|
|
Isolation in Darfur
Ageing and Development
July 2005
The continuing crisis in Darfur highlights the devastating effect of internal conflict on older people when traditional support systems are taken away.
The United Nations estimates that there are nearly two million internally displaced people in Darfur, Sudan. More than 700,000 are living in camps in West Darfur. About 10 per cent of these are older people.
Tensions over access to land have existed in the region for decades. But since 2003, the situation has steadily escalated into armed conflict. Many people have fled to other countries or to camps supported by humanitarian agencies. Research by HelpAge International shows that older people in camps live in chronic poverty, feel neglected and are often isolated.
Before the conflict, older people were taken care of by community support mechanisms. Those with disabilities were supported by family members and neighbours. Older people usually had status and financial security, through assets such as land.
Now, approximately 50 per cent of all older people in the camps live alone. Almost 40 per cent are widows, who complain that reduced social contact makes them feel invisible at times.
Some older people have lost sons and daughters in the conflict. Around a third care for orphaned children, not always related.
Sixty-five year old Muhammad, who lives in Mornei camp with his grandson, is blind. As a sheikh in his home village he was a respected man. Now he begs for food and money in the market, selling the food to pay school fees.
Opportunities for older men to earn money through casual work are limited, resulting in low self-esteem.
Disability stops some older people from getting aid. Those unable to get to registration centres frequently miss out on food and health programmes.
HelpAge International has been working in West Darfur since July 2004 and has set up older people's committees in five camps. Committee members identify vulnerable older people through home visits. Older people are also targeted with appropriate aid such as fuel-efficient stoves.
Susan Erb, HelpAge International's programme manager in Darfur says: 'Older people have been left without any support by the Darfur crisis. They are in danger of becoming the most marginalised group in Darfur unless humanitarian agencies specifically target them.'
|
|
