Jebel Marra Crisis Fact Sheet Issue 2 I 22 February 2016

key facts

• Over 100,000 civilians have been displaced from the Jebel Marra area in Sudan’s Darfur region since midJanuary 2016 as a result of increased hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Abdul Wahid faction of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA/AW). Hostilities continue to be reported in the Jebel Marra and prospects for the newly displaced remain uncertain. Displacement could increase if hostilities continue.

• As of 21 February 2016 there are almost 85,000 displaced people into North Darfur State, the vast majority of whom are women and children. This is more than double the 38,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) that were reported on 14 February, indicating that people have been fleeing in vast numbers. Estimates for Central Darfur vary between 2,750 and 50,000; confirmation of these numbers by the United Nations has not been possible due to lack of access.

• Aid organisations are scaling up the response in North Darfur and food, water, sanitation, emergency shelter, household supplies, protection, nutrition and health-related needs are being met, but significant gaps are reported (see table). The timely delivery of assistance to all of those in need is hampered by the rapidly rising numbers of displaced people and the relative isolation of the two main sites where displaced people are arriving which presents logistical challenges.

• Verification of the new IDPs is ongoing and by 18 February over 61,000 newly displaced people had been verified in North Darfur. This includes about 41,500 people in Sortony and another 19,500 people in Tawilla.

key messages

1. Civilians - especially women and children - continue to bear the brunt of conflict in Sudan. The United Nations calls upon all parties to ensure that civilians and civilian objects are protected in accordance with International Humanitarian Law.

2. The United Nations calls for immediate, safe and unfettered access to all people in need, wherever they may be located, so that affected people can receive the humanitarian assistance they require. In particular, the United Nations urges all parties to the conflict to allow the United Nations and its partners to reach displaced people in Central Darfur.

3. Emergency supplies have been delivered to many of the newly displaced people but more support will be required until they are able to return home.

4. The UN is calling for a cessation of hostilities so that humanitarian organisations can assess and respond to those most in need of humanitarian assistance.