Malakal, 24 July 2025 – In a move to provide sustainable reintegration support to internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities in Greater Malakal, the Ministry of Peace Building, South Sudan in partnership with UNDP South Sudan, IOM South Sudan and the Danish Refugee Council has officially launched the “Towards Durable Solutions in Greater Malakal, Upper Nile State, South Sudan” project. The launch event was held at the Youth Center in Malakal.

Given the multiple and recurring displacements in the Malakal area, durable solutions for displaced populations need to be complemented with support for receiving communities, who themselves are often still recovering from the vulnerabilities associated with displacements they have experienced. Supporting displaced and hosting communities further reduces potential status-based tensions between populations and promotes peaceful coexistence.

Within the context of South Sudan, particularly in the Upper Nile State, durable solutions must be firmly rooted in peacebuilding processes, as peace and the reduction of displacement-related needs are intertwined. This project aims to support the peacebuilding process by addressing some of the root causes and drivers of conflict, reducing vulnerabilities associated with displacement, and investing in an enabling environment for durable solutions.

“This is a steppingstone, this is the for you to move towards development like other states across South Sudan that are already on the path to development. However, Upper Nile, because of the conflict, has been behind,” he said. “This project will allow you to think about moving towards development. The project is very important. Although it is a small project for only 24 months, it builds a very strong base for moving forward for the people of Upper Nile State.” - Hon. Pia Philip, Undersecretary Ministry of Peace Building in South Sudan.

“This $3 million initiative will strengthen local governance and community engagement structures, ensuring that displacement-affected populations (women, youth, and minority groups) have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their lives. It will promote sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment, access to adequate housing, land, and community infrastructure, lastly, it invests in trust-building, social cohesion, and peaceful conflict resolution.” - Natacha Kunama, Program Advisor and Manager, UNDP South Sudan.
 
“In light of the long history of displacement of communities in Malakal, a secure, protection-centred response cannot exist without stability and peace, which are essential for creating opportunities for individuals. We are working together on this project to build the necessary conditions for a durable solution through integrated programming that strengthens community-led peacebuilding actions along with equitable access to land and livelihood opportunities for affected communities.” - Laurent Palustran, Country Director, Danish Refugee Council (DRC) South Sudan.

The project will focus on skills development, livelihood creation, and improving access to housing, basic infrastructure, and essential services. It also seeks to strengthen local governance systems and foster inclusive community structures that promote local ownership and accountability in the recovery process.

It will enhance social cohesion by empowering communities to prevent and resolve conflicts peacefully across Malakal Town, the Malakal Protection of Civilians (PoC) site, and the surrounding areas of Kodok and Fashoda. Targeting 20,000 direct beneficiaries, the project will place gender equality at the center of its recovery strategy by ensuring that women make up 50 percent of all participants. 

This reflects a strong commitment to inclusive peacebuilding and the recognition that sustainable development must include women’s full and equal participation. The project is funded by a $3 million grant from the Secretary-General’s United Peacebuilding Fund and will be implemented in a period of 24 months.