The Common Humanitarian Fund’s (CHF) new donation of USD 200,829 will enable DanChurchAid (DCA) to continue its support for the free and safe movement of civilians and humanitarian actors in South Sudan.
Landmines and Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) pose a serious danger to civilians and humanitarian actors in South Sudan and especially internally displaced people (IDPs). Following the ethnic violence that erupted in late 2013 more than 700.000 people have been displaced, adding to the great need for Risk Education (RE) and Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD). These people are travelling into unfamiliar areas; often unaware of the dangers that the explosives pose to their security. Additional 130.400 people have fled to neighboring countries.
Through the implementation of the project activities DCA RE team is currently providing lifesaving risk education in Awerial county, Lakes states, where over 85.000 civilians took refuge after Bor county across the river Nile was completely devastated. As mainly men are traveling across the river on daily basis to collect their valuables and inspect what is left of their properties, DCA RE team is delivering on daily basis tailor made RE sessions in the main port starting early morning before the first boats leave the port. EOD clearance team will be clearing extensive ERW contamination in Bor county, in order to create safe environment for returnees before the onset of raining season. As the schools in Awerial (Minkaman payam) are still closed, DCA cooperates with other INGO’s, which are opening child friendly spaces in the area, and delivers RE sessions for children through songs, theatre and games.
Furthermore, the DCA project will provide briefings to UN and NGO staff ensuring their safety when carrying out their life saving humanitarian assistance.
DCA has implemented Mine Action activities from its regional base in Juba since 2012 and thus has a solid base in the country. This project will add to the previous efforts on EOD and on RE – both through direct teaching sessions and through Community Focal Point Trainings; enabling locals to spread the important message to more remote areas.
The project commenced 1st January 2014 will continue until 30 June 2014.
