414 cases, including 170 associated deaths.

• Insecurity, looting, bureaucratic impediments, poor network and phone connectivity, lack of cash, and limited technical and humanitarian staff on the ground have affected the delivery of humanitarian aid in many parts of the country.

• The revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan appeal is only 38.6 per cent funded as of 7 December.

[SW Ed: to view a larger version visit the original and copy & paste the map]

Sudan Humanitarian Update (7 December 2023)

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in mid-April, an estimated 6.6 million people have fled their homes, taking refuge inside and outside the country, with children representing about half of the people displaced. Sudan is now the country with the largest number of displaced people and the largest child displacement crisis in the world. ACLED estimates that more than 12,190 people have been killed since the fighting broke out in April, including 1,300 people who were killed between 28 October and 24 November. Compared to the previous four weeks, ACLED recorded a 10 per cent decrease in battles and a 38 per cent decrease in explosions and remote violence in Sudan.

According to the International Organization for Migration Displacement Tracking Matrix (IOM DTM) Sudan Monthly Displacement Overview (03), about 5.3 million people have been displaced within Sudan. People have been displaced in 5,473 locations across the country’s 18 states, an increase of 161 locations in one week. Overall, 47 per cent of the displaced people have sought refuge across the Darfur and Kordofan regions, whereas the majority (53 per cent) of the displaced people have been observed in the northern, eastern, and central states. Most of the people displaced, about 3.4 million (64.7 per cent of displaced), are from Khartoum and have sought shelter in River Nile, Aj Jazirah, White Nile, East Darfur, and Northern states. Most displaced people (64 per cent) live with host communities, while 12.7 per cent have taken refuge in schools and other public buildings. In addition, about 1.3 million people crossed into neighbouring countries since 15 April, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). People have crossed into neighbouring Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.

Grave violations were reported against children detained by RSF in Ardamata

Eighty children have been identified among the people detained by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Ardamata, West Darfur, according to findings of a monitoring and reporting mechanism on grave violations against children. The actual number of child detainees could be higher, as multiple detention facilities exist within Ag Geneina. The ICRC is reportedly working to secure the release of these children. On 28 November, World Relief (WR) distributed mats and blankets to at least 80 children and is preparing for daily monitoring of the children. According to the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), over 700 people detained by RSF, many of whom are children, have yet to be released. The condition of the detainees is reported to be dire.

Suspected cholera cases have more than doubled over the past month

The number of suspected cholera cases has more than doubled over the past month and reached 5,414 cases, including 170 associated deaths as of 3 December, according to the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and WHO Sudan Outbreaks Dashboard. There are 1,824 suspected cases of cholera and 48 associated deaths in Gedaref; 1,397 suspected cases and 23 associated deaths in Aj Jazirah; 794 suspected cases and 37 associated deaths in Red Sea; 463 suspected cases and 26 associated deaths in Khartoum; 453 suspected cases and 22 associated deaths in White Nile; 346 suspected cases and eight associated deaths in South Kordofan; 72 suspected cases and three associated deaths in Sennar; 63 suspected cases and three associated deaths in Kassala; and two suspected case in Blue Nile. The oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaign that started last week covers about 2.2 million people. The OCV campaign in Gedaref State targeted over 1.57 million people in 6 localities, of whom 97 per cent were reached. The OCV vaccination campaign in Aj Jazirah State targeted about 693,000 people in one locality, of whom 99 per cent were vaccinated.

Effect of conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces on civilians

In East Darfur, armed clashes erupted between SAF and RSF on 20 November in Ad Du'ayn Town of Ad Du'ayn locality, reports IOM DTM. The clashes were reported in the military headquarters and Al Matar, Al Guba, Al Arab, Khour Omer, and Al Zariba Al Jadeeda neighbourhoods. IOM field teams report widespread displacement across East Darfur. Preliminary information indicates that approximately 3,000 families (about 15,000 people) were displaced to Bahr Al Arab locality; 2,500 families (about 12,500 people) were displaced to Al Firdous locality; 2,700 families (13,500 people) were displaced to Assalaya locality; and 1,500 households (7,500 people) were displaced to Abu Jabrah locality. As a result of the violence, 30 people were reportedly killed, and 60 others were injured. The situation is tense and unpredictable.

In West Kordofan, clashes erupted between the SAF and RSF on 27 and 30 November in Babanusa town of Babanusa locality, reports IOM DTM. The clashes reportedly took place at the Military Headquarters, as well as in Abu Ismail and Al Nasr neighbourhoods of Babanusa town. DTM field teams report that many people were injured due to the clashes and widescale civilian displacement to Al Gantoor, Et Tibbun, Um Ash, and El Deilma villages in Babanusa locality and to Kigeira Al Idd, Burta, Suntaya, Shuaa, and Bagara villages in As Salam locality. The number of people displaced is yet to be confirmed. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

Effect of inter-communal conflict on civilians

In South Darfur, inter-communal clashes renewed between Salamat and Habaniya tribesmen on 22 November in Alsiwaina and Umm Kradees Villages of Buram locality, reports IOM DTM. This follows previous clashes between the two tribes within the same locality on 18 November 2023. As a result of the violence, 11 people were reportedly killed and about 9,400 people (1,880 families) were reportedly displaced to Buram Town. IOM field teams also received reports of the burning of personal property in the two villages. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

In North Darfur, inter-communal clashes erupted between Zagawah, Al Tanhur, and Al Burti, tribesmen against Abala tribesmen between 29 and 30 November in Sarafaya, Um Oshosh, and Hilat Khamis villages in Al Fasher locality, reports IOM DTM. The incident reportedly occurred following a dispute over access to land. As a result of the violence, one person was reportedly killed and about 2,000 people (400 families) were reportedly displaced to Jakho I village in the locality. IOM field teams also report that commercial properties and livestock were looted.

In South Kordofan, inter-communal clashes erupted between Nuba Golfan and Arab Hawazma tribesmen on 28 November in Dilling town, Dilling locality, reports IOM DTM. Clashes took place in Al Tomat and Abu Zaid neighbourhoods. Preliminary reports indicate that 10 people have been killed, others injured, and about 400 people (75 families) have been displaced to Hadjerid Djawad village in Habila locality. IOM field teams also report the looting and burning of personal property in Al Tomat and Abu Zaid neighbourhoods. The situation remains tense and unpredictable.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

An array of challenges - insecurity, looting, bureaucratic impediments, poor network and phone connectivity, lack of cash, and limited technical and humanitarian staff on the ground – have been affecting the delivery of humanitarian assistance in many parts of the country. Fuel shortages also affect the movement of humanitarian staff and supplies and the generation of power needed for operations (maintaining cold chain storage, supplying water, etc). Despite all these challenges, humanitarian partners continue to provide life-saving assistance to the vulnerable people they can reach.

Since April 2023, UNHCR and its partners reached over 455,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) with protection, relief supplies, shelter and cash assistance in a challenging and complex operational environment. In 2023, UNHCR supported nearly 85,000 of the most vulnerable IDPs and members of the host community with cash support of some US$3.2 million. UNHCR implements multi-purpose cash assistance for protection and basic needs along with cash for shelter programmes benefitting displaced people and host communities living together. In addition, UNHCR, together with its partners, is piloting cash for economic empowerment initiatives. This three-tiered cash approach aims to improve social protection and to catalyze community-driven economic recovery. Prior to the conflict, UNHCR’s cash interventions were centred on Darfur, while after its start, UNHCR’s cash interventions also reached people in the east and the north of the country.

As the conflict is engulfing the country, fuelling mass displacement and severe risks to the protection of civilians, and exponentially increasing humanitarian needs, UNHCR urges the international community to focus attention on the Sudan situation and provide support to address this humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, between 15 April and 15 October 2023, 154 humanitarian partners reached about 4.5 million people across Sudan with life-saving assistance, according to the latest Humanitarian Response Dashboard. The number of people UN and humanitarian partners reached with lifesaving assistance increased by about 400,000 compared to the previous reporting period (15 April – 30 September 2023). About 444,500 more people were provided with access to healthcare services, emergency food and livelihood assistance during the first half of October. About 210,000 more people received emergency livelihood assistance. Nutrition sector partners reached an additional 72,000 people with assistance. About 35,600 more people received shelter and non-food supplies.

For more information on cluster-specific response see the latest Sudan Humanitarian Response Dashboard.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE PLAN FUNDING OVERVIEW

The revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) requires US$2.6 billion to provide life-saving multi-cluster and protection assistance to 18.1 million people in desperate need through the end of this year. The appeal is only 38.6 per cent funded, with $989.3 million received as of 7 December, according to the Financial Tracking Service.

For previous humanitarian updates:

• Sudan Humanitarian Update (23 November 2023)
• Sudan Humanitarian Update (12 November 2023)
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 2 November 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 26 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 19 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 13 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 7 October 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 28 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 22 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 14 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 7 September 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 31 August 2023
• Sudan Humanitarian Update, 23 August 2023

Click here for the PDF

Original: https://reports.unocha.org/en/country/sudan/card/1sXP6WuoqJ/

People receive non-food item assistance Gedaref State | Credit: OCHA

[Source: See entire digital situation report for Sudan - English and Arabic]

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