Through the pilot project under the Darfur engagement strategy, 13,000 persons with specific needs were identified and supported, including 3,000 in the South, 3,000 in the North, 3,000 in Central and 4,000 in West Darfur. Project interventions included a joint needs assessment, verification exercise, prioritization of needs with participation of beneficiaries, mobilization of the community, and joint distribution of material assistance to beneficiaries in four states of Darfur, through a total of 13 partners. To respond to the growing needs of the most vulnerable groups amongst the newly displaced, UNHCR focused on supporting people with specific needs A new emergency response team was established in Darfur with the participation of the Ministry of Social Welfare, the Humanitarian Aid Commission, UN agencies and international and national NGOS. The team was ready to be deployed to affected areas but were unable to carry out any missions due to access limitations.
UNHCR’s partner Danish Refugee Council (DRC) constructed two reception centres using locally available materials in Zalingei and Nertiti to receive and host newly internally displaced people (IDP) in Central Darfur State and continues to maintain the two centres. Seven reception centres have been constructed in North, Central and South Darfur and 10 community emergency kits have been provided in these states.
Due to the fighting which erupted in Jebel Mara in 2015, new internal displacement into Zalingei, Nertiti, Guldo and Funga Suk occurred. In response, a total of 4,123 displaced households (20,615 individuals) were assisted with the standard core relief package which included plastic sheets, plastic mats, jerry cans, kitchen sets and blankets.
Approximately 5,000 returnees were estimated to have benefited from the peaceful co-existence activities. In addition, 154 returnee and community leaders benefited from a workshop on resolution skills. UNHCR also conducted a Sport for Peace event which aimed to promote social inclusion, prevent tensions between different groups and build peace. In addition it is also an opportunity to open the door for peaceful co-existence and dialogue between different groups that may be separated and isolated by ethnicity/tribe. Capacity building for partner staff on: needs assessments, data collection and analysis; prioritization; joint field monitoring; and coordination were undertaken to ensure the timely delivery of assistance to people of concern. In West Darfur, UNHCR jointly with partners implemented three peaceful-coexistence projects targeting communities hosting returnees and IDPs for people with specific needs. In addition, one community multi-purpose centre and 3 police posts were constructed, peace-building workshops were implemented, grinding mills were installed, and a peanut peeler and oil processing machines were provided to the community.
As part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of partners, UNHCR carried out seven training sessions in the four Darfur states, in collaboration with HAC and local authorities. Topics covered included the standard operating procedures of the project for people with specific needs,, usage of standard assessments and referrals, community-based protection, and use of the database for people with specific needs (managed by the Ministry of Social Welfare).