(All photographs: Mohammed Noureldin/ACT Alliance/CAFOD/Caritas)
In Darfur, the civilian population is still affected by fighting between conflicting parties. The number of civilians forced to leave their homes and villages continues to increase. In 2010 alone, over 250,000 people were displaced.
”Between a quarter and a third of the population of Darfur is still living in camps where they are fully or partially dependent upon the services of the UN or of humanitarian organizations,” explains Elisabeth Mustorp, Norwegian Church Aid’s resident representative in Sudan.
Reaching 450,000 people
One of the largest humanitarian programmes operating in Darfur is run jointly by Caritas and Norwegian Church Aid’s international network, ACT Alliance.
”Together we are delivering basic healthcare, water and sanitation services, and relief items to more that 300,000 displaced people in southern and western Darfur. The programme also reaches out to 150,000 people through reconstruction and peace-building initiatives, as well as support to schools,” continues Mustorp.
The programme is run by Norwegian Church Aid, Sudan Council of Churches, SudanAid (Caritas Sudan) and CAFOD in collaboration.
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A nutrition team on a home visit to nomads in Al Mansora. The target group is children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
96 camps and villages
The programme is supported by 30 ACT and Caritas member agencies from around the world and is financed by donations from the public as well as support from the agencies’ national governments.
”The programme delivers one or more services to 26 camps for internally displaced people and to 70 villages and settlements where the local population or nomadic groups have been affected by conflict,” says Mustorp.
Sustainable solutions
A situation under which millions of people are forced to remain in camps, dependent on relief, is not a sustainable solution. A political resolution must be made to ensure lasting peace and security, so that people can return to their homes. The situation is extremely complex and demands that we work to face both short-term and longer-term needs simultaneously.
In addition to assisting people in accessing basic services such as water and healthcare, the Darfur programme also carries out capacity-building and peace-building activities at the local level.
”A recent evaluation shows that our work is highly appreciated by local partner organizations, authorities and the local communities that are reached by the project,” explains Mustorp.
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Solar panels and a water tank in the camp at Delej.
Demanding
In recent years, consitions under which the programme operates have become more demanding.
”During 2010, the security situation for humanitarian organisations deteriorated further, with an increase in attacks on convoys, vehicle hijacking and shooting. Kidnappings involving international staff are also on the rise,” says Mustorp.
Despite the many challenges, Norwegian Church Aid, ACT Alliance and Caritas continue their programme in Darfur.
”With the loyal support of our friends and partners through the ACT Alliance and Caritas Internationalis, we are dedicated to continuing our work and showing solidarity with the people of Darfur,” says Wayne Mitchell, who has led the NCA/ACT/Caritas programme in Darfur for the last three years.