HelpAge International is very concerned about the situation of older people after new outbreaks of violence and internal displacement in South Sudan.

Fresh fighting broke out in the capital Juba on 8 July, as the country marked its fifth independence day. The violence left as many as 42,000 people internally displaced in different parts of the city (350kb - PDF), with a number attempting to cross over to neighbouring Uganda. Of these, some 12,800 remain displaced in and around Juba.

The majority of people affected are said to be women, children and older people. Although information on the exact number of older people impacted is hard to come by, according to UNDESA data 5.1% of South Sudan’s 12.1 million population is aged 60 and over.

Many of the shops and markets in Juba remain closed and prices of the few goods available have risen steeply. This is having a significant impact on the diets of those displaced and critical levels of malnutrition are reported in the displacement camps.

Older men and women are particularly at risk of malnutrition because many need palatable and easily digestible food that is rich in nutrients and can be adapted for those who have difficulty chewing. In food crises and displacement situations, general food rations often ignore these needs, while it may also be a struggle to get to distribution points or to transport rations home.

A number of cases of cholera have also been reported in Juba, with the further threat of waterborne diseases high due to the high number of displaced people living in very poor conditions and a shortage of safe drinking water.

Older men and women are particularly vulnerable in cholera outbreaks. Research shows that older people take longer to get to treatment centres when symptoms arise, suffer more severe levels of dehydration and face longer recovery times. All these factors pose a greater risk of death.

"Older people often bear the brunt of conflict and are particularly vulnerable in situations of violence and displacement because of their frailty and reduced mobility," said Dr Prafulla Mishra, HelpAge International’s East, West and Central Africa Regional Director.

"We are working with our partners to monitor the situation on the ground and are preparing to provide much-needed support to older people, including those living in protection of civilian camps," added Dr Mishra.

This renewed violence, though currently averted by a fragile ceasefire, is seriously hampering humanitarian efforts to provide assistance.

Concerns about the safety of humanitarian staff have been raised as restriction of movement has affected not only South Sudanese nationals, but also humanitarian actors.

Rama Hansraj, HelpAge's South Sudan Country Director, has urged for the free movement of people at this time, as many seek their lost relatives and want to secure their property and belongings.

Highlights

• As of 20 July, 141 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in Juba and Duk (Jonglei), with at least 69 new cases reported in Juba Teaching Hospital on 20 July. The numbers are likely to fluctuate given the circumstances.

• Education activities, which had been temporarily put on hold due to lack of available space, were able to resume in Tomping on 20 July; 650 children have been registered.

• Children in Juba are suffering from high levels of psychosocial distress following several days of terrifying conflict; over 2,300 children have now participated in psychosocial support activities.

Humanitarian Overview

Tension remains high in Juba, despite the continued ceasefire. It is estimated that 15,061 people remain displaced as a result of the violence which erupted on 7 July. In parallel, there has been an outbreak of suspected cases of cholera, with a total of 141 suspected cases to date.

Humanitarian Response

Response to the suspected cholera outbreak in Juba is underway, with MSF, Medair, Intersos, IOM, UNICEF acting as main partners in the water, sanitation and hygiene effort. UNICEF is at the forefront of the response in UN House, is a playing a supporting role in Tomping, and is monitoring ongoing activities in a variety of sites. MSF and UNICEF have defined roles, responsibilities, and collaboration for the support of Juba Teaching Hospital: it has been agreed that UNICEF will be responsible for all water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities and services, while MSF runs the Cholera Treatment Centre. In addition, UNICEF’s Health Section is supporting the cholera response led by Minister of Health. All relevant subtask forces have been activated, including WASH, case management and laboratory support, surveillance, and community awareness and mobilization.

The Child Protection sub-cluster met on 20 July, identifying over fifteen (predominantly national) organisations remaining in Juba who are willing to support child protection service delivery efforts. Agencies are now pairing up and sharing resources, including staff, to cover shortfalls. The child protection and education clusters have begun linking partners, coupled with advice and guidance on how to integrate child protection and education services.

Bamako, Mali | AFP | Wednesday 7/20/2016 - 23:09 GMT

The Malian government on Wednesday declared a state of emergency, a day after an attack in the centre of the country left 17 soldiers dead and 35 wounded.

In a statement, the government said a period of national mourning would begin on Thursday "in homage to the victims of the terrorist attack" in Nampala, and that the state of emergency would last "for a duration of 10 days".

In the hours after Tuesday's assaults two groups -- one jihadist, the other ethnic -- both claimed to have carried out the raid on the military camp.

A state of emergency had previously been in place in Mali from April this year to July 15. Until Wednesday however, it had not been renewed.

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© 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse

Bamako, Mali | AFP | mercredi 20/07/2016 - 22:23 GMT

Le Mali a décrété trois jours de deuil et réinstauré l'état d'urgence à compter de jeudi, en raison de l'attaque d'un camp militaire à Nampala (centre) dans laquelle 17 soldats ont été tués, a annoncé le gouvernement dans un communiqué mercredi soir.

Le président malien Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta a déclaré "un deuil national de trois jours" à compter de jeudi "en hommage aux victimes de l'attaque terroriste menée" mardi "contre les forces armées et de sécurité à Nampala", selon ce communiqué publié à l'issue du Conseil des ministres tenu mercredi.

Mardi vers 05H30 (locales et GMT), des hommes armés ont attaqué le camp de Nampala, ville de la région de Ségou, à plus de 510 km de Bamako.

Ce camp est le deuxième plus important de la région après celui de Ségou, la capitale régionale. Les assaillants l'ont contrôlé pendant plusieurs heures d'après divers témoignages.

Dix-sept soldats ont été tués et 35 blessés, selon le gouvernement qui a dénoncé mardi soir une opération "terroriste coordonnée", assurant que les forces maliennes avaient repris le contrôle du camp et de la ville. L'attaque a été revendiquée par deux groupes armés, l'un peul et l'autre jihadiste.

Mercredi soir, la télévision publique malienne a annoncé que le président Keïta se rendra jeudi dans la ville de Ségou, où sera organisée "une cérémonie d'hommage aux militaires tombés sur le champ d'honneur".

Par ailleurs, selon le communiqué du gouvernement, "l'état d'urgence est déclaré pour une durée de dix jours", à "compter du jeudi 21 juillet 2016 à minuit, sur toute l'étendue du territoire national".

Cette mesure d'exception, qui était en vigueur depuis avril, avait expiré le 15 juillet et n'avait pas été renouvelée.

"En dépit des actions menées par l'Etat, la menace terroriste persiste après l'expiration de la période de prorogation de l'état d'urgence, comme en témoignent les récentes attaques perpétrées contre les forces armées et de sécurité du Mali et les populations civiles", explique le gouvernement.

De même source, sa réinstauration "s'inscrit dans le cadre de la continuation et du renforcement des actions de lutte contre le terrorisme, les crimes organisés et toutes les formes de menace ou d'atteinte à la paix et à la sécurité des personnes et de leurs biens".

Dès mardi, le président Keïta avait "convoqué un Conseil restreint de Défense" et "ordonné que toutes les insuffisances constatées soient immédiatement corrigées afin d'assurer la sécurité de nos forces de l'ordre d'une part, et des populations d'autre part", selon un communiqué officiel diffusé mardi.

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20 July 2016 – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in Mali today strongly condemned an attack against a military camp and its checkpoints in Nampala, in the central part of the country.

According to a UN spokesperson, even though the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the country (MINUSMA) does not operate in the area of Nampala, the Mission mobilised major aerial reconnaissance and medical resources, in coordination with the Malian authorities, in response to the attack.

Speaking after the attack, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Mali and head of MINUSMA, Mahamet Saleh Annadif, presented his condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

He stressed the need for all Malian parties to work together to prevent terrorist organisations from taking advantage of the situation to derail the peace process.

Highlights

• The insecurity caused by the conflict in the area of Bosso and neighbouring localities (Eastern part of Diffa region) and the attack on the 3rd of June resulted in the single most massive population displacement in Diffa region since the beginning of the crisis in 2013. The displaced fled the localities of Toumour, Yebi, Kanblewa and Bosso. Diffa region was already hosting an estimated 241,000 people (Nigerian refugees, returnees and internally displaced) before this last event. The total number of people displaced is presently estimated to be 280,000 people (including around 69,000 recently displaced following the events of 3rd June), with some of them displaced various times.

• Despite a tense security environment, aid organizations have managed rapidly to reach the newly arrived in the main “sites” on the “Route Nationale 1” (RN1) especially with the very much needed safe water supply. As of 07 June, UNICEF and its partners provided access to safe water to an additional 27,366 people (out of an estimated target of 36,097 on the 3 main RN1 sites).

• The bodies of 34 migrants including 22 children who died of thirst were found by a patrol in the North of Niger (between Arlit and Assamaka). It is believed that most of the deceased originated from Kantche. A study undertaken by IOM will support the development of an action plan in support of child protection and education in Kantche.

• Despite a nationwide measles campaign in December 2015, Niger at week 25 (end June) recorded 2,342 cases of measles with 10 deaths. Six regions have been affected including the capital Niamey (1070 cases at 25th week); and the region of Diffa (35 cases, 5 confirmed at 25th week).

• UNICEF supported the operational cost and the procurement of 1,430,000 doses of vaccine for the response. Until end of June, 380,104 children 6 months-14 years have been reached to contain the outbreak.

• At week 25, 1,568 cases of Meningitis (meningococcal C) have been reported with 114 deaths. During week 25: 206,755 people were reached through vaccination with support of various partners including UNICEF.

• 108 pastoralist children in the Agadez region have received support to finish the schoolyear to avoid drop out in a context of drought and migration of their community in search of pasture for their cattle.

• Floods in the region of Agadez during the second half of June affected 38 villages and 5271 people. Support has been provided to 5,271 flood affected people.

SITUATION IN NUMBERS

30 June 2016

14,338 Children affected by SAM in Diffa region out of

400,794 Children affected by SAM nationwide (As of HRP 2016)

62,726 Estimated refugee children from Nigeria and returnees from Niger affected out of

114,048 Refugees and returnees from Nigeria (Source DREC, 5th May 2016, partial data, covering 51 sites out of 135, registration still ongoing)

91,274 Estimated internally displaced children out of

165,952 Internally displaced people

UNICEF Appeal 2016
US$ 39.5 million total

Nigeria+ 2016 (Niger)
US $14million (out of total Nigeria+ needs of $97M USD)

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT

• Crop prospects uncertain due to persisting rainfall deficits in many parts of the country
  
• Coarse grain prices continued upward trend of previous months, driven mostly by depreciation of local currency
  
• Food security situation deteriorated significantly in Borno State, due to impact of civil conflict

Crop prospects uncertain due to rainfall deficits in parts of the country

In the southern part of the country, planting of the 2016 main maize crop was completed in June. According to remote sensing analysis, the onset of the cropping season was delayed and characterized by irregular precipitation, resulting in rainfall deficits in several areas. Harvest prospects remain uncertain in spite of increased precipitation in recent weeks.

In the North, which has only one rainy season, planting of coarse grains is underway. The Boko Haram conflict has had a significant impact on the agricultural sector in the northeast due to livestock losses and reduced agricultural production, destruction of irrigation and farming facilities, and collapse of extension services, including veterinary health facilities. There is a need to provide livelihoods support for IDP populations, recent returnees and local populations in areas that have seen conflict over the past several years. In order to respond to the immediate needs of the affected people, the Government and partner organizations, including FAO, are providing targeted farmers with seeds and a wide range of agriculture based activities aimed to quickly generate food production.

Above-average harvest was gathered in 2015

In spite of the late onset of the 2015 rainy season in the middle and northern parts of the country, above‑average and well‑distributed rainfall from mid‑July benefited crop development in the major producing states of the country. Although civil insecurity and population displacement continued to disrupt farming activities in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, official estimates indicated an above average 2015 cereal production. The country’s cereal output in 2015 was estimated at about 24 million tonnes, close to the previous year’s level and 6 percent above average.

Food and fuel prices soar due to depreciation of the Naira

The Central Bank of Nigeria decided to allow the Naira to float against the US dollar as of mid‑June 2016. The change in policy is aimed at harmonizing the official and parallel exchange rates. The measure follows critical foreign currency shortages and a significant depreciation of the Naira on the parallel market caused by the decline in international oil prices. According to the IMF, international crude oil prices fell by 25 percent over 2015, leading to a 40 percent drop in Nigerian exports and doubling the Government deficit. Domestic fuel prices increased by about 67 percent. Prices of imported and local foods also rose significantly.

Coarse grain prices increased steeply from January to May in several markets, including the northern Kano market where millet prices were nearly 80 percent higher than a year earlier, while those of sorghum were more than double their values in May last year and at record highs. Prices of rice were also reportedly high. Increasing prices of both domestic and imported foods were mainly the result of the depreciation of the Naira. Increased fuel and transport costs provided additional support.

High import dependency persists

In 2012, the Government launched the Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) to reduce the country’s reliance on food imports by increasing production of the five key crops, including rice, sorghum and cassava. A number of import substitution measures were introduced to support domestic production, including the mandatory inclusion of 10 percent of cassava flour in bread. Input availability and access were also supported in the framework of the ATA, which aims to make Nigeria self‑sufficient in rice. The Central Bank of Nigeria also banned importers from accessing foreign exchange markets in 41 categories of items, including rice. The ban was partially lifted in October 2015, when imports through the land borders were once again allowed after the payment of appropriate duties and charges. However, these measures amplified informal cross border imports from neighbouring coastal countries resulting in the Nigerian Customs Service to reintroduce the policy to restrict rice imports through land borders as of 25 March 2016.

Nigeria remains a food deficit country with cereal imports (mostly rice and wheat) forecast to exceed 7 million tonnes in 2016. The country is still the largest rice importer in Africa.

Food insecurity reaches extreme level in pockets of Nigeria’s Borno State 1

The continued conflict in the northern part of the country has resulted in widespread disruption in agricultural and marketing activities and has caused massive displacement. According to OCHA, about 2.4 million people have been internally‑displaced. In Borno, about 124 000 new Internally‑Displaced Persons (IDPs) were discovered earlier this year in the following difficult to reach Local Government Areas (LGAs): Dikwa (52 000), Mongonu (35 000), Bama (25 000) and Damboa (9 500). In addition, as of May 2016, about 138 000 people are estimated to have left Nigeria for Niger, nearly 65 000 people have taken refuge in Cameroon and about 7 300 in Chad. The conflict has disrupted commodity movements leading to higher price levels and volatility in the northeast.

The conflict has left a significant portion of the population without access to adequate food, water and health services. The Nigerian Minister of Health has declared a “nutrition emergency” in Borno State. Acute food insecurity is widespread in northeast Nigeria, with the March 2016 Cadre Harmonisé estimating that more than 3 million people are in CH/IPC Phase 3 “Crisis” or worse and in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. Available information, though limited, suggests two areas of particular concern: Local Government Areas (LGAs) adjacent to the Sambisa Forest and LGAs in northern Borno. Areas of concern near the Sambisa Forest include: Bama, Damboa and Gwoza, and parts of Kaga and Konduga in eastern Borno State and Madagali LGA in northern Adamawa State. Between 15 and 21 June, five rapid assessment missions (Government of Nigeria, WFP, IOM, joint UN and MSF) visited the town of Bama, where approximately 25 000 displaced people have concentrated after being liberated from Boko Haram‑controlled areas. The visits confirmed visible malnutrition among adults and children, an extreme scarcity of food and water, very limited health facilities and a lack of functioning markets.

In northern Borno State, Abadam, Gubio, Guzamala, Kukawa, Mobbar, Nganzai and parts of Dikwa, Marte, Mafa, Ngala and Kala/Balge, LGAs remain largely inaccessible to humanitarian agencies. The severity of the food insecurity is unknown, but could be at critical levels given the impact of movement restrictions and ongoing conflict.

Additional areas of concern include greater Maiduguri and southern Yobe State. In April 2016, a joint UN assessment estimated that over 500 000 people required immediate food assistance in and around Maiduguri. In Yobe, the Boko Haram conflict has limited access to parts of Gujba, Gulani and Geidam LGAs. Though these areas are somewhat more accessible than those in Borno, households in more remote areas are likely to be in urgent need of assistance.

Improved and sustained humanitarian access to IDP populations, as well as populations located in active conflict zones, is urgently needed. This improved access should be accompanied by a substantial increase in the provision of life‑saving food, health, nutrition and WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) assistance already provided by national and state emergency management agencies, NGO partners and other stakeholders. Beyond the immediate needs, livelihoods support is needed for the affected populations both within areas of limited accessibility, as well as other zones in the northeast that have seen conflict over the past several years.

1 This section draws heavily on a recent joint alert by FAO, FEWSNet, CILSS and WFP.

20 juillet 2016 – La Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation au Mali (MINUSMA) a fermement condamné mercredi une attaque perpétrée la veille contre un camp militaire et ses points de contrôle à Nampala, au nord-est de Ségou, qui a fait de nombreux morts et blessés parmi les forces armées maliennes.

Suite à cette attaque, le Représentant spécial du Secrétaire général au Mali et chef de la MINUSMA, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, a présenté dans un communiqué de presse ses condoléances aux familles des victimes et a souhaité un prompt rétablissement aux blessés.

« Lors des évènements, la MINUSMA, qui n'opère pas dans la zone de Nampala, a mobilisé en coordination avec les autorités maliennes, d'importants moyens aériens de reconnaissance et d'assistance médicale », a par ailleurs indiqué M. Annadif.

Il a souligné la nécessité pour toutes les parties maliennes de rapidement conjuguer leurs efforts, afin d'empêcher aux organisations terroristes opérant dans le pays « d'exploiter la situation actuelle pour faire échouer le processus de paix et pour détériorer les capacités, la sécurité, la stabilité, l'unité, la souveraineté et l'intégrité territoriale du peuple malien ».

Le Représentant spécial a affirmé que la MINUSMA se tenait aux côtés du Mali, « déterminée à apporter tout son appui » aux autorités et forces de défense et de sécurité maliennes, conformément à son mandat.

Sécurité

La situation sécuritaire dans la région de l’Extrême-Nord demeure précaire. Malgré les opérations de ratissage entreprises par les forces de défense, huit décès et douze blessés ont été enregistrés dans les départements du Mayo-Sava et Logone-et-Chari durant la semaine en revue.

Faits saillants

Le 12 juillet, Anne Richard, Sous-Secrétaire d’Etat Américain pour la Population, les Réfugiés, et les Migrations (PRM) a effectué une visite dans le camp des réfugiés de Minawao, accompagnée du Représentant du HCR. Elle a visité de nombreuses infrastructures dont le centre de transit de Gourenguel. Mme Richard a eu des échanges avec le comité central des réfugiés où, plusieurs problèmes et défis rencontrés par la communauté des réfugiés ont été relevés. L’objectif de la mission était d’évaluer les besoins des réfugiés afin d’améliorer leurs conditions de vies dans le camp.
Une mission de monitoring d’activités a été effectuée par ECHO dans la région de l’Est pendant la période en revue. A Gado, la mission voulait évaluer et se familiariser avec le programme Cash Based Transfert (Transfert Monétaire) en cours sur le site. Des discussions avec le HCR et les partenaires ont aussi eu lieu sur la mise en œuvre de la stratégie des moyens de subsistance 2016 et le développement de la stratégie au cours des années. Sur l’axe Batouri, la mission a évalué le travail accompli par les partenaires dans l’ensemble des secteurs sur les sites de Lolo et Mbilé, avec un accent sur les secteurs abris et protection.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Heavy rain and flash floods observed in many states.

• New sites have been identified for South Sudanese refugees arriving in East Darfur.

• Funding challenges for clinics reported in South Darfur.

• 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan was launched.

FIGURES 2 0 1 6 HRP

Displaced people in Sudan (as of Dec 2015)
Up to 3.2 million

Displaced people in Darfur (as of Dec 2015)
Up to 2.6 million

GAM burden 2.1 million

South Sudanese refugee arrivals in Sudan - since 15 Dec 2013 (Registered by UNHCR) - as of 30 June 2016 : 232,250

Refugees of other nationalities (Registered by UNHCR) - as of 31 May 2016 : 131,816

FUNDING

211.2 million US$ received in 2016

Heavy rains and flooding across Sudan

Areas of Sudan affected by heavy rains and flash floods include parts of Blue Nile, Kassala, Khartoum, North Darfur, Northern, and South and West Kordofan states. According to the Sudan Meteorology Authority (SMA), above average and average rainfall is expected to continue. Although flooding occurs annually in Sudan, according to the Ministry of Water Resources, the level of the River Nile and its tributaries are already close to alarming levels at this early stage of the rainy season (June to October/ September). Often used as a flooding indicator, the level of the Blue Nile in Ed Deim locality, bordering Ethiopia, has reportedly already surpassed the alarming level.

The government-led National Flood Steering Committee is liaising with key actors to monitor flooding and response, and government authorities and local communities will respond to needs arising as a result of rains and flooding in Sudan. As in earlier years, the international community may need to respond and support flood preparedness and response measures in partnership with national actors.

Flooding affects over 7,000 people in North Darfur

Over 300 latrines and 500 houses were reportedly destroyed and more damaged in Shangil Tobaya locality, North Darfur, affecting over 2,750 people of an estimated 20,500 people in Nifasha camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs), 75 kilometres from El Fasher, the state capital. As an emergency measure, affected families and those at risk have been relocated to an area which is at a slightly higher elevation, 600 metres from the affected site. The affected families urgently need emergency shelter and household items, and lack of sanitation facilities is reportedly a problem. An inter-agency rapid needs assessment is planned for 18 July. According to the North Darfur Flood Contingency Plan, an estimated 25,000 people may be affected by floods in the state this year.

Local authorities flood response initiated in Khartoum and West Kordofan

Heavy rain in Khartoum State has destroyed 105 houses and damaged a further 124 houses, according to the Sudan Red Crescent Society (SRCS), affecting an estimated 1,145 people, and two people were reportedly killed. Ibrahim Malaik hospital, one of Khartoum's main hospitals, was flooded; emergency services were able to pump the water out, and the hospital is reportedly functional. SRCS and the governmental Commission for Voluntary and Humanitarian Work has mobilised 18 teams to respond to rains and flooding-related emergencies in Khartoum State.

In El Nuhud, West Kordofan State, severe flooding has reportedly killed one person, and a further seven are missing. El Nuhud is 220 kilometres west of El Fula town. The Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) reported that over 1,000 people have been affected. A local flood response committee established by the government is registering the affected people and assessing needs, and more information will be available soon.
Humanitarian partners plan to engage with HAC to facilitate the dispatch of 1,700 essential households item kits to Kadugli as part of the preparedness for the flood response in South and West Kordofan.

Highlights

• WFP introduced a cash component, representing 30 percent of the entitlement distributed to refugees in the Mberra camp.

• WFP, in coordination with the Government of Mauritania, presented the preliminary results of the Cost of Hunger in Africa, and technically validated the new national policy on school feeding.

• Without additional funding, WFP will not be able to assist 415,000 people it planned during the lean season.

Highlights

• WFP assisted 205,000 food insecure people with food, cash and vouchers to respond to the food insecurities brought by the lean season (June-September).

• The end of the 2015-2016 academic school year in Mali was marked by WFP providing school meals to 182,000 children throughout the country, including Kidal. However, urgent funding is needed to continue the school meals programme into the upcoming academic year.

Highlights

• Purchase from Africans from Africa (PAA Africa) is set to launch in The Gambia in July.

• A consultative process has been initiated between the WFP, the Gambia Government, and the FAO, along with partner organisations in the country.

The global climate is warming and there is growing evidence that climate variability is increasing in many places; extremes are becoming more frequent and intense in some parts of the world.

Three detailed case studies – on drought risk in Mali, heatwaves in India and typhoons in Philippines – illustrate the relationship between climate change, climate extremes, disasters and poverty impacts.

Read the full report

Faits saillants

• La situation est restée globalement calme dans la région du Lac, malgré la reprise des opérations militaires à la frontière avec le Nigeria et le Niger.

• Le deuxième rapport sur l’accès humanitaire dans la région du Lac souligne que l’accès humanitaire est globalement satisfaisant pour la plupart des partenaires.

• Un plan de réponse d’urgence sur 90 jours (juillet-septembre) pour les quatre pays du bassin du Lac Tchad a été développé. Pour le Tchad, l’assistance multisectorielle à environ 250 000 personnes dans le besoin est estimée à 16 millions de dollars américains.

• Les différents dépistages continuent de souligner des taux de malnutrition au-dessus des seuils d’urgence. En juillet, un dépistage de la malnutrition aigüe dans 20 sites, par les associations locales CELIAF et Al Nadja, en partenariat avec l’UNICEF, met en évidence un taux de malnutrition aigüe de 18,5% dont 5,6% de malnutrition aigüe sévère.

• Les projets de résilience et reconstruction des moyens d’existence se multiplient, soulignant la nécessité d’aller vers des solutions durables pour les populations vulnérables de la région du Lac.

• Le PAM met en place de nouvelles approches, avec l’enregistrement biométrique des personnes déplacées, ainsi que les transferts monétaires sur 5 sites dans la zone de Bol en faveur de 9 051 bénéficiaires.

Aperçu de la situation

La situation est restée globalement calme dans la région du Lac, malgré la reprise des opérations militaires à la frontière avec le Nigeria et le Niger, ainsi que quelques incidents en lien avec l’action humanitaire. Le 27 juin, les articles ménagers essentiels (AME) (composés de moustiquaires et de kits eau hygiène et assainissement) destinés à une distribution par une ONG locale, partenaire d’une Agence des Nations Unies, sur le site de Tchoukoutalia, ont été pillés. Les forces de l’ordre ont récupéré une partie du matériel volé et la distribution s’est terminée dans le calme. Par ailleurs, une tentative d’évasion à la prison de Bol, le 25 juin, a donné lieu à trois morts et sept blessés. Enfin, dans la sous-préfecture de Kaiga, le 10 juillet, 19 membres d’un groupe armé auraient fait irruption dans une localité à environ 5km de Kaiga, entraînant la fuite des habitants, qui sont ensuite revenus dans le village et ont constaté la mort d’une personne et le pillage des vivres.

Le deuxième rapport sur l’accès humanitaire dans la région du Lac, qui couvre la période d’avril à juin 2016, souligne que l’accès humanitaire est globalement satisfaisant pour la plupart des partenaires. Aucun incident contre les acteurs humanitaires n’a été rapporté et l’accès est facilité sur l’ensemble de la zone, hormis dans les zones où les opérations militaires sont en cours depuis mi-juin. La recrudescence de l’utilisation de mines début juin dans la région du Lac peut laisser craindre une restriction d’accès dans certaines zones frontalières et des conséquences sur les possibilités de retour et de solutions durables.

Un plan de réponse d’urgence de 90 jours pour les quatre pays du bassin du Lac Tchad (Cameroun, Nigeria, Niger, Tchad) a été développé par la communauté humanitaire afin d’orienter les contributions des bailleurs des fonds vers les besoins prioritaires d’ici à fin septembre. Ce plan met en exergue des vulnérabilités exacerbées par la saison des pluies, les opérations militaires en cours et la période de soudure, dans un contexte général de faible accès aux services essentiels. Pour le Tchad, l’assistance multisectorielle à environ 250 000 personnes dans le besoin est estimée à 16 millions de dollars américains pour les trois prochains mois. Pour rappel, les besoins totaux pour la région du Lac en 2016 s’élèvent à 94 millions de dollars américains selon le HRP 2016.

Les partenaires humanitaires développent d’ores et déjà des projets afin de renforcer la résilience des communautés et reconstruire leurs moyens d’existence. Ainsi, l’Union européenne, le PAM et le Ministère du Plan ont lancé officiellement un projet de renforcement des moyens d’existence dans la région du Lac. D’autres partenaires interviennent dans la distribution de semences et outils agricoles et de pêche (l’ONG ACTED sous financement ECHO, le Comité International de la Croix Rouge – CICR -, l’ONG Catholic Relief Services – CRS -, les ONG COOPI et CARE sous financement de l’ambassade de France), le soutien aux activités génératrices de revenus, ou encore le soutien aux éleveurs (l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour l’Alimentation et l’Agriculture – FAO - et l’ONG IMC – International Medical Corps –, le CICR à travers la vaccination de têtes de bétail). Cette tendance souligne le besoin d’aller vers des solutions qui accompagnent les populations vers l’autonomisation, évitant ainsi une nouvelle crise prolongée et une dépendance à l’aide humanitaire.

Du 15 au 17 juillet, une visite de haut niveau s’est rendue au Tchad afin d’attirer l’attention sur la situation humanitaire dans le bassin du Lac Tchad et souligner le besoin d’un plus grand engagement de la part des bailleurs de fonds. Composée du Commissaire européen chargé de l’aide humanitaire et de la gestion des crises, M. Christos Stylianides, de la Secrétaire d’Etat adjointe pour la population, les réfugiés et la migration, Mme. Anne C. Richard, ainsi que du Coordonnateur humanitaire régional pour le Sahel, M. Toby Lanzer, la délégation s’est notamment rendue dans la zone de Bol, sur les sites de Melia et Yakoua.

Every day, 10 people are killed by landmines. Besides claiming such a substantial number of lives, landmines form an obstacle to post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Foreign trade and development cooperation minister Lilianne Ploumen said: ‘The devastating impact of landmines doesn’t stop when the violence ends. Emergency workers are left unable to reach the places where they’re needed, refugees can’t return home and farmers can’t access their land. Before peace and stability can return, these deadly things have to be cleared away.’ This is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting 3 major demining projects in 13 countries.

Every day, 10 people are killed by landmines. Besides claiming such a substantial number of lives, landmines form an obstacle to post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Foreign trade and development cooperation minister Lilianne Ploumen said: ‘The devastating impact of landmines doesn’t stop when the violence ends. Emergency workers are left unable to reach the places where they’re needed, refugees can’t return home and farmers can’t access their land. Before peace and stability can return, these deadly things have to be cleared away.’ This is why the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is supporting 3 major demining projects in 13 countries.

The Netherlands is one of the largest donors when it comes to demining, and wants to see landmines eradicated within 10 years. In the last 4 years almost 52 million m2 of land have been demined thanks to the Netherlands, and more than 2 million people have been educated about the dangers of landmines. More than 5,000 families have received victim support, 114 ambulances were purchased and 425 nurses trained to care for landmine victims.

The new demining projects announced today will focus on researching and demining landmine areas, supporting victims and their families, and providing education. Projects are being launched in Afghanistan, Colombia, DRC, Iraq, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, the Palestinian Territories, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria and Ukraine.

Demining is a priority for Ms Ploumen and foreign minister Bert Koenders. A total of 45 million euros has been made available for 3 demining projects run by The HALO Trust, Mines Advisory Group and Danish Church Aid, 10 million euros of which is earmarked for acute demining in conflict zones like Iraq and Syria.

NASA has launched a hub in Niger that will use space-based observations to improve food security

By Nellie Peyton

DAKAR, July 20 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A drive by NASA to stream climate data to West African nations using its earth-observing satellites could boost crop production in a region hit hard by climate change, experts say.

Read the full article here

In coordination with the Inter-Cluster Working Group, the Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) Cluster continues to advocate for non-creation of new camp-like settings in Juba. Humanitarian interventions should be aimed at providing temporary emergency assistance that will not serve as a pull factor for IDPs to remain in the sites.

OCHA reports that 15,061 people remain displaced by the insecurity in Juba. Of these, 10,838 people are sheltering in the UN Tong Ping and UN House bases. An estimated 4,223 IDPs are staying in three collective centres. Twelve sites where displaced people were staying are now closed as the people have gone home.

UNMISS TONGPING

CCCM
· Estimated population figure: 4,000
· IOM continues registration of IDPs who already have a plot at UN house.

Shelter and NFI
· IOM distributed 1,064 plastic sheets (one per HH or group of people living together).
· Site improvements, including preparation of the land with grading and additional marram, are ongoing
· IOM has pre-positioned shelter material on site to enable shelter construction to begin on 21 July.

WASH
· 60,000 litres (15L/person/day) of safe drinking water was delivered.
· Improvement of the drainage for one water point and increasing the number of taps at all the water points is planned for 21 July.
· IDPs have access to 35 functional latrines, at a rate of 111 people per latrine.
· 40 latrines are ongoing construction, for which two trenches of stances were excavated by UNICEF.
· 20 hygiene promoters will begin activities on 21 July.
· IOM is finalizing construction of latrines at the IOM temporary clinic.
· Construction of bathing facilities will begin on 21 July.

Health
· Medical referrals from Tong Ping: ICRC will transport trauma cases to UN House, where MSF will treat trauma and IMC will treat general surgery patients. All suspected cholera patients will be transported to the cholera treatment centre at Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH).
· Cholera case: One suspected cholera case tested positive case by rapid diagnostic test (RDT) tand has been sent for laboratory culture test to verify. Contact tracing with immediate family along with disinfection of the house was conducted. The child of the first case was transferred to JTH for suspected cholera (waiting on RDT results).
· IOM medical staff conducted 233 consultations, with most patients seeking treatment for malaria, acute respiratory infection and skin disease.
· IOM will train health and hygiene promoters on 21 July; messaging will focus on good hygiene practices, drinking safe water and early detection of cholera symptoms.
· An oral rehydration point will be set up in the clinic area as part of the cholera preparedness and response.
· IOM has begun providing maternity services at the site.

FSL
· Food distribution is scheduled for 21 July. World Vision will distribute blanket supplementary feeding for all children under five.

Protection
· Conflicts at the water point have been observed between women (this should be eased as the site is developed and additional water points are finalized).
· Child Friendly Space (CFS) and School are in need of a permanent space and are currently operating in a temporary area near to the clinic with education in the morning and psychosocial support in the afternoon.

UNMISS UN HOUSE

CCCM
· Population of new arrivals remains at 6,836 individuals.
· Limited number of agencies travelled to UN House on 20 July due to demonstrations in Juba.

FSL
· Delivery of general food distribution commodities will begin on 21 July in PoC 1 and 22 July in PoC 3.

Protection
· Protection Cluster continues to seek protection arrangements to increase safety of IDPs along Yei road, north of PoC1.
· Prevention of gender-based violence, child protection and general protection activities are ongoing.

Shelter
· PoC1: New arrivals continue to stay in the NRC school and the community centre.
· PoC3: New arrivals continue to stay in the NRC school and the community centre.
· Space for construction of shelters for the large number of new arrivals is a challenge.

WASH
· Water delivery PoC1 and PoC3: 792,000L of water delivered by UNICEF.
· Latrine coverage PoC1: 66 persons per latrine
· Latrine coverage PoC3: 35 persons per latrine
· Sewage and garbage collection are ongoing.
· ACTED and UNICEF will look into additional space for pre-positioning of water supplies.
· Hygiene promotion is ongoing, and cholera prevention activities have begun in PoC3.

Health
· IMC has returned to pre-crisis capacity.
· IMC and MSF are operational in PoC1 and PoC3, and the ambulance continues to move freely in the site.

The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, Somalia and countries in the Lake Chad basin is worsening due to the effects of El Nino and conflict in the region.

Today I announce that the Australian Government will provide a further $17.5 million to support people suffering from severe hunger and malnutrition, and those displaced from their homes and in need of protection from conflict.

Australia will provide $8 million to the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. This funding will help deliver food, shelter, security, and other vital assistance including to South Sudanese who have fled to neighbouring countries. This brings Australia’s total contribution to South Sudan to more than $50 million since December 2013.

In Somalia, 1.1 million people have been displaced by terrorist activity and conflict. Australia will provide $4.5 million to Somalia, including $2.5 million to World Vision to help build the resilience of Somali communities and $2 million to the Somalia Humanitarian Fund for immediate life-saving assistance, including food, healthcare and water.

Australia will also provide $5 million through the World Food Programme for immediate food supplies, livelihood training and nutrition in the Lake Chad basin region. Over 2.1 million people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency and 7.5 million people are in need of urgent food assistance.

This assistance comes from humanitarian funding within the existing Australian Aid budget.

Media enquiries

Minister's office: (02) 6277 7500 DFAT Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555

INTRODUCTION

The relative improvement of the security situation in Borno has enabled humanitarians to access areas that were previously cut off.

As new areas become accessible, more people in urgent need of assistance are being found in devastating conditions. While Nigerian Government and UN organizations have stepped up relief assistance, the situation in the newly liberated areas requires a much faster, robust and well-coordinated humanitarian response. Despite a relative improvement in terms of access to population of concern and critical life threatening needs experienced by the populace, it is however worthy to outline that many localities in Borno state still remain inaccessible owing to the ongoing violence and insecurity. In the current operational context, the protection crisis in Borno state remains severe with significant level of protection needs and risks unaddressed.

UNHCR joined the humanitarian team to conduct protection assessment in Bama on 21 and 30 June 2016, conducted assessment in Konduga on 30 June 2016 and in Monguno on 4 July 2016.

METHODOLOGY

A rapid needs assessment approach was adopted. Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted based on their insight into the needs of the affected community members. The KIs included soldiers manning the IDPs camps,

IDPs leaders, staff working in the camps, host community leaders and religious leaders. Focus group discussions were conducted with women, men and adolescent children. A structured questionnaire was used that enquired about the immediate needs and identified key vulnerabilities. The interviewers also toured the camps and host communities to record their observations.

Information collected was divided into 8 sections as follows:

• Route information and demographics showing estimated number of population including areas of origin, ethnicity and number of years displaced.
  
• Camp coordination
  
• Safety and physical risks
  
• Specific vulnerabilities, Sexual exploitation and Child protection issues
  
• Access to service
  
• Psychosocial distress and support mechanisms
  
• Access to information
• Urgent needs