Displaced in South Darfur live in ‘poor conditions’

The displaced people living in camps in South Darfur, have complained about poor economic conditions and the reluctance of aid organisations to provide health and education services to them. A displaced woman in El Batari camp, Kass locality, told Radio Dabanga on Wednesday that prices have risen significantly. “The World Food Programme (WFP) distributes only sorghum to the families, and does not provide anything else.” As for education services, the woman confirmed that tuition fees have risen. Each student must pay SDG 100 ($17.4), “which is beyond the capacity of the parents to pay”. Students have to purchase pamphlets, books, and other supplies as well. “A lot of school-aged children dropped out of school,” the listener said, appealing to those in charge to assist them. Deteriorating health services The spread of puddles inside the camp and the expanding heaps of garbage might pose a threat for the health of the camp residents. The displaced woman appealed to the organisations working in the health sector to bridge the water pools and provide environmental sanitation services. Also the displaced people living in El Salam camp, Nyala locality, complained about the deteriorating health services. Fevers are spreading, there is a lack of food, and a shortage of water. Sheikh Mahjoub Adam Tabeldiya reported to Radio Dabanga that residents, in particular children and the elderly, suffer from malaria and diarrhoea. “The lack of food has left the displaced people, and especially those who have been newly displaced, suffering to make a living.” Tabeldiya appealed to the international organisations to support them. File photo: A woman with her baby is temporarily sheltered in a school in South Darfur’s El Salam camp for displaced people (Albert González Farran / Unamid) Related: Darfur displaced ‘deprived’ of Ramadan celebration (25 July 2014)