Bio-metric registration of refugees at the Kario site in East Darfur began in mid-December and is expected to be complete by end of February 2017.

CASH AND FUEL SHORTAGES DRIVING RESPONSE DELAYS – Persistent cash shortages is delaying assistance projects in all refugee locations, especially for procurement activities and the implementation of cash-based interventions. The situation is compounded by logistical delays due to ongoing fuel shortages. State authorities are working closely with partners to mitigate the situation and support activities where possible.situation and support activities where possible.

CLOSURE OF JODA BORDER ENTRY POINT IN WHITE NILE – The Joda entry point has been closed since 28 March, with reasons for the closure still unclear. This has halted the crossing of South Sudanese people from the northern Upper Nile region in South Sudan. Reports indicate that “many” people are stranded on the other side intending to cross into Sudan. UNHCR is preparing a contingency plan for Joda to manage a higher arrival figure if/when Joda re-opens. Two other border entry points at El Megenis and Kuek remain open and continue to receive new arrivals.

CRITICAL WATER SUPPLY GAPS PERSIST IN EL RADOM, SOUTH DARFUR – Nearly 12,000 refugees living in the El Radom settlement have access to just 10 L of water per person per day, well below the SPHERE minimum standard of 15 L and UNHCR emergency standard of 20 L. Additional support for the water supply network is urgently needed.

Camp site extensions granted in East Darfur and White Nile, to accommodate an additional 18,000 newly arrived refugees.

Critical anti-malarial drug shortages and increased incidence of malaria in refugee clinics across White Nile state.

DETERIORATING SECURITY SITUATION SLOWED REFUGEE OPERATIONS IN JUNE – Sudan's security situation deteriorated in June, with reports of increased violence and criminality, including sexual and gender-based violence, across most States hosting South Sudanese refugees. A nationwide internet shutdown began on 3 June, with nearly 50 per cent of response partners without internet access throughout June. Response partners reported difficulties accessing their offices due to movement restrictions in Khartoum for a number of days. Price fluctuations observed since the beginning of 2019 worsened with scarcity of many goods in local markets. Cash shortages continued throughout June, aggravated by bank closures during a general strike from 9-11 June. Where banks were open, lack of internet disrupted banking services. Distribution activities were delayed in many locations due to the security situation and fuel shortages, including education supplies.

Development of new refugee camp in White Nile is underway. Aljame’ya refugee camp will house 5,000 households and is planned for completion by mid-January.

ENROLLMENT CAMPAIGNS LAUNCHED FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN IN EAST DARFUR – The exercise has seen enrolment nearly double in a two-week period, from 617 refugee students to 1,210 students across both Al Nimir and Kario camps. In El Ferdous settlements, over 800 refugee students enrolled so far. The campaigns include coordinated refugee community sensitization initiatives on the importance of school enrolment and attendance, especially for girls. The 2019/2020 school year is scheduled to begin in June.

East Darfur authorities designate 4 new border entry points for refugee arrivals to establish reception centres and provide medical and nutritional screenings with basic health services, as well as hot meal provision, household registration and transportation . Entry points are anticipated to be operational by April.