Protection response to conflict and disaster affected communities in North and West Jebel Mara localities of Central Darfur State. ltpgtDanish Refugee Council (DRC), Trust and Rehabilitation Development Organization (TDO), and Jebel Marra Charitable Organization (JMCO) propose a joint protection response for IDPs and vulnerable host communities in West and North Jebel Marra localities of Central Darfur. The project aims to meet the protection needs of the most vulnerable, enhance community capacity to reduce risks and improve access to services. It involves forming and capacitating protection networks, providing training to stakeholders for effective, protection-mainstreamed support to Persons with Special Needs (PSNs), and ensuring tailored support for PSNs and other vulnerable community members. The project aligns with the 2024 Protection Cluster objectives, addressing immediate risks, strengthening the protection environment, and enhancing community-based protection mechanisms.lt/pgtltpgtltigtDRC, leveraging its extensive experience in Darfur and a nuanced understanding of conflict dynamics in operational areas, will implement the project primarily through Community-Based Protection Networks (CBPNs). These networks offer a comprehensive insight into community dynamics, playing a vital role in addressing tensions at local levels, promoting dialogue, and fostering a culture of non-violence. While CBPNs may not directly tackle macro-conflicts, they are pivotal in resolving localized issues. DRC will ensure effective linkage between CBPNs, traditional leaders, peace and reconciliation committees, and existing de facto leadership in the project area, fostering collaboration to strengthen peacebuilding initiatives and contribute to overall stability and conflict mitigation. CBPNs will receive close support from partner focal persons, primarily national staff from JMCO and TDO familiar with the conflict dynamics of project areas. DRC will provide training for CBPNs, partner focal persons, and key local leaders to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, identify, report, or manage local conflicts and tensions in project areas.ltbrgtDRC recognizes three layers of conflict over the years, including macro-conflict between warring parties, inter-communal disputes over resource allocation, and household-level conflicts among family members. Root causes of conflict in Central Darfur are multifaceted, involving factors like intercommunal violence, competition over scarce resources (land, water, and economic opportunities), access to firearms, youth unemployment, land tenure issues, historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and political marginalization. Key stakeholders, such as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the potential for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to regain control, contribute to escalating tensions. The RSF primarily comprises commanders and fighters from the Arab ethnic group, while the SAF may have a more diverse composition, including members from the black African Masalit ethnic group. Tribal leaders play a crucial role in mediation efforts, given their influence and representation of different ethnic groups, including youth and women. The intricate interplay of these factors and stakeholders contributes to ongoing conflict dynamics in the region.ltbrgtDRC commits to integrating conflict-sensitive approaches across various activities, ensuring the inclusive constitution of CBPNs, incorporating conflict trends in protection assessments, including conflict sensitivity in awareness-raising sessions, integrating conflict sensitivity in capacity-building for national partners, and transparently and conflict-sensitively selecting beneficiaries for individual protection assistance. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the effectiveness of interventions while considering and mitigating potential conflict dynamics in targeted areas.lt/igtltbrgtlt/pgt