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Sudan

Response to Crisis in Jabel Marra, Darfur - Intensified conflict displaces thousands in North and Central Darfur (02 March 2016)

Attachments

  • over 90,000 people displaced in North Darfur

  • up to 90% of displaced are women and children in some locations

  • up to 50,000 people may be displaced in parts of Central Darfur

  • $5.5 million needed to respond to immediate humanitarian needs for children over the next four-six months

Over 90,000 people have been displaced to North Darfur alone since mid-January following fighting in the Jabel Marra area of Darfur. The majority have fled to North Darfur, particularly Sortoni (62,000) and Tawila (19,500), with others having fled to parts of South and Central Darfur where access by humanitarian agencies is very limited. The conflict has had a disproportionate effect on children with reports from some locations of women and children making up to 90% of the newly displaced.

UNICEF and partners are urgently responding to the lifesaving needs of children for services including water and sanitation, health, nutrition, child protection and continued education. Over 6,626 grade eight children (58% girls) have been displaced with chances of taking their final exams at risk, in an important examination period. Without the support provided by UNICEF, ensuring access to examination centres, these children would not be able to complete their basic education.

In Tawilla, UNICEF is conducting a vaccination campaign targeting a total of 15,503 children for either measles, polio and/or vitamin A depending on their vulnerability.