SUDAN JOINT RESPONSE

About the crisis

The project implementation of the Sudan Joint Response (SDNJR) coincided with a critical milestone in the recent history of Sudan. Sudan experienced a peak of political turbulence and civilian protests against the long-standing regime intensified because of inflation and increasing prices for livelihoods. After months of protests, strikes and civil disobedience, which were responded to with brutal violence against the civilian population, August 2019 marked the beginning of a transitional phase where civil representatives and military officials govern the current political transition. However, the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains serious and complex, with acute humanitarian needs. Sudan continues to face three major overlapping challenges. The first challenge is related to internal large-scale population displacement triggered by conflict. The second challenge relates to climatic and socio-cultural conditions leading to high levels of food insecurity, malnutrition and water resource contamination. The third challenge is the severe increase in risks of exploitation including sexual abuse, child early and forced marriage and gender-based violence, whilst having increased responsibilities in caring for the family at the same time.

The Dutch Relief Alliance response

In response to the humanitarian situation in Sudan, The DRA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, proposed the commencement of a Joint Response for Sudan in 2019. Considering the existing needs and gaps, as well as organizations’ expertise and capacities, the program will focus on food security, water, sanitation and health (WASH) and protection.

A total of 145.575 direct beneficiaries across the states of North Darfur and South Kordofan will benefit from activities aimed at providing multi-sectoral assistance to respond to the immediate needs and protection risks of the most vulnerable and conflict affected people in targeted areas in North- Darfur and South Kordofan, through an effective and efficient humanitarian response by Dutch NGOs (Plan International Netherlands, ICCO and World Vision), local partners and other actors like government institutions, UN agencies and local communities.

The Joint Response Sudan 2020 will focus on:

• The protection of vulnerable people affected by conflict and disaster from violence, neglect and exploitation;
• Contribution to community stabilization and resilience building by providing resources to protect and start rebuilding livelihood assets;
• Child protection and gender equitable healthcare in order to combat gender-based violence.

Photo credit: Tito Justin (Save the Children)