Sudan is entering a critical stage in its history, at which peace, security and prosperity for its people are emerging as tangible results with the right choices made and actions taken. Norway continues to pursue several options to create a stable humanitarian situation.
01/03/2007 ::
Humanitarian context
The humanitarian context at the start of 2007 offers a somewhat disparate picture of both considerable progress and causes for grave concern.
In Southern Sudan, according to the UN Work Plan, programs for recovery and development exceed humanitarian activities for the first time. Food security is at its highest level in years and there is an increased emphasis on reintegration initiatives for returning populations. Further priorities as stipulated by the government and Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) entail capacity building, governance and the rule of law. Thus, Southern Sudan no longer stands as an emergency relief situation, with the exception of certain pockets of insecurity and local fighting. Solutions to the main challenges of basic service provision will instead need to be sought through more long-term programming such as developing the health sector and strengthening agricultural production and sustainable livelihood strategies. This may in turn require a certain shift in funding strategies and working methods so as to enable more long-term planning.
Security, civilian protection and humanitarian assistance and reconciliation will, however, remain crucial issues throughout Sudan also in the coming year.
In spite of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) of May 2006, the region and its populations are witnessing a steady increase in violence against civilians and deteriorating security conditions for humanitarian organisations. Access to civilians in need is now at its lowest point since the start of the conflict, while the humanitarian need has doubled since 2004. Further fractioning of the non-signatories of the DPA has lead to an ever more complicated situation, making it particularly difficult for the humanitarian and political actors to negotiate a ceasefire or ensure acceptable and safe working conditions. Efforts are now being made on part of the UN-system, its donors, and NGO partners, in order to regain the humanitarian space through the development of a comprehensive framework for prevention and response to violent attacks.
Having signed the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement in October 2006, Eastern Sudan continues to face serious humanitarian challenges particularly with regards to the large IDP/refugee populations dependent on external assistance for access to safe water, food, and basic health services. To date the implementation of the agreement has been hampered by internal disputes in the Eastern Front, which in turn has jeopardized ensuring its broad public support.
The ‘Three Areas’ (Southern Kordofan, Abyei and Blue Nile) have on their part, experienced a certain disillusionment since the signing of the CPA as ‘peace dividends’ and marked improvements in infrastructure and service provision have failed to materialise. With large numbers of IDPs/refugees are expected to return to these areas throughout 2007, added pressure on the humanitarian situation can be expected.
Norway’s commitment
Realising the interrelations between conflicts and humanitarian needs, Norway’s humanitarian strategy in Sudan will continue to focus on ensuring a humanitarian space in which peacebuilding, human rights and good governance can be pursued. Particular emphasis will be placed on the safe return of IDPs/refugees, reintegration and (re)establishment of basic services. Democratisation processes and electoral assistance as well as women’s rights and gender mainstreaming in line with UN-resolution 1325 will also be high on the agenda. Norway will continue to work in partnership with other donors through the Common Humanitarian Fund, UN humanitarian agencies, NGOs and government institutions in order to further enhance national ownership and capacity building, donor coordination and aid efficiency.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy, Khartoum