Schools used as shelters affecting children’s education

In the wake of current urban displacement crisis in the country, some displaced populations have sought shelter in schools, while most have taken refuge within host communities. With the prolonged war depleting the resources of and limited humanitarian assistance, the number of "gathering sites"—mainly schools used as shelters—is increasing. Currently, 2,579 schools (13 per cent of all schools) are being used as shelters for internally displaced people affected by the conflict, affecting the education of nearly 2 million children. Schools should be the last resort for shelter, but those with water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and walled fences, typically girls' schools, are often used. However, the longer a school is used as a shelter, the longer it takes to resume its educational function. Damage to buildings and the complexities of resettling displaced people further complicate the situation. Over the past year, there have been reports of eviction threats. In some states, authorities have carried out forced evictions without consulting on alternative solutions, often to resume the school year.

A sustainable shelter solution for the displaced people in urban areas requires consultation with the affected people and flexibility from all stakeholders to explore possible local solutions in phased approaches. This will ensure dignified living conditions for displaced families and education for Sudanese children. The current risks of using schools as shelters, which are not well-equipped for this purpose, include overcrowding, lack of privacy, limited or no WASH facilities, inadequate lighting and electricity, and a lack of security measures. These conditions increase protection risks, particularly GBV risks, and concerns related to theft and other crimes. The longer students are unable to resume their studies, the higher the risks of child or sexual abuse, child labour, early marriages, child pregnancy, and conscription into armed groups.