Emergency Report 2006-28

World Food Programme Emergency Report 2006 Issued Weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme Report No. 28 / 2006 - Date 14 July 2006

(A) Highlights

(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Algeria (2) occupied Palestinian territories (C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Ethiopia (4) Rwanda (5) Somalia (6) Sudan (7) Tanzania (8) Uganda (D) West Africa: (1) Cote d'Ivoire (2) Guinea (3) Guinea Bissau (4) Liberia (5) Sierra Leone (E) Asia: (1) Afghanistan (2) Nepal (3) Pakistan (4) Philippines (5) Timor Leste (F) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Colombia (2) Cuba (3) Dominican Republic (4) Guatemala (5) Haiti

(A) Highlights (a) Confrontations between militias and governmental troops continued in the troubled Ituri district, DR Congo, triggering displacements. (b) In Ethiopia, relief food continues to be dispatched to the drought affected areas, while requirements for the second half of the year are still being assessed by the mid-year multi-agency emergency needs assessment mission. (c) During the reporting period, WFP distributed about 1,700 tons in Southern Sudan to 139,000 beneficiaries.

(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Algeria (2) occupied Palestinian territories (1) Algeria (a) The July distribution is currently underway, with the 125,000 Sahrawi refugees receiving a full food basket. The target population consists of 90,000 most vulnerable and 35,000 flood affected people. The school feeding programme has been temporarily suspended, as the schools are closed for the summer holidays. A supplementary feeding programme targeting up to 11,200 beneficiaries among vulnerable groups, such as children under five and pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers is ongoing. (b) Due to the absence of directed contributions from donors, the allocation of multilateral funds by WFP has averted pipeline breakdowns. Additional pledges of more than US Dollars five million for the remainder of the year are urgently needed to avert food shortages. (c) The pipeline situation for August is very precarious. Shortfalls for next month include 1,688 tons of cereals, 172 tons of pulses, 107 tons of vegetable oil and 130 tons of sugar. WFP Algeria is making every effort possible to liaise with prospective donors in order to secure accelerated pledges of commodities. (2) occupied Palestinian territories (a) During the reporting period (1-14 July), Israeli forces have now withdrawn from most 1 Emergency Report 2006-28

areas of the Gaza Strip however aerial attacks and hostilities continue. The escalation with Lebanon on Israels’ northern border threatens to affect the security of the whole region and oPt in particular. A WFP staff member and her family were injured by flying glass resulting from an air assault on the building opposite to their house. WFP warehouse in Gaza Strip was the object of an Israeli army incursion, however no food is missing. Consequently, the food is now being transferred to another warehouse in Gaza City.Three field trips to Northern and Southern Gaza were cancelled in Gaza due to security constraints. Access for International and National staff remains difficult through Erez (passenger crossing between Gaza and Israel) owing to the security procedures. (b) The Israeli military operation (“summer rain”) continues in Gaza Strip. WFP remain concerned about the high humanitarian/ livelihood impacts on the population. There is a strong need to extend the assistance to the New Poor to ensure that this category of people is supported through this difficult period. (c) A humanitarian corridor for WFP food with several points of entry has been established in response to UN requests, prioritizing the transport of humanitarian goods over commercial goods into Gaza. During the reporting period, WFP has transported 722 tons of wheat flour, oil, sugar and canned meat through the two crossing points of Erez and Karni. After 14 July planned deliveries this figure will reach 900 tons. (d) WFP now has 20 days of emergency food stocks in Gaza to cover its expanded caseload of 220,000 people – around 50 percent of the non refugee population (16 percent of the total Gaza population). Given the escalating crisis there are growing numbers of people who now need assistance, 70 percent of Gazas 1.4 million population are food insecure, 2/3 are refugees supported by UNRWA. (e) Power cuts in the hottest time of year continue. Most Gaza residents have power for only 6-8 hours a day. Generators are increasingly difficult to find on the local market. Running a generator costs around $15.5 USD per hour an impossible cost to cover for poor families. The average wage in Gaza is around 14 USD per day (World Bank) and the average family size in Gaza is 7. Only 30 percent of the population are currently receiving an income after the cut of PNA funding and excessive closures preventing access to work and trade in Israel. (f) WFP attended an Israeli MFA briefing with other UN agencies. The welcome meeting represented a positive step in widening the contacts between the humanitarian agencies and decision makers. (g) The Budget Revision from 82 million to 103 million USD was accepted by the PRC on 11 July. (h) In Gaza strip, 97 percent of the planned 26,915 Social Hardship Cases families (86,128 individuals) throughout Gaza Strip received mixed WFP food commodities under May/Jun allocation. (i) In the West Bank, also under the May-June allocation, 3,100 beneficiaries received 92 tons of WFP food commodities in the North. (j) In Gaza Strip, 100 percent of Food-for-Work/Food-for-Training participants in all five governorates completed the required activities and received their allocated entitlement of food commodities of Nov 05 to June 06. In the West Bank, 15,114 beneficiaries received 157 tons of WFP food. (k) Monitoring visits were conducted to social institutions to ensure proper use of WFP commodities. (l) A contribution of 5 million Euros was confirmed. PRs were created and released for the newly confirmed contribution (2.6 million USD) .The pipeline was updated. (m) Of the 1691 tons that was delivered to the Gaza Strip Cooperating Partners (CPs), 722 tons was delivered from Ashdod to Gaza (215 tons through Erez crossing and 507 tons 2 Emergency Report 2006-28

through Karni terminal) - the remainder (969 tons) was wheat flour delivered through the Gaza mills.

(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Ethiopia (4) Rwanda (5) Somalia (6) Sudan (7) Tanzania (8) Uganda (1) Burundi (a) During the reporting period (5-12 July), skirmishes between the army and fighters of the Front for National Liberation (FNL) movement claimed 13 persons killed in Bujumbura Rural. At least 20 civilians were injured and 7 others were killed by a grenade in Cibitoke commune of the capital. Armed banditry was reported in Ngozi province. (b) The report of the Crop and Food Supply Assessment mission (CFSAM) is under finalization and the results will be released shortly. The findings will assist WFP determine the caseload, the nature and the scope of food assistance for the next six months. (c) The quarterly household food security monitoring missions started on Monday, 10 July, to review the progress of the food security situation and household coping strategies. The indicators collected during these missions will complement the results of the CFSAM by showing the gradual vulnerability tendencies of different locations, hence, permitting WFP to carry out close surveillance in the most risky areas. (d) Between 03 an 09 July, WFP distributed 617 tons of food aid to 87,483 beneficiaries, including assistance to Rwandan asylum seekers that are voluntarily returning home. Stocks of pulses remain very low both in corridors and in the warehouses and therefore some distributions were carried out without this commodity. (2) Congo, DR (a) Confrontations between militias and governmental troops continued in the troubled Ituri district, triggering displacements. Over 1,500 newly displaced families – i.e. some 7,500 individuals – reportedly fled to settle in a camp located at 6km south of Bunia. They originate from villages surrounding Komboko and Nganju where confrontations took place. Some 5 Nepalese United Nations Peacekeepers were released by militiamen on 8 July over a month in captivity. (b) In South Kivu province, foreign militia forces reportedly continued to prey on rural populations. On 4 July, uniformed armed men broke into the house of one of WFP staff in Goma, capital city of North Kivu province. The premises of the international NGO Médecins du Monde were also burgled that very day. Reports from United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) indicated that Rutshuru, Masisi, Walikale (North Kivu province) remained highly insecure. In Masisi, the national body in charge of the demobilization of soldiers – La Commission Nationale de Désarmement, Démobilisation et Réinsertion (CONADER) - closed its offices due to growing threats from soldiers hostile to the ongoing demobilization process. (c) Violent demonstrations occurred in Gemena, second largest city of the Equateur province. Angry demobilized soldiers claimed for their pays from CONADER. The security situation remained tense throughout the week. In some cases, the demonstrators clashed with the police, erected roadblocks and threw stones at UN properties. (d) In Ituri district, WFP focused on arrangements of food distribution to 22,000 IDPs in Gethy. Food distribution will be handled by the French NGO Solidarité. Once the food distribution is completed, WFP will target the 1,500 displaced households who have settled in Dele. The identification and distribution of ration cards will take place prior to

3 Emergency Report 2006-28

the food distribution. (e) During the meeting of the nutrition cluster for the North Kivu province, it was highlighted that overall the nutritional status of rural population was still a concern, particularly in Mutwanga, Oicha, Birambizo and Rwanguba. Participants in the meeting, including WFP, deplored the lack of humanitarian actors in the nutrition sector in those areas. (f) In South Kivu province, WFP provided 2 tons of various food commodities to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The food will be distributed alongside with other Non-Food Items (NFIs) to 2200 IDPs identified by ICRC in Shabunda. (g) Some 39,700 people were targeted with 159 tons of food in the southern part of Katanga province. 85 percent of the beneficiaries were children on institutional feeding. (3) Ethiopia (a) The Federal Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency’s (DPPA) daily dispatches of relief food continue to the drought affected areas, while requirements for the second half of the year are still being assessed by the mid-year multi-agency emergency needs assessment mission. Assessment teams are expected to finalise fieldwork by the beginning of next week, and de-brief on findings by end of next week. Though it is still too early to make an overall assessment of the ongoing meher rains (main rainy season in most parts of the country), rainfall seems to be progressing as normal for the time being. (b) In Somali region the fifth round of relief food allocations is under transportation and the DPPA has also started dispatching small quantities of relief food from the sixth round of allocations. The security related transportation problems continue to hamper food aid deliveries, however some improvements have been observed during recent field visits. The field observations and DPPA reports confirm that the transportation of the fifth round of food is nearly completed in Afder, Shinille, Liben, Warder, Jijiga and Deghabur zones. Furthermore, the 250 tons of food aid allocated for the IDP camps of Fafan and Hartisheik have started to arrive and distributions are expected to start shortly. This food will cover one month of food requirements for the IDPs, meanwhile assessment teams will determine the needs for assistance in the future. In other regions the sixth round of relief food allocations has been nearly completed and preparations for the seventh round are underway. (c) Results from the ongoing nutrition surveys in refugee camps show that the nutrition situation in Bonga camp, hosting Sudanese refugees, has stabilised at a significantly lower level than registered a year ago. Global Acute Malnutrition was found to be 8.7 percent (<-2 z-score) and Severe Acute Malnutrition 0.6 percent (<-3 z-score). In comparison, the prevalence of Global Acute Malnutrition was 19.3 percent in July 2005 and 9.2 percent in December 2005. The positive reduction in malnutrition rates follows joint actions taken by partners, and includes amongst other blanket supplementary feeding, which was re-introduced to all under five children following the serious situation found in May 2005. The nutrition team now recommends stopping the blanket supplementary feeding and continuing only with the targeted supplementary feeding to individuals identified as moderately malnourished. Previous results of nutrition surveys undertaken in other refugee camps in June show a drastic reduction in the level of malnutrition in Kebrebeyah camp, hosting Somali refugees, in Shimelba camp, hosting Eritrean refugees, prevalence of malnutrition is reduced compared to last year, but is still on the high side. (4) Rwanda (a) The preliminary results of the Crop Harvest Evaluation season 2006B indicate a food deficit of 58,000 tons for the next six months from July to December 2006. Pockets of 4 Emergency Report 2006-28

food insecurity remain in high altitude zones where high population densities and poor soil fertility make the region chronically vulnerable, especially in Ruzizi, Nyamagage, Huye, Gisagara and Nyaruguru Districts. Tubers’ production in these areas has been low as compared to normal. (b) Restrictive measures were put in place by Eastern Province authorities to protect the season B harvest of beans, sorghum and maize. Only traders who have accepted to create buffer stocks receive an authorization to buy on the condition that the seeds would be resold to farmers during the lean period of September-October. After an agreement was signed, traders are recommended to install rub-halls or to rent houses in Rwamagana and/or Bugesera Districts where the collected foodstuffs will be stored. Most of the food is procured from Kibungo, Umutara and Kigali Ngali. Seventy percent of the collected food will be supplied to Kigali market while 30 percent will remain in the local stocks. (c) In the Eastern Province, the general food security situation has improved due to fair harvests of beans and bananas. This situation is expected to stabilize if measures of mandatory food storage at the household level coupled with the ban of abusive sale of food crops are respected. (d) WFP is continuing to respond to the Emergency Food Security Assessment (EFSA) and has re-opened the supplementary feeding programme in 31 nutrition centres in addition to the already assisted 93. An average of 300 beneficiaries per centre will receive supplementary food assistance. (e) No new asylum seekers were registered during the reporting period (5-12 July). The number of Congolese and Burundian refugees is currently 41,346 and 2,226 respectively. (f) A total of 100 returnees from DR Congo were received at Nkamira transit camp and received a three-month ration before returning to their districts of origin. Forty-seven returnees arrived in Nyagatare transit camp. The screening process that was carried out last week accepted 86 cases as genuine returnees and rejected 14. Those accepted received a three-month ration while the rejected ones received only a five-day food package. (g) During the reporting period, some 491 of the originally estimated 19,000 Rwandan asylum seekers in Burundi returned. Most of them were from Mugombwa and Kibingo districts while the remaining were from Ngenda and Rwamagana in the Eastern Province. Of these, at least 326 were registered as vulnerable cases. According to the latest update, the total number of returnees so far is 8,694. (5) Somalia (a) The third round of relief food distributions has been completed in Afmadow district (Lower Juba region) and in Garbaharey and Berdale districts in Gedo. In Qansahdere, the team overseeing distributions experienced some delays caused by the misunderstanding of the distribution process by some local authorities. The issue has since been resolved and the WFP Cooperating Partner has started direct food distributions to the target beneficiaries. (b) In Buale and Sakow (in Middle Juba region), the second round of distribution has been successfully completed and the commodities for the third round are currently on its way to the destinations. Loading for Salagle was delayed due to renewed fighting in southern parts of Mogadishu. (c) The planned third round distribution in Dinsor (Bay region) has been cancelled after consultation with the local authorities and the Cooperating Partner, and the food was diverted to WFP stores in Wajid, soon to be reallocated to the needy areas. Dinsor has

5 Emergency Report 2006-28

received relief food in the first two rounds without any difficulties. It is reported that Dinsor district has received relatively good rainfall during April/May Gu rains. Wajid sub-office is in close consultation with the cooperating partner and the local administration, while at the same time assessing the situation on the ground. (d) From January 2006 to date, WFP Somalia has distributed a total of 41,335 tons of various food commodities to over 1.5 million target beneficiaries in Somalia, while an extra 21,939 tons are currently either under distribution or at WFP warehouses in Somalia and another 10,258 tons in transit to Somalia. In view of the favourable Gu rains in many areas of the country, the average monthly food distribution plans of WFP in Somalia have been adjusted downwards from July to December 2006, though substantial relief food needs will continue throughout this period. (e) An interagency evaluation mission on the response to the 2006 drought in the Horn of Africa is scheduled to take place during July and August 2006. The proposed evaluation will look into the timeliness and appropriateness of the drought response during the first six months of 2006 with special emphasis on early warning systems, Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) resource mobilization and cluster approach. (f) WFP Somalia hosted the food cluster meeting on 06 July; in attendance were OXFAM, CARE, OCHA and WFP Somalia. The major issue discussed was the provisional plan by WFP to temporarily stop most general food distribution in southern Somalia by mid July in expectation of Gu harvest. WFP will closely monitor the situation and will consider continuing with general food distribution in areas where it might be needed. (6) Sudan (a) The sustainability of the Darfur Peace Agreement continues to be challenged by increased reports of polarization and rift within the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) factions as well as clashes with Government of Sudan forces. During the reporting period (3-9 July), the security situation deteriorated particularly in the Um Sidr, Birmaza and Korma areas. This prompted the arrival of at least 3,000 newly IDPs from the villages of Turba and Kunjara, into Tawilla Town. In the absence of security guarantees, food distributions by WFP’s Cooperating Partner GAA German Agro Action that were suspended in June across the northern part of the state did not resume, affecting around 250,000 people. (b) There has been a remarkable and significant improvement in the general security situation particularly in Geneina town, West Darfur. This enhanced the effective and efficient provision of assistance for humanitarian agencies and eased movement restrictions. However, despite this improvement, isolated security incidents and intermittent violence continue to be reported. This week, concerns about the security situation along the border with Chad were a particular cause for concern following increased tensions in eastern Chad and clashes in Ade with spill over effects into West Darfur. (c) The security was relatively calm in south Darfur. However, in the first incident of violence targeting Government of Sudan military camp since the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement on 5 May, suspected SLA combatants attacked a military camp in Duma near Nyala. Tensions, which have become a perennial feature of Kalma camp following the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement, continued with incidents of violence and looting by unidentified gunmen, targeting both IDPs and humanitarian staff in the camp and creating concerns about the potential negative impact on the beneficiaries. There are over 90,000 IDPs in the Kalma camp. Meanwhile, the rise in both banditry and cattle rustling incidents across the state remains a significant security concern. (d) Six people were killed and three wounded in Rumbek East County (Lakes State)

6 Emergency Report 2006-28

following clashes between two Agar Dinka clans. The incident interrupted WFP operations in the area. (e) A WFP security team returning from Port Sudan to Khartoum was stopped by national security elements at a checkpoint 137 km from Port Sudan and was not allowed to continue their trip. Subsequently, the team was obliged to return to Port Sudan on the same day. In Kassala, movement of WFP staff outside Kassala town witnessed slight improvement during the week as monitoring teams managed to visit refugee camps of Wad Sharifey, Girba and Kilo 26. Additionally, the teams conducted assessments in new schools in Aroma. However, access continued to be denied from Gedaref side where WFP staff from El Showak were prohibited to pass through the Shagarab checkpoint. Consultations with Gedaref state authorities are ongoing to resolve the matter. (f) Members of the Darfur armed group, Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), attacked Hamrat El Sheikh town, North Kordofan in Sodari local council resulting in nine fatalities among local security personnel. Consequently, a WFP school feeding project in four schools inside the town of Hamrat El Sheikh was affected while the rest of the 29 schools located outside the town and receiving WFP assistance were not affected. The Ministry of Education reported that the situation came back to normal and schools were reopened. WFP will conduct a security assessment prior to resumption of activities in the area. (g) In South Darfur, preliminary results of the Tearfund, Ministry of Health and the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), nutritional survey in May 2006 in the Ed Daein locality revealed Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates of 25 percent. Another Tearfund nutrition survey conducted in Beida locality in West Darfur (including Masteri, Kongo Haraza, Beida and Arara), in the South West Corridor on the Chadian Border, reported a GAM rate of 17.2 percent in comparison to 9.1 percent in February last year. In addition, recent surveys in several locations across Darfur in May and early June have highlighted a deterioration of the nutrition situation across Greater Darfur in line with expected seasonal trends. The deterioration is being attributed to a combination of factors, among which are the onset of the hunger season and an increase in diseases such as watery diarrhoea and acute respiratory infection. Recommendations include a holistic approach with continued efforts to improve water, sanitation, shelter, health education and nutrition interventions. WFP and Tearfund are also discussing the possibility of blanket supplementary feeding in the Ed Daein locality. (h) This week was marked by the Government of South Sudan’s significant contribution of $30 million to the World Food Programme Emergency road repairs and mine clearance in Sudan. Subsequently, the Government of South Sudan became the second major donor for this particular project. The welcomed contribution will go towards rehabilitation of around 3,000 km of roads, connecting urban centres with neighboring Kenya and Uganda. It is the first significant contribution made by the Southern Regional government, and a major boost to WFP’s project to help rebuild physical infrastructure in Southern Sudan after Africa’s longest war. (i) WFP Representative, Mr. Kenro Oshidari, visited Southern Sudan to familiarize himself with the operation. He was accompanied by Deputy Director, Support Services and Southern Sudan Coordinator. During the week, he visited Juba, Kapoeta and Rumbek including visits to a school constructed through food for work project in Macha, a clinic managed by Diocese of Torit (DOT) in Kapoeta town (Eastern Equatoria), IDPs’ School in Juba town (Central Equatoria) and Girls primary School in Rumbek (Lakes). The Representative reiterated his commitment to support field operations and improve on the living conditions in Southern Sudan. (j) On 5th July, in Malakal (Upper Nile), the health authorities discovered ten cases of

7 Emergency Report 2006-28

cholera aboard the barge that was traveling from Kosti to Juba. The infected passengers were admitted at the MSF-Holland hospital in Bor. The barge was temporarily quarantined, fumigated and proceeded to Juba the following day. Meanwhile, CARE received 28 new cases of cholera at the primary health centre in Mayom (Unity), while Bentiu hospital reported seven deaths. (k) There has been no progress on solving the SOFA/access issue in Red Sea State since the detention of WFP staff at a checkpoint near Port Sudan on 25 April, despite a variety of interventions at different levels, Khartoum and Port Sudan. Since early May 2006, the sub-office held several meetings with key actors of the state Government (Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Finance, National Security and the Humanitarian Aid Commission) regarding access and its implications on the food security situation of the state’s vulnerable groups. The potential of using a monthly workplan submission as has been implemented in Kassala has not been accepted by National Security. (l) To date, the implications of lack of access are as follows: (a) While OXFAM (with their own EU pipeline) have carried out two-month food-for-recovery distribution in Rural Port Sudan and Tokar covering May-June at 100% ration, WFP through the Sudanese Red Crescent has not started food-for-recovery (affecting some 90,000 vulnerable people in Haleib and Sinkat localities) in June as per the plan; (b) Suspension of the food-for-work (CP and EMOP) intervention: WFP has 4 food-for-work projects that are planned to be implemented by partners in Sinkat, Haleib and Tokar localities. The proposed projects are aimed at creation of households assets such a water sources, shelters, capacity building for the Beja women and to meet short-term hunger gaps among these targeted beneficiaries; (c) Although schools are not closed, WFP has not been able to monitor its school-feeding programme since April 2006 and; (d) Supplementary and therapeutic activities have not been affected but there has been no access for monitoring to areas outside of Port Sudan. (m) The reporting period was marked by the visit of the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG), Mr. Jan Pronk, to Kassala. Mr. Pronk indicated that UNMIS will withdraw from Kassala in a two-month period upon completion of SPLA redeployment. In addition, he discussed with local authorities the issue of restricted movement for UN personnel in the East. A list of activities planned to be implemented during the months of July and August 2006 in various locations of Kassala State has been submitted to state authorities. (n) As of 10 July, the average daily dispatch from logistical hubs to the Darfur region was 1,206 tons per day, with a total dispatch of 12,068 tons, representing 43 percent of the monthly target of 27,950 tons. Seasonal rains have started across southern Ouaddai in Chad and across South Darfur and southern West Darfur. Over the next month rains will set in over Darfur. Accordingly, access will be restricted in some areas of the Darfur region during the coming months. WFP has pre-positioned over 70,000 tons in Darfur, some of which is in remote areas that will become inaccessible. This will ensure that food deliveries to Cooperating Partners and distribution centres will not be significantly affected by deteriorating road conditions. There have been no air deliveries to the region in 2006 as yet and pre-positioning of food at some final distributions points is ongoing. Particularly this week, some 1,998 tons of assorted food were pre-positioned in ten locations that will become inaccessible in the Habilla locality in West Darfur. Stocks in all field warehouses in West Darfur remain healthy. The diversion of at least 4,800 tons of food from El Fasher and El Obeid to Geneina will ensure stocks will cover October requirements. (o) WFP dispatched 128 tons of food by road to South Sudan including 126 tons from El Obeid (North Kordofan) and twotons airlifted from Lokichoggio (Kenya). Furthermore, WFP fleet in South Sudan transported 100 tons of food commodities, from the following hubs: Juba (62 tons) and Rumbek (38 tons). Meanwhile, heavy rains prevented food 8 Emergency Report 2006-28

deliveries to Bor (Jonglei State) either by road or barge. (p) Heavy rains covered most of the Eastern states delaying food pre-positioning to some of the refugee camps. Rains may affect food deliveries and distributions to IDP camps planned to start next week. In Kassala, WFP completed food pre-positioning of three-month allocations in all refugee camps in Sinnar, Gedaref and Kassala States, locations that will be inaccessible during the rainy season. (q) There has been no improvement in the security situation in North Darfur, which in the past week restricted access to almost 250,000 people, mainly residents of the Hashaba, Mellit, Dar Zagawa locations and areas outside Kutum town. This week, episodes of routine violence continued severally restricting WFP’s emergency and recovery activities in several locations in the state including the El Fasher and Kutum areas. (r) At least 151,000 beneficiaries in Geneina, Habila, Morni and Kulbus received general food distribution rations for July representing 23 percent of the target for this month. Meanwhile, people continued to arrive from Chad into Morni. (s) About 3,100 people received rations cards after a joint WFP and Alisei team headcount in the Joghana area. The Sudanese Red Crescent and HAC verified about 600 new arrivals in Neem Camp. About 1,000 people in the Tiwl area were also verified. An estimated 12,000 people have returned to the Dito area. WFP will continue providing food assistance to the area. Meanwhile, a two month reduced ration is due to be distributed in the Ed El-Fursan areas for seed protection during the lean season following a WFP and World Vision assessment to the area. (t) During the reporting period, WFP distributed about 1,700 tons in Southern Sudan to 139,000 beneficiaries. Most of the assistance was provided as general food distributions to returnees and vulnerable residents. In Eastern Equatoria, WFP distributed 528 tons assisting 10,644 vulnerable residents and 2,867 returnees in Torit. (u) WFP delivered 25 tons of food assistance to GTZ for the rehabilitation of the Nyany Dyke in Jonglei Payam assisting 150 beneficiaries through food for work project. WFP delivered about 3 tons to Walgak Primary school (Jonglei) to assist about 730 children under Food-for-Education program. (v) In Poktap primary health centre (PHC) (Jonglei State) managed by the Sudan Medical Care, WFP delivered one ton of food aid for inpatient feeding project, which will assist 10 inpatients per day for a period of three months. WFP visited Lomeyen school construction site at Kapoeta North County (Eastern Equatoria), implemented by GTZ on behalf of WFP. A total of 129 workers were benefiting from the food for work project. Another school is to be constructed in Kapoeta awaiting the completion of a demining assessment. (w) WFP team is currently in Tambura (Western Equatoria) to assess the needs and the number of returnees from Central Africa Republic. In Kapoeta, WFP is expected to receive and assist about 40 refugees returning from Kakuma, Kenya in mid July, as reported by UNHCR. SRRC in Wau (Western Bahr El Ghazal) reported the arrival of about 300–400 returnees from Western Equatoria to Bussere town south of Wau. A joint UN mission is planning to visit Bussere to verify and register the returnees. Furthermore, SRRC and WFP jointly verified a group of 68 returnees who arrived to Wau town, home of origin, from Khartoum and Darfur. Food distribution is planned for next week. (x) A four-member delegation from the Red Sea state government visited WFP sub-office in Port Sudan. The delegation represents the Red Sea NGO Review Committee that was formulated by the state Wali following the recommendations of the Donors’ Conference for Eastern Sudan. WFP briefed the delegation on ongoing activities and

9 Emergency Report 2006-28

discussed the way forward and relations with state line ministries. In response to WFP’s concern regarding movement restriction in Red Sea, the delegation confirmed that the issue was raised at the State Council and feedback is expected shortly. (y) The State Ministry of Health (MoH) in Red Sea commenced a nutrition education training targeting its staff members in preparation for the implementation of additional supplementary feeding projects in rural areas of Red Sea State. In 2005, the state government established 39 centers in rural areas of Halaieb, Rural Port Sudan, Sinkat and Tokar localities. However, activities were not implemented due to financial constraints. Following a request by the Ministry and a joint MoH/WFP joint assessment to the proposed centers, WFP is currently discussing the project to provide required assistance, access permitting. (z) The Red Sea State nutrition survey is still ongoing. A joint team composed of Ministry of Health, ACF, SRC, Oxfam Great Britain and HAC completed data collection of clusters in Halaieb locality and returned back to Port Sudan. Furthermore, a second joint team departed to Tokar locality to commence a similar exercise. (aa) WFP’s Cooperating Partner, CARE International distributed 555 tons of food to 23,683 returnees and vulnerable local residents in Kadugli, Lagawa and Dilling. In Kauda, Save the Children-US provided 18 MT of WFP commodities to 755 returnees and vulnerable residents in Hajar Hatab and Ardikanan. In addition, some 678 Darfurian IDPs were registered in Kauda and assisted with 12 MT of assorted commodities that will cover their needs for one month. (ab) WFP participated in a workshop organized by the State Ministry of Health and UNICEF in Kadugli on the mobilization and encouragement of utilizing iodized salt. Participants included state authorities, the state Minister of Health, UN agencies, NGOs and representatives of local leaders in Kadugli. The workshop encouraged the use of iodized salt in schools and at the household level and indicated risks of iodine deficiency. Similar awareness sessions will be organized for school teachers and local leaders in South Kordofan State. (ac) Under general food distribution, Save the Children-US distributed 97 tons of WFP food to 5,133 beneficiaries in Akur in Abyei. Quantities of seeds and other non-food items were distributed simultaneously by UNICEF and FAO with WFP food distributions. (ad) WFP will conduct a rapid needs assessment from 11-15 July for returnees in Jarort and Khor Elbody in South Blue Nile to review WFP assistance to returnees in terms of timeliness and impact. (ae) The Sudan Rehabilitation and Recovery Commission (SRRC) submitted to WFP office in Kurmuk a list of 369 voluntary returnees who were reported by local chiefs in Kurkum locality. According to SRRC, these returnees who were displaced in various places within the state and in Ethiopia, are in urgent need for food assistance. WFP, upon request/confirmation by UNHCR, will conduct a joint screening exercise for these returnees and verify their numbers prior to provision of assistance. Furthermore, UNHCR submitted a second list of 78 spontaneous returnees in Balatoma from Sharkole camps in Ethiopia. The returnees were reported to have arrived in May 2006 and are in needs of food assistance. WFP plans to visit Balatoma to assess the situation and provide these returnees with ration cards. (af) WFP dispatched 32tons of food to cover the needs of 6,257 pupils in 11 IDP schools in Kosti and Rabak for July. Furthermore, WFP has approved a food-for-education project to be implemented by the Sudanese Red Crescent in July targeting 6,000 schoolchildren in Dewaim, Getaina, AbuRukba and Tendalt. Under food-for-recovery activities, WFP distributed 6 tons to 630 beneficiaries in Dankuch area. (ag) IOM and ADRA reported the arrival of 785 returnees (205 households) at Kosti River

10 Emergency Report 2006-28

Port and bus stations during the week. The majority of these returnees are heading to their final destinations in South Sudan. (ah) As of 11 July, the Emergency Operation 10503.0has received contributions totalling US$458.7 million, 61.5 percent of the US$746 million requirement. Despite generous support from donors that has allowed WFP to partially restore rations cuts that were implemented in Darfur, Central and Eastern regions of Sudan in May, WFP remains very much concerned about the overall resourcing outlook. At the current resourcing level, the emergency operation will run out of cereals and CSB towards the end of the year. Furthermore, WFP has to raise a minimum of US$120 million funds in the next few months to cover the needs for December while ensuring sufficient carryover stocks into January and February of 2007. Failure to secure these resources will force WFP to stretch existing stocks which could mean another reduction in the rations towards the end of the year. (ai) Humanitarian Air Service (WFP-HAS) Special Operation 10181.3 requirements were US$27 million of which so far $11 million has been resourced from the EC and CHF. With monthly operating costs of over US$2 million, WFP-HAS has been able to sustain operations using the funding so far received as well as the nominal fees being charged to participating agencies. In the absence of immediate contributions, WFP faces the possibility of a reduction of the aircraft fleet, potentially affecting helicopters used in the most remote and insecure areas of Darfur, or be forced to initiate a full cost recovery mechanism, which will in turn severely restrict movement of humanitarian staff and create an acute lack of transport options for agencies and donors alike. Additional donor support is vital in order for WFP-HAS to continue to provide critical air services to the humanitarian community who depend heavily on it in Darfur and throughout Sudan. (7) Tanzania (a) The WFP refugee operation (PRRO) continues to distribute reduced rations in order to extend resources. Refugees are provided with a reduced ration of 1,588 kcal, which is 76 percent of the approved ration level of 2,100 kcal. From 17 July, maize will be replaced by 250g rice per day providing refugees with only 1,531 kcal. WFP Tanzania will continue distributing reduced rations until additional resources are contributed to WFP. (b) The extension of phase 1 of project “Strengthening Human Security through Sustainable Human Development in North-western Tanzania” from July to October 2006 was approved on 6 June. Consequently, Phase 2, which was supposed to end in July 2007, was extended up to 1 October 2007. WFP activities will focus on food security jointly with FAO, UNIDO and UNICEF. Preliminary assessments were carried out in Kigoma and Kagara regions. (c) The NGO CARITAS in Kigoma completed phase one implementation of a WFP-supported horticulture project for women affected by HIV/AIDS. The phase evaluation report revealed increased knowledge of farming skills among participants and remarkable reduced discrimination against families with members of people living with HIV/AIDS. Also noted was increased self-esteem of women affected by HIV/AIDS. CARITAS has submitted a proposal to WFP for a second phase after the six-month project ended on 30 June 2006. (d) General distribution covers some 341,925 registered refugees. During the reporting period (6-12 July), WFP distributed 1,002 tons of food through general distribution, supplementary and therapeutic feeding in refugee camps in western Tanzania. Around 8,400 food insecure and otherwise vulnerable Tanzanians in the host communities surrounding the camps were also supported with WFP host community activities, including access to camp-based health care facilities, school feeding, home based care,

11 Emergency Report 2006-28

Food-for-Training and vulnerable feeding. (e) Since the last update on 5 July, WFP received USD 6,281,407 contribution and USD 953,895 donation both in cash. Both contributions are to be programmed. (8) Uganda (a) Peace talks between the Government of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel are scheduled to commence in Juba, Southern Sudan. The Government of Southern Sudan is mediating the talks that are aimed at ending over 20 years of armed conflict in northern Uganda. H. E. President Yoweri Museveni has offered to grant amnesty to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebel leader Joseph Kony. Further, the Government of Uganda has requested that the top LRA leadership attend the talks in person. Internal Affairs Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda leads the Government of Uganda delegation. (b) Following commencement of the second phase of voluntary repatriation of Sudanese refugees from settlements in Arua district to Yei, southern Sudan on 13 June, some 733 refugees have been repatriated mainly from Rhino Camp settlement. WFP continues to closely coordinate with colleagues in Sudan to ensure food needs are met en route and at the points of return. (c) There are increasing levels of voluntary movement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in northern Uganda as they seek to cultivate land and begin rehabilitating their homes. Of the 1.4 million IDPs, it is estimated that close to 300,000 are in the process of moving, some temporarily to satellite camps and others closer to their original homes. As part of WFP’s support to IDPs returning to their villages of origin, WFP has assisted IDPs with a tractor each in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader districts for seed multiplication. (d) Over 150 kilograms of fish were harvested from two community fishponds established under WFP’s Food-For-Assets (FFA) programme in two sub-counties (Obalanga and Orungo) in Amuria district, Teso region last week. Proceeds from sale of the fish will be used to sustain fish farming activities at community level. (e) Initial findings of the rapid food security assessments being conducted in Gulu, Kitgum and Pader districts indicate improved access to land among the IDP populations in the three districts, suggesting the possibility of improving levels of self-sufficiency. (f) A mission consisting of members of the Donor Coordination Group on Gender (The Royal Netherlands Embassy, EU, UNDP, UNICEF and WFP Kampala) visited Teso region to assess gender concerns. They visited Amuria, Katakwi, Soroti and Kaberamaido districts and had interactive discussions with the gender focal points and Chief Administrative Officers in the respective districts. (g) WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.45 million displaced persons, 165,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past two weeks, WFP distributed 3,209 tons of food assistance to 341,280 persons including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Pader, Kitgum and Lira districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other vulnerable persons. (h) WFP’s pipeline shortfall through December 2006 is 48,657 tons (USD24 million). WFP is taking advantage of the more competitive grain prices and is scaling up local purchase of maize.

(D) West Africa: (1) Cote d'Ivoire (2) Guinea (3) Guinea Bissau (4) Liberia (5) Sierra Leone (1) Cote d'Ivoire (a) During the reporting period (5-11 July), the security situation remained calm in Man and 12 Emergency Report 2006-28

Guiglo, while in the confidence zone some cases of attacks to individuals were reported in Bangolo. The attacks in Bangolo area are pre-occupying the humanitarian agencies as that zone has particularly large number of internally displaced. It has been reported that all prisoners in Odienné have been freed, this in turn has increased the number of robberies. In Korhogo, the check points are decreasing because of the gathering of the FAFN soldiers prior to the DDR process. (b) Under the Agriculture and lean season programmes, In Odienne, 1,000 families for the Lean Season have been identified, for a total number of 5000 beneficiaries, in 15 villages in Denguélé region. (c) In the frame of UNICEF and WFP joint activities, 600 children, affected by the conflict, have been jointly identified by WFP and UNICEF Man Sub offices in Gnakanzou area. They will attend training and alphabetisation activities in the next months. (d) MSF France has put in place a mobile clinic to serve Therapeutic Feeding beneficiaries in remote villages in the Guiglo region. (e) The Direction Nationale des Cantines Scolaires and WFP are conducting a monitoring mission in the country. The visit has been conducted, so far, in Man and Odienné departements.Bouaké Sub Office visited IDPs in M’baiakro, benefiting from seed protection activities. Nutritional centres have been monitored as well. Guiglo Sub Office has conducted monitoring visits in schools in Vavoua and Toulepleu. (f) As of 11 July 2006, the regional PRRO operation (Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina, Ghana, Mali) has received a total of 38.4 million US dollars against the operational needs of 50.1 million US dollars (23.2 percent shortfall or 11.6 million US dollars against operational requirements). (g) Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan, visited Yamoussoukro, on Wednesday, 5 July 2006. He first met with South African President, Mr Tabo Mbeki and, after that, with the Ivorian President, Mr Laurent Gbagbo. He convened a high-level meeting with the Ivorian, South African and Nigerian presidents, as well as the foreign ministers of Ghana and Burkina Faso and leaders of the Ivorian political parties. This mini-summit was held to discuss the implementation of the road map for Côte d’Ivoire. Asked, during the press conference about the elections, to be held in October, Mr Annan answered that the elections must be held very soon and “in any event, by the end of the year”. He also stated that the participants to the mini summit will meet again during the UN General Assembly session in September, to take the stock. (h) Korhogo department continues to cope with problems linked to insufficient rainfalls: the access to potable water could become a major problem in the coming weeks. On 7 July 2006, the USA Ambassador, Mr Aubrey Hooks, met in Man with the humanitarian actors working in the region of “18 Montagnes”. The meeting focused on the insecure situation prevailing in the “confidence zone”, due to inter – community tensions, on disarmament and on the challenges humanitarian organizations have to cope with. Mr Hooks also visited Odienné. (2) Guinea (a) During the reporting period (26 June-9 July), the overall situation has remained calm. School final examinations took place without reported incidents. Attacks on private houses and businesses were reported in Kissidougou and N’Zerekore. Armed attacks on houses are more frequent during the rainy season. Security forces in N’Zerekore are taking further precautions in light of the growing number of small arms reported in town. (b) Access to the N’Zerekore region by road is becoming more and more difficult because of the poor state of the Gueckedou-Macenta road. Trucks often get trapped after heavy rainfalls. As a result, the dispatch to N’Zerekore region is being done in a very slow

13 Emergency Report 2006-28

pace. (c) The low availability of rice in markets is noticeable around the country. Furthermore, the price of this commodity continues to increase. In N’Zerekore 50 Kg rice bags are sold between 140.000 – 150.000 GNF, while the government has fixed the price at 85.000 GNF as demanded by labor unions during the last general strike. (d) During the reporting period, WFP distributed 217 tons of food to 17,397 beneficiaries. (e) A total of 1,250 Liberian refugees were voluntary repatriated during the reporting period. As usual, WFP provided food for the preparation of hot meals for refugees participating in the convoys. In order to accelerate the repatriation process of all refugees, the 495 participants of the convoys which took off from Kountaya camp during the reporting period, received next month’s food distribution in exchange of their beneficiary cards. (f) Guinean refugee camps currently host 40,056 individuals who are being assisted by WFP. The present count includes 3,091 refugees from Ivory Coast and the remainder from Liberia. (g) During this reporting period, a total of 200 tons were distributed to 15,176 beneficiaries during the June general food distribution in Kountaya, Kouankan 1 and 2 refugee camps. In Kountaya camp, due to the progress made in the voluntary repatriation of refugees, this was the last general food distribution for the entire caseload of that camp. From August on, only vulnerable refugees will be beneficiaries of general food distributions. (h) During the reporting period, joint missions composed of ACF, CRS, UNHCR and WFP delegates were conducted in Kola, Kouankan 1 and 2 camps. These missions were conducted in an effort to present the composition of the rations to be distributed in the coming general food distributions. (i) On 29 June, two WFP participated in UNHCR’s campaign to verify residency of refugees in Kouankan 1 camp by making house visits. (j) Under the Emergency School Feeding, during the last trimester of the 2005-2006 school year, some 140 tons of vegetable oil were distributed to cooks and primary school girls. On 6 July, WFP N’Zerekore met with the partner NGO, AACG, as a means to review their performance, and identify which schools are to be assisted for the coming school year.On 6 July, a WFP inspected Gueckedou’s schools to determine the amount of food stocks left over from the 2005-2006 school year. (k) During the reporting period two WFP conducted visits to the supplementary nutritional center in Kouankan 1 and Kountaya refugee camps, in order to monitor and gage the quality of ongoing activities. (3) Guinea Bissau (a) During the reporting period (1-30 June), the security situation in the border area of Casamance province improved and remained calm. Phase II and code white was maintained countrywide. The road from São Domingos to Susana and Varela was reopened for UN staff travel. However, it was recommended that before travelling to those areas, previous consultation must be made with the de-mining entity in the area coordinated by the national de-mining Center, CAAMI. (b) During the reporting period, CAAMI has initiated phase 2 of de-mining clearance in the northern Guinea-Bissau. In this connection, it was reported that the operation has involved mine survey, marking and clearance of secondary roads, including access routes to villages. Only after this operation is concluded will access to villages off the road be permitted to UN staff. (c) WFP resumed its food assistance to the affected population in the northern region in

14 Emergency Report 2006-28

collaboration with ICRC and National Red Cross. The assistance is targeted to host families, returnees affected by the conflict between the Guinea-Bissau army and Senegalese rebels of Casamance region. (d) Land preparation is underway. Planting has started countrywide since the onset of the rains mid-June mainly for the early maturity varieties of food crops such as: maize, sorghum, millet and upland rice. Nevertheless, there is growing concerns that planted area may be affected by seeds shortage in the southern regions where the rice crop failed last year as well as in the chronically food-deficit areas along the northern border with Senegal. (e) During the reporting period, WFP completed the first baseline nutrition survey data collection and entry. A team made up of twelve local enumerators and four supervisors conducted the fieldwork in the five regions of WFP intervention during 20 days. (f) During the reporting period, WFP assisted a total number of 139,142 beneficiaries including 62,899 females. Moreover, WFP has strengthened its collaboration with CPs in the framework of our assistance to IDPs such as: National Red Cross, ADRA and ICRC. (g) WFP received various shipments amounting to a total of 641 tons of food commodities. The closing stocks at the end of June are 835 tons of commodities. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that the CO will face shortfall of CSB by the end of August 2006 (h) A total of 191 tons of food were delivered to 139,142 beneficiaries, including 13,000 IDPs/returnees. (i) WFP received contributions for PRRO 10148.2 from donors and multilateral amounting to US$. 3,852,852. Currently the project faces 68.32 percent shortfall. Due to the food shortage in the southern region of Tombali and Quinara, WFP initiated mobilizing a total of 3,285 tons of food commodities to assist the affected population in these regions. (j) The Minister of Agriculture, the European Union and WFP met on 29th of June to exchange ideas on how food security monitoring activities can be conducted in Guinea Bissau. The European Union puts at the disposal of the government 2 millions EU to support this activity during two years. The participants agreed that all potential stakeholders in the area of food security monitoring should be involved in all steps of the process, from the design of the methodology, the formulation of tools (questionnaires, etc.) to implementation and decisions making. In this respect, it is expected that WFP takes a lead position in the early warning mechanism which will be in place soon. Discussions are ongoing and a technical meeting will be organized by European Union at the end of July 2006. (4) Liberia (a) During the reporting period (3-9 July), the general security was calm and stable throughout the country but violent crimes were reported. As efforts continues to recruit, train and reorganize the security forces of the country, UNMIL continues to maintain the peace and support existing local security agencies to fight criminal activities. (b) The torrential rains have been a challenge to humanitarian operations as the roads linking the two south-eastern towns of Harper and Fish Town road is no longer accessible. The poor condition of the roads will pose enormous challenges for food delivery in the coming weeks. (c) WFP and Cooperating Partners distributed 1,193 tons of food to a total of 242,901 beneficiaries during the period. (d) In continuation of assistance to Ivorian refugees in Liberia, WFP distributed 3 tons of food commodities to 104 refugees residing in the Barraken Refugee camp in Maryland county, south-eastern Liberia. The food ration provided will serve the refugees for the 15 Emergency Report 2006-28

next two months (July & August). (e) Distribution of the resettlement package continued during the reporting period in various locations in the country including Monrovia, Phebe, Saclepea, Voinjama, Buchanan, Tubmanburg and Zwedru. In Voinjama and Phebe, a total of 738 returnees from Guinea and Ivory Coast returned home. The returnees received 26 tons of food as first tranche (two months ration) resettlement food package. (f) Meanwhile, distribution of the second tranche (two months) food ration to Returnees and IDP, which completes the four months resettlement food package, also continued during the reporting period with 6,195 beneficiaries in both categories receiving 226 tons of food. As of 3 July some 50,048 Returnees (70 percent of the repatriated returnees) and 286,631 IDP beneficiaries (89 percent of deregistered IDPs) had completed receiving their four months resettlement food package. (g) During the reporting period, under the Emergency School Feeding (ESF), WFP and partners distributed 798 tons of food to feed 229,914 school children in programme schools in ten counties. The food ration distributed will cover remaining school days up to the closure of schools for the 2005/2006 academic year at the end of July. In addition to hot meal ration, the food delivered to the schools includes a one month take home family ration for 2,437 girls in grades 5 and 6 totalling 78 tons. (h) Support to Food Support for Local Initiatives (FSLI) activities continued during this reporting period with the distribution of 96.53 metric tons of food for 4,125 beneficiaries in several agriculture, infrastructure and training projects. In Buchanan, two projects received over 856 kilograms of assorted seeds and several farming tools as part of WFP FSLI programme support. Distribution of seeds and tools will be extended to other newly approved projects in the next reporting period. (i) As the rain intensifies, WFP in collaboration with UNMIL has continued to assist local community residents maintain farm to markets roads and major routes linking communities to areas with basic services including health centers and market places. In Margibi County, a joint WFP and UNMIL assessment mission conducted an assessment of six road projects during the reporting period. Under the joint collaboration, WFP will provide food and tools including cutlasses, shovels, diggers and wheelbarrows while UNMIL will provide road maintenance equipment and general and technical supervision to the projects. The road rehabilitation projects are parts of the Community Based Recovery Joint Action Plan (CBR-JAcP) initiated by WFP, UNDP, UNMIL and other humanitarian actors in Liberia. (j) WFP distributed a total of 43 tons of food to 1,825 beneficiaries in various institutions under the Nutrition Intervention Programs. In Vionjama, a mini workshop intended to upgrade the skills of WFP assisted institutions in implementing and reporting on programme activities was held. Ten participants from the County Health Team, ICRC and IMC attended the training section. The second and final session of the training is scheduled for July 18, 2006. (k) During the reporting period, WFP received confirmation of US $6.5 Million to the Liberia operations. The in-kind contribution comprises of 8,600 tons of cereals, 870 tons, 200 tons of vegetable and 200 tons of CSB. (l) The Country Office continued lifting food commodities to the various sub-offices in support of on-going two months distribution to cover July and August. A total of 1,265 tons of assorted food commodities was dispatched from WFP warehouses to various delivery points. (m) The draft report of the Comprehensive Food Security and Nutrition Survey was released and circulated to all stakeholders for comments. The government is expected to officially launch the report in early August. In related development, the draft report of

16 Emergency Report 2006-28

the Country Office self-evaluation of the ESF programme was presented last week. The report has been circulated to key stakeholders for comments. (n) On 3 July WFP participated in a coordination meeting attended by UNHCR and LRRRC to discuss the increase number of duplicated ration cards appearing at various resettlement distribution sites particularly in the Tubmanburg Sub-Office where large number of IDPs and returnees are being resettled. The meeting agreed that due to the short time remaining to end the distribution of second tranche ration it will not be possible to introduce a new verification mechanism. In order to mitigate the constant confusion and tension at the distribution sites, the meeting agreed to increase and improve security and number of monitors at each distribution sites for the remaining three distributions before the end of July. (o) The Secretary General of the United Nations, Dr. Kofi Annan paid a three- day visit to Liberia between 3rd – 5th July at the invitation of the Liberian government. During his stay in the country, the SG inaugurated the UNMIL offices at the Pan African Plaza and met with Heads of UNCT member agencies as well as representatives of a cross section of UN local and international staff in the country. At the meeting with the UN staff, the SG lauded the team for the great work being carried out in Liberia and also used the opportunity to discuss the UN reform program. Dr. Annan also met with a cross section of students of the University of Liberia. (5) Sierra Leone (a) During the reporting period (1-30 June), the security situation in the country generally remained calm. (b) During the reporting period, WFP distributed 1,794 of assorted food commodities to 282,784 beneficiaries. (c) A total of 321 tons of food was distributed for 24,153 refugees (males 11,547; females 12,606) in the eight camps in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, 6 tons of Supplementary Feeding rations were provided in camps to 755 children (males 289; females 466) below 5 years, who were assessed as moderately malnourished. (d) WFP Port Loko and Tonkolili conducted training for Ministry of Health officers in charge of the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centres that have been recently approved for WFP support, in Port Loko and Bombali districts. This exercise is as part of the replication process of the Country Programme (CP) Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (MCHN) - Activity 2 - which started in July 2005 to end in December 2007, in Tonkolili, Koinadugu, Kailahun, Bombali, Bonthe, Port Loko, Pujehun, Bo and Kambia districts. (e) The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST), WFP and World Vision, in the implementation of the Enhanced School Feeding and HIV/AIDS Life-Skills Project, have conducted a training of trainers. The project goal is to promote primary schooling opportunities for targeted pupils and promote life-skills education for targeted pupils, teachers, parents and communities, with Kono as the pilot district.

(E) Asia: (1) Afghanistan (2) Nepal (3) Pakistan (4) Philippines (5) Timor Leste (1) Afghanistan (a) During the reporting period (29 June-12 July), the security situation remained volatile particularly in the south, southeast and east of the country. Operations against the insurgents continued in the southern and western regions. WFP operations remain affected due to restricted movements in the insecure parts of the country. On 29 June, three commercial trucks carrying WFP food from western Hirat province to Farah were

17 Emergency Report 2006-28

stopped at a gunpoint in Ghulistan district of Farah province. The food commodities were supposed to reach beneficiaries through one of the WFP projects in the same district. However, the armed men beat the drivers, off-loaded the trucks and distributed food to locals in the area who were not WFP intended beneficiaries. (b) On 2 July, heavy floods hit Kohmard, Sayghan and Yakawlang districts of Bamyan province. The preliminary findings indicate that 680 families were affected alone in Kohmard district. The Department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (DRRD), UNAMA and other Cooperating Partners are assessing the extent of damages in the remaining two districts. WFP has some pre-positioned food stocks in the area and will send additional food once the findings of the assessment are released. (c) Donors generously came forward during May and June to cover part of the pipeline deficit of the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10427. These contributions will help cover part of the planned winterization programme which will begin in August. However, WFP still faces shortfall of commodities to cover its operations until the end of 2006 including the winter pre-positioning, and expected substantial needs due to last winter and spring drought affecting up to 2.5 million additional people. A review of needs is being carried out and should be released in the next few days. Without additional contributions, WFP will not be able to enhance the winterization programme, responding to drought and preparing for the harsh winter, putting at risk hundreds of thousands of destitute and food insecure Afghans who will be facing hunger over the coming nine months until the next harvest. (d) During the reporting period, WFP assisted 337,600 beneficiaries with 2,020 tons of food across the country. (2) Nepal (a) Under the newly launched Emergency Operation (EMOP 10523.0 - Food assistance to drought affected populations of mid-west and far-west Nepal), WFP has started providing assistance to 225,000 drought affected people in Western Nepal. To jumpstart the process, WFP has borrowed close to 550 tons of rice from the Nepal Food Corporation that will be reimbursed using a WFP internal advance funding mechanism. These commodities are currently being distributed to 90,000 beneficiaries in Bajura, Kalikot, Jajarkot and Dailekh districts. (b) According to the first real-time monitoring reports received from WFP Food Monitors deployed in the field, distributions have been taking place immediately after the delivery of commodities. Thanks to a successful mobilization of the affected communities, especially women, the public work schemes had already started in a majority of villages. (c) As road access to the drought-affected villages (which are among the most isolated ones in Nepal) has currently become impossible due the monsoon season in many of the EMOP areas, WFP and its two national Cooperating Partners have identified alternative transportation means, including tractors, mules and porters. In some cases, communities have offered to walk up to five days to reach the closest road-head to collect their ration. (d) However, some of the most remote villages can only be accessed by helicopter. Hence, WFP is currently preparing an airlift operation to deliver urgently needed food assistance. After having identified a number of landing zones, WFP Country Director is working with state and non-state actors to negotiate the opening of "humanitarian air corridors" for the delivery of emergency food rations. (e) To date, WFP EMOP is funded at a level of 28 percent. This is allowing WFP to provide emergency food assistance to only four of the ten drought-affected districts. Although NGO partners and communities are already on stand-by to start the operation, the 18 Emergency Report 2006-28

remaining six affected districts may not receive WFP's emergency food assistance should no additional funding be pledged. Immediate additional funding is critical to the success of this operation (3) Pakistan (a) During the reporting period (24 June-14 July), the security situation in Pakistan and earthquake affected areas remained stable. (b) The Monsoon rains have relieved the prevailing drought in Sindh province. A good amount of rain was received in Tharparker, which is the most affected district. Most of the part of Balochistan, which is outside mansoon zone, is still reeling with drought condition. (c) In Bagh, WFP and Camp Management Organization (CMO) have agreed to distribute food to the residual population in the camps after shifting the camp to the new site at Chatter-2. some 4,079 Primary and Pre-primary school students received 6 Mt foods for the month of June. Due to summer vacations, food distribution is not planned in July. The Deputy Commissioner's office has banned food distributions from 9th to 13th July due to local elections in AJK. Exercise of monthly stock taking / reconciliation for the month of June was done by the logistics unit. (d) In Muzzaffarabad, food deliveries were suspended due to Parliamentary Election on 10th and 11th in the specific places where local administration requested to stop the distribution. Due to shortage of gravel in the local markets, the CPs has demanded crashing machines for FFW activities. Food distribution to the Returnees Camps would be starting after 11th July after the election is completed. WFP’s has been implementing Food for Work (FFW) activities in Katkair and Kundal Shai Union Councils of Muzaffarqabad through the local community based organizations (CBOs). National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) has requested for more food for the training activity under Food for Training (FFT) component for skills enhancement in Carpentry, Household Electric Appliances, Masonry, Dress Designing, Tailoring and Electrician. Keeping in view of importance of training, WFP has dispatched 85 tons foods. WFP and Forestry Department have finalized an agro-forestry proposal for PRRO. (e) In Mansehra, Pakistan Army awarded certificates to the WFP staff members in recognition of the valuable services rendered for the Earthquake affectees of 8th October 2005. WFP and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) held a meeting at WFP Sub Office (SO) to discuss WFP’s support to camp feeding and future provision for Batira camp in Kohistan district. Save the Children USA (SCF-US) has initiated FFW in Allai. The food and cash components are complemented in the FFW activities. SCF-US is currently initiating a community based tube nursery and terrace re-habilitation activities. Best Education for Employable Skills and Training (BEST) continued their FFW activity in Bittagram. The SO has released 30% of food commodities as requested in June and the remaining 70 percent will be supplied in July. (f) Muslim Education Welfare Society (MEWS) has started distribution of food to the venerable group and returnees at the camps. Due to blockage of Thakot-Banna link road, they could not distribute the food in time. WFP released 184 tons of food commodities to SCF-US for the distribution of vulnerable groups in Pashto, Sakargah and Jambera Union Councils (UCs). SO staff has initiated review meeting with representatives of Hungrai community and formed four community groups for the continuation of programme activities. Food Aid Monitor (FAM) led team, have been implementing several livelihood activities in Battal, Hilkot and Jabori UCs. In June, they completed 15 KM bridal path in Kaghan, Mahandari and Kawai UCs. BEST has initiated food distribution in two residual camps in Mansehra. Population of Kashtra camp is

19 Emergency Report 2006-28

expected to increase in July due to transfer of people from non residual camps. A mission was formed to reconcile the population of the camps. Shangla Development Society (SDS) has been facilitating the implementation of rehabilitation work i.e. irrigation channels, field terraces, retention walls, trails, link road through community in Shangla district. (g) The PRRO is currently 26.93 percent sourced against the requirement of US$ 68 million for two years. (h) Special Operation-10493 has been extended until 30th September 2006. WFP will continue to provide accommodation and warehouse facilities in Battagram, Bagh and Muzaffarabad camps to all UN and Inter-agencies. United Nations Joint Logistic Centre (UNJLC) has ceased its operations on 31 June; however a small scale operation will be maintained in Islamabad until 31 July. Two Rub halls used by WFP at Gharihabibulla have been dismantled and transported to Chatter plain warehouse. A Rub Hall (10X24) at Chatter plain Logistics Base as to increase the storage capacity for the expected consignment in the pipeline and in the same regard logistics is planning to erect another one at the same base to meet future storage requirements. (i) Due to Parliamentary Election in Ajad Jammu Kashmir (AJK), United Nations Department for Security and Services (UNDSS) has restricted the movement of international staff and their vehicles from United Nations (UN) compound in Bagh and Muzaffarabad on 10th and 11th of July. (j) A Two-days training on Monitoring and Result Based Management (RBM) was organized for WFP and Cooperating Partners (CPs) staff from 6-7 July at Abbotabad. The main purpose of the training was to enhance the understanding of monitoring and evaluation skills of WFP and CPs Staff working in PRRO in North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and AJK. (4) Philippines (a) WFP is re-establishing a presence in the Philippines with an emergency operation that will feed 2.1 million people in Mindanao in support of the peace process. The operation will be carried out in two phases: Phase 1 consists of setting up offices, conducting some key assessments to fine-tune targeting, to establish a logistics network, and to partner with nongovernmental organisations. Phase 2 commences July and will involve distribution of food commodities to targeted populations and monitoring and training activities for partners. (b) WFP last week provided a week’s worth of emergency food relief to approximately 3,100 displaced families on 7 July, following an armed conflict between the elements of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographic Unit (CAFGU) and combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). An estimated 4,100 families from the municipalities of Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano and Datu Unsay in Maguindanao Province were displaced resulting from a conflict that has arisen between the MILF and CAFGU over the past two weeks and is believed to be linked to the car explosion on 23 June. Following assessments and meetings between various groups on the ground, WFP agreed to provide emergency relief support in the form of rice to fill gaps unable to be met by other agencies. (c) A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between WFP and UNCIEF on 6 July. UNICEF will provide 225,000 deworming tablets to children in WFP programmes, as well as iron tablets to 24,000 pregnant women, kitchen utensils to 120 schools that will support on-site school feeding, alongside other inputs such as growth monitoring charts and materials to rehabilitate schools and rural health posts supported by WFP. Similar arrangements are being explored with UN Act for Peace, FAO, World Bank and other partners.

20 Emergency Report 2006-28

(d) President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has shown strong support to WFP’s programme following her request for WFP to return to the Philippines to assist with the peace process in Mindanao. WFP participated in an event on 8 July in Cotabato City Hall in Maguindanao Province, as a launching ceremony of the joint WFP-DSWD Food Assistance Progamme to Mindanao. (e) Orientation workshops have been held with the provincial governments of Cotabato (30 June), Lanao del Sur (4 July), Sultan Kudarat (4-5 July), and Maguindanao (6 July). The workshops were arranged between the Provincial Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Cooperating Partners (Cotabato Local Government Unit, GTZ, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and Community and Family Services International (CFSI)). (f) All workshops have proved to be a useful tool in orienting local government agencies in the provinces and municipalities on the required implementation mechanisms for the various project components (Food-For-Education, mother and child nutrition, supplementary feeding in day care centres, and Food-for-Work and Food-for-Training). Action plans were developed by each municipality and line agency in order to prepare communities for the first food distributions. (g) Another outcome of orientation workshops is to push for the finalisation of pilot schools, health posts, day care centres, Food-for-Work and Food-for-Training project sites. Preliminary delivery schedules (including determining times between distribution posts) are being drawn up with logistics to ready communities with delivery dates for distributions by cooperating partners. (h) Corn Soya Blend (CSB) recipe testing has been underway in the five provinces over the past two weeks, with recipes developed by Integrated Provincial Health Officers (IPHO) and DSWD Nutrition Officers. Training of cooks will occur in the coming weeks in preparation for on-site feeding mid-morning meals to begin in schools and day care centres on 1 August. (5) Timor Leste (a) WFP completed the third cycle of food distribution to all IDP camps in Dili on 14 July: from 7-14 July, WFP dispatched 148 tons of assorted food commodities (CSB, Sugar) to IDPs in sites in Dili as well as to Liquica District, Metinaro and Hera sub-districts. This brings the total amount of WFP food assistance in Timor Leste for the emergency phase (starting 28 April) to 755 tons of food commodities for 116,870 beneficiaries. (b) WFP pipeline situation is stretched and WFP is taking all efforts to expedite procurement and shipping of additional food commodities in order to avoid pipeline breaks for commodities currently in short supply such as oil and beans. (c) WFP is continuing its monitoring of IDP sites in Dili and its sub-district of Metinaro. The most pressing problem as identified by the monitoring is the fluctuating numbers of IDPs, which has resulted in some distribution delays and discrepancies, particularly during the third cycle of food distributions. To resolve the issue, WFP is working closely with the Site Liaison Support prior to each delivery to receive the most current IDP numbers. (d) WFP Food Monitors also carried out post distribution monitoring of 33 randomly selected households in different camps of Dili. The key findings indicate that assessment/selection of IDPs complied with the selection criteria and that all households received the two-week food ration during the last distribution. While most households consumed the entire ration of Corn Soya Blend, oil and sugar, it was noticed that further efforts e.g. in the form of cooking demonstrations were needed to ensure the proper utilization of the food commodities. There have been no reported incidents of food commodities being sold or exchanged. 21 Emergency Report 2006-28

(e) The Rapid Inter-Agency Assessment conducted in 12 districts throughout Timor-Leste under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordination Group and the Government, has been completed and a summary report has been submitted to OCHA. The more extensive report for WFP will be shortly completed. Initial results indicate patterns of food insecurity at a time of year that is traditionally more food secure. Lack of employment, limited household incomes, insufficient food reserves, and disruptions of trade with Dili have left district-based host families particularly vulnerable. Due to the increased burden of IDPs on host families, the food supply may decline to unhealthy levels in September, approximately two months ahead of the normal lean season.

(F) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Colombia (2) Cuba (3) Dominican Republic (4) Guatemala (5) Haiti (1) Colombia (a) New displacements have been reported in the province of Norte de Santander. According to information issued in Cúcuta (capital city of the province) an undetermined number of families from the region of Catatumbo have fled due to clashes and threats issued by illegal armed groups in the area. No further information has been released about this issue. WFP has a satellite Office in the city of Cúcuta which develops several food aid activities in this province as part of PRRO 10366. (b) Based on information issued by Pastoral Social (Catholic Church) on the difficult security conditions in the municipality of Vista Hermosa, Meta, WFP decided to temporarily suspend all food deliveries in this region. So far, 7 tons of food is on hold until security conditions are cleared and distribution is restarted. WFP develops food aid activities in this province as part of PRRO 10366. (c) During the reporting period (8-13 july), the security situation was tense in the southwestern province of Nariño. The Colombian Institute of Geology and Mining (Ingeominas) increased the level of volcanic alert from II to I (Maximum level of alert – Eruption in process) on July 12 2006 due to an eruption of the Galeras Volcano. The Local government urged some 8,000 people located in nearby areas to move to safer grounds. An undetermined number of people are still located in high risk areas. WFP has opened a new Satellite Office in this province which will link regular PRRO 10366 activities with the emergency plan of action that has been prepared among WFP and other UN agencies in case of an even stronger eruption. (d) Under the PRRO 10366, Assistance to People Displaced by Violence, WFP distributed 742 tons of food in 16 provinces to 68,048 beneficiaries, especially in, Food-for-Work, Food-for -Training, School and Preschool Feeding, Nursing and Expectant Mothers and Emergency Food Aid as part of PRRO 10366. (2) Cuba (a) Distribution under EMOP 10423.0. is ongoing. (3) Dominican Republic (a) According to reports, seasonal dispersed rains continued during the week from July 8th to 12th and no damages were reported. (b) UNETE, will remain updating information and monitoring possible flood affected areas in consultation with Emergency Operation Committees and other organizations in order to update and activate the contingency plans. (4) Guatemala

22 Emergency Report 2006-28

(a) The National Coordinator for Disaster Mitigation (CONRED) maintains a Yellow Alert in most of the National territory. The departments of Quiche, Alta Verapaz and Izabal however, are on Orange Alert due to the heavy rains. Several communities from the municipalities of Livingston and El Estor were flooded due to overflow of the Izabal Lake and rivers Sarstun and Moshila (caused by swells). (b) According to national and local authorities, families are receiving aid through small boats and some communities are reported to be isolated as a number of roads are flooded, and some houses damaged by the water. Health centers are sending teams to the affected areas in order to avoid an epidemic outbreak. More than 900 families have been affected in Izabal, according to reports by CONRED. (c) The National Meteorological Institute and CONRED, report a wave coming from the East causing heavy rains and electric activity on the beginning of this week, and expanding to the Northeastern part of the country. WFP will continue monitoring the areas affected such as the department of Izabal and surrounding areas to assess the situation and gather information as well as to continue coordinating with CONRED at central level, in case WFP food aid is required. (d) During the reporting period (3-7 July), the EMOP 10497 food distributions reached 6,249 families in four departments with 544 tons of food. (e) During the reporting period, WFP has been preparing for the food distributions under Food-for-Work in the communities. (f) A total of 347 tons were dispatched from July 5 to July 10 for the EMOP distributions in the departments of Quiche, San Marco, Jutiapa, and Huehuetenango. The EMOP 10497 has repaid 38 tons to the CP 10092 (g) WFP has verified the actions required to pre-position food in the warehouses, and identified alternate routes for distribution in case roads are damaged or destroyed due to bad weather conditions. (h) The EMOP continues with a shortfall of 35 percent. (5) Haiti (a) The entire country remains in UN security phase III. The general overall situation in Port-au-Prince remained fragile with the number of reported security incidents and kidnappings. A sudden outbreak of gang warfare in the southern suburbs of Martissant/Grand Ravine left reportedly 22 people dead and 5 injured. (b) Presence of armed gangs continues to be increasingly reported in several areas of Port-au-Prince outside their usual fields of operations (Cite Soleil, Bel Air, Cite Militaire), namely: Martissant/Grand Ravine, Solino, Carrefour Feuilles, Airport Route Toussaint l’Ouverture, Delmas, Nazon, Pelerin, Kenscoff and other residential areas that were formerly regarded as safe such as Morne Calvaire and Petion-Ville. (c) Shooting incidents against MINUSTAH forces in Cite Soleil and Cite Militaire are also on the rise together with a number of attacks against the Haitian National Police clearly confirming an end to the gang’s self acclaimed truce. The overall situation in the rest of the country remains relatively calm, however with a few incidents in Cap Haitien (including one case of kidnapping). (d) Travel restriction measures & escorts still continue to be mandatory in areas of Port-au-Prince, as Cite Militaire, Route National 1 and SHODECOSA, where WFP main warehouses are located. UN activities in this area continue to be carefully monitored. Coordination on case by case use of military escorts and personnel protection measures, are in place to mitigate the risks. (e) The resources of MINUSTAH are focused on securing the environment nationwide to

23 Emergency Report 2006-28

maintain stability. Escorting humanitarian operations has been reduced / reviewed on a case by case basis depending on security environment & purpose of the mission. UN staff on duty in “Yellow areas” of the capital need to follow new mandatory procedures to ensure close monitoring of movements. Whatever movements necessary for operations remain coordinated with UNDSS, and decided upon on a case by case basis. Although UN agencies and international NGO’s staff have not been directly targeted, the potential threat continues to exist (evaluated at low-medium probability), and measures to mitigate the risk have been taken. (f) Following the situation in the UN Red Areas of Port-au-Prince (Cite Soleil, Cite l’Eternel, Carrefour Feuilles, Martissant, Grand Ravine) it has been decided to put monitoring missions on stand in these areas until further notice. Monitoring missions to all other areas were closely monitored as required. (g) During the reporting period, a total of 1,067 tons of food were delivered to health centres and schools (PRRO and CP) in the West, North and North-East departments and in Port-au-Prince. (h) PRRO 10382.0 started food distribution in May 2005 for a period of two years. Total food for the duration of the project is estimated at 46,830 tons and the total cost at US$ 40.0 million. During 2006, the operation needs 23,375 tons to meet project requirements. By the end of June, the PRRO had received US$ 27, 4 million from directed multilateral and multilateral contributions. However, it is facing a pipeline break of CSB; and consequently contributions are critically needed to overcome these shortages. (i) The total food stocks in the country are estimated at 5,075 tons which are in WFP warehouses and available for distribution.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons WFP Weekly Emergency Report The WFP Weekly Emergency Report can be obtained at www.wfp.org For comments and information on how to subscribe, please contact the WFP Situation Room at [email protected]

For information on resources, donors are requested to contact Valerie Sequeira:

[email protected] tel: +39 06 6513 2009

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome - Italy Media queries should be directed to Brenda Barton at:

[email protected] tel: +39 06 6513 2602

Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici, 00148 Rome - Italy

24