Attachments
Foreword by the Resident Coordinator ai.
For nearly 50 years, Sahrawi refugees have been living in five camps near Tindouf, Algeria. Despite being one of the longest-standing refugee situations in the world, no consolidated plan had ever been developed to address their needs until 2024. The SRRP was introduced following the fuel and food price increases due to COVID 19 and war in Ukraine, a situation now worsened by a global pullback on humanitarian assistance. The document that follows is the report on the Sahrawi Refugee Response Plan (SRRP) at the end of its first year.
The SRRP has undoubtedly improved the coherence and the visibility of the efforts of the 28 actors responding to the needs of Sahrawi refugees and provided an important advocacy tool. However, the response plan has not been sufficiently funded so far to significantly reduce food insecurity, tackle malnutrition or ensure school enrolment of all children in school age.
Despite the systematic efforts of the government of Algeria to compensate the 30% reduction in food rations imposed by the funding shortage, 90 % of households have had to either reduce meal portions, or skip meals, sell essential assets or take on debt. The coverage for moderate acute malnutrition management in 2024 was only 74.5%, below the humanitarian standard of 90%, requiring enhanced efforts in this area. Extreme weather conditions also contributed to the deterioration of living conditions. Despite an immediate and effective response by the Sahrawi authorities and their Algerian hosts, the September 2024 floods in Dakhla severely damaged essential infrastructure, particularly in the education and health sectors.
Education, overall, remains a major priority in the camps. In 2024, 36,115 children were enrolled in school and the school feeding program now covers 100% of students. Adequate nutritional intake remains a challenge for schools’ pupils, however, with the nutrition sector’s needs of USD 8.4 million only 71% funded in 2024.
Health too is a vital sector, with 2024 witnessing the opening of a hospital in Smara camp and the construction of a maternity ward in Awserd camp. In 2024, 21,000 children were vaccinated against measles, and 4,317 pregnant women received safe childbirth care. Nevertheless, only 70% of essential medicines are available, and challenges remain in improving access to specialized care, radiography, and dental services.
The approach to livelihoods adopted by the SRRP aims to promote sustainable solutions focused on self-reliance and resilience. In 2024, 628 refugees were trained in sustainable farming techniques and 360 others received advanced agricultural training, including 284 women. Additionally, over 11,400 refugees benefited from the Laayoune Garden, which produced 50 tons of vegetables. High production costs and water scarcity remain significant obstacles to expanding such initiatives.
Much has been done and tangible progress is described in this report. However, unmet needs remain substantial. The SRRP 2024-2025 estimates that USD103.9 million are required to address the priority needs of Sahrawi refugees in 2025. With contributions from established donors diminishing or under threat, new donors need to be found among states and the private sector. I call on all stakeholders to show solidarity and generosity in providing sustainable support to this population, which continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite decades of hardship.