Second phase of PROSPECTS launched in Sudan, empowering host and forcibly displaced communities

Port Sudan, SUDAN (ILO News) – The Government of the Netherlands, in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Labour Organization (ILO), Sudan’s Commission of Refugees (COR), the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), and relevant line ministries, officially launched the second phase of the PROSPECTS partnership. This initiative aims to strengthen resilience, self-reliance, and inclusion of host communities, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Kassala and White Nile, Sudan.

More than 10 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the conflict began in April 2023, making Sudan one of the world's largest displacement and protection crises. Additionally, the country hosts over 840,000 refugees and asylum seekers from neighboring nations.

Recognizing the urgent challenges faced by host communities, refugees, and displaced persons, the Government of the Netherlands has played a pivotal role in convening humanitarian and development agencies, in collaboration with local authorities, to promote access to education, livelihoods, protection, and critical infrastructure.

© ILO

© ILO

PROSPECTS Phase 2: Expanding Impact and Sustainability

Building on the achievements of the first phase, PROSPECTS II will focus on four strategic pillars to improve the lives of refugees, displaced Sudanese, and host communities:

• Education and Learning – Equipping young people with skills and knowledge to succeed in school, community life, and the workforce.
• Economic Inclusion – Creating opportunities for decent work and sustainable livelihoods.
• Protection and Inclusion – Strengthening the rights and inclusion of refugees and host communities, ensuring access to basic services, including child protection.
• Critical Infrastructure – Enhancing digital connectivity, water and sanitation, and sustainable housing.

Speaking at the launch event, Wiesje Elfferich, Deputy Head of the Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sudan, emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable solutions for forced displacement:

“The Government of the Netherlands seeks to strengthen the prospects of host communities, refugees, and displaced Sudanese in Kassala and White Nile.”

By investing in education, job creation, protection, and critical infrastructure, we can empower refugees and host communities to build a more resilient future.

Wiesje Elfferich, Deputy Head of the Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sudan

The Deputy Head of Mission also commended the progress made in the first phase and expressed optimism about the continued collaboration with the United Nations, Sudanese government actors, and local partners in implementing PROSPECTS II.

Stephen Opio, ILO PROSPECTS Chief Technical Advisor for Sudan and Ethiopia, highlighted the labor market impact of the crisis and the role of infrastructure rehabilitation in economic recovery:

“The Sudan crisis is having severe effects on the country’s labour market, and we remain committed as ILO to support recovery initiatives that include strengthening the capacity of local institutions and organizations to design and implement inclusive labor market policies. Our partnership with the Netherlands will enable us to invest in infrastructure rehabilitation through labour-based approaches that promote economic livelihoods and create pathways to dignified employment for the displaced persons in Sudan.”

The Assistant Commissioner of Refugees in Kassala, Mohamed Altaj, acknowledged the increasing influx of refugees and the urgent need for expanded protection services:

“Sudan continues to receive new refugees, with approximately 100 new arrivals per week in Kassala alone. The deteriorating security and economic situation is driving this displacement. While PROSPECTS II will enhance protection and access to services, further support is needed to strengthen systems and enable sustainable service provision.”

Representatives from Sudan’s Ministries of Labour, Education, Social Welfare, and Infrastructure, along with the National Council for Child Welfare and the Humanitarian Aid Commission, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the program’s effective implementation for long-term positive impact.

Key Achievements from PROSPECTS Phase 1 (2020-2024):

The first phase of the PROSPECTS program made significant strides across three core areas: Education and Training, Employment with Dignity, and Protection & Inclusion.

• 59,541 children and youth accessed primary and secondary education, including alternative learning programs.
• 4,822 adolescents and youth received skills development training.
• 82,186 forcibly displaced persons gained national civil status registration, including birth certificates.
• 54,266 adults and children benefited from protection and child protection services, including mental health support, referrals, and other essential services.
• Infrastructure improvements included new classrooms, child-friendly spaces, a child court, civil registry facilities, youth and multi-purpose community centers, water access points, and health centers—creating 300 new jobs.
• Strengthening of government institutions to enhance registration, justice, child protection, and livelihood services.