DARFUR

INTERSOS began its involvement in the Darfur crisis with the management of two large-scale refugee camps in Chad in February 2004. This work was expanded to provide protection and assistance to IDPs in Darfur, as well as to the host community. Soon thereafter, INTERSOS initiated assistance to returnees in the villages where genuine returns occur. The vast majority of the returnees assisted by Intersos in Darfur have come directly from camps managed by INTERSOS in Chad.

INTERSOS is currently present in Darfur with a coordination office in El Geneina and bases in Habillé, Forobaranga, Garsila and Bindisi. The logistic support of the four basis in the heart of Darfur allow INTERSOS staff to be present in villages often forgotten by humanitarian aid.

INTERSOS has gained a leading position in developing p rogramme strategies and in designing interventions aimed to support spontaneous and sustainable returns. INTERSOS has a close working relationship with UNHCR and is its main partner in Western Darfur, developing numerous joint pilot actions aimed at gaining a better knowledge of the area and of the humanitarian needs on the ground.

In Sudan, INTERSOS works with UNHCR to analyse the situation of the refugees and displaced people, both in Chad and in the areas of origin in Western Darfur. The objective is to have a reliable collection of information and a complete picture of the humanitarian situation in the region concerning basic needs, such as water, food, education, health, as well as the monitoring of the security conditions and the level of vulnerability of the displaced population. This information will help to prepare for refugee and IDP return to their places of origin.

INTERSOS employs a community-based approach in Darfur, which is the backbone of rehabilitation interventions in villages where the organization is working, including identification of community networks, reintegration activities by the community and implementation of these activities through a strong community participation approach, on the basis of the existing resources and copying mechanisms. INTERSOS' balancing approach has also played a significant role in encouraging community involvement. INTERSOS' work with the Nomadic Arabs and sedentary African villagers is praised highly by the international community. Further, INTERSOS Darfur has been active in monitoring and mapping exercises that provides accurate and valuable information to the international community operating in the areas covered.

Key sectors of Intersos Darfur's work include:

• Community Services: In main IDP settlements: establishment of centres for women and for youth, promotion of fuel efficient stove use, hygiene promotion, skill training for women and vocational training for youth. In villages of genuine return: Safe spaces for children, establishment of community centres (for women and youth), promotion of fuel efficient stove use, hygiene promotion, skill training for women and vocational training for youths.

• Education: In both main IDP settlements and villages of genuine return: Education programs aimed at building the capacity of the community, to sustain long-term educational processes and a child-friendly school environment.

• Infrastructure rehabilitation: In villages of genuine returns including mainly rehabilitation of schools, roads and access points.

• Water and sanitation: In villages of genuine return, action is focused on improvement of water quality and provision of water points through rehabilitation or construction of traditional wells and hand pumps for drilled wells and geophysical surveys of the targeted areas. Hygiene promotion campaigns; and participatory construction of family latrines are also concerns for INTERSOS.

• Livelihood recovery: In villages of genuine return, assistance to resume farming activities and establishment of non-farming income generating activities.

• NFI distribution: In villages of genuine return, non-food items (mainly hygiene kits) are distributed to vulnerable caseloads.

• Database management: INTERSOS merges profiling and monitoring data in a unique database that includes all the relevant info on the targeted Administrative Units, as well as produces GIS maps.