Mali - Emergency Response in Gao and Bourem - Oxfam-Québec 2015

March 2015 - Nearly three years after the eruption of conflict in northern Mali its impact is still felt across the country and in particular in Timbuktu Gao and Kidal regions. Despite continued progress in restoring state authority and public services in conflict-affected regions the context remains marked by security incidents. Due to the conflict and insecurity there remain over 86 000 internally displaced persons and 139 000 refugees in neighbouring countries. Humanitarian actors play a critical role in supporting lifesaving interventions such as health care nutrition and water sanitation and hygiene interventions. With DFATD’s support Oxfam-Québec is providing emergency assistance to 30 500 conflict-affected people in the districts of Gao and Bourem including access to water the provision of seeds and tools as well as cash transfers to improve food security and livelihoods. Project activities include: (1) seasonal cash transfers to vulnerable households; (2) distribution of seeds and tools; (3) rehabilitation or construction of water points for the supply of safe drinking water and sanitation services; (4) promotion of safe hygiene practices; (5) advocacy against gender-based violence; and (6) promotion of safe access to humanitarian assistance and of human rights.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) improved livelihoods and food security; (2) improved access to drinking water sanitation and hygiene; and (3) strengthened protection against the impact of conflict. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.