Internal displacement, a massive challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa, requires a multifaceted response. External actors play a crucial role in supporting governments and displaced persons (IDPs). Here’s a look at how various international organizations contribute, with at least 15 examples:
Humanitarian Aid and Protection:
- UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees): Leads the international response for IDPs, providing emergency assistance, protection monitoring, and advocating for their rights.
- WFP (World Food Programme): Delivers life-saving food assistance to IDPs in camps and displacement-affected host communities.
- UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund): Provides essential services for displaced children, including education, healthcare, and psychosocial support.
- IOM (International Organization for Migration): Offers support with displacement itself, including registration, camp management, and promoting durable solutions.
- ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross): Provides neutral and impartial humanitarian assistance to IDPs, focusing on healthcare and protection from violence.
Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution:
- UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS): Works to prevent conflict and promote dialogue in West Africa, addressing root causes of displacement.
- African Union (AU): Plays a key role in mediating conflicts and deploying peacekeeping missions to create a secure environment for IDPs.
- ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States): Contributes to regional peace and security in West Africa, fostering conditions conducive to IDP return or integration.
- IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development): Promotes regional cooperation in East Africa, including addressing conflict and displacement issues.
Development and Durable Solutions:
- World Bank: Provides financial and technical assistance to support long-term development in displacement-affected areas, promoting IDP reintegration.
- UNDP (United Nations Development Programme): Supports national governments in developing and implementing solutions for IDPs, focusing on livelihoods and infrastructure development.
- FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): Assists displaced communities in resuming agricultural activities and ensuring food security.
- IFAD (International Fund for Agricultural Development): Invests in rural development, empowering IDPs with skills and resources for sustainable livelihoods.
- Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: Supports health access for IDPs, ensuring continuity of care for these vulnerable populations.
Additional Actors:
- Regional Development Banks (e.g., AfDB – African Development Bank): Play a growing role in financing development projects in displacement-affected areas.
- International NGOs (e.g., IRC – International Rescue Committee, Save the Children): Deliver essential services and advocate for IDPs on the ground.
- Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC): NRC supports IDPs in Sub-Saharan Africa by providing shelter, legal assistance, and livelihood support, as well as advocating for their rights and needs.
By working together, these external actors can contribute significantly to addressing internal displacement in Sub-Saharan Africa. Their combined efforts can provide life-saving assistance, promote peacebuilding, and support the search for durable solutions for displaced people
