RRF – 2023 – White Nile

Recent conflict between Sudan Armed Force (SAF) and Rapid Support Force (RSF) in Khartoum, Darfur and different parts of Sudan resulted in one of the most horrible protection crises with massive displacement, death and injuries of civilians including children, women, elderly, and people with specific needs (PSNs). 15 % of internally displaced people (IDPs) have moved to WN State, they are sheltering in public buildings, or forced to sleep outdoors where they are exposed to violence, severe weather, and health threats. Harmful cultural practices including child labor and recruitment as well as separation from primary caregivers and families are observed. Sexual violence, early and forced marriage, intimate partner violence and organized GBV crime (including illegal Immigration, forced sex work) are the most common GBV violations. We have shocking number of incidents of sexual violence (including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and psychical violence). Unfortunately access to survivor-centered legal protection and access to justice through formal mechanisms is very challenging, Limited specialized services increased the likelihood of sexual transmitted diseases or unwanted pregnancies. Trafficking is also increasing during conflict due to the breakdown of political, economic, and social structures, high levels of violence and increased militarism Trafficking in persons, forced recruitment and abduction is widely spread.

The multi-sectoral project addressed the urgent lifesaving integrated CP, GBV and GP of the newly IDPs who fled their areas after the clashes between SAF and RSF on April 15th. The project contributed to the reduction of incidents and effects of violence, abuse and exploitation and provided life-saving assistance in the form of essential protection services particularly addressing the special protection needs of extremely vulnerable population communities through the establishment and training of Community Based Protection Networks (CBPNs), Complaint and Response Committees (CRCs) and referral mechanisms, provision of Psychosocial support services (PSS) , local capacity enhancement through awareness-raising, provision of direct support and assistance including provision of comprehensive case management for CP, GBV survivors and people with disability and distribution of basic personal hygiene Kits (PHKs) and mobility aids , assistive devices and cloths . The project enhanced the resilience of Health Care Workers (HCWs) through conducting training on Psychological first aid (PFA) which is very vital for comprehensive provision of PSS. As part of the direct support, the project will provide cash assistance to access medical treatment for patients with serious medical conditions as well as support and follow up on referral of urgent cases with medical concerns to the relevant health services providers. The project was implemented using a community-based approach to ensure active engagement and participation from targeted groups as well as accountability to affected populations (AAP).