Introduction
Since the issuance of the UNHCR Global
Appeal and the United Nations and Partners 2006 Work Plan for Sudan in
late 2005, the overall situation in West Darfur has drastically changed.
Security in many parts of Darfur has steadily deteriorated since September
2005, resulting in continued violence, widespread destruction of crops
and livelihoods and repeated violations of human rights. The Sudan-Chad
border area is increasingly at the centre of the escalation in tensions
with armed elements on both sides operating with impugnity.
On 3 January 2006, the United Nations in Sudan raised the security phase of some areas in West Darfur from Phase III (relocation) to Phase IV (emergency operation). At the same time, new population movements from Chad to Darfur have been reported. By early March, 8,000 to 10,000 Chadians and Sudanese have gathered around the villages of Galu and Azaza, about 35 km northwest of El Geneina. A breakdown of their profile and origin has yet to be completed, but more arrivals from Chad to Darfur are expected in the months ahead.
The impact of the change in the security phase on UNHCR operations has been significant: the number of UNHCR staff in the Phase IV area (including El Geneina) was reduced in order to keep UNHCR's presence in line with the staff ceiling established by the UN System. While many staff have been relocated, with some sent temporarily to other operations in Sudan, others have been kept in Phase III areas of Darfur in order to maintain a capacity to adapt to the changing situation and respond to any emergencies/large-scale influxes from Chad.
In view of the limited access to some areas and a reduced number of field staff, UNHCR has been compelled to down-size its operation in Darfur by almost half, while attempting to keep a certain level of operational flexibility. The opening of new field offices in Kulbus, Masteri, Beida and Foro Baranga has been suspended temporarily, while the presence in El Geneina, Zalingei, Mukjar and Nyala (South Darfur) are being maintained. The Habilla field office will be opened by April.
While UNHCR had initially planned a 2006 programme amounting to USD 33 million, this Appeal presents a revised operational budget of USD 18.5 million which reflects UNHCR's immediate needs in the areas of West Darfur where UNHCR remains operational. Should the situation change during the course of the year, UNHCR will immediately revise the programme and issue a new appeal accordingly.
Background
he conflict in Darfur began in 2003. Despite a ceasefire signed in April 2004 and two peace protocols in November of that year, the crisis continues unabated. There are currently an estimated 200,000 Sudanese refugees in neighboring Chad and more than 1.7 million persons internally displaced within Darfur itself, 657,000 in West Darfur where UNHCR has concentrated its work.
Despite peace talks in Abuja and a full deployment of over 7,000 African Union (AU) troops, the overall security situation remains extremely volatile. A recent military build-up on either side of the border is further escalating tensions and increasing the risk of open conflict. New arrivals of Chadian asylum-seekers, together with Sudanese displaced, have recently been reported at Galu and Azaza in West Darfur, near the border. Their number is still unclear, and UNHCR and partners are assessing the situation.
Current conditions are clearly not conducive to any large-scale return of IDPs or refugees. In 2005, however, UNHCR protection teams identified an estimated total of 20,000 persons who returned spontaneously to their villages from the Chad border area and from IDP camps within West Darfur. A series of community-based reintegration projects (CBRPs) in the sectors of water, health and education were launched to help sustain these returns. In 2006, UNHCR will continue to support those refugees/IDPs who have returned spontaneously so that their return is sustainable. However, large voluntary return is not expected at this stage.
It was initially anticipated that there would be a successful Peace Agreement for Darfur during 2006. However, the ongoing talks in the Nigerian capital of Abuja do not show progress as had been expected. The delay continues to be a cause of concern, both among the affected population and humanitarian workers. A political solution is increasingly seen as the only means to end the conflict in Darfur and allow the population to regain a normal life.
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