With the dramatic increase in internal displacement in Sudan, the number of ‘gathering sites’ sheltering IDPs across the country continues to grow. Thought to be an immediate stop-gap for a short-term and temporary problem, there are increasingly common concerns emerging from across the country on how to respond in such sites, how to deal with specific dilemma, notably in relation to schools, and protection risks and the future outlook of using such sites given the displacement situation is likely to stay. It is also the growing number of such sites that has triggered the re-activation of the Site Management sector in Sudan, recognizing the need for site-level information and coordination of the response. It is against this background, and the inter-linked site management, protection and shelter concerns that arise in this context, that the national Site Management, Protection and Shelter/NFI sectors have taken the initiative to prepare this technical guidance jointly with the national ISCG.
Overall purpose: This guidance note sets forth a simple typology of these various sites to promote a coherent understanding and consistent use of terminology in the response. It further identifies main common consequences of such site-based sheltering of IDPs and sets forth (1) measures to mitigate against the further establishment and proliferation of such sites, except as a measure of last resort; and (2) provides guidance for the immediate humanitarian response at such sites, as well as for the medium- and longer-term response, notably in relation to site consolidation, relocation and longer-term development planning, underscoring the importance of the early engagement and operational involvement of development organizations to address the challenges caused by the use and proliferation of such sites.
Scope: This guidance note is focused on sites sheltering IDPs – colloquially often referred to as ‘gathering sites’. It does not address the situation of IDPs living in residential areas (e.g., neighborhoods in cities, towns and villages), i.e., IDPs living in host communities or in rented accommodation.
Objectives: This guidance note pursues the following objectives:
1. To promote a coherent understanding and use of terminology in the humanitarian response.
2. To mitigate against the proliferation of sites.
3. To address short-, medium- and longer-term consequences of site-based sheltering of IDPs, including:
• Guidance on addressing immediate humanitarian needs and protection risks in sites.
• Guidance on addressing the eviction risks affecting IDPs sheltering in schools, as well as more general eviction risk mitigation measures.
• Guidance on addressing medium- to longer-term consequences, including the need for an evidence-based strategy; on consolidation and relocation and con