Women's and Child's Rights,Protection &Empowerment

Report for GlobalGiving and Sudan Emergency Fund

Project Update: Emergency Relief for Displaced Families in El Fasher, Darfur

Date: 11/05/2024

Overview

The situation in El Fasher, North Darfur, has escalated dramatically, with the city facing relentless conflict due to ongoing fighting and over 144 ground attacks, including severe airstrikes. El Fasher, once a safe haven for thousands of displaced people from other states, is now a critical zone of conflict, causing immense hardship for civilians and displaced populations alike.

Key Challenges:

• Severe Scarcity of Resources: Food, clean water, and medical supplies are in short supply, and prices for essential items have skyrocketed, making them inaccessible for most families.
• Water Crisis: Water sources are highly limited. Existing wells produce salty water, while rainwater ponds are shared between animals and humans, posing a major health risk. The only clean drinking water source—a dam outside the city—has become dangerous and unaffordable for most due to ongoing hostilities.
• Health Risks and Injuries: Many civilians, including women and children, suffer injuries from attacks and lack access to adequate healthcare facilities, increasing the risk of untreated medical conditions.

DWN’s Emergency Response

Despite the dangers, Darfur Women Network (DWN) has been actively working to address these pressing needs. Thanks to our invaluable partnership with GlobalGiving and the critical support of the Sudan Emergency Fund, we have achieved the following:

1. Clean Drinking Water: DWN has provided clean water to 900 families, supplying essential drinking water and helping prevent dehydration and waterborne illnesses in a challenging environment.
2. Community Mobilization and Distribution: Utilizing local knowledge and our strong connection with the community, DWN staff and volunteers have been able to coordinate safe distribution channels to reach families, even under siege conditions.

Impact and Beneficiary Feedback

Our relief efforts have had a positive impact on the lives of the displaced families in El Fasher, who are deeply grateful for the provision of clean drinking water. However, they continue to express a desperate need for additional support, as thousands still lack reliable access to essential resources.

Challenges Faced

Operating in a war zone presents significant risks:

• Safety of DWN Staff and Volunteers: DWN’s team faces constant risks due to proximity to active conflict zones and has to adapt daily to secure safe distribution routes.
• Limited Access and High Demand: The need far exceeds current resources, and accessing clean water sources remains a persistent struggle due to the conflict and associated costs.

Immediate Needs and Future Goals

To expand our relief efforts, DWN requires further support in the following areas:

1. Increased Water Provision: To serve more displaced families with clean drinking water, additional funding is essential for purchasing water containers and transportation.
2. Food and Essential Supplies: With food scarcity and high prices, there is an urgent need for supplementary food provisions to ensure that families can sustain themselves during this crisis.

Conclusion

The dedication and cultural understanding of DWN’s team, as natives of Darfur, allow us to navigate complex conditions and provide critical relief to the people of El Fasher. However, the crisis remains vast, and ongoing support is crucial. We deeply appreciate the trust and contributions from GlobalGiving and the Sudan Emergency Fund, which enable us to continue this life-saving work under extreme conditions.

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to helping us support those in desperate need.