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.

    The Central African Republic (CAR) faced a devastating crisis in 2014, marked by widespread violence, political instability, and mass displacement. Armed conflict between rival groups left millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with infrastructure in many regions severely damaged. The town of Kaga-Bandoro, a critical crossroads between the north and south, became a focal point for relief efforts. To support a sustainable UN presence in the region, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) undertook a mission to establish a fully functional inter-agency office and accommodation compound.

    Led by MSB (Sweden), with support from DEMA (Denmark) and ASS-Lux (Luxembourg), IHP partnered with UNICEF, the implementing agency, and WFP, the requesting organization. The mission focused on renovating a dilapidated UN compound to provide facilities for over 40 humanitarian staff.

    From June 2014 to May 2015, the IHP team installed 22 prefabricated houses and fully refurbished existing buildings to include office space, accommodation, and essential amenities such as toilets, showers, and a laundry room. The compound was equipped with generators, modernized electrical systems, and durable bricked and cemented walkways to withstand the heavy rains. The facilities became operational ahead of schedule, hosting personnel from UNICEF, WFP, WHO, UNFPA, OCHA, and NGOs like Save the Children.

    The compound’s impact was transformative. It enabled humanitarian staff to live and work securely in Kaga-Bandoro, allowing for critical activities such as vaccination campaigns and emergency relief operations. As MSB Project Manager Niklas Hansson noted, “Sustainability and use of local capacity is key to a successful implementation.”

    Challenges, such as extreme weather, logistics, and limited local resources, tested the team. Yet, their commitment to simplicity and adaptability ensured long-term functionality. Today, the compound stands as a vital hub for delivering life-saving aid, a testament to IHP’s dedication to supporting those in need.

    Cover Photo Credit: UNHCR/Reason Moses Runyanga

    In 2013, as the Syrian refugee crisis continued to escalate, UNHCR faced mounting logistical challenges in Jordan. The influx of refugees and the growing scale of humanitarian operations required swift adaptation and enhanced infrastructure to ensure effective coordination and response. To support these efforts, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) was called upon to assist with relocating UNHCR’s offices in Amman and constructing a new compound with prefabricated offices.

    The new compound was designed to accommodate the expanding workforce and provide functional office spaces for key UNHCR teams. The project aimed to enhance operational efficiency and ensure that the agency could meet the demands of its increased operations. IHP partners, including MSB (Sweden) and DEMA (Denmark) collaborated to deliver a swift and effective solution, using prefabricated structures that could be rapidly assembled to meet the urgent needs of the organization.

    IHP’s team worked closely with UNHCR to plan and execute the project, ensuring that the compound was fully equipped with essential services, such as electricity, water supply, and sanitation. The use of prefabricated office spaces allowed for a quick build time while maintaining high standards of quality and comfort for the staff working.

    By the end of 2014, the new compound was completed and operational, providing a stable base for UNHCR’s teams working across Jordan and in support of the refugees in the region. This initiative was critical in helping UNHCR streamline its operations and continue delivering vital assistance to the thousands of displaced Syrians seeking refuge in Jordan.

    The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011, triggered one of the most significant displacement crises in recent history. Millions of Syrians fled their homes, seeking safety in neighboring countries like Jordan. Among the camps established to host refugees, Azraq Refugee Camp became a cornerstone of Jordan’s response to the crisis. Located in the desert, Azraq is designed to provide a safe haven for tens of thousands of Syrians who have lost everything.

    In 2014, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) played a critical role in enhancing the camp’s operational capacity. Responding to a request from UNHCR, IHP supported the construction of 80 office spaces and meeting rooms in the camp. These facilities became the backbone of humanitarian coordination, enabling organizations to collaborate effectively and deliver vital services to camp residents.

    Today, Azraq Refugee Camp is home to approximately 40,000 Syrian refugees. Known for its organized layout and emphasis on sustainability, the camp features schools, health centers, communal kitchens, and solar-powered electricity. The offices established with IHP’s support remain essential, facilitating the work of humanitarian agencies and ensuring the smooth delivery of aid and services to refugees.

    While Azraq offers safety and basic services, the refugees’ long-term needs underscore the enduring nature of the Syrian crisis. IHP’s involvement highlights the critical importance of strong partnerships in building infrastructure that not only addresses immediate needs but also provides a foundation for resilience and hope in the face of ongoing challenges.

    Cover Photo Credit: UN Photo/Mark Garten

    Cover Photo Credit: IOM/Muse Mohammed

    The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, led to one of the largest displacement crises in modern history. Millions fled the violence, with Jordan becoming a primary destination for those seeking safety. Among the refugee camps established in Jordan, Zaatari emerged as a central hub for Syrian refugees. Located near the Syrian border, Zaatari has grown to become one of the largest refugee camps in the world, symbolizing both the resilience of its residents and the challenges of managing such a massive humanitarian response.

    In 2014, at the height of the crisis, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) joined efforts to enhance the camp’s capacity to support refugees and humanitarian operations. Responding to a request from UNHCR, IHP, alongside other partners, facilitated the construction of 80 office spaces and meeting rooms within the camp. These facilities provided essential infrastructure for coordination, planning, and delivering services to the camp’s residents.

    The Zaatari Refugee Camp today is more than a temporary shelter—it is a sprawling city that accommodates over 80,000 Syrian refugees. The camp features markets, schools, health centers, and community spaces, offering a semblance of normalcy amid challenging circumstances. The offices and meeting rooms established with IHP’s support remain vital, enabling organizations to work efficiently and collaborate effectively in addressing the refugees’ needs.

    While the camp has become a symbol of humanitarian assistance, the ongoing need for support is a stark reminder of the protracted nature of the Syrian crisis. IHP’s involvement in Zaatari underscores the importance of global partnerships in providing both immediate relief and sustainable infrastructure, ensuring that displaced populations receive the care and services they need to rebuild their lives.

    Cover Photo Credit: UNHCR/Brian Sokol

    Cover Photo Credit: UNOCHA/Giles Clarke

    Cover Photo Credit: UNICEF/Osman Rajab

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