As number of IDPs continues to rise in Gedaref, solar solutions enhance safety of displaced families

August 6, 2024

a group of people standing in front of a building “Samah” is a pseudonym used to protect her identity

Photo: UNDP Sudan

Samah, a primary school teacher and mother of five from Jabal Moya, Sudan, never imagined she would become a statistic in a humanitarian crisis. But the ongoing conflict in her country forced her and her family on a grueling five-day journey to escape the violence. The journey was fraught with danger and loss, separating Samah from her parents and some siblings, their whereabouts still unknown.

Robbed of their possessions, they arrived in Gedaref, a city overwhelmed with around 800,000 IDPs in the area. Their story is only one of many; according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Sudan currently hosts over 10.7 million IDPs as of July 2024. This massive displacement has placed immense strain on already limited resources and services in host communities.

Amidst this crisis, UNDP is stepping in to provide vital support to support IDPs and host communities alike in building resilience. One notable initiative involves the installation of solar streetlights at designated IDP gathering sites in Gedaref. This project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), has significantly improved safety and security for over 20,000 IDPs across eight gathering sites.

Samah, now relocated to a government-designated receiving center, attests to the profound impact of these solar lights. They have enhanced safety for women and children while deterring criminal activity, demonstrating how seemingly simple interventions can have far-reaching effects on the lives of those displaced by conflict.

a group of people that are standing in the dirt

UNDP's commitment to "Staying and Delivering" in Sudan extends beyond this lighting initiative. UNDP is working tirelessly to provide access to essential services, create livelihood opportunities, and foster social cohesion among different groups. These efforts are crucial in alleviating the suffering of IDPs and building resilience within host communities.

As Sudan grapples with the consequences of an 18-month conflict, stories like Samah's remind us of the human cost of displacement. However, they also highlight the resilience of the Sudanese people and the potential for positive change through targeted interventions and international support.

The road to recovery for Sudan will be long and challenging but addressing immediate needs while simultaneously working towards long-term development goals and initiatives like this solar lighting offer a glimmer of hope.