Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
In Darfur, Western Sudan 1.2 million people have been forced out of their homes, leaving all possessions behind. They are fleeing from an orchestrated campaign of violence, abuse and rape.
Some have sought security in refugee camps such as El Riyad near Geneina. Women and children make up the vast majority of people in this camp; there are very few men. HelpAge International staff on the ground estimate that approximately ten percent of those in the camp are older people, mainly older women.
Their needs are very often neglected by other aid agencies. HelpAge is trying to address the specific needs of the elderly in the context of the emergency as well as develop long term solutions for community reintegration and support. For more information go to www.helpage.org
Left: An elderly woman with her grandchild in a camp in El Geneina.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
Halima Ahmed Hissein is 80 years old and lives in Goker, Darfur. Twice widowed, her children have fled because of the ongoing conflict. She now lives alone, living off whatever she can find in the bush around her home.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
A widow in Krindig Camp, Darfur. Helpage are trying to ensure that elderly people are receiving the assistance they need through outreach programs in the camps.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
The main road through Krindig Camp, Darfur, where Helpage are working.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
Halima lives with her only remaining grandson, Ismail (not seen), in Krindigg camp, Darfur.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
Fatima lives in Krindig Camp, Darfur with her seven grandchildren. Their parents, her children, have been injured, killed or separated from them. Helpage is trying to assist her family to stay together by providing non food items.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
A queue for food in a refugee camp in Nyala. Helpage tries to ensure that elderly people receive the correct food rations, and that if they are unable to collect the rations themselves there is someone to do it for them.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
Many elderly people, like this man who lies ill in Nyala Hospital, have been abandoned in hospital by their families-displaced by the conflict. Helpage has been trying to assist these people find shelter and be reunited with their families.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
Hawaya lives in Ardamata camp, Darfur which is home to 4000 families. Her home was burnt down and she has been widowed. She now lives with her son and his family in the camp.
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Help Age International I, Darfur, Sudan
September 2004
An elderly displaced man in El Geneina, West Darfur, with what remains of his herd of goats. He used to own over 300 but now only has 22 after being forced to leave them behind in his village when they fled fighting. Widowed, he now helps look after his 12 grandchildren in the IDP camp
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