Conflict Archives

Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, millions of people have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in neighboring countries, including Chad. As of 10 December 2024, almost 930,000 people have fled Sudan and crossed into Chad (77% Sudanese and 23% of other nationalities, as per the DTM Mobility Update #12), further straining the resources and infrastructure of the region.

In response to this growing humanitarian crisis, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) was activated to support the establishment of an inter-agency base camp in Farchana, a location approximately 50 km west of Chad’s border town of Adre.

Farchana hosts UN and NGO staff from various humanitarian organizations, including OCHA, IOM, WHO, UNHCR, WFP, UNICEF, and others, providing services to refugees and internally displaced persons from Darfur. The need for adequate accommodation and office space for these staff members became critical as the region is remote, with little available infrastructure to host the growing humanitarian teams, and faces extreme weather conditions.

Initially, in July 2023, UN OCHA requested IHP’s support to set up the base camp. A reconnaissance mission at the end of August 2023, however, revealed that the tents initially planned would be insufficient to withstand the harsh conditions. The recommendation was made to use prefabricated structures instead, ensuring better durability and comfort for the personnel stationed in the area.

A revised request was submitted by IOM through OCHA in October 2023, which reduced the capacity of the base camp but confirmed the need for prefabricated modules. The IHP, led by Luxembourg, coordinated the transportation of 8 prefabricated modules, with a capacity of 19 beds and office spaces, to Farchana in early January 2024. The installation of these structures was a joint effort between CGDIS (Luxembourg) and MSB (Sweden), who worked together during January and February 2024 to establish the facilities.

The IHP’s intervention in Farchana has provided critical infrastructure to ensure that humanitarian staff working in the region have the necessary accommodation and office spaces to carry out their vital work. This base camp will be essential in supporting the ongoing response to the Sudan crisis, offering a safe and operational environment for international humanitarian actors providing life-saving services to the affected population.

The collaboration between Luxembourg, Sweden, and other IHP partners highlights the effectiveness of the IHP network in responding to complex emergencies, ensuring that the humanitarian community can continue their operations even in the most challenging environments.

In response to the escalating crisis along the Sudan-Ethiopia border, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) has been urgently activated to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in providing relief to refugees fleeing conflict in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. Over 30,000 Ethiopians have sought safety in eastern Sudan, with the numbers expected to rise as the conflict continues. In response, IHP is mobilizing resources to establish three base camps in the border areas of Sudan to support UNHCR’s operations and the influx of refugees.

The violence in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia has led to widespread displacement, with many refugees crossing into Sudan’s eastern states of Kassala and Gedaref. UNHCR, in collaboration with the Sudanese Commissioner of Refugees (CoR), local authorities, and humanitarian partners, is working to provide immediate lifesaving assistance and monitor the evolving situation. As the refugee numbers continue to grow, inter-agency coordination and contingency planning are critical to providing effective support.

IHP members, led by MSB Sweden, are coordinating a rapid scale-up of activities to provide essential infrastructure to support UNHCR’s operations. The partnership is mobilizing resources to deploy three tented base camps in strategic locations at the border:

Hamdayat border: 30 working spaces and 30 overnight spaces
Village 8: 20 working spaces and 20 overnight spaces
Umrakuba: 30 working spaces and 20 overnight spaces

The base camps will provide inter-agency office space and accommodation for humanitarian teams working in the field. The mobilization efforts are being carried out jointly by IHP members: MSB Sweden, DSB Norway, DEMA Denmark, ERB Estonia, and CGDIS Luxembourg. The deployment is supported by the respective governments and is closely coordinated with the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM).

Cover Photo Credit: UNHCR/Hazim Elhag

The ongoing crisis in Northern Syria, particularly in and around Idlib, has reached critical levels. With escalating clashes, many NGOs and international NGOs (INGOs) are working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected population. However, the intensified conflict has severely impacted infrastructure, leaving aid workers with few facilities to operate effectively and reside safely in Northwest Syria (NW Syria). In light of these challenges, OCHA’s Emergency Services Branch (ESB) reached out to the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) to explore the possibility of providing critical infrastructure support for the humanitarian community.

The primary concern raised by OCHA was the urgent need for infrastructure support for NGOs and INGOs operating in the region. Specifically, there was a request to establish base camps either inside Turkey or within Syria itself, to enable humanitarian workers to perform their roles securely. Simultaneously, the humanitarian community was also considering the need for warehousing (Logistics Cluster) and medical facilities (Emergency Medical Teams – EMT) to strengthen the response. The request was marked as urgent, reflecting the dire conditions on the ground.

In response to OCHA’s request, IHP initiated a mission aimed at gathering key information regarding the needs and requirements in Northern Syria. This mission sought to assess the feasibility of providing support, including infrastructure for NGOs and INGOs operating in the region.

The mission’s overall goal was to gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of the operational environment and explore whether IHP could deliver an effective and accurate response to meet the identified needs.

Cover Photo Credit: UNHCR/Susan Schulman

In response to the 2017 Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) established critical coordination hubs to support humanitarian operations for the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees who fled violence in Myanmar. The facilities, set up in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and World Food Programme (WFP), provided essential office and meeting spaces for around 50 humanitarian workers at sites near Cox’s Bazar, such as Kutupalong and Nhila. These hubs were crucial in improving the working conditions and coordination capacities for various UN agencies and humanitarian organizations engaged in the response, facilitating more efficient planning, information sharing, and resource allocation.

The hubs were equipped with a mix of prefabricated structures, tents, and fixed construction to withstand the monsoon weather, enabling field teams to operate closer to affected areas rather than from Cox’s Bazar. This shift not only reduced travel times by 3-4 hours per day but also enhanced coordination and safety for relief workers, as well as improved efficiency in implementing and monitoring relief activities. The Kutupalong hub, handed over to WFP in September 2018, became an operational base for the Site Maintenance Engineering Project (SMEP) and other organizations, fostering closer collaboration and quicker response capabilities.

Beyond immediate logistical benefits, the IHP hubs also created space for capacity-building efforts among the Rohingya population, allowing for skill training and strengthening relationships between humanitarian actors and local communities. This approach marked a significant enhancement in the humanitarian community’s ability to respond effectively to the ongoing needs within the Rohingya settlements, setting a foundation for more sustainable, field-oriented operations.

Cover Photo Credit: IOM/Mashrif Abdullah Al

In 2017, as conflict intensified in South Sudan, hundreds of thousands of Sudanese fled to Uganda, seeking safety and stability. In response, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) launched an emergency project to support the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Ugandan government partners in managing the influx of refugees in northern Uganda. This project involved the rapid establishment of operational facilities in the refugee settlements, based on the IHP Base Camp model, tailored for remote, resource-limited environments.

The IHP setup included two emergency sites offering office and accommodation facilities, a permanent office structure, and a contingency stock intended to support the expansion of new refugee settlements. The setup combined portable, adaptable infrastructure with fixed construction elements to ensure stability and durability. This approach enabled UNHCR and its partners to operate closer to affected populations, allowing for more efficient and coordinated humanitarian responses.

Teams from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) and the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) managed the deployment, with MSB as the lead agency. Equipment and infrastructure were transported to designated sites, improving the capacity of on-ground agencies to deliver aid and essential services to those displaced by the conflict. The collaborative effort highlighted IHP’s commitment to delivering practical, flexible support in challenging crisis situations, enhancing the coordination and reach of humanitarian aid in Uganda’s refugee settlements.

Cover Photo Credit: UNHCR/Ala Kheir

IThe ongoing armed conflict in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State, has caused one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. The insurgency led by Boko Haram, along with military operations by national and multinational forces, has left millions of people in urgent need of assistance. With over 14 million individuals facing dire conditions, security challenges and the remoteness of many affected areas have severely hindered the delivery of life-saving aid. Malnutrition, particularly among children and vulnerable populations, is at alarmingly high levels, and the destruction of villages has left communities devastated.

In response to this crisis, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) deployed a team to Borno State to support the humanitarian response. The IHP’s involvement was requested by the Humanitarian Country Team and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to augment capacity in providing safe and secure accommodation and working facilities for humanitarian workers. IHP established a large base camp in Maiduguri, the regional capital, to accommodate approximately 100 staff, offering essential services like housing, kitchens, meeting rooms, water, sanitation, and power supply. Additionally, IHP set up eight sub-regional hubs in remote areas of Borno State, each hosting about 15 staff to ensure that aid could be delivered efficiently to those in need, despite the challenging conditions. This mission, led by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) with support from the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), was set to last for approximately 12 months, with the support and funding of the Swedish and Danish governments.

Cover Photo Credit: IOM/Jessica Mamo

In 2017, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) played a critical role in supporting humanitarian operations in Iraq following the conflict with ISIS. As many areas around Mosul were heavily impacted, with significant devastation and heightened humanitarian needs, the United Nations requested IHP’s assistance in establishing a humanitarian hub to provide overnight accommodation for personnel. This initiative helped address the significant travel challenges, as most humanitarian workers were based in Erbil, approximately 80 km from the affected areas. The four-hour round trip, exacerbated by security restrictions, severely limited operational efficiency.

In March 2017, IHP, along with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), conducted assessments to identify a suitable site for a temporary accommodation hub. After evaluating various options, a site in Adhbah, approximately 20 km from Mosul’s frontline, was selected. IHP provided refurbished caravans equipped with essential facilities, including showers, internet, and power, for up to nine guests. The hub, built with compliance to UN security standards, enabled UN staff to stay closer to operational sites, thus strengthening the humanitarian presence in Mosul.

The project was led by MSB (Sweden) and DEMA (Denmark) in partnership with WFP and supported by the governments of Sweden, Denmark, Luxembourg, and the Iraq Pooled Fund. The Adhbah hub significantly improved the coordination and delivery of aid to communities facing extreme humanitarian conditions in Mosul and surrounding areas.

Cover Photo Credit: UNICEF/Sparks

The South Sudanese Civil War in 2016 marked a continuation of the violent conflict that erupted in 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar. Despite a peace agreement signed in 2015, fighting resumed in July 2016, particularly in the capital, Juba, spreading instability across the country. The conflict led to widespread atrocities, mass displacement, and a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions of people facing famine and insecurity. The war severely disrupted South Sudan’s fragile economy and infrastructure, leaving the population dependent on humanitarian aid for survival amidst escalating violence.

The International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) played a critical role in supporting humanitarian operations in South Sudan by establishing six Light Base Camps (LBCs) across challenging locations in the Greater Upper Nile area. These LBCs were essential for providing secure accommodation, logistical support, and basic amenities for humanitarian staff, enabling more effective response operations in areas with limited accessibility due to conflict and rough terrain. The camps were equipped with amenities such as solar power, water purification systems, and sanitation facilities, improving the living conditions for aid workers conducting health programs, food distribution, and other crucial services.

The project, carried out in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), focused on remote areas including Melut, Wau Shilluk, Leer, Koch, Nimni, and Nialdhu. Each camp supported around 30 humanitarian staff, creating hubs that allowed for better coordination among organizations and expanded access to vulnerable populations beyond the UN Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites. After the LBCs were established, they were handed over to local NGOs, which received training from IHP teams on managing and maintaining the facilities to ensure continued support.

The operation was led by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) with support from the Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), alongside equipment from the UK’s DFID. The mission was funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the South Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund, managed by UNOCHA. IHP partners planned a review workshop in Copenhagen to assess the deployment and derive insights for future operations.

Cover Photo Credit: UN Photo/Isaac Billy

In 2014, South Sudan faced one of the worst crises in its young history. Escalating violence, coupled with recurring natural disasters, led to the displacement of over 1 million people and left more than 4 million in need of urgent assistance. Jonglei State, one of the hardest-hit regions, posed significant challenges to humanitarian operations due to ongoing conflict and severe flooding during the rainy season.

To provide a lifeline to humanitarian responders and the communities they served, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) launched an operation to create a vital lifeline for support in the region. This mission was initiated in response to a request from the Logistics Cluster, through the World Food Programme (WFP), to establish portable base camp solutions in Jonglei State. IHP deployed an assessment team from MSB (Sweden) and DEMA (Denmark) to evaluate the needs and provide immediate support.

IHP’s intervention consisted of two critical projects:

Mobile Light Base Camps
IHP established mobile base camps in remote areas of Upper Nile and Unity States in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). These camps were designed to support approximately 25 humanitarian staff at each location. Their lightweight design allowed rapid assembly, dismantling, and relocation in response to changing security conditions. Equipped with essential office and accommodation facilities, the camps provided a safe and functional environment for responders delivering aid in hard-to-reach areas.

Prefabricated Offices
In support of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), IHP set up prefabricated office facilities in Bor, Bentiu, Malakal, and Rumbek. These structures enhanced existing compounds, accommodating an additional 18 staff members at each site.

Despite challenges such as early rains rendering roads impassable and a tense security situation, the operation remained steadfast. As Andreas Nilsson, MSB Project Manager, stated: “Timing is critical! We need to reach the designated locations as soon as possible.”

Through collaboration with DEMA, MSB, Luxembourg, and the European Union, IHP’s swift and adaptive response provided a crucial lifeline, improving conditions for humanitarian teams and ensuring aid could reach South Sudan’s most vulnerable populations.

The war in Iraq during 2014–2015, driven by the rise of ISIS, caused massive destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. As the extremist group seized large territories, millions of Iraqis were displaced, fleeing violence in search of safety. By mid-2014, over 3 million people were internally displaced, many living in dire conditions with limited access to shelter, clean water, and basic services.

The situation was declared a Level 3 emergency by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), reflecting the urgency and complexity of the crisis. In response, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) was called upon by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to assist in establishing camps to house internally displaced persons (IDPs). One of the camps was constructed in Sheikhan, in northern Iraq.

Within 72 hours of UNHCR’s request, an IHP assessment team was deployed to the region. Working closely with UNHCR and local stakeholders, the team assessed camp sites and prepared for the arrival of essential equipment. On August 21, 2014, the first IHP aircraft landed in Erbil, carrying 170 emergency shelters and blankets to support displaced families.

Sheikhan camp was one of three camps designed to house 15,000 IDPs each. With contributions from IHP members—including DEMA (Denmark), DSB (Norway), DFID (UK), MSB (Sweden), and THW (Germany)—the partnership mobilized shelters, office facilities, power generators, and water equipment. IHP teams provided the technical expertise to construct the camps, ensuring they were operational as quickly as possible.

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