1 . EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of the following REACH brief is to highlight the social and political dynamics present in Yida refugee camp. Understanding the social organization is essential for providing targeted, humanitarian aid in an effective and socially respectable manner. This brief provides the humanitarian community with a snapshot of the social dynamics of Yida refugee camp.
The situation in Yida is complex and evolving at a rapid pace due to the escalating humanitarian crisis, the presence of the SPLA, and intervention by the UN and NGOs. The unique tribal group structures in Yida work to inform both the social organization and political composition of the camp. Tribal affiliation comprises the overriding identifying factor among the refugees. The strength of this tribal affiliation and related tribal social structures has contributed to the refugees’ ability to become relatively well-organized and self-managed in the camp.