Emergency response for internally displaced people in Sudan and Sudanese refugees in Chad (Project 053)

On 15 April 2023, the internal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces suddenly began. At first the clash was concentrated in the Khartoum area and then spread to other Sudanese states, considerably aggravating the condition of vulnerability with which the local population had already been dealing for some time and causing a dramatic increase in needs.

The fighting between the two forces has been going on for more than a month now and does not seem destined to cease in the short term. Since the beginning of the conflict, at least 1,000 people have been killed and over 5,000 injured; many more are believed to have died as a result of the conflict-related disruption of essential services, such as access to healthcare, food and water. More than 936,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of the conflict: 736,200 people are internally displaced, while nearly 400,000 have fled the country seeking refuge at the borders of neighboring countries. Of the latter, more than 90,000 people are seeking refuge in eastern Chad, which to date appears to be the second country, after Egypt, which has recorded the highest number of arrivals.

Il progetto interviene quindi sia in Sudan, nello est del Paese, nello stato di Gedaref, sia in Ciad nella provincia di Sila al confine con il Sudan e più precisamente con gli stati del Darfur.

Expected objectives:

The project aims to provide an immediate humanitarian response to both internally displaced people in the state of

Gedaref (Sudan) and refugees in the Province of Sila (Chad), through the following two results:

Result 1: Guaranteed basic necessities in terms of access to food, shelter and water quality for 5,000 internally displaced persons (Sudan)

Result 2: Improved child protection, thanks to access to adequate spaces for children, psychosocial support and awareness of child protection (Chad)

1.1 – Emergency food basket: 700 of the most vulnerable families will receive an emergency food basket which includes: 5 kg of flour, 1 kg of rice, 2 kg of lentils and 2 liters of cooking oil.

1.2 – Materials for temporary shelters: The project foresees, on the basis of identified needs, the distribution of materials to build emergency shelters, including plastic sheeting and plastic mats for the floor. These items will be sourced and distributed to 300 families.

1.3 – Water monitoring: COOPI intends to monitor water quality, carrying out rapid and continuous water quality tests (WQ), including bacteriological tests, at the four temporary water collection points from which internally displaced persons are supplied, which will be carried out by COOPI's technical-professional staff in collaboration with the state water agency and the Ministry of Health. Test results will be shared with the relevant government departments, followed by daily updates and other relevant coordination meetings to identify solutions in the event of detected contamination. It is estimated that 2,500 families will benefit from this activity.

2.1 - Construction of Child Friendly Spaces (EAE): The construction of 3 Child Friendly Spaces (EAE) is envisaged in the new refugee relocation camp of Ademour, where minors can be welcomed in safety. These spaces will be built with local materials, favoring elements that allow protection from the sun and good ventilation at the same time. In consideration of the imminence of the rainy season, removable plastic covers will also be installed and adequate drainage systems will be created. Childcare areas will provide for the installation of hand washing points and latrines (these financed with other funds). For each EAE there is also a cost for the necessary furniture (mats, shelves, etc.)

2.2 - Organization of recreational and educational activities and MHPSS: Two COOPI animators and a psychologist will organize specific activities in the childhood spaces, for the benefit of both children and mothers, with a strong focus on the MHPSS component. Cases of particular vulnerability will be taken care of by the psychologist and, where other types of intervention are necessary, they will be accompanied and directed towards the most suitable actors for taking charge. The mothers will be involved in the management of the spaces and will support COOPi staff in recreational activities. The spaces will be equipped with recreational play kits so that children can experience moments of leisure, socialize, the first steps to improve mental health after great stress.

2.3 - Awareness campaign against child abuse, PSEA: As part of the activities in the EAE, a specific campaign will be organized to raise awareness of children's rights, for the prevention of abuse and abuse. In order to reach a greater public number, it is also envisaged that awareness-raising messages will be issued through megaphones in the various sectors of the field, on the same topics. The messages will be modulated for two types of audience: minors and adults.

The direct beneficiaries:

Sudan

700 families will receive a food basket

300 families will receive a shelter kit

2500 families will benefit from clean water control

Ciad

750 children will participate in recreational play activities at the EAE

300 people (women and children) will receive psychological assistance

3,000 people will benefit from child protection awareness raising

Local partners: na

Cost: 54.055 CHF (COOPI SUISSE contribution)

Duration: 4 months (May 2023 – September 2023)