FUEL SHORTAGE DRIVING SHUT DOWN OF WATER TREATMENT PLANTS – Sudan’s fuel crisis remains a major challenge to service delivery across the response. The fuel shortage has interrupted water treatment plant operations for refugee camps along the White Nile River, with refugees now drawing water directly from the river at several camp locations. UNHCR is working with local partners and authorities to secure emergency fuel supplies; however, in the meantime, WASH partners are initiating the distribution of water purification tablets and public information initiatives on the importance of boiling water to mitigate waterborne illness risk. Household water filters are also being procured in anticipation of ongoing interruptions to clean water supply for refugees living in camps.

UNHCR and the Government of Sudan’s Commission for Refugees (COR) completed the distribution of an NFI package of blankets and plastic sheeting to over 10,000 households across ‘open area’ settlements, including 8,541 refugee households (benefiting 57,346 refugees) and 1,496 of the most vulnerable host community households adjacent to settlement areas. The package will provide interim shelter assistance while inter-agency partners develop a more sustainable shelter response.

UNHCR is working closely with the Government of Sudan to improve South Sudanese refugee access to documentation and identification (ID) in Khartoum through a phased registration process. The Government's Immigration and Passport Police (IPP) unit initiated the first phase in mid-February to verify the total number of South Sudanese refugees living in Khartoum and issue them with foreigner ID numbers. Over 22,000 refugees have been registered by the IPP so far. The 2nd phase will be led by UNHCR and COR with biometric registration in order to support their access to protection, documentation and other assistance. Biometric registration will likely start in May and will be rolled out concurrently with the IPP process.