Problem assessment: The presence of refugees has had a huge environmental impact in the area with vast deforestation, which - despite efforts to manage deforestation - has created tensions between host community and refugees. Refugees’ access to natural wood and other natural shelter materials continue to be increasingly difficult and challenging, undermining the ability of refugees to be self-sufficient in shelter construction using local materials and roads. Consequently, this situation affects physical security and wellbeing of refugees, given the extreme weather conditions in South Sudan, which requires the provision of assistance for regular shelter supports (provision of tents and/or replenishment of plastic sheets). With new arrivals and general population growth in refugee camps, combined with a challenge for refugees to access to local shelter materials, a considerable gap persists in the establishment and improvement of shelter. All new arrivals are assisted with emergency shelter, mostly in the form of tent upon arrival, while replacement of old tents among the existing population is carried out only to the limited number of most vulnerable households. The use of local materials, especially poles, for shelter construction has become increasingly challenging considering environmental concerns raised by host communities, combined with increasing restrictions and/or hurdles imposed by local authorities. The use of alternative shelter construction materials, such as bamboo, is being considered for 2020.
Comprehensive response: Violent conflict between refugee and host communities in Maban’s refugee camps in past years and the relocation of refugees within the refugee camp necessitated the rearrangement/extension of the camp site to increase the distance from the host community. Further, due to harsh weather condition and heavy usage, the surface of access roads and airstrips are subject to rapid erosion / deterioration. In order to ensure safe access of humanitarians and delivery of assistance to refugee camps, it is essential to continue regular maintenance of the airstrips in Jamjang and Maban as well as main access roads to camp sites. Regular road / airstrip maintenance is also critical for the purpose of staff safety and security, enabling smooth movement of UNHCR and partner personnel for in case of security incidents. Maintenance of airstrips and main access roads will be kept at a minimum, while further improvement and expansion will not be possible. Limited infrastructure work is anticipated in 2020 due to funding constraints.
Prioritised response: In 2020, UNHCR will continue to provide emergency shelter to all new arrivals and support gradual transition of emergency shelters to semi-permanent shelters for vulnerable households (targeted assistance) with an emphasis on community contribution, and installation/enhancement of camp facilities in response to growing refugee populations. Within the prioritized response and little resources, UNHCR will focus on the provision of 1,652 transitional shelters for the vulnerable households and 14,000 emergency shelters to new arrivals and a limited number of protection relocation cases. Improving the living conditions of refugees will be achieved through focusing on and supporting increased use of locally available materials for the construction of shelters through locally available material. Continued, but limited, focus will be placed on improving and maintaining access roads and airstrips.