SUDAN EMERGENCY FLASH UPDATE

Issue No. 2 – as of 12 June 2019

Refugee Protection

Khartoum

. UNHCR has confirmed that at least 320 South Sudanese families have relocated to Bantiu ‘open area’, following the 5-6 June attacks in Omdurman. UNHCR has also received rape reports from survivors. UNHCR is following up to ensure survivors have access to support services.

. There is risk of more attacks on South Sudanese refugees in Khartoum. Refugees in other ‘open areas’ in Omdurman and Bahri have reported that host communities are accusing them of being responsible for the increased criminality in Khartoum and have demanded that refugees leave their settlements. On 10 June, the media reported that three South Sudanese refugees were killed and seven injured in an attack by armed men in Kalakla area. Survivors report that the attackers demanded money from the refugees and told them to leave Sudan. The South Sudanese ambassador to Sudan made a statement that the attackers were arrested and survivors were being treated in hospital. UNHCR is verifying the report and will continue to monitor the situation.

. UNHCR has received reports from other refugee communities on six refugees killed and two missing. UNHCR is verifying the information and contacting families to assess the situation. Community outreach campaigns are also being conducted through refugee leaders and Community Outreach Volunteers (COVs) to support refugees’ security awareness in Khartoum.

White Nile

. Approximately 200 South Sudanese refugees who survived the 5-6 June attacks in Omdurman, Khartoum have moved to Um Sangour camp. UNHCR and the Commission for Refugees (COR) will register them and ensure they have access to non-food items (NFI) and food assistance.

. There has been an increase in robberies in State refugee camps targeting basic services equipment. A water pump and 40 solar lights were stolen from Khor Al Waral. A water pump valve was stolen at the water treatment plant in Alagaya camp, resulting in temporary interruption of water supply to refugees and host communities. A water pump was also stolen from Dabat Bosin camp. Spare pumps have been provided and water service has been restored. The incidents are likely linked to the decline in government services due to the ongoing political situation, opportunistic theft during Eid celebrations when security vigilance decreases.

. A refugee man was shot dead on 12 June in Khor Al Waral camp. UNHCR and COR teams are visiting the camp to get more information and the investigation is ongoing.

East Sudan

. Following inter-tribal clashes in Girba on 5-6 June, a mediation committee has been formed with tribal leaders in Kassala State to address the conflict. The situation remains tense in Girba camp and in town. A curfew has been implemented in the camp and town.

. On 12 June, no-show rates were higher than normal for the World Food Programme’s (WFP) regular food voucher distribution in Girba camp. Contracted supermarkets for the vouchers are also closed due to lack of stock linked to disrupted transportation from Khartoum. WFP will resume the voucher distribution on 16 June.

East Darfur

. Solar light batteries were stolen in Al Nimir camp. COR is leading community outreach with the refugee camp committee to enhance community ownership and safeguarding of solar lights, and other camp property and facilities. The local police are investigating and UNHCR and COR will continue to work closely with communities on safeguarding.

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EMERGENCY FLASH UPDATE > SUDAN / ISSUE NO. 2 – 12 JUNE 2019

Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Protection

East Darfur

. On 4 June, four people were killed and many more injured in armed clashes over a land inter-tribal dispute outside of El Daein town. This was followed by violent attacks and burning of houses, displacing 900 families from six villages (approximately 4,000 people). Government-led mediation efforts between the tribes is ongoing with the objective of returning displaced persons to villages of origin as soon as possible. Humanitarian partners are providing emergency health, nutrition and WASH assistance with the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) and the State Ministry of Health.

West Darfur

. The security situation in State IDP camps is relatively calm. However, IDPs continue to report being denied access to farms and livelihoods activities by armed groups and are increasingly being targeted for thefts and armed robberies, despite recent security measures adopted by local police and IDP community leaders in the camps. This comes amidst rising inter-tribal tensions and violence over farmland disputes in the State.

. Reports also indicate that a group of IDP youth were beaten by armed groups in a camp market, with police ordering the closure of the market at night for public security.

North Darfur

. IDPs continue to report blocked access to their farms near IDP camps, and increased attacks on IDPs outside the camp. Reports also indicate attacks on farmers by armed groups in Kutum and Kebkabiya localities.

Operational impacts

. The Port and Customs Offices at Port Sudan resumed operations on 11 June. This is the main port for humanitarian supply shipments by sea. UNHAS humanitarian flights are also operational.

. An internet blackout continues across Sudan since 3 June. Phone connectivity also continues to be an issue in some areas. Several partners in West Kordofan have reported that they are completely cut off without phone or internet access.

. Access to cash remains a problem in most locations throughout the response. Where banks are open, the lack of internet connectivity is disrupting banking services.

. Fuel availability is low throughout the country, with long lines of vehicles waiting for supplies at petrol stations.

For more information:

Lindsey Amèrica-Simms, Inter-agency Coordination Officer: [email protected]

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