19 March, 2001

SPECIAL FOCUS ON POPULATION MOVEMENTS

appeal no. 01.03/2001; Revised budget situation report no. 2 period covered: 16 February - 12 March, 2001

The insecurity on the border areas between Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone continues to provoke massive population movements both among the refugees as well as the native population. New camps are being built away from the border in the sub-prefecture of , and refugees are gradually being moved to these new camps. However, there are still 150,000 caught in the Languette where, over the past few days, following a food distribution, there have been two attacks by rebel forces on camps in the area. The overall political and security situation in Sierra Leone could result in further attacks, and it is not inconceivable that a sudden mass exodus of 150,000 refugees from the Languette could occur. The ICRC is lead agency for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in Guinea. The Guinean Red Cross (GRC), supported by the Federation and ICRC, has been actively involved in responding to all population movements, but further support is required to assist the Red Cross to continue its activities in support of the refugee and to respond quickly to any further population movements.

The original appeal budget has been revised to ensure an adequate delivery of assistance to the intended beneficiaries.

The context

The civil wars which have been raging in Liberia and Sierra Leone for the past ten years and which have resulted in some 450,000 people from these two countries seeking refuge in Guinea, has spilled over into Guinea itself. Since September of last year there have been repeated incursions on border towns in Guinea. The city of Gueckédou has been the scene of frequent attacks. On February 7th, ICRC delegates were invited by Government authorities to visit the city to see for themselves that appeal no. 01.03/2001; Guinea: Special Report on Population Movements situation report no. 2

calm had returned and that the city was under the control of the Guinean military. During the visit it was observed that at least one third of the city had been destroyed during the fighting and a number of bodies of victims of the fighting still had not been buried. The Guinean Red Cross was asked by the authorities to take care of the bodies and with the support of the Federation and the ICRC were prepared to do it. However, before they could execute this task, renewed fighting broke out in the city. The next day fighting intensified and moved out of the city. The Nyaédou refugee camp, which housed approximately 35,000 refugees, lies only 17 kms from Gueckédou. Although the camp itself did not come under attack, the noise of the fighting and loud bombardments were clearly heard in the camp. This provoked panic among the refugees and in very little time the camp became a virtual ghost town. UNHCR had been in the process of effecting a disciplined transfer which fast turned into chaos with hundreds of refugees clamoring to get on the trucks. Trucks meant to transport 700 refugees actually left with almost twice that number. The remaining 34,000 refugees left on foot. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 eventually arrived at the deserted camp of Katkama. The remaining 10,000 to 12,000 were unaccounted for but it is assumed they eventually made their way to one of three camps, Katkama itself, the new camp in Albadaria or Massakoundou camp. Since these events, UNHCR has done daily transfers from Katkama camp to Kountaya, the new camp under construction in the Albadaria sub-préfecture.

An attack on the town of Macenta in Guinea-Forestière on 17 September last year caused a crisis in the refugee operation. During the confrontations, the head of UNHCR’s sub-office was murdered provoking the evacuation of all international staff and the temporary halt of assistance operations. Following these events, the authorities restricted the refugees to their camps and took the decision to repatriate Liberian refugees. This planned massive repatriation did not take place. There are approximately 12,000 Liberian refugees in a camp in Kouankan and another 60,000 located in N’Zérékoré and surrounding areas. In addition, thousands of Sierra Leonean refugees have made the difficult and dangerous trek from Gueckédou prefecture to N’Zérékoré. Except for the 12,000 refugees in the camp, no assistance has been given to the refugees for months. Although the government at first had refused to allow humanitarian aid to this group of approximately 64,000 refugees so as not to encourage them to stay, it has since changed its mind and is requesting urgent humanitarian assistance.

There are an estimated 150,000 refugees, mostly from Sierra Leone, in an area of Guinea bordering with Sierra Leone called the Languette (sometimes referred to as Parrot’s Beak). This area, part of the prefecture of Gueckédou, has been virtually cut off from humanitarian aid. This past week food distribution has begun which could result in putting the refugees in danger since it could also serve as an invitation for the many fighting groups to come help themselves. There has already been two reports of attacks on camps in the area.

There are also tens of thousands of refugees located in dozens of small camps (each camp having a population of anywhere from 1,000 to 6,000 people). Little, if any, assistance is arriving to these camps as they are not considered official UNHCR camps.

In the Forécariah area there are 7 camps which house an estimated 12,000 to 16,000 refugees. The number is unclear as there has not been a registration of the refugees since the first attack on the area in September of last year. This past week the Guinean authorities have agreed on the construction of a single camp in the area to house all these refugees. However, the exact site has not been determined. Latest Events

The first food distribution for Sierra Leonean refugees in Forécariah since December o f last year, is to take place next week. The first food distribution for the 150,000 refugees in the Languette has already begun, resulting in two attacks on camps in the area, and it is hoped it will not incite more violence. Plans are under way to construct 6 camps in the Albadria sub-prefecture to house 60,000 refugees. Original plans were for 3 camps for 75,000 refugees, however, the lack of availability of sufficient water has resulted in the necessity of more camps for a smaller number of people. 2 appeal no. 01.03/2001; Guinea: Special Report on Population Movements situation report no. 2

Red Cross/Red Crescent Action

Forécariah Prefecture l Sierra Leonean refugees The UNHCR and WFP have finally agreed that the number of refugees in the seven camps in the Forécariah district is 12,000. However, the local authorities insist that the number is 16,000. Preparations are under way this week for a general food distribution next week. Whether it will be for 12,000 or 16,000, stay tuned for the next situation report. This food distribution, carried out by the Red Cross, (except for 3 camps which are less than 2 kms from the border) will be the first in almost 3 months. Forécariah camps are the only ones where Red Cross has agreed to continue with food distribution. The Government authorities have finally agreed that these refugees can be moved to one camp in the with the exact site still to be determined. This is very good news since three of the current camps are almost right on the border with Sierra Leone. In Forécariah Red Cross is responsible for the social welfare of all the refugees, does food and non-food distribution and the construction of houses for the most vulnerable group.

The CPCR (Comité Préfectural de la Croix-Rouge) in Forécariah have almost completed the construction of a Red Cross office. This was done with volunteer labour and material being mostly provided by the volunteers. Example, each volunteer had to provide 60 bricks. Still to be done are roof, floor and windows. Federation has agreed to provide the material for this in order that the building be completed before the rainy season.

Kissidougou Prefecture l Massakoundou: Sierra Leonean refugees This camp now has 40,000 refugees. UNHCR has added an extension to the camp called Massakoundou extension. These new refugees are living 50 to a tent and now total 5,000. Whether or not they will be provided their own family accommodations before the rainy season is not yet known.

The Red Cross provides all social services and operates one of the two nursing posts in the camp and at the end of March will also take over the second post from MSF. Red Cross was asked to do the food distribution this week for the camp since the UNHCR partner for distribution did not have the capacity to do this as well as the Languette. Federation refused based on our own stretched human resources as well as those of the National Society.

There is no camp management in the camp and this has led to a lot of problems including insufficient latrines, overlapping of tasks and misunderstandings among partners which has had a detrimental effect on the refugees. Red Cross has been asked to take over camp management in this camp and has agreed.

Kountaya l Sierra Leonean refugees This camp has now become a transit camp. Three other sites had been identified with a total capacity of 75,000. However, problems with finding sufficient water has resulted in the identification of six smaller sites with a capacity of 60,000.

Kountaya camp now has a population of 17,000. Red Cross volunteers have been active in the camp since the arrival of the first refugees. They have registered the arrivals and have accompanied them to their sites. Identification and support to the most vulnerable is being provided by the Red Cross. In addition, Red Cross has accepted the camp management role for this camp. Federation delegates and their National Society counterparts have had two meetings with the other partners on the site, all agreeing that camp management is essential to ensure a smooth running camp. In addition Red Cross will assume responsibility for sanitation in the camp.

3 appeal no. 01.03/2001; Guinea: Special Report on Population Movements situation report no. 2

Red Cross is also expected to take on the role of Camp Manager in the other 5 camps in the Albadaria sub-préfecture. This will only be possible if financial and human resources support is made available.

Guekédou Prefecture l Nyaédou: Sierra Leonean refugees This camp should eventually disappear. The only refugees in the camp now are those arriving from the Languette and they are transferred within two days to Kountaya. Red Cross volunteers are in the camp to assist the refugees and identify the most vulnerable. There is a Red Cross volunteer in each of the trucks transferring the refugees to the new camps to ensure their safety and provide first aid if required.

Katkama: Sierra Leonean refugees This camp will become the only camp receiving the refugees coming from the Languette. UNHCR plans to make this a transit camp for 10,000 refugees on their way to the new camps. Red Cross is in the camp providing essential support services to the most vulnerable and accompanying the refugees to the new camps.

La Languette (Parrot’s Beak): Sierra Leonean refugees UNHCR plans to begin to evacuate this area within the next 3 weeks. The plan is to have the refugees walk from La Languette to Katkama with rest stations along the way. There are still an estimated 150,000 refugees in the Languette. Food distribution has been going on this week and two attacks on the camps have been reported. Should the fighting become intense there could be a mass exodus of the refugees for which the international humanitarian community and NGO’s are not prepared. Red Cross is not working in the Languette for security reasons.

N’Zérékoré Prefecture l Kouankan: Liberian refugees Red Cross will take over the health responsibility in this camp March 15th. In addition Red Cross will provide all the social welfare services/activities in the camp. This is a camp of approximately 12,000 Liberian refugees in the N’Zérékoré préfecture. Red Cross has not confirmed it will take over camp management as well but it may be necessary in order to ensure a coordinated approach among the partners to the benefit of the refugees.

N’Zérékoré: Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees There are approximately 60,000 Liberian refugees in the town of N’Zérékoré and surrounding area. In addition 3,900 Sierra Leonean refugees have made the long and dangerous trek from Gueckédou to N’Zérékoré. This total refugee population has been without assistance for several months. Red Cross plans to provide health care for the Sierra Leoneans and the most vulnerable among the Liberian population.

Other camps along the - Faranah axe: Sierra Leonean refugees Red Cross was asked to take over the health care of these approximately 12,000 refugees (another 5,000 are in one big camp and MSF wants to continue health care there - probably because of the size of the camp). Federation has respectfully declined the request since we do not have the capacity in terms of delegates. It would mean stretching our resources to the point of offering quantity services rather than quality.

National Society Development l National Society Counterparts have been identified and are working with the head of delegation and in the camp management area. Counterparts have been requested for all delegates. Federation has provided the financial support to enable the Red Cross Prefectoral committee of Forécariah to complete their building. Efforts are underway to find a permanent National Headquarters for the National Society in . Request has been made to the National Society for a copy of their budget and financial capacity in order to more effectively plan Federation and ICRC support. Federation funded the National Society’s participation as first aid providers in the country’s 12 day agricultural, artistic and business fair. 4 appeal no. 01.03/2001; Guinea: Special Report on Population Movements situation report no. 2

Federation and ICRC Cooperation l As a result of the conflict situation existing in Guinea since September, 2000, the ICRC has assumed the lead agency role on behalf of the Movement. Weekly meetings are held between the ICRC, the Federation, and the Guinea Red Cross. Excellent working relationships and cooperation has been established between the ICRC and the Federation both at the Conakry headquarters level and the field-based delegates. Security information is shared regularly and the ICRC has included the Federation delegates in their plans. The ICRC has supported federation activities in the field, providing 3,780 plastic sheets for shelter of refugees during the Nyaédou crisis. They have also made warehousing space available, and the ICRC and Federation continue to identify shared warehouse facilities. Outstanding Needs

The Federation, if it is to continue supporting the National Society in its work within the refugee community, requires strong support in the form of human and financial resources. The most critical of these is the human resources support. At present the Federation is attempting to assist the National Society in providing social welfare assistance to 350,000 refugees, health care to 70,000 refugees, camp management for 100,000 refugees and food and non-food distribution to 40,000 refugees. All this with 3 delegates including a logistic delegate. Without immediate response to the human resource requirement, Federation will have to reduce its activities. A revised budget is attached in Annex 2. External relations - Government/UN/NGO’s/Media

During this period visits were made by the Director of International Affairs for the Swedish Red Cross accompanied by the Desk Officer for Western Africa who visited Sierra Leonean refugee camps in the Forécariah area. Visits were also made by the Secretary General of the Danish Red Cross. The High Commissioner for Refugees spent 3 days in Guinea meeting with International organizations and visiting some of the refugee camps. The Norwegian Secretary of State for Humanitarian Affairs visited Guinea and met with the Diplomatic corps as well as with representatives from the various NGO’s in Guinea. Visits are planned to the refugee camps. The Federation Desk Officer for Guinea spent a week in Guinea including several days visiting refugee camps in the Kissidougou area. The Security Officer for the Federation has spent 3 weeks in Guinea visiting the refugee camps and detailing security procedures. Protocol visits were made by the Head of Delegation to the Minister of Health and the Minister of External affairs. Regular meetings were held with UNHCR officials, ECHO and other international representatives in Guinea. Two members of a FACT team have been in Guinea for the past three weeks not only doing an assessment of the situation but also providing a much needed active support. Contributions

See Annex 1 for details.

Peter Rees-Gildea Bekele Geleta Head a.i. Head Relationship Management Department Africa Department

This and other reports on Federation operations are available on the Federation’s website: http://www.ifrc.org

5 appeal no. 01.03/2001; Guinea: Special Report on Population Movements situation report no. 2

Appeal 2001 REVISED BUDGET DELEGATION: GUINEA

PROGRAMME Initial budget Revised budget Variances

Shelter & contruction 220,393 464,288 (243,895) Clothing & textiles 66,000 61,983 4,017 Food & seeds 35,520 12,253 23,267 Water 0 0 0 Medical & first aid 732,823 649,997 82,826 Teaching materials 9,730 0 9,730 Utensils & tools 27,570 0 27,570 Other relief supplies 117,321 111,885 5,436 Sub total supplies 1,209,357 1,300,406 (91,050)

Land & Buildings 0 0 0 Vehicles 83,000 328,354 (245,354) Computers & telecom 84,989 202,057 (117,068) Medical equipment 0 59,437 (59,437) Office furniture/equipment 23,850 (23,850) Other capital expenses 60,891 65,794 (4,903) Sub total capital 228,880 679,492 (450,612)

Programme management 336,088 436,743 (100,655) Technical services 100,607 123,843 (23,236) Professional services 111,572 137,341 (25,769) Sub total programme support 548,267 697,927 (149,660)

Transport & storage 400,449 327,386 73,063

Personnel (delegates & expatriates) 956,560 1,409,458 (452,898) Personnel (local staff) 1,100,915 1,207,726 (106,811) Sub total personnel 2,057,475 2,617,184 (559,709)

Travel & related expenses 81,790 64,810 16,980 Information expenses 67,454 75,284 (7,830) Expert fees 28,560 109,322 (80,762) Admin. - general expenses 362,015 286,622 75,393 Training workshops / seminars 0 0 0 Sub total travel, training, general exp. 539,819 536,037 3,782

Total budget 4,984,246 6,158,432 (1,174,186)

6 appeal no. 01.03/2001; Guinea: Special Report on Population Movements situation report no. 2

Guinea ANNEX 1

APPEAL No. 01.03/2001 PLEDGES RECEIVED 03/19/01

DONOR CATEGORY QUANTITY UNIT VALUE CHF DATE COMMENT

CASH TOTAL COVERAGE REQUESTED IN APPEAL CHF ------> 6,158,432 10.3%

CASH CARRIED FORWARD

BRITISH - RC 35,000 GBP 84,350 05.02.01 RELIEF PROGRAMME

BRITISH - RC 20,000 GBP 48,200 05.02.01 RC ID PROGRAMME BRITISH - RC 10,000 GBP 24,100 05.02.01 DELEGATION CORE COSTS

CANADIAN - RC 30,000 CAD 32,475 15.02.01 DISASTER RESPONSE DANISH - RC 185,000 DKK 38,110 22.02.01 DISASTER RESPONSE

UNHCR - 01/AB/GUI/CM/200 93,508,000 GNF 82,100 31.01.01 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES SWEDISH - RC 1,300,000 SEK 225,810 28.02.01 DISASTER RESPONSE

SWEDISH - RC 200,000 SEK 34,740 28.02.01 CO-ORDINATION & MANAGEMENT

SUB/TOTAL RECEIVED IN CASH 569,885 CHF 9.3%

KIND AND SERVICES (INCLUDING PERSONNEL)

DONOR CATEGORY QUANTITY UNIT VALUE CHF DATE COMMENT

SWISS - GOVT/RC 30,000 25.01.01 HOSD IN GUECKEDOU SWISS - GOVT/RC 15,000 03/19/01 SOC. DELEG. KISSIDOUGOU

SWISS - GOVT/RC 10,000 03/19/01 FACT RELIEF DELEG. GERMAN GVT/RC 7,500 03/19/01 FACT HEALTH DELEG.

SUB/TOTAL RECEIVED IN KIND/SERVICES 62,500 CHF 1.0%

ADDITIONAL TO APPEAL BUDGET

DONOR CATEGORY QUANTITY UNIT VALUE CHF DATE COMMENT

SUB/TOTAL RECEIVED 0 CHF

THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS ARE LINKED TO THIS APPEAL: PGN001, PGN160, PGN505, PGN506, PGN509

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