News
One Brick at a Time: Constructing Transitional Shelters for Returnees in Malakal
The 2013 South Sudan crisis triggered a massive wave of displacement, forcing many individuals to flee their homes in Malakal and seek refuge in neighboring Sudan. Tragically, the conflict resulted in the destruction of numerous homes. In April 2023, as conflict erupted in Sudan, South Sudanese refugees in Sudan embarked on yet another journey to return home.
Among them is Tereza, a single mother of nine children from Malakal. Tereza had fled Malakal during the 2013 crisis and, upon her return in 2023 due to the conflict in Sudan, found herself without shelter to begin anew. She sought refuge at the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site with a relative, a site that was already grappling with congestion.
Fortunately, she learned about the efforts of DRC in constructing transitional shelters for returnees and approached a DRC shelter and settlement officer. After meeting the criteria, Tereza was fortunate enough to receive her shelter after a two-month wait.
Prior to constructing houses for the returnees, DRC collaborates with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure, Land, and Housing to ensure that the land belongs to the person. Once this is confirmed, DRC proceeds with the construction of the transitional shelters for the returnees.
Returning to South Sudan was not an easy decision for people like Tereza, especially as she had already started a new life as a school teacher in Sudan. However, the conflict in Sudan forced her to flee and return to South Sudan. The situation has been challenging for her, particularly concerning food security.
Returning to a homeland characterized by political instability, conflict, and economic irregularities is daunting, which is why it takes a support system to soothe some fears.
I never thought I would come back to South Sudan because I became a teacher in Sudan, but when I did, I found myself with nothing. Starting over is tough, but with the help of DRC, I now have a place with my children to call home and can start rebuilding my life.
/ Tereza
For Tereza, the realization of starting over wasn't easy. Still, with the support of DRC, she remains determined to pick herself up and begin anew in her homeland.
DRC, with funds from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), has constructed 45 transitional shelters for returnees in Malakal in response to the Sudan crisis as of 2023-2024.
DRC continues to construct more transitional shelters as more returnees come back to occupy their lands. Proper coordination between DRC, the communities, and stakeholders has enabled the organization to facilitate the construction of transitional shelters for returnees.
These transitional shelters go beyond providing mere shelter. They alleviate people like Tereza from undue stress after years of living with the hope of authentic safety measures and subsequent materials to make their makeshift survival against adversity.
Through DRC's efforts, Tereza and many other displaced persons have the capacity to rebuild their lives in the place they call home and adopt new strategies for their future and family.
However, the underlying root causes of displacement present significant challenges that the international community must address collectively. Ensuring long-lasting peace and sustainability for the people of South Sudan is paramount, even during unstable times.
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