COORDINATED RESPONSE TO FLOODS RECOVERY

Status update on Portfolio of International Financial Institutions and the UN Country Team’s ongoing programming efforts in

October 2014 TABLECouncil of OF Europe CONTENTS Development Bank (CEB) Foreword. 4 Map. 6 Assistance provided. 7 Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) . 8 European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). 10 European Investment Bank (EIB). 12 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 14 International Labour Organization (ILO). 16 International Organization for Migration (IOM) . 18 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 20 United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). 22 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). 24 United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 26 United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). 28 United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN HABITAT). 30 The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 32 United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 34 United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). 36 United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). 38 World Bank. 40 World Food Programme (WFP). 42 World Health Organization (WHO) . 44 Cross-Cutting Issues . 46 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) . 46 United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) . 47 Acronyms. 49

This document presents the status of the International Financial Institutions and the United Nations Country Team’s partners on ongoing discussions and activities aimed at providing support to the Government of Serbia in responding to the floods recovery needs. The picture presented in this document is reflective of the situation as of July 2014 and it will further evolve.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 3 FOREWORD FOREWORDCouncil of Europe Development Bank (CEB)

On behalf of the UNCT in Serbia we are pleased to present a report on the progress of the activities and projects that the UNCT and IFIs have delivered to the Government of Serbia in their response to the extraordinary needs created by the May floods.

The first edition of our booklet presented in detail all the activities that our team carried out with a view of addressing the emergency and humanitarian relief activities.

The edition that you will read at this point presents activities that are focused towards short and medium term recovery of the country, in line with the Recovery Needs Assessment that we conducted jointly with the Government of Serbia, World Bank and the European Union during June-July 2014.

Our team will ensure that long term recovery and reconstruction needs in line with the Recovery Needs Assessment report are well represented and included in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2016-2020 (UNDAF), which our team is currently preparing with the Government of Serbia.

We would like to acknowledge the tremendous cooperation that we have received from all our national and international partners involved in providing support to the country’s recovery activities. This document is representative of the element of the recovery work that is implemented by the UN Country Team and International Financial Institutions in coordination with all other partners and sister organizations.

Our common goal is to ensure human security for all people in Serbia, even in the case of exceptional natural disasters.

Irena Vojáčková-Sollorano United Nations Resident Coordinator in Serbia

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 5 MAP ASSISTANCE Most-affected municipalities in Serbia by floods Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) PROVIDED Over 25,000 assistance packages, health and hygiene kits for most vulnerable families (UNICEF, WHO and UNFPA) Loans and project activities of up to 300 million EUR for transport and 120,000 parents road reconstruction projects, support to small and medium and children provided with enterprizes (SMEs), agriculture and energy sectorsmade available daily psychological support (UNICEF) by the International Financial Institutions (CEB, EBRD, EIB)

Complete school materials for 8,000 300 million USD loan for the Floods Emergency Recovery approved flood-affectedchildren by the World Bank Group for the energy and in , and Ub (UNICEF) agriculture sectors as well as repairing damaged flood control infrastructure Medical supplies and expert medical assistance for 10,000 people and public 240,000 people health advice for entire response (WHO) get access to safe water and clean sewage systems (UNDP) 15,000 beneficiaries and up to

Repairs on 5000 small farming 300 houses in 24 municipalities helped in and Obrenovac families (UNOPS and IOM) in restarting agricultural activities (FAO)

Complete reconstruction of 300 most vulnerable families 50 houses and 16 schools (Refugees, IDPs, Roma) (implemented by UNOPS and UNDP) supported with immediate cash grants (UNHCR) 6 7 Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)

In this context, the CEB’s Administrative Council approved on 16 June 2014 the re-allocation of an active 32 million Euros Project Loan to partially finance the construction and/or rehabilitation of houses and/or infrastructure damaged by the floods. The Administrative Council also approved an interest rate subsidy of 1 million Euros in favour of the restructured Project Loan, in an effort to increase at maximum the affordability for the loan and decrease the pressure on the budget. Disbursements for this restructured Project Loan are set to start during the following months.

Immediately after the spring 2014 floods in Serbia, the CEB services and the Serbian authorities agreed on restructuring the objectives of several active loans with an accelerated disbursement option as a response to the reconstruction needs in the country.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 9 European Bank for Reconstruction Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and Development (EBRD)

In public sector and broad infrastructure repairs, the EBRD is working to re-allocate funds from on-going projects, which have not been fully disbursed:

27 million Euros financing extended by the EBRD for road rehabilitation will be reallocated for this purpose.

Part of the funds from a 95 million Euros railways project in Serbia can be redirected to repairing damaged tracks.

In the energy sector: partial reallocation of 100 million Euros of undisbursed commitments to Serbia Gas, and possibly a new line for Electric Power industry of Serbia (EPS) (for up to 200 million Euros).

In the municipal sector: restructuring of existing exposures to meet extraordinary expenditures caused by the floods.

In the private sector, the EBRD is in the position to provide extra working capital for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This can be done directly or through financial intermediaries:

In June, the EBRD launched its Western Balkans Finance Framework IV (WBFFIV) up to 500 million Euros, a size calibrated specifically to respond also to private credit demand related to flood damages. The first financing of up to 50 million Euros under WBFF IV has been extended to UniCredit Bank Serbia.

The EBRD is currently working on an Agriculture support Facility aimed specifically at the SMEs in the agribusiness in the affected areas.

In the long-term, the EBRD will be looking into funding flood protection measures and adaptation projects.

The EBRD has structured and initiated a new range of financial support programs to help Serbia overcome the damage caused by the floods.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 11 CouncilEuropean of InvestmentEurope Development Bank (EIB) Bank (CEB)

The ElB’s financing support following the recent floods was expressed in an official letter to the Prime Minister on 20 May 2014 and subsequently expressed by the Bank EIB at first Donors Conference on 22 May 2014 in . This support can be summarized as follow: First 6 months • AmendmentsAmendments to to existing existing facilities, facilities, i.e i.. eMunicipal. Municipal and and Regional Regional Infrastructure Infrastructure and and School School Modernization Modernization Programme, Programme, to to be re-directedbe re-directed to floods-affected to floods-affected areas areas. • ReallocationReallocation of fundsof funds under under the the undisbursed undisbursed Roads Roads of Serbia’s of Serbia’s Road Road Rehabilitation Rehabilitation and Safety and Safety loan to loan priority to priority road sections road affectedsections by affected floods (ongoing)by floods (ongoing); EIB’sEIB’s contribution contribution to to this this co-financed co-financed projectproject withwith WorldWorld BankBank andand EIBEIB willwill bebe aroundaround EUR 23.5 m. TheThe procurementprocurement forfor worksworks is isin inprocess process of ofbeing being launched launched. • SupportSupport to to affected affected small small and and medium medium enterprise enterprise (SMEs) (SMEs) through through EUR EUR 150m 150m APEX APEX line line of ofcredit credit • NewNew facility facility dedicated dedicated to to the the reconstruction reconstruction efforteffort -- the Bank wouldwould bebe ableable to to finance finance up upto to100% 100% of ofthe the emergency emergency reconstructionreconstruction costs costs with with long long maturities maturities and and grace grace period period as as well well as as favorable favorable interest interest rates rates. .

Medium term (6–18 months) Improving flood prevention system along the Sava river at the regional level, possibly through the involvement of the WBIF and in cooperation with the Sava Commission.

The Bank looks forward to receiving an official request on these proposals, following the conclusions of the reconstruction needs assessment (RNA) and Donors Conference.

To help Serbia accelerate its recovery from damage caused by the floods, the EIB has reallocated existing loans to be directed towards more urgent projects.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 13 FoodCouncil and of Agriculture Europe Development Organization Bank (CEB) of the United Nations (FAO)

FAO supported the Recovery Needs Assessment (RNA) and deployed emergency and rehabilitation expertise immediately after the flooding. FAO started implementing activities to support the immediate needs of rural farmers for which a total of USD 1,033,000 were received from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), Special Fund for Emergency Relief Activities (SFERA) – Belgium and its own resources from the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). A total of 4,700 small-scale farming families received animal feed packages to sustain their livestock in 19 municipalities . Each family received 8 bags (320 kg) of concentrated feed, which, combined with locally produced feed, will be on average sufficient for feeding 2 units of cattle for 2 months. Under a 30 million EUR program “EU Assistance to Flood Relief in Serbia” funded by the European Union (EU) to support recovery of 24 flood affected municipalities in Serbia, FAO is implementing a EUR 8 million to support small-scale flood-affected farming families during the next 12 months. FAO has started the operation of the project with the goal to assist 15,000 beneficiary families in 24 municipalities , helping them to restart agricultural activities. The first round of assistance of animal feed package was provided to about 2,100 families in Trstenik, Obrenovac, and Cacak. In close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection, the Office for Reconstruction and Flood Relief and local governments, FAOhas developed, under the EU grant, a program consisting of 23 different agricultural input packages that will respond to the needs of the targeted beneficiaries in the flood affected municipalities. The packages include winter and spring crop seeds and fertilizers, fruit seedlings, animal feed, agricultural equipment and greenhouses, livestock, beehives, small farm machineries, and other inputs necessary for the revitalization of small scale farming households. FAO organized briefing sessions in all 24 affected municipalities with municipal staff, agriculture focal points and the village community leaders. The purpose of the sessions was to prepare local partners to collect data on potential beneficiaries. Eligible flood affected small farming families were invited in all 24 municipalities to submit their applications and prioritize their most immediate needs. During October 2014, winter wheat seeds and fertilizers were provided to 4,427 selected families in all 24 municipalities, allowing them to plant the fields in optimal season for winter sowing. FAO is presently working on the procurement of fruit seedlings targeting 1,500 families, and expects to deliver these inputs in all 24 municipalities by early November. Following the participation of the Assistant Director General of the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia at the Donors The FAO has mobilized its resources to partner with the Serbian Government for short-term and medium-term conference in Brussels, FAO engaged with other interested partners in discussing further proposals on recovery of agriculture needs in the agricultural sector that was damaged by the flooding. Assistance includes targeting the immediate sector and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and resilience building. needs of farmers, such as animal feed, as well as support for crop production in the current and upcoming

planting seasons. 1 Bajina Bašta, Valjevo, , , , Kosjerić, , , , Krupanj, , , , Osečina, Paraćin, , , Ub, Šabac and Šid. 2 Bajina Bašta, Valjevo, Varvarin, Velika Plana, Jagodina, Kosjerić, Koceljeva, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Krupanj, Lazarevac, Loznica, Ljubovija, Mali Zvornik, Obrenovac, Osečina, Paraćin, Photo by: FAO/Igor Salinger Svilajnac, Smederevska Palanka, Trstenik, Ub, Čačak, Šabac and Šid. 15 CouncilInternational of Europe Labour Development Organization Bank (ILO) (CEB)

ILO’s involvement in the RNA activities has been a direct response to the request addressed by the Minister of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Policy of Serbia to the ILO Director General at a meeting held during the International Labour Conference in Geneva. ILO has allocated $40,000 from its core funds and has deployed experts in Employment and Livelihoods and Economic Recovery to the UNCT RNA team. These experts, together with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veterans and Social Policy have visited four affected municipalities and have approached more than 10 institutions of the Government of Serbia in an effort to collect as much accurate data as possible on the impact of the floods on employment and livelihoods. Based on the team’s key findings and analysis, ILO and UNDP have designed a brief concept note dedicated to the process of recovery of employment and livelihoods. It will focus on assistance through the National Employment Service and the Centers for Social Work, using the experiences from the past Joint Programmes- Youth Employment and Migration (YEM) and Peacebuilding and Inclusive Local Development (PBILD) – and will have the following objectives: 1. Creation of short-term jobs and training opportunities in the reconstruction of disaster resilient municipal infrastructure 2. Assistance to entrepreneurs and micro-enterprises in affected areas to recover their livelihoods and enhance capacity for startup businesses and to protect them from hazards 3. Enhancement of the crisis preparedness capacities of local institutions at both the central and municipality levels and equip them with disaster response measures to better protect employment and livelihoods.

Using the above-mentioned allocation of core funds the ILO has hired a National Employment adviser for socio-economic recovery to perform the following employment-related activities: 1. Evaluate effectiveness of the employment and social services response to the crisis. 2. Prepare a concept note for enhancing employment services effectiveness in protecting workers, finding short term opportunities and providing social services to the most vulnerable. 3. Conduct an in-depth assessment of the impact of the floods on micro, small and medium enterprises and their employees ILO has allocated its core funds and deployed six experts in the UNCT RNA team. It has also developed a concept in Obrenovac and write an analysis with suggested follow up including a concept note for donor funding. note dedicated to the process of recovery of employment and livelihoods, which will focus on assistance through The ILO will also use the remaining core funds to work on the preparation of a Manual for Employers’ organizations for Multi- the National Employment Service and the Centres for Social Work. hazard Business Continuity Management in the context of the Western Balkans.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Vladimir Kurcubic 17 CouncilInternational of Europe Organization Development for Migration Bank (CEB)(IOM)

IOM Mission to Serbia has so far implemented the following activities from May to September 2014: • 900 humanitarian assistance packages to Roma families (food and hygienic parcels), reallocation from the ongoing RHAP project • Rapid psycho - social impact assessment • Psycho - social mobile teams (over 120 visits to Lazarevac, Krupanj, Valjevo, Obrenovac, Smederevska Palanka, Svilajnac, Ub, Lajkovac) • Damage assessment (200 houses in Krupanj and 130 in Obrenovac, data basis delivered to municipal authorities and to the Serbian Office for Floods and Recovery) • 350 return packages for Roma families • Support to the collective center kasarna (Obrenovac) and Collective Center sports hall in Lazarevac (provision of beds, pillows, towels, washing machines, stoves, toilet paravans,etc) • Support to the municipal office obrenovac - assessment of data collection, development of data base and preparation of recommendations for the most urgent needs in this area • Rapid assessment of the coordination and management mechanisms in the collective center kasarna • Situation overview of the beneficiaries of the Collective Center Kasarna • Technical support provided for the Office for Floods and Recovery during the preparation of relief needs assessment and the Donors’ conference in July 2014.

Within the “Serbia Floods Rehabilitation Support Programme” funded by the EU (UNOPS managed), IOM Serbia Mission will implement the component of small repairs of 300 private housing in Krupanj and Obrenovac). The project started in mid August 2014 and the initial repairs works are planned for the end of September 2014.

IOM’s main focus was to provide necessary and the most urgent humanitarian aid to vulnerable parts of the Within the UNCT package submitted to the Japanese Embassy, IOM prepared a concept note on “Livelihood enhancement population (primarily Roma families in the rural areas, out of reception centers established in Belgrade), to assist support to the flood-affected population”. the relevant local structures in monitoring of the return process, to improve coordination efforts for the collective centers, to provide assistance to the local self-governments in collection & systematization of data.

Photo by: IOM in Serbia/Svetlana Sipetic 19 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Since theCouncil onset of the crisis, of UNDP Europehas immediately allocated Development $100,000 for emergency coordination Bank of the UN (CEB) system and with the Government of Serbia counterparts. These funds facilitated the effective deployment of a team of experts from the UN Office for the

Empowered lives Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) that handed over to the Government of Serbia on 4 June 2014 its report on priorities for Resilient nations. recovery measures in flooded areas. In the aftermath of the crisis UNDP streamlined its support to both assist in the international coordination efforts to assess damages and to provide practical help. UNDP, together with other UN agencies, seconded staff and mobilized experts3 to participate in the Government of Serbia – led Recovery Needs Assessment (“light” version of the Post Disaster Needs Assessment), jointly with the World Bank and the European Union. The experts provided critical help in identifying damages from the disaster and proposing recovery measures. Simultaneously UNDP initiated concrete assistance to the affected population. It is implementing a large portion ($388,000) of the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support relief efforts. These funds are used for cleaning sewage systems and facilitating access to safe water in the municipalities of Sabac, Smederevska Palanka, Lajkovac, , Ub and Kosjeric. These works benefit some 240,000 people in total. In the city of SABAC, 4 large water-sources have been regenerated. Water has been extracted, cleaned and disinfected and the tests showed that it is clean and ready to be used by Sabac residents. In addition to this, three pumps have been purchased and installed. In the SMEDEREVSKA PALANKA municipality, cleaning of a 300 m segment of the sewage system is underway, to enable the normal functioning of the sewage system and to prevent further flooding of the neighboring houses and normal functioning of the water treatment plant which is linked to this sewage system. The purchase of motors and motor-starters for 5 water-sources will eliminate the daily water cuts and provide a regular water supply for over 50,000 inhabitants. In the UB municipality, 2,5km of sewage system is being cleaned, as this area was completely flooded. Some of the man-holes were flooded up to 8m in depth, and heavy-duty trucks were brought in throughout the project. The sewage system serves 10,000 inhabitants of Ub municipality in that area. 415 private water-wells are being cleaned with the project’s support by the local public utility Company “Djunis”. Meanwhile the Public Health Institute is analyzing the cleaned water-wells so that direct beneficiaries (households) are aware of the purity of their water. The water plant obtained through the project, equipment that was necessary to resume normal functioning and to deliver water to Ub residents. In the municipality of VLADIMIRCI, the main water-well was cleaned and the project has replaced the equipment destroyed by the floods that was necessary for the normal functioning of the well. This well is the main source of water for the water system. In addition, 3km of sewage were cleaned and unclogged. In the municipality of the KOSJERIC, the water factory was damaged by the floods and the project funded small reconstruction works by the public utility company. The asbestos pipes destroyed during the floods are being replaced. In the LAJKOVAC municipality, 120 private water-wells and 3 km of sewage have been cleaned. Pumps have been purchased for Ub, Lajkovac, Sabac and Vladimirci and are being delivered. In addition, UNDP is implementing a $1,500,000 project funded by its Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR). Priority is given to UNDP has mobilized an immediate response (through experts and funds) in the aftermath of the floods and debris removal and waste management, but also to improving coordination on all levels and capacity improvements for preventing future continued to stay engaged throughout the recovery phase, supporting house rebuilding, debris removal, disasters. UNDP will undertake a Disaster Risk Reduction Capacity Assessment, ; support the development of the National Plan of Action for Capacity Development in Disaster Risk Reduction; and create a workshop on the implementation and monitoring of this plan. These activities cleaning of sewage systems, cleaning water sources and ensuring access to safe water. It is also supporting the are consistent with our ongoing work in the framework of Serbia’s obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate government’s capacity for coordination of disaster response and better preparedness for future disasters. Change (UNFCCC), other conventions and treaties and the “Hyogo Framework of Action”. UNDP is also implementing a grant of the United Arab Emirates to the Government of Serbia, in close cooperation and coordination with the Government Office for Reconstruction and Flood Relief. Thirty-two houses will be constructed in Krupanj, Obrenovac and Valjevo for Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Petar Bakic people whose homes were destroyed during the floods. 21 3 through UNDP’s SURGE scheme, with a total cost of $275,000 CouncilUnited Nations of Europe Department Development of Safety Bank (CEB) and Security (UNDSS)

Upon the request from the Government of Serbia, the UNCT/HC called for assistance from the UNDAC/UNOCHA, which arrived with a team of 9 experts within 48 to 72 hours.

Following missions to the disaster areas, the immediate assistance was flown-in from Brindisi and Dubai by 4 cargo planes: 90 water tanks, 36 generators, 15 boats, 749 kg’s of high-energy biscuits, purification systems, water pumps, 5000 blankets etc.

The knowledge and experience from the TRIPLEX exercise was successfully applied and made the entire setup of the On-Site Operations Coordination Center (OSOCC) with the Government of Serbia Sector for Disaster Management to proceed smoothly. This also applied to the successful tracking of field missions and air reconnaissance.

The biggest challenge in regards to safety and security was the damage to infrastructure, i.e. roads, bridges and the hundreds of mud/ land-slides, combined with the immediate lack of 4x4 field vehicles. UNMIK has responded quickly in disposing field vehicles with drivers for speeding up the essential immediate assessment by the UNDAC and UNCT.

Another concern was the migration of mines from the Croatian-Bosnian/Serbian border areas. The Serbian Mine Action Center (SMAC) and UNDSS held daily coordination, as countries providing the water pumping teams expressed serious concerns with regards to migration of mines and likelihood of accidents while pumping. The SMAC and MAC teams from Croatia and BiH formed a combined assessment team which was deployed to the most affected areas in known mine areas for immediate reporting on migration.

UNDSS HQ with immediate effect facilitated the clearance of the use of Serbia Military and other countries air assets by UN personnel.

Following days of intensive field missions, the UNDAC team left and have now been replaced by a team of experts in Post Disaster Needs Assessment which has been briefed on the safety and security protocols and a SOP circulated to all team members, while the team leaders remains responsible for following the SOP and in-country security procedures.

UNDSS provided critical liaison with the Government of Serbia Sector for Disaster Management and Army during the disaster ensuring safe delivery of the emergency assistance. It continues to apply and monitor safety and security protocols related to UNCT relief and reconstruction efforts in the disaster affected areas.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Petar Bakic 23 CouncilUnited Nations of Europe Environment Development Bank (CEB) Programme (UNEP)

UNEP’s response to the floods comprised initially of the mobilization of environmental experts (through the Joint UNEP/OCHA Environment Unit) as part of the UNDAC team to assess acute short-term threats from flooded industrial zones, propose flood mitigation measures, and identify landslide risks. This was followed by UNEP’s taking on the role of ‘environment sector co-leader’ for the Recovery Needs Assessment (RNA) in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environmental Protection.

The main environmental problems identified include: (i) activation of at least 775 landslides; (ii) generation of 500,000 tons of debris waste requiring disposal; (iii) contamination of water and land from legacy mining operations, particularly from the collapse of the Stolice mine tailing dam; (ii) negative impacts on surface and groundwater from poorly stored hazardous chemical waste; (iv) deforestation, forest degradation and biodiversity losses; and (vi) damage to environmental monitoring equipment. Damages and losses to the environment sector arising from the flood disaster were estimated at 20.6 million Euros. In addition, an ‘environmental recovery and reconstruction plan estimated at 41.5 million Euros to be implemented over the short to medium term was included in the RNA.

Longer term measures to help build back better and resolve important long-standing environmental challenges were also proposed. Key strategies highlighted include the development and enforcement of disaster sensitive land use plans and promotion of ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction measures. UNEP’s engagement has so far focused on integrating post- flood planning in a regional climate change adaptation project for South East Europe.. The planned project will focus on the inclusion of climate resilience in construction of different types of infrastructure to help ‘build back better’ (BBB). TheBBB principle will be applied to infrastructure that is to be re-build after the floods, as well as other regional infrastructure projects that have not taken into account adaptation to climate change. The Donor community already showed interest on the above mentioned initiative and pledged support to UNEP’s activities on post-flood response in the South East Europe sub-region. UNEP provided expertise for both the UNDAC mission and RNA process. Specialist personnel are standing ready to provide further assistance in confronting the main environmental issues related to land and water contamination, hazardous chemical waste, debris waste, landslides, deforestation and biodiversity losses.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 25 CouncilUnited Nations of Europe Educational, Development Scientific Bank (CEB) and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

Following detailed information received from the Ministry of Culture and Information, UNESCO allocated an overall amount of 43.656 USD for rehabilitation of the museums in Arandjelovac and Paracin. The entire budget has been transferred to the authorities and the required activities are to be completed by the end of October 2014.

UNESCO has also prepared a project entitled, “Urgent revitalization of cultural institutions and services in flood affected municipalities in Serbia”, which has been submitted as a part of the overall UNCT package to the Embassy of Japan. The budget of the project proposed is 772.355 USD and activities could start as soon the funds are approved or in early 2015.

The following key results have already been achieved: • An assessment of the damages in the culture sector has been made as part of the PDNA assessment (including monuments, intangible heritage elements, cultural centers and heritage depositaries such as museums and archives) • Funds for the recovery of two of the most endangered Museums in Arandjelovac and Paracin have been assured in order to safeguard their valuable collections.

All activities of UNESCO are closely coordinated with the Ministry of Culture of Serbia and the Commission of the Republic of Serbia for UNESCO.

UNESCO assisted the Republic of Serbia Government in the immediate rehabilitation of museums in floods- affected municipalities, with an elaborate project on further urgent revitalization of cultural institutions submitted to the Embassy of Japan as part of the UNCT package.

Photo by: UNDP in Serbia/Jürg Staudenmann 27 CouncilUnited Nations of Europe Population Development Fund Bank (UNFPA) (CEB)

UNFPA’s immediate flood response included distribution of 3,000 hygiene kits to the affected population in Obrenovac through the Serbian Red Cross. The distribution reached Roma families living in settlements to where no assistance had been provided yet. This represents $42,000 funded from UNFPA’s core funds. UNFPA additionally procured 500 packs of adult diapers to respond to the needs of older persons who live in the Gerontology Center in Obrenovac ($5,000, core funds). UNFPA also had an active participation in the Risk National Assessment (RNA) under the Health sub-sector. In addition, we have procured reproductive health kits under the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) with a total approved budget of $114,913. As part of an agreement with the Serbian authorities, UNFPA Serbia CO has coordinated procurement, preparation and delivery of another batch of hygiene/reproductive health kits on July 24th, 2014. A total of 3000 kits and 500 diapers for adults were distributed in three different locations. Each kit has been tailored to the needs of the families comprising the basic necessities of daily life. First 500 kits were delivered to the Red Cross of Obrenovac. Those packages were distributed to the vulnerable people stationed at the barrack Bora Markovic in Obrenovac. The second delivery of 500 hygiene kits and 500 diapers for adults was made to the Geriatric Center in Obrenovac and the third delivery of 2000 dignity kits were dispatched to the Red Cross of Belgrade. In cooperation with the Red Cross in Obrenovac, those relief items will be taken to the hardest hit municipalities in the area and in accordance with the needs of those that suffered extensive damage due to heavy rains. Areas in which UNFPA is standing ready to provide assistance in the near and long-term future are: Reproductive health services In cooperation with the Ministry of Health, continuous support for reproductive health services - including prenatal care, assisted delivery, and emergency obstetric care in flood affected areas, while also improving access to family planning services. Older people’s rights In the face of the natural disaster that has struck Serbia, hygiene/reproductive health kits could mean the difference Advocacy for the needs of older people and to bring their rights to the attention of the international organizations, governments, between sickness and health for struggling families. UNFPA has managed to procure and deliver thousands of donors and the public in the view of, among other things, developing management emergency policies that would include the health kits in the previous months. It provides continuous support for reproductive health services - including needs of older people and supporting gerontology centers. prenatal care, assisted delivery, and emergency obstetric care in flood affected areas, while also improving access Displaced young people to family planning services. Implementation of activities in the recovery phase that target displaced young people that are particularly vulnerable to HIV: to provide them with information and services to protect themselves from disease and unintended pregnancies.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Petar Bakic 29 CouncilUnited Nations of Europe Human Development Settlements Bank (CEB) Programme (UN-HABITAT)

We work with people, communities and municipalities to ensure that they are fully engaged in the decision making processes and that they gain maximum benefit from any reconstruction efforts. We make certain that the reconstruction process is not just a “bricks and mortar” process but an holistic approach to recovery and strengthening of human settlements.

Through UN-Habitat’s City Resilience Profiling Programme (CRPP), UN-Habitat would seek to further integrate resilience principles and strategies into rehabilitation efforts across the most affected urban areas and to help government and communities to better prepare and recover from future natural and man-made disasters.

UN-Habitat is proposing to contribute to the recovery of flood affected areas through the provision of model housing rehabilitation and capacity building of government authorities in areas of emergency response.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Petar Bakic 31 CouncilThe United of Europe Nations Development High Commissioner Bank (CEB) for Refugees (UNHCR)

Affected families were visited with a special focus on UNHCR persons of concern – refugees and IDPs. Since then, all the flooded municipalities were visited and cash grants, ranging from USD 50-200 and totalling RSD 4,392,000 (approx. USD 5,200) were disbursed to 332 families. The recipients of cash grants were identified in close cooperation with the local authorities.

The limited number of non-food items obtained from UNHCR Montenegro was distributed mostly in Roma settlements that were affected by the floods.

In agreement with the Red Cross of Serbia, the staff of UNHCR Representation in the country purchased and delivered 132 hygiene parcels to the Red Cross Office in the municipality of Obrenovac.

Mobile teams working in the territory of the municipality of Obrenovac were additionally strengthened, and one psychologist was commissioned to work with the affected inhabitants accommodated in the temporary reception centres in that municipality.

By way of urgent response to the floods of mid-May, UNHCR Field Unit and the mobile teams of its implementing partners organized visits to the affected municipalities providing cash grants, non-food items and psychological support for the people in the temporary reception centers.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Petar Bakic 33 CouncilUnited Nations of Europe Children’s Development Fund (UNICEF)Bank (CEB)

To date UNICEF has utilized an estimated $1,000, 000 for its emergency response and recovery efforts from its own regular resources, individual and corporate donations and its National Committees, as well as funds received from CERF and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. In-kind support for technical experts in Water and Sanitation for the RNA were provided by the Swedish Government and Veolia (France), through UNICEF. In line with its mandate, and within a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and equity framework, UNICEF has taken the following actions to date:

• Assisted 9,250 flood-affected families and children through provision of hygiene packages and 5,000 blankets.Increased • Increased the awareness of 120.000 parents and children in the flood affected areas and collective centers on health, hygiene and nutrition • Provided daily psycho-social support and recreational activities in collective centres for more than 700 children and counseling for parents on dealing with stress and caring for young children, since the onset of the emergency • Assisted 85 children placed in foster families who were displaced by the flooding, aimed at ensuring their well-being and protection • Provided technical expertise for the elaboration and formulation of the Water and Sanitation, and education components of the Recovery Needs Assessment (RNA) • Supported an estimated 7.780 flood-affected children (pre-school to 8th grade) in Obrenovac, Krupanj and Ubthrough provision of textbooks, notebooks, workbooks and School bags.

Planned Actions: UNICEF has begun work with the social welfare system to strengthen the Centres for Social Work in flood-affected areas to provide intensive support to the most vulnerable families, and to improve its preparedness planning and response to future emergencies. UNICEF will continue to work with the education system to support flooded affected families and children with critical school materials. In addition UNICEF will equip one pre-school in Ub (530 pupils) and one primary school in Obrenovac (629 pupils) and will supply a specialized van in Obrenovac for transporting children with disability, and utility vehicles for the Center for Social Work in support of their activity targeting vulnerable families in Obrenovac. UNICEF focused its emergency response and recovery activities in the areas of Health and Hygiene promotion, Early Childhood Development, Education, and Child Protection. UNICEF continues to support flood affected UNICEF stands ready, if the need arises, to provide technical assistance in the area of water supply quality monitoring and sanitation families and children with critical school material, standing ready to provide technical assistance in the areas of promotion; to strengthen capacities of the health system to provide psycho-social support to disaster-affected families; to further water supply, sanitation, psycho-social support and disaster risk reduction in the education system. enhance disaster risk reduction efforts in the education system; and to improve the disaster preparedness and resilience of families.

Photo by: UNICEF Serbia/Shubuckl 35 United Nations Industrial Development Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) Organization (UNIDO)

We use state-of-the-art eco-remediation technologies for waste water treatment and restoration of eco-system services.

These technologies further preserve industrial, agricultural and tourism development potential and reduce detrimental health impacts caused by polluted water.

Similar ongoing projects developed in other countries contribute to environmental sustainability as well as to sustainable socio-economic development.

UNIDO expertise is based on implementing projects related to treatment of water pollution hotspots resulting from the recent flooding, in addition to other causes, such as waste water from industry.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 37 United Nations Office Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) for Project Services (UNOPS)

Flood-response preparations commenced during June and July before the 14 million Euros Grant Agreement came into execution on the 5th August. Preparations included pre-qualifying contractors so that early tenders could be fast-tracked and contracted.

In late July UNOPS also concluded a 4 million Euros tripartite contract with the Kingdom of Norway and SEIO.

At the end of August UNOPS and its IOM partner under EC funding, have:

• commenced work on 8 houses in Obrenovac and almost completed design for 10 in Krupanj Also in Result 1, IOM will commence repair works in the middle of September for 129 families in Obrenovac settlement ‘Brace Jugovica’ and about 190 houses in Krupanj. IOM will tender for temporary shelter upgrades in early September • Identified 16 schools requiring work and commenced works on 6 (two almost completed), 3 more are contracted andabout to start, 5 with tenders being evaluated while 2 more are about to be tendered for. Another 8 public schools will be contracted for during September. The tender for procurements of furniture for schools was closed on 1st September and will be delivered as school construction is completed. • Signed a Grant Support Agreement with the Roads of Serbia for repairs to the Krst-Korenita-Krupanj state road rehabilitation and managed its tender documentation development for a launch in the 2nd half of September • Provided technical support to the Flood Office with advice in its discussions with Serbia and Belgrade Waters and the State Road companies, planned consultancy support to provide resources to the office for verification and monitoring missions, to develop a communications plan and also agreed with the Office on providing staff and other resources. • The tender for providing biocide material to the Ministry of Health to reduce the spreading of predominately west-Nile fever closed on 4th August and a 200,000 EURO package was contracted with delivery first deliveries scheduled for early September. • Finally in result 7 an inter-agency communications group was set up and a number of high-profile events conducted. • For the Kingdom of Norway, UNOPS have identified 13 public buildings (schools, health centres, cultural centres and UNOPS is implementing a number of large scale reconstruction projects on roads, houses and public buildings in close one archaeological site), commenced works on two, with two more about to be contracted , two in tendering phase for coordination with the Government’s Floods Office, SEIO and the EU Delegation in Serbia and Kingdom of Norway. reconstruction works, one in tendering phase for design services and six in preparation.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Petar Bakic 39 CouncilWorld Bank of Europe Development Bank (CEB)

The World Bank Group approved a $ 300 million loan for the Floods Emergency Recovery Project. The loan will support Serbia in meeting critical needs in the energy and agriculture sectors, repairing damaged flood control infrastructure, and helping the country better respond to natural disasters. Specifically, in the energy sector, the project will support electricity imports by EPS ($ 156 million) to improve availability and avert an impending energy crisis, particularly over the first winter heating season following the floods. It will also support urgent restoration of the distribution network ($ 20 million) and dewatering ofthe Tamnava West Open Pit Mine ($ 28 million). In the agricultural sector, the Floods Emergency Recovery Project will replenish up to $ 70 million of the government’s ongoing Farm Incentives Program in the 49 municipalities affected by the floods in order to protect livelihoods of farmers and offsetting their income losses. Remaining funds from the loan will finance urgent rehabilitation of the flood protection and drainage control infrastructure, and strengthen the technical capacity of the government agencies for improved flood prevention and management.

Immediately following the May flooding, the World Bank Group has mobilized grant funding of $150,000 from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery and provided technical experts on the ground to support the Government of Serbia in conducting the Recovery Needs Assessment (RNA). The RNA process was completed in July and the report was presented at the Donors´ Conference convened in Brussels on July 16th, 2014. The RNA revealed that the most affected sector was mining/ energy, followed by housing, agriculture and trade.

In addition, the World Bank has authorized adjustments within its existing undisbursed portfolio to meet immediate recovery needs, beginning with prioritizing of heavily damaged road sections under the $ 100 million Road Rehabilitation and Safety Project and purchase of ambulance vehicles, portable ECG and ultrasound equipment from the remaining $ 2.7 million of the Delivery of Local Services Project.

In addition to authorizing adjustments to its existing portfolio to meet the immediate recovery needs, the WB has prepared Floods Emergency Recovery Project in the amount of $ 300 million for priority sectors such as energy, agriculture and flood protection.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 41 CouncilWorld Food of Europe Programme Development (WFP) Bank (CEB)

WFP responded to the emergency in record time and within less than 36 hours from receipt of the request, its assistance was delivered to the affected area - the very first UN assistance to arrive in the country.

Part of WFP’s response was conducted through the activation of the United Nations Humanitarian Response Depots (UNHRDs) of Brindisi (Italy) and Dubai, which provided the bulk of the rapid response stocks and equipment supplied to the Government of Serbia.

The relief supplies included food, in the form of ready-to-eat High Energy Biscuits (HEBs), which fulfilled the immediate food needs of about 7,000 people, as well as non-food relief items such as collapsible water tanks, water purification systems, generators, inflatable boats, etc. The non-food items were provided by WFP as well as the Governments of Italy and Norway.

These non-food items were handed over to the Minister of the Interior while the HEBs were distributed through the national Red Cross. The coordination was done through the UNCT in Serbia and other international and local partners on the ground.

In addition, WFP provided logistics and emergency programming support, and participated in the UNDAC needs assessment activities in support of the UNCT and the Government of Serbia.

Also, WFP launched a $1.5 million operation to respond to immediate humanitarian needs upon a request from the Government of Serbia and in coordination with the authorities and other UN organizations on the ground. WFP received approximately $750,000 from the UN CERF to partially meet this resourcing requirement, which was also internally financed through WFP’s Immediate Response Account mechanism.

As the situation transitions into recovery phase, WFP has developed a joint proposal with FAO to continue supporting the Government of Serbia in its efforts towards rehabilitation and recovery, especially for the most vulnerable groups.

WFP stands ready to provide short-term assistance to support the Government of Serbia in meeting immediate emergency food and nutrition needs and in supporting recovery efforts of flood-affected populations, specifically for the most vulnerable groups, through cash and voucher (C&V) transfer interventions. WFP launched a $1.5 million operation to respond to immediate humanitarian needs upon a request from the Government of Serbia and in coordination with the authorities and other UN organizations on the ground. A The proposed cash-based activity will provide life-saving, time-critical food assistance through a cash and vouchers system to joint WFP-FAO proposal of approximately 5 million Euros for cash and vouchers transfer interventions has been an estimated 11,000 food insecure, flood-affected households (approx. 52,000 people). This is aligned with WFP’s Strategic submitted to the European Union through the UNCT. Objective 1: ‘Save Lives and Protect Livelihoods in Emergencies” by addressing the urgent food and nutrition needs of vulnerable people. Most notably, the proposed activities will complement other existing efforts in the country.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 43 CouncilWorld Health of Europe Organization Development (WHO) Bank (CEB)

A team of experts in emergency preparedness and response, environmental health and communicable diseases as well as communication experts assisted on site during and in the aftermath of the disaster. In particular, a water and sanitation specialist and an expert in emergency management were immediately deployed to work with the health authorities. In addition, WHO: • Coordinated the shipment of an emergency health kit with medicines and supplies to cover the health needs of 10,000 people for three months, one water purification unit, 22 water tanks and laboratory equipment. These materials were shipped with the financial support of the Kingdom of Norway and the Russian Federation

• Developed, jointly with the Ministry of Health (MoH), leaflets with public health advice for the affected communities • Supported the Post-Disaster / Recovery health needs assessment within the health sector

• Provided technical advice on vector control measures to be undertaken • Coordinated a comprehensive Public Health Needs Assessment and will be supporting the MoH in the development of an emergency health strategy. Financial support has been provided by United Nations Central Emergency Response (CERF) Fund, Norwegian Government as well as in-kind donations from the Kingdom of Norway and the Russian Federation, while the WHO Regional Office supported the Country office from their Core budget. Through the CERF Fund, personal protective equipment and disinfectants have been purchased. Namely, 20,000 pieces of surgical masks and 20,000 pieces of gloves, 4,000 pieces of coveralls and 1,000 pairs of rubber boots, as well as 8,000 kg of disinfectants have been distributed to the Institute of Biocide and Medical Ecology in Belgrade in close coordination with MoH. From the Norwegian fund, one mobile X-ray module has already been purchased and delivered to the General Hospital in Loznica. Moreover, from the Norwegian and CERF funds, purchase of life-saving equipment is on-going and includes 7 mobile ventilators, one x-ray module, 2 electrocardiographs and 3 bed-side monitors, replacing the ones that were destroyed in most flood affected areas. WHO provided support to the flood-affected population and the government of Serbia through immediate WHO will continue to provide technical assistance to MoH to formulate, plan and implement strategies and work plans for deployment of experts and provision of technical advice, followed by procurement of medical equipment, personal overall emergency response operations and build capacity to address emerging health needs. A risk communications workshop protective kits, water purification kits and water tanks. WHO experts will continue working closely with the WHO is planned for October 2014 and will gather Western Balkan countries and Slovenia, Croatia and Bulgaria. Also, WHO plans to Country office and health authorities in Serbia to address the country’s medium and longer-term health needs. hold a public health emergency management capacity building workshop as well as a post-mortem workshop on the response to the emergency.

Photo by: UNCT in Serbia/Petar Bakic 45 CROSS-CUTTING ISSUES Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB)

Office of the United Nations United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)

OHCHR supported the RNA process ensuring it was conducted in line with the Human Rights based approach methodology. UN Women provided a senior gender expert for the RNA assessment process and will continue supporting national partners in OHCHR will continue to provide support to the UNCT and to the authorities with a view that the flood response is planned and ensuring that relief and reconstruction efforts are gender responsive. delivered fully in line with the UN Human Rights Standards and Principles.

The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has the mandate to work on the elimination Following an agreement with the UN Resident Coordinator, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights of discrimination against women and girls, women’s empowerment and achievement of equality between women and men as partners (OHCHR) deployed a national human rights adviser and programme assistant to the UN Country Team in Serbia (UNCT) in December and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security. 2007 to monitor the human rights situation, provide advice to the UNCT on how to incorporate human rights into programming, facilitate the UNCT’s interaction with UN human rights bodies, etc. Supporting the UNCT, the Government and the National Human In the aftermath of the Serbian floods, UN Women provided expertise to the Recovery Needs Assessment process, with the aim to better Rights Institutions to interact with the UN Human Rights Mechanisms, follow-up to their recommendations and participate in their understand and incorporate the gender perspective in disaster response and reconstruction. A senior gender expert was deployed and actual implementation in the national context are the main priorities of the UN Human Rights Adviser in Serbia. supported the work of the other sectors and the development of a specific report on the different flood impacts on women compared to men, their implications for recovery, and recommendations to address disaster-related needs caused by or worsened by discrimination In June 2014, OHCHR deployed the Senior Human Rights Adviser (SHRA) posted in Russia to work with the Human Rights Adviser in against women. To identify key recommendations and priorities, individual and group interviews were held with representatives of civil Serbia, the UNCT and the authorities on ensuring that the RNA process was conducted in line with the mandatory Human Rights Based society organizations, gender activists and government representative working on gender equality. The report emphasizes the need for Approach methodology. The SHRA worked directly with the technical RNA sectors to guarantee the full understanding of and compliance future gender-sensitive actions in areas ranging from equitable cash assistance and house titling to inclusion of women and women’s with the methodology. Relevant guidance and tools were provided during the RNA training that took place on June 16 and 17. organizations in all levels of disaster response and recovery planning, coordination and implementation. OHCHR will continue to provide support to the UNCT and to the authorities with a view that the flood response is planned and delivered In line with the findings and recommendations, UN Women will continue supporting national partners in ensuring that humanitarian fully in line with the UN Human Rights Standards and Principles. Throughout the process, we will provide support to ensure human action, including preparedness and disaster risk reduction, response and early recovery, are gender responsive, address the distinct rights principles, namely participation and inclusion, non-discrimination and equality and accountability are consistently applied. needs of women, girls, men and boys and are shaped by women and men’s equal leadership and participation.

46 47 ACRONYMSCouncil of Europe Development Bank (CEB)

CEB Council of Europe Development Bank CERF United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund DRR disaster risk reduction EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development EIB European Investment Bank EU European Union FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ILO International Labour Organization IOM International Organization for Migration NGO non-governmental organisation OCHA UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights PDNA Post Disaster National Assessment RNA Recovery Needs Assessment UN WOMEN United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women UNCT United Nations Country Team UNDAC United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination UNDAF United Nations Development Assistance Framework UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNDSS United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNEP United Nations Environment Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFPA United Nations Population Fund UN-Habitat United Nations Human Settlements Programme UNHCR The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services WFP World Food Programme WHO World Health Organization

Photo48 by: UNCT in Serbia/Djordje Novakovic 49 United Nations Country team in Serbia Internacionalnih brigada 69 11000 Belgrade, Serbia Tel: (+381) 11 2040 400 Fax: (+381) 11 3444 300 www.rs.one.un.org

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