IHP deploys to Chad for Farchana Reconnaissance Mission

Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, millions have been displaced, with Chad becoming a primary refuge for those fleeing violence.

In response to this escalating crisis, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) was activated to support the establishment of a vital inter-agency base camp in Farchana, located approximately 50 kilometers west of Chad’s border town of Adre. This base camp aims to bolster the efforts of humanitarian agencies delivering critical assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Darfur.

A Strategic Response to Crisis

Farchana is home to humanitarian staff from organizations including OCHA, IOM, WHO, UNHCR, WFP, and UNICEF, among others. The region’s remoteness and extreme weather conditions presented significant challenges to hosting the rapidly growing number of humanitarian teams. Early assessments revealed a pressing need for durable accommodation and office infrastructure to support these vital operations.

In July 2023, UN OCHA formally requested IHP’s support to establish the base camp. However, a reconnaissance mission conducted in August 2023 highlighted the inadequacy of the initially planned tent structures, which would not withstand the harsh environment. The mission’s findings emphasized the necessity of prefabricated structures, which offer greater durability and comfort for the personnel stationed in Farchana.

Adapting to Evolving Needs

Based on the reconnaissance mission’s recommendations, IOM submitted a revised request through OCHA in October 2023. This new proposal scaled down the camp’s capacity while prioritizing the deployment of prefabricated modules. These upgraded facilities are expected to provide essential office and accommodation solutions for humanitarian staff, enabling them to deliver life-saving services more effectively.

Read more about the operation here.