Civilian Protection in Darfur

Strengthening Firewood Patrols in Darfur

Project Cost: $54,000 per six months

The risks associated with firewood collection for women and girls in Darfur, especially rape, are well known and constitute a major source of violence both allowed and encouraged by Government of Sudan. While the firewood patrols run by the UN force (UNAMID) should protect women from rape and banditry, patrols are infrequent and poorly run, precluding large scale usage by women and allowing continued rape and assault. GI-NET will fund a local partner in South Darfur to strengthen firewood patrols and improve the security displaced women in Darfur. This project will:

• Employ a Firewood Liaison Coordinator to attend patrols and advise on improving them, provide logistical support for patrols and facilitate information sharing with displaced women;
• Create firewood committees enabling displaced women to communicate with and pressure UNAMID to conduct patrols more effectively and regularly; and
• Provide donkeys and donkey carts so that women can collect enough firewood to last them until the next patrolled trip.

The project will initially focus on 3 camps in South Darfur.

Click here to download a handout on the genocide in Darfur

For more information on the Genocide Intervention Network's Civilian Protection Program and specific projects, visit http://genocideintervention.net/protection.