SUDAN: Durable solutions elusive as southern IDPs return and ...

given for free, so there is much demand, including from people outside of the camps, for a plot.
Recipients have to pay the charges (around 200 USD) and then, in order to get the legal
documents that will ensure real and sustainable ownership, they have to pay more for the legal
process. The difficulty is getting onto the list and being able to pay the charges (and the cost of
rebuilding a house). Some families have moved into the IDP camps before the demolitions and
established a racuba — a shelter made of branches, plastic sheets and cardboard — in the hope
of getting access to legal title. The system is untransparent and corrupt and privileges wealthier
people" (Tufts-IDMC, August 2008, p.19).
In 2007 Khartoum state adopted the “Guiding Principles on Relocation”. While these Guidelines
represent an important step in affirming respect for international standards in the context of
forcible relocations, the protection of disadvantaged groups depends on the effective application
of these Principles (UN and Partners, 19 November 2008, p.201; 18 December 2007, p.221).
Family Life, Participation, Access to Justice, Documentation and
other Civil and Political Rights
Civil and political rights
Access to documentation
Lack of access to governmental registration and documentation remains a grave concern for all
urban poor (Landinfo, November 2008, p. 17), but particularly for IDPs who tend to be more
affected by weaknesses in the legal system (UNHCR, November 2007, p.8, and January 2008,
p.8; IRIN, 4 December 2008; 2009 Work Plan for Sudan, November 2008, p.201; Assal, March
2006, p.17; IOM, September 2006, p.VII).
A 2003 survey of IDP households in Khartoum found that:
"For all age groups, 36% of IDPs have no documentation, 37% have at least a birth certificate,
15% at least a Certificate of nationality and 8% at least an Identity Document [see the graph
below]. These percentages vary greatly when the data is analysed by age. For the Under-5s,
despite a significant effort by NGOs to issue birth certificates to all newly born, 39.9% have no
documentation, with 57.7% having a birth certificate. Between 6-18 Years old, 33% have no
documentation and 58.5% have a birth certificate. Between 19-25 years old, 39.2% have no
documentation, 23.6% have at least a birth certificate, 21.7% have a Certificate of Nationality and
10.5% have an Identity Document. For those aged 26-50 years old, 36.7% have no ID, 33% have
at least a Certificate of Nationality and 19.8% an Identity Document. Over 50 years old, only
44.4% have no documentation at all" (CARE and IOM, 23 February 2003, p.15).
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