Nairobi, Kenya — The UNHCR Regional Bureau for Eastern and Southern Africa (RBESA) has significantly advanced the role of organizations led by forcibly displaced and stateless persons (FDSPLOs) in the region’s humanitarian response. Over a three-year period, RBESA has facilitated a transformation that has elevated FDSPLOs from peripheral participants to recognized partners. USD 2.
3 million has been allocated to 201 FDSPLOs through a variety of partnerships and grant mechanisms, enabling these organizations to enhance their capacity and effectiveness in aiding displaced communities.
Additionally, 2,500 FDSPLO leaders and network members have undergone capacity-strengthening initiatives, which have improved their readiness to manage and distribute humanitarian aid in line with regional maturity guidelines.
In six of the 25 countries within the region, Refugee-Led Organization Networks (RELONs) have been established, providing displaced communities with a formal platform for coordination, rather than the ad hoc consultations of the past.
Furthermore, five governments — Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sudan, and Ethiopia—have developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines to simplify the legal registration process for FDSPLOs, ensuring that these organizations can operate more freely and effectively.
The UNHCR report underscores the transformative impact of these initiatives, noting that FDSPLOs are now recognized as key players in the humanitarian response, rather than mere recipients of aid. This shift not only benefits displaced communities but also enhances the overall effectiveness of humanitarian aid distribution.
As the region faces ongoing challenges related to protracted conflicts and displacement, the growing importance of FDSPLOs is expected to continue. With increased support and recognition, these organizations are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the humanitarian needs of the region’s displaced populations.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
