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UNJLC SUDAN BULLETIN 4
8 April 04
The aim of the UNJLC bulletins is to provide a concise weekly overview of UNJLC activities and the present logistical situation in regard to the planning and preparedness for a post war period in South Sudan and the crisis in Darfur.
Contact details for all UNJLC offices are available on the UNJLC website at http://www.unjlc.org/content/index.phtml/itemId/9629.
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NORTH SECTOR - Khartoum:
Darfur
At the UN Country Team meeting on the 30th of March an official request for a full activation of the UNJLC for the Darfur Emergency was approved. The initial staffing table calls for an increase of international UNJLC staff.
The first logistics meeting at the Khartoum level for Darfur coordination was held the 25th of March. With the opening of the direct road from El Obeid to El Fasher, WFP has stopped all cargo flights to Darfur, cargo aircraft remain available from the southern Sudan programme as needed.
UN staffing in the field remains limited. With the completion of the IHP (International Humanitarian Partners) assignment, the UN staffing in the field is now down to 14 international officers deployed in the Darfur region. There are no UNJLC staff in the field. NGOs report difficulties in getting visas to enter Sudan.
UNICEF and the UNJLC co-chaired a meeting on NFI/Shelter requirements. The key planning numbers and concerns for NFI and shelter are:
- 250,000 IDPs living in IDP camps that will require assistance similar to that provided in a refugee camp situation
- 300,000 IDPs living in scattered locations with some ability to provide for themselves estimated to require 70% of the assistance given to camp based IDPs.
- 450,000 IDPs living with host families or have other means of support, estimated to require 50% of the assistance given to camp based IDPs.
Total estimated cost for NFI/Shelter for three months is USD 14 million.
The IDP population is heavily dominated by women and children. One OCHA report suggested 95% of the IDPs are women and children, other suggest 90%.
In addition to the basic NFI/shelter requirements, the supply of cooking fuel will be a critical concern particularly for camp based IDPs. Various options are being reviewed, none are without significant problems.
GoS Ministry of CAA announced restrictions on airframes for cargo aircraft effective 15 April. If implemented it would limit WFP's airlift capacity significantly. WFP is reviewing this with CAA and through their HQs.
The UNJLC is reviewing with OCHA options for management of NFI/shelter logistics operations to and within the Darfur region. This would include opening an NFI/shelter warehouse in Ol Beid to receive, storage, and arrange on-ward transport to at least the three major destinations in Darfur. Operation of NFI/Shelter warehouses in Al Fasher, El Genenia, and Nyala, to receive, store, and arrange on-ward transportation to field locations. WFP has been able to provide some ad hoc assistance but is not able to assume additional responsibilities at this time. Others options being considered include the selection of an NGO or other UN agency (UNOPS). As it seems likely that assistance programmes in Darfur will continue for many months, over a huge area, with a wide range of support requirements this is a critical aspect of the logistics organization.
SOUTH SECTOR - Nairobi
Logistics Coordination Meeting
On the 31st of March 2004, UNJLC Nairobi conducted a first general Logistics Coordination meeting with operational UN agencies, International Organisations, NGOs and donors.
UNJLC gave an overview on its activities during the ongoing activation phase.
Presentations on operational planning were given by UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, IOM and the Sustainable Return Team.
One of the major concerns is the lack of coordination in data management and related to this the different mapping exercises by different agencies. Another point of concern raised was the insufficient transport capacity inside South Sudan and the need for an elaborated data exchange and coordinated planning process to overcome short falls in logistics.
It was decided to continue this meeting on a regular, bi-weekly basis to allow for a continues update and exchange process in relation to logistics aspects of the planned and ongoing operations in South Sudan. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 15 April at 10.00 am at the IRIN/Regional OCHA building in Gigiri, Conference Room.
Air Operations
The UNJLC Aviation Specialist has commenced with his tasks and has had various meetings with role players concerned with aviation.
A meeting with all the Donors, UN Agencies, NGO's and other stake holders was held on the 5th of April to discuss the envisaged aviation requirements post war phase. In this regard all stake holders were encouraged to inform the aviation team on the following points:
a. Their possible intervention expansion and logistical capacity required.
b. Additional requirements of agencies not previously involved with the current operating aviation system, i.e UNHCR and other agencies outside of the OLS consortium.
c. Any additional points that should be considered.
A number of other consultations are being planned with WFP Air Operations in Nairobi and Lokichoggio, Aircraft Operators, Aviation Authorities and National and Local authorities.
Staffing issues
On the 25th of March 2004, Mr. Jaco Klopper, Aviation Specialist, arrived in Nairobi. He will continue his assessment in Nairobi before proceeding to Khartoum on the 11th of April.
On the 27th of March 2004, Mr. Oddbjorn Larsen, on secondment from the Norwegian Refugee Council arrived in Nairobi. During the coming week it is planned that he proceeds to Rumbek to take up his position as Logistics Field Coordinator.
On 7 April, Mr. Rolf Bohlin, seconded from UNICEF/OLS commenced his deployment with UNJLC in Nairobi for the Sudan project.