Shelter and Settlement

IOM implements and coordinates lifesaving shelter and NFI operations across South Sudan to provide protection, mitigate health risks and help restore dignity to crisis- and disaster-affected populations.

Since the crisis erupted in December 2013, IOM has deployed more than 50 mobile response team operations to distribute shelter and relief materials, conduct assessments, and register households for assistance.

To reach populations cut-off from humanitarian assistance due to conflict and access constraints, IOM’s Shelter/NFI team works closely with UN and non-governmental organisation (NGO) partners to implement emergency airlift operations to deliver lifesaving survival kits. The lightweight, portable kits may include mosquito nets, seeds, fishing supplies, water carrying containers, water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts, nutritional biscuits and kitchen sets. For more information on the multi-agency survival kit operation, please read Survival Kits FAQ.

Housing, Land and Property (HLP)

IOM’s Housing, Land and Property (HLP) team directly assists individuals and communities through the provision of education, counselling and outreach on a case-by-case basis. Simultaneously, the team works closely with national authorities responsible for land and property governance, by guiding and assisting in the development of progressive and inclusive HLP legislation. This two-pronged approach generates nuanced, pragmatic action, informed on both sides by the priorities, challenges and considerations encountered at the micro and macro levels.

IOM has been instrumental in reviewing, amending and advancing the 2019 Draft National Land Policy from stagnation to imminent passage. When passed, this legislation will provide a legal framework for nuanced, progressive and “pro-poor” land and property management in South Sudan. Looking ahead, IOM’s HLP team seeks to review the 2009 Land Act, develop national Housing and Building Codes, and pursue the development of a Community Land Act.

Shelter and Non-Items Cluster

IOM also leads the South Sudan Shelter and NFI Cluster, which coordinates the activities of partner organizations providing life-saving household items and emergency shelter supplies across the country. IOM leads the Cluster at the national level with support from Cluster co-lead World Vision International.

As the Cluster lead agency, IOM manages the Shelter and NFI core pipeline, a mechanism to ensure that key relief items and emergency shelter materials are pre-positioned in strategic locations and ready for rapid deployment. For more information on the South Sudan Shelter and NFI Cluster, please visit sheltercluster.org/response/south-sudan