UN-govt. delegation says people displaced around Genaina need protection, humanitarian assistance

Khartoum, Sudan (PANA)- A joint United Nations and Sudanese government delegation which paid a visit to West Darfur on Wednesday said over 40,000 people have been displaced by the intercommunal clashes and are now scattered around over 30 locations, in need of protection, food and shelter. and are congregating in 32 different locations

A delegation comprising the government of Sudan as well as the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, the Representatives of the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF paid a two-day, 5-6 January, visit to the region and inspected the displaced on the ground, hinting that as needed most was protection “particularly women, children and the people with disabilities”.   

It did not say from what but it was clear there was fear of resumption of violence particularly against these groups that    

A release by the United Nations Development programme (UNDP) in Khartoum said the delegation included the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, together with the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and the Representatives of WFP and UNICEF, met with affected people, West Darfur State Governor, the West Darfur HAC Commissioner, the Deputy Sultan, and Arab leaders.

“The delegation welcomed the leadership of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Chairman of the Sovereign Council for brokering the Masalit and the Arab tribes’ commitment to non-aggression to bring peace and stability.

“The Government of Sudan is committed to peace and will leave no stone unturned to provide best possible relief, and make sure the suffering of the newly displaced communities are alleviated,”Sudan’s Undersecretary of the Ministry of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Mohamed Elshabik, was quoted as saying.

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Gwi-Yeop Son, has on her part pointed out that there was a need to immediately  provide urgent humanitarian assistance, with “the first priority on protection services, to the most vulnerable population, particularly children, women and persons with disabilities.”

She said the  Government of the Sudan and the UN and partners are conducting a joint needs assessment in the affected locations and the Government is leading the provision of humanitarian assistance with the top-up support from the international humanitarian community.

According to the release the Humanitarian Aid Commission and humanitarian partners estimate that approximately 40,000 people have been displaced and are congregating in 32 different locations in and around El Geneina town.

It said these displaced include some 32,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from three IDP camps near  Genaina town.

The release added that “thousands of people have crossed the border into Chad, seeking refuge in villages near the border.” The release added.

It said the humanitarian agencies and partners together with the Government are currently assisting people with food, water, and emergency household supplies. Health, nutrition and protection services are also being provided.

-0- PANA MO/VAO 8Jan2020