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Agency and resilience amidst Sudan’s ceaseless war: Supporting refugees in White Nile to protect their communities

Posted on 24 Jun 2024

Sudan shelters almost 1 million refugees, making it host to the second largest refugee population in Africa. In addition, over 7 million people have been internally displaced in the country since the start of the conflict on 15 April 2023, and more than 2 million people have fled Sudan, becoming refugees in neighbouring countries.

Thanks to the European Union-funded project Improving Durable Solutions for Displaced Population in White Nile, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is working to improve safety and resilience among refugees and the communities that host them in White Nile state. In cooperation with local community leaders, DRC works in Dabat Bosin and Alagaya refugee camps and the surrounding communities to (i) install solar lighting in public areas, (ii) rehabilitate public latrines and drainage systems, and (iii) restore water access points.

Poor lighting in the camps and host communities poses dangers to refugees and community members by creating conditions for criminal activity and challenges to accessing essential services. To address these challenges, DRC is installing 50 solar lamps around police stations, hospitals, mosques, schools, community centres, latrines and other public areas in both refugee camps and the surrounding host villages.

"Sometimes we don’t have electricity after dark in Alagaya, and our families gather around kerosene lamps. We know that these can be dangerous, but we have no other choice. Solar lamps can make a big difference in the community. Children can study after dark, and women and children can go to the latrines at night more safely," says Gabriel, Alagaya resident:

"One night I was passing through a dark road and found two guys harassing a young girl. I acted as if I knew the girl and called to her. I told the guys to go away and that I would tell their families. The girl didn’t say anything and ran to her house. I later found out that she was just trying to go the toilets. Some people have defecated in the open because they are afraid to go to the toilets. The community at large will feel safer with lighted paths reducing the risk of accidents and crime, cutting down on health hazards and environmental pollution."

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Run down public latrines pose similar safety risks, for example when doors are missing or do not lock. In addition, poorly maintained drainage channels threaten public health. The conflict in Sudan has worsened already poor hygiene conditions, increasing cases of cholera and other diseases. The rehabilitation of latrines and drainage channels is not only improving safety but also helping to reduce disease outbreaks.

Water shortages have raised tensions inside the camps, as well as between refugees and host communities. Camp water points operate for only four hours per day, meaning that sometimes not all refugees are able to collect water. Some people walk half an hour each way to a nearby river. This can be a risky journey; women have experienced gender-based violence while men have been assaulted. To improve safety and reduce social tensions, DRC is restoring 15 water access points in Dabat Bosin and Alagaya.

"When the water rehabilitation first began in our camp, we were suspicious. We had heard many promises before. However, as the project unfolded, hope started. Families no longer have to walk long ways to fetch water. Children, especially girls, who once spent hours walking to fetch water, will no longer need to go and expose themselves to risk," says Ruot, community committee member, Dabat Bosin.

Beyond improving community facilities, the restoration of water points and rehabilitation of latrines and drainage systems have the added benefit of providing short-term work opportunities for refugees and host community members. As Sudan’s economy contracts, inflation soars and jobs become scare, even short-term employment opportunities - particularly working on projects developed by communities themselves - are important for increasing resilience and a sense of dignity.

Despite worsening humanitarian conditions brought about by Sudan's conflict, there are opportunities to support communities to improve their lives. The EU-funded project in one such example and sets a path for cooperative development with refugees and their host communities to find sustainable solutions to their situations.

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