Regional water and sanitation programme for refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities

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Violence and armed conflicts as well as severe droughts and famines mean that many people in East Africa are displaced within their own country or flee to neighboring countries. With 13 million people on the run, East Africa is one of the regions most affected by displacement worldwide. Since the states do not have the capacity to provide for all of them, many of them are cared for by the UN refugee agency UNHCR in large camps or settlement areas. Basic supplies, such as drinking water, are insufficient both in the camps and in the host communities. The increased pressure on limited resources can therefore also lead to distribution conflicts. The aim of the regional program is therefore to contribute to improved, more sustainable, inclusive and integrated water and sanitation services for refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities in East Africa. With a funding volume of EUR 26 million, the construction and expansion of water supply systems and sanitation facilities at four locations in Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan and Somalia will be supported. Extensive accompanying measures support local water suppliers in ensuring that operations and maintenance are as cost-effective and sustainable as possible, thus ensuring the supply of both refugees and the host communities. The takeover of state operators also relieves the budgets of humanitarian organizations such as UNHCR. In addition, short-term measures to contain Covid-19 are to be implemented. The local communities are to be closely involved in the implementation of all measures. The recipient and project sponsor of the project is the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which is carrying out the measures in close cooperation with UNHCR. The implementation period of the project is 48 months.