UNAMID reinforces protection for civilians displaced by hostilities in Jebel Marra,

On 24 January 2016, UNAMID’s Deputy Joint Special Representative, Bintou Keita, visited Anka and Umm Rai, in North Darfur. The mission aimed at ascertaining the protection and humanitarian needs of the community living there following attacks on their villages on 3 December 2015. Ms. Keita interacted with members of the displaced population who spoke about their concerns regarding the lack of food, shelter, water resources and medical facilities. Photo by Hamid Abdulsalam, UNAMID.

7 Apr 2016

UNAMID reinforces protection for civilians displaced by hostilities in Jebel Marra,

April 07, 2016- The ongoing fighting between Government of Sudan forces and rebel movements in Jebel Marra, Central Darfur, has led to close to 65 000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), most of whom are women and children, settling in close proximity to UNAMID’s Team Site in Sortoni, North Darfur. 

To meet the protection needs of those gathered near the team site, the Mission has put in place a set of robust measures, which include 24-hour patrolling in and around the IDP Gathering Site as well as increasing the peacekeeper presence in the area. Additionally, the external perimeter of the Site has been enhanced to ensure greater security for the displaced people at the Site. 

Support to humanitarian partners is being stepped up with escorts for humanitarian convoys having been prioritized. UNAMID is also working in close collaboration with UNICEF to address water and hygiene concerns, including provision of logistical equipment and joint efforts to increase the number of pit latrines. Provision of water by humanitarian actors is ongoing, with the support of UNAMID, and basic medical assistance continues to be provided to IDPs through 3 temporary clinics run by international NGOs.

Sensitization and risk awareness sessions among the displaced have also been conducted to educate them on the dangers of Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs). Community leaders have been engaged to ensure that IDPs, especially children, do not touch or play with unknown objects or venture to areas where fighting has taken place. 

A Protection Network Committee, comprising representatives of the displaced, including women, has been established to create continuous dialogue between UNAMID and the IDPs on their challenges and needs, including patrolling, and to ensure that UNAMID receives timely alerts to any situation that requires the immediate involvement of peacekeepers. 

Other areas where UNAMID has strengthened its presence and provides necessary protection to displaced civilians are Tawila and Kabkabiya, North Darfur, and Nertiti, Central Darfur. 

The Mission continues to engage with national and state authorities to fulfil its critical mandate of protection of civilians.

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