Livelihoods and Peace-building with Internally Displaced Persons

Rebuilding after conflict

When conflict broke out in Sudan in April 2023, refugees and returnees crossed the border into South Sudan to seek peace. There was little humanitarian assistance, and many people lived in makeshift shelters, experiencing hunger and conflict within the camps. There are still more than 10,000 returnees and internally displaced persons (also known as “IDPs”) who need support.

What is the Highland project?

The Highland project aims to address the continuing issues faced by the communities of displaced people and refugees who have returned to South Sudan. This project works with those who settled in the Highland community on the eastern side of the Nile River. Our partner, The Laid Foundation of South Sudan, known as LAFOSS, began the Highland project with a feeding program and then started to offer training in livelihoods and peace-building workshops to support the most vulnerable. People learn how to sustain themselves longer-term and build strong communities for the future.

What is the impact of this project?

400 vulnerable families (approximately 4,000 people) were supported with emergency supplies and small food packages. The same 400 families have participated in livelihood training, and people with disability were encouraged to attend the training also.  

Providing ongoing livelihood training will assist families while in temporary accommodation. Opportunities include starting a small tea shop. For those who receive land from the government, they participate in agriculture training. Both livelihood options provide ongoing income opportunities. 800 family representatives from the community will receive peace training. The 400 most vulnerable families are given preference. The training involves teaching people in groups of 20 for about three hours in a workshop. These participants foster peaceful communities through conversations, counselling, mediation, and engagement in local peace-building activities. Many people have reported opportunities to influence others after the workshop–reporting around 80 to 100 people each!