Malakal Protection of Civilian site reconfiguration Since 2014, the Malakal Protection of Civilian (PoC) site has provided protection to civilians fleeing armed conflict and violence in Upper Nile. The site was initially designed as an interim measure to accommodate 22,000 people on a temporary basis. The population of the PoC has fluctuated as periodic episodes of intense violence and conflict in the area have flared, leading to large influxes followed by gradual exits over the past 4-years. The PoC site is divided into four sectors, with the most crowded sectors (three and four) developed later to help accommodate the new waves of people entering the PoC in late 2015. Living conditions inside the Malakal PoC are recognized as well below humanitarian standard. 

Camp Coordination and Camp Management and Shelter-NFI Partners in coordination with the Inter-Cluster Working Group (ICWG), have persistently advocated for the site to undergo reconfiguration. In late 2017 IOM in consultation with Camp Management and Shelter-NFI lead partner in Malakal PoC site the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and relevant Cluster partners developed a Malakal reconfiguration plan which has been agreed to by the ICWG. Under this plan DRC will be responsible for general coordination, information sharing with UNMISS and partners working in PoC comprising: community engagement (community sensitization and consultation) relocation including preparation of the transit site and community storage, phased relocation and shelter design, procurement, dismantlement of old shelters and construction of new shelters and allocation. IOM is responsible for all site works comprising, site planning, site clearing and levelling and rehabilitation. 

The site reconfiguration requires close coordination and partnership between DRC, IOM and UNMISS. All activities to complete the site reconfiguration are contingent on both DRC and IOM acquiring sufficient funding (through alternative sources) and completing required activities according to the agreed roles and responsibilities and within the agreed timeline. DRC has received funding to begin the project. IOM requires funding in order to complete necessary site works concurrently with DRC. The success of the project is also heavily reliant on the agreement and support of UNMISS in Malakal. DRC and IOM have initiated and continue regular discussions with UNMISS to ensure buy-in and support for the project.

IOM is able to immediately commence earthworks in April prior to the upcoming rainy season (expected to begin around May). This timing depends on the completion of community mobilization, shelter dismantlement and removal of debris by DRC. If these activities cannot be completed before the beginning of the rainy season, IOM and DRC will need to halt operations until the end of the rainy season (in October) when conditions allow works to continue. 

The proposed project aims to improve living conditions and reduce protection concerns in the Malakal PoC site, encourage free movement of IDPs and partners around the site, and ensure equitable access to shelters and facilities as well as to prevent flooding of shelters during the rainy season. SSHF funding will be used for the IOM allocated activities.