UNHCR’S EMERGENCY 2015 RESPONSE ANNUAL REPORT 2 Annual Report 2015 of concern toof UNHCR concern forcibly displaced by conflict, number of people The MILLION 60 FACTS KEY 2015
UNHCR/ O. Laban-Mattei 126 where UNHCR works where UNHCR of countries number The
UNHCR/ M. Henley UNHCR’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE
8,560 UNHCR staff in the field (88% of all staff) UNHCR/ O. Laban-Mattei 88,457 The number of Australians who actively supported Australia for UNHCR 86% of Australian donations went to UNHCR humanitarian programs Australia for UNHCR
Annual Report 2015 3 CONTENTS 6 Report from the Chairman 32 Sister Angélique Mission and National Director 33 Ethiopia Mission 8 2015 Highlights 34 Community Engagement 10 Year in Review 36 Thank You to 12 UNHCR’s Emergency Our Supporters Response 38 Financial Summary 2015 14 Key Emergencies 44 Governance 20 Ongoing Protection 45 About Australia for UNHCR of Refugees 46 How Our Funds Were 28 Raising Funds Distributed in 2015
Cover: A UNHCR field worker holds a young refugee boy close in a thermal blanket as refugees disembark from a boat on the Greek island of Lesvos.
UNHCR/ H. Holland
4 Annual Report 2015 CONTENTS
Syrian refugees make their way into Iraq at a crossing near Dohuk in Iraqi Kurdistan.
UNHCR/ S.Baldwin
Annual Report 2015 5 REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND NATIONAL DIRECTOR
John Denton AO, Chair of Australia for UNHCR, at the World Refugee Day breakfast with National Director Naomi Steer and Special Representative Yarrie Bangura. Australia for UNHCR
As European governments argued about of forced displacement – both conflicts and 2015 was, by any measure, a year how to respond to the crisis, a single natural hazards. He stressed the need for of extraordinary challenges for photograph of a drowned Syrian child brought development policies to focus on “creating the human story to the fore. The image of conditions that enable people to stay and UNHCR, with refugee issues 3-year-old Aylan Kurdi lying on a Turkish beach not be forced to move, to give them a better making world headlines and prompted a global outpouring of community future in their own countries”. compassion and generosity. Australians Australia for UNHCR continues to support dominating international and responded, along with the rest of the world, both these aspects of UNHCR’s mandate. domestic political debate. with Australia for UNHCR providing a conduit In 2015, our donors funded emergency relief for their concern. operations in 24 countries. At the same time, The arrival on Europe’s doorstep of more In December the National Director Naomi we supported projects to improve the lives than a million people from conflict-affected Steer attended the High Commissioner’s of long-term refugees, enabling them to live countries like Syria focused attention on the Annual Dialogue on Protection Challenges in safety and dignity, provide for their families global refugee crisis, the burden of which, with civil society representatives in Geneva. and give their children opportunities for until now, has been carried almost exclusively The High Commissioner, Mr António Guterres, the future. by poorer nations in the Middle East, Africa spoke of the need to address the root causes and Asia.
6 Annual Report 2015 REPORT FROM THE CHAIRMAN AND NATIONAL DIRECTOR
Growing Support participated in our special events, giving Australia for UNHCR experienced exceptional generously of their time and talents. growth in 2015, in terms of both our On Australia Day, 2015, our Chairperson, supporter-base and fundraising income. John Denton, was awarded an Order of Australia We raised a record AU$32.8 million, an in recognition in part for his contribution to the increase of 22% on our income in 2014. humanitarian sector and his support for refugees Our regular giving program contributed as founding Chair of Australia for UNHCR. $21 million to UNHCR’s general emergency We welcomed Kate Dundas, the former fund, while donors across the organisation Director of ABC Radio, to our Board and supported specific UNHCR emergency farewelled Alice Spigelman AM. Alice made operations for Syria, Europe, Nigeria an invaluable contribution during her nine year and Nepal. tenure, driving our annual Mother’s Day Lunch We remained on track to raise $2.75 million and ground-breaking programs to fund women’s for sexual and gender-based violence education, livelihood and reproductive health (SGBV) projects in the Democratic Republic projects. She will be missed. of the Congo, and provided key funding In December, we bid a fond farewell to for health, education, nutrition, water and Mr António Guterres who stepped down livelihood programs for long-term refugees from the position of UN High Commissioner in Bangladesh, Mozambique, Ethiopia and for Refugees after ten years in the role. the DRC respectively. He steered UNHCR through one of the most challenging periods in its history, honing its Community Engagement emergency mechanisms to make it a more The refugee crisis in Europe triggered a surge responsive and agile organisation. in community fundraising activity and corporate support. Our annual World Refugee Day We are grateful for the support we received Breakfast was our most successful yet, and from UNHCR both globally and in Australia new partners such as the Islamic Museum of through the office of the Regional Representative, Australia took our message to new audiences. Mr Thomas Albrecht. We thank our fellow Board members, volunteers and staff who worked so We were fortunate to host a visit to Australia hard this year to realise our organisation’s goals by Nansen Award winner, Sister Angélique and respond to world events as they unfolded. Namaika. Her 12-day speaking tour focused attention on our work for SGBV survivors in the DRC and continued our participation in the national dialogue on women, peace and security. Naomi Steer Welcome, Farewell and Thanks John W.H. Denton AO We appointed two new Special National Director Chairman Representatives in 2015: the acclaimed Australian actor Marta Dusseldorp and poet and performer Yarrie Bangura, both of whom
Annual Report 2015 7 2015 HIGHLIGHTS
MAR UNHCR/ C. Delfosse
Australia for UNHCR raises a further MAY Australia for UNHCR $320,000 as part of its three-year UNHCR/ H. Caux commitment to fund sexual and gender- Wendy Harmer hosts Australia for JAN based violence programs in the Democratic UNHCR’s Mother’s Day Lunch in Sydney, A massacre by Boko Haram militants in Republic of the Congo. The monies raised featuring a panel discussion with special the Nigerian city of Baga ignites a regional go towards community education, prevention guests Jane Turner, Jane Caro and emergency, sending over 200,000 people and training programs, health care, trauma Special Youth Representative Yarrie fleeing into Chad, Niger and Cameroon. services and livelihood initiatives for Bangura on issues facing women UNHCR is one of the few relief agencies survivors and the operation of mobile courts. in conflict zones. able to assist refugees in this volatile environment – prioritising emergency food, water, shelter and medical care.
JUN Australia for UNHCR UNHCR/ D. Das Shrestha FEB Australia for UNHCR APR Our annual World Refugee Day Breakfast IKEA launches its second Brighter Lives A devastating earthquake hits Nepal, is the most successful yet. Special for Refugees campaign in partnership killing 8,000 and leaving 2.8 million guests Marta Dusseldorp, Ian Chappell, with UNHCR. The global campaign people in need of shelter. UNHCR is Awer Mabil and UNHCR Regional raised €1 EUR ($1.50) from each light among the first responders, delivering Representative Thomas Albrecht join host bulb sold to provide renewable energy thousands of plastic sheets and solar Sandra Sully to celebrate the contribution solutions in refugee camps, including lanterns within the first 24 hours, as well refugees have made to Australian life solar-powered lanterns and fuel- as rebuilding schools and providing and raise over $150,000 for UNHCR’s efficient cooking stoves. logistical and psychological support. emergency operations in Nigeria.
8 Annual Report 2015 2015 HIGHLIGHTS
NOV Australia for UNHCR JUL UNHCR/ I. Prickett Eight members of Team UNHCR cycle The number of Syrian refugees reaches UNHCR/ A. Zavallis 420km from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam 4 million, with a further 7.6 million people SEPT to Siem Reap in Cambodia to raise money displaced within Syria. UNHCR issues for UNHCR’s emergency response fund. The refugee crisis in Europe escalates a global appeal for more emergency The thirteen-day ride raises over $36,000. funding to assist the massive refugee with the arrival of a record 160,000 populations sheltering in neighbouring people by boat in September alone. Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon. Melbourne man James Wright raises $42,000 for Australia for UNHCR by asking commuters to donate their myki fares during the city’s train strike.
DEC UNHCR/ H. Etyemezian AUG Australia for UNHCR Australia for UNHCR supporters give generously to our Christmas appeal, Nansen Prize laureate Sister Angélique OCT Australia for UNHCR donating $525,000 to address some Namaika undertakes a 12-day speaking of the basic needs of refugee families tour of Australia to talk about her Australia for UNHCR celebrates its 15th around the world. The funds provide groundbreaking work with survivors anniversary. A total of $150 million has winter relief items to displaced Syrians of Lord’s Resistance Army violence been raised since our organisation was in the Middle East, emergency nutrition in the remote north of the Democratic founded, and we have nearly 90,000 to camps in Ethiopia and health care Republic of the Congo. supporters on board. to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
Annual Report 2015 9 YEAR IN REVIEW
60 million. Some 15.1 million of these Long before the refugee crisis in were refugees, 4 million of them Europe made headlines in July, from Syria. The numbers of internally displaced people were greater still and 2015 was proving to be another UNHCR continued to work as part of record breaking year in terms the ‘cluster system’* of relief agencies to meet their immediate needs. of population displacement From July onwards, the influx and humanitarian crises. of refugees and migrants to Europe dominated the news and refocused Conflicts across the Middle East and attention on the global refugee crisis, sub-Saharan Africa continued in the issues of asylum, and the crippling scale first half of the year, forcing another five of the humanitarian emergency in Syria million people to flee their homes and and surrounding countries. countries. UNHCR remained a key player in the Syrian region, coordinating the In addition to its frontline emergency massive refugee relief effort. The agency operations, UNHCR continued to provide also stepped up emergency operations ongoing protection and support for long- in and around Nigeria, Burundi, Ukraine term refugees in 126 countries. As part and Yemen, with the latter being of this, Australia for UNHCR supporters classified as a Level 3 emergency for funded water, sanitation, healthcare, the first time, requiring the highest nutrition and livelihood projects in Africa level of humanitarian response. and Asia and continued to fund programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo By mid-2015, the total population to protect displaced women from sexual of concern to UNHCR had exceeded and gender-based violence.
“In the past four years, we have seen the number of people displaced by conflict every day multiply by four. There has been a progressive aggravation of displacement and suffering but this has happened without much impact on global public opinion or global political debate. Then, all of a sudden we had refugee issues at the very centre of international Refugees scramble to the safety of debate. The reason, unfortunately, was because refugees came to the the shore as their developed world.” overcrowded boat reaches Lesvos.
Mr António Guterres in December 2015, speaking at the end of his 10-year-tenure UNHCR/ I. Prickett as UN High Commissioner for Refugees. YEAR IN REVIEW
*THE CLUSTER APPROACH In situations of internal displacement, UNHCR often operates as part of a “cluster” of UN agencies, NGOs and other organisations to ensure a coordinated and integrated humanitarian response. UNHCR may assume leadership of the clusters relating to protection, camp coordination and management, or emergency shelter, depending on the circumstances and relief agencies involved.
Annual Report 2015 11 ITEMS SHIPPED FOR EMERGENCIES IN 2015: 27,814 tents 103,245 solar lanterns 361,940 mosquito nets 437,800 plastic sheets 2,719,035 blankets 357,964 kitchen sets 370,522 buckets 72 hours from the onset of an emergency, UNHCR can be delivering core relief items for up to 600,000 people. UNHCR’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE
UNHCR’S EMERGENCY RESPONSE
UNHCR maintains emergency The developing refugee crisis in Europe saw UNHCR establish two new regional stockpiles response systems to respond to in Serbia and Greece. A third was set up sudden, large-scale humanitarian in Djibouti to assist the growing numbers crises. These mechanisms include of people fleeing from conflict in Yemen. contingency planning, a global In addition to these physical resources, supply management system and the UNHCR relies upon an emergency roster of more than 300 staff from across the world operation of a roster of specially- who are trained in emergency management. trained personnel on standby, ready During the year, UNHCR deployed 460 core for immediate deployment in a crisis. staff to emergencies along with many more specialist short-term staff to boost the These systems operated at full tilt throughout capacity of local staff and provide expertise 2015, as worldwide displacement exceeded and coordination in areas like operations 60 million for the first time. UNHCR has planning, negotiation, camp construction the capacity to deliver core relief items and and management, mass emergency shelter assistance to 600,000 people at any one and refugee protection. time, with the first teams and deliveries on the ground within 72 hours of an emergency being declared. 79% of the funds raised by Australia for UNHCR in 2015 were directed Emergency supplies and equipment were to UNHCR’s emergency operations mostly dispatched from two major centres on the basis of greatest need. in Copenhagen and Dubai and channelled Another $5.3 million was raised through a network of strategically placed by our emergency appeals for regional hubs in Accra, Amman, Douala, Syria, Europe, Nigeria and Nepal. Isaka and Nairobi. UNHCR staff load 60,000 blankets from the global stockpile in Dubai to be dispatched to operations in Europe.
UNHCR / N. Khalil
Annual Report 2015 13 EUROPE
2015 saw the dramatic escalation of refugee arrivals in Europe, with more than a million men, women and children making the perilous journey across the Mediterranean Sea by boat. The vast majority (85%) were from conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East. More than half were from Syria and 3,735 lost their lives at sea.
The number of boat arrivals continued to rise each month, from just 5,500 in January to a peak of 221,000 in October. From there, most made their way across Western Europe, streaming along roads and railway lines and gathering in their thousands at railway stations and border crossing points. By July, UNHCR had launched a major emergency response to help countries cope with the influx. Over 600 emergency staff and resources were deployed to 20 different locations in Europe to provide the refugees with life-saving assistance, registration services, protection and advice. In September, an emergency appeal launched by Australia for UNHCR brought a flood of support from individual Australians and the business sector. These funds were directed to UNHCR field operations in Serbia and FYR Macedonia, providing refugees in transit with essential services and relief items such as food, thermal blankets, raincoats and shoes. An elderly Syrian KEY EMERGENCIES refugee and her granddaughter cross the border between Serbia and Hungary on their long journey to safety.
UNHCR/ O. Laban-Mattei
“Six boats have arrived in the last hour, each with 45 to 70 people on board, including many children. Some days we get up to 35 boats crossing the 10km stretch of sea that separates Lesvos from Turkey. UNHCR covers the main entry points and provides buses and minivans to safely transport people from the shoreline to the registration points, where they receive assistance.” Patrick Mansour, a UNHCR Protection Officer, speaking from the shore of Lesvos, Greece, the main entry point for refugees and migrants arriving in Europe by sea. UNHCR/ A. McConnell UNHCR/ A. McConnell
“The flow of people was bigger every day – 3,000 became 5,000 and then 6,000. It was challenging logistically, giving support to so many stressed and exhausted people. We distributed I don’t know how many blankets – it was so cold and people were freezing.” Francesca Bolleni, UNHCR Emergency Coordinator, was posted to the Serbia/Croatia border in September. UNHCR/ I. Pavicevic UNHCR/ I. Pavicevic
Annual Report 2015 15 SYRIA
In the fifth year of the Syrian war, UNHCR fled the violence and deprivation are facing In 2015, UNHCR expanded its field continued to deliver vital assistance to the a second crisis in their place of refuge,” said presence and relief activities inside large displaced population. At the end of Andrew Harper, UNHCR’s representative Syria, working with other relief agencies 2015, over 4.6 million Syrians were living in Jordan. “Syrian refugees in Jordan are to deliver basic aid items, emergency as refugees in neighbouring countries, hanging on by a thread: struggling to keep nutrition, medicines and psycho-social primarily in Turkey, Jordan and Lebanon. a roof over their heads and earn enough support to populations in previously A further 13.5 million were in need of money to get by.” hard-to-reach and besieged areas. humanitarian assistance within Syria, UNHCR continued to provide the refugees Australia for UNHCR maintained its nearly half of them internally displaced. with basic items and assistance to prevent support for these operations throughout A report released by UNHCR in January them from being forced into high-risk the year, with our donors giving underscored the increasingly desperate activities to make ends meet. As well through the general emergency fund situation of many Syrian refugees. With as distributing core relief items like and contributing another $2.3 million their savings significantly depleted after mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets, plastic to special appeals. We helped to fund five years in exile, and few opportunities sheeting, hygiene kits and nappies, the UNHCR’s winterization program at the for employment, they are sinking deeper agency has expanded its voucher and cash end of the year, providing warm clothing, into poverty. assistance programs to help meet the needs shelter insulation, sleeping bags, stoves of the vulnerable. These programs not only and high thermal blankets to protect “After escaping the horrors of war at home, allow the refugees to prioritise their needs, families from the inclement weather. hundreds of thousands of Syrians who have but also benefit local host economies. KEY EMERGENCIES
“Inside Syria, the last few months have been brutal. ABO AZIZ Fighting has intensified Abo Aziz was a successful in almost all governorates. barber before bombs destroyed Amidst the escalating his home and salon. Overnight, he and his eight children joined violence, people have lost the 6.5 million Syrians who are their livelihoods as well internally displaced. as their homes.” Though homeless and reliant Melissa Fleming, Spokesperson for on UNHCR’s assistance, Abo Aziz the High Commissioner for Refugees, was determined not to let the war addressing the media in Geneva in take away his passion. He built UNHCR/ S. Rich September 2015 a small salon using UNHCR plastic IRAQ sheeting and now earns enough to feed his children and provide them with education. At the end of 2015, 3.3 million Iraqis had become internally displaced as a result “Being an internally displaced of civil war fought between the Iraqi government, person doesn’t mean I let my kids Islamic State (ISIS) and several militia groups. be in the street or make them Iraq also remained deeply affected by the 70% work. They have the right to be ongoing conflict in Syria, which spans the of refugees in Lebanon in school,” he said. “I will work territories of both countries. and 85% of refugees in hard in my plastic salon no matter Jordan live in poverty if it’s hot or cold. I will work hard In this volatile environment, UNHCR not only to earn money, but also continued to provide emergency shelter for my dignity.” and protection to both internally displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees as the leading humanitarian agency in the region. Australia for UNHCR lends ongoing support to these 2.7 million operations in Iraq, raising funds to go towards people benefited from emergency response capabilities in times UNHCR’s winterization of crisis. program Seasonal extremes are a major concern for those living in non-permanent dwellings UNHCR reached in Iraq. In July, as heatwaves brought temperatures of over 50 degrees Celsius, UNHCR distributed solar powered fans, air 3,213,275 coolers and woven plastic mats to thousands people with 9,046,097 of refugees and displaced people across the core relief items in 2015 Kurdistan region, and partnered with local groups to increase water shipments to camps. In October, as a harsh winter approached, UNHCR distributed additional relief items 274 to Iraqi families including heating stoves, UNHCR staff inside Syria UNHCR/ D. Alnaeb blankets, kerosene jerry cans and winter- proofing kits. UNHCR/ A. McConnell Annual Report 2015 17 NIGERIA
Over 2.3 million Nigerians have now been water to the desert camps has proved a major “The insurgents call themselves Boko displaced by violent militant groups and challenge. There is also growing insecurity as counter-insurgency forces. In early 2015, the violence spills across the Nigerian border Haram. Boko means ‘western education’ Boko Haram militia attacked and terrorised and local communities come under attack. in the Hausa language and Haram villages and towns in north-eastern Nigeria, This complex relief operation is desperately means ‘forbidden’ in Arabic. When they sending some 220,000 people fleeing into underfunded. In May, Australia for UNHCR neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon. burned down my house, I cried. Some launched a major appeal to help provide much UNHCR is one of the few relief agencies needed survival items, water infrastructure of my family and I ran up to the hills working in this remote, arid and increasingly and education services in the refugee camps to escape, but even the hills could not insecure region of the Sahel. Emergency in Chad and Cameroon. save us. So we ran and ran and then we Response teams have been stationed in all Australia for UNHCR donors contributed three countries, providing thousands of families came down here to Minawao camp.” $840,000 for this emergency operation with the basics of survival. Supplying adequate in 2015. Kulwa believes he was targeted by militants in Nigeria because he was a primary school teacher. He and his family fled to the Minawao refugee camp run by UNHCR in the remote north of Cameroon.
Access to water is a challenge in the dry climate of Minawao camp. Australia for UNHCR has helped to fund an extensive pipeline network to bring clean water to 50,000 resident refugees.
UNHCR/ H. Caux UNHCR field KEY EMERGENCIES workers distribute plastic tarpaulins to earthquake victims for the construction of temporary shelter.
UNHCR/ D. Sanchez
Relief provided by UNHCR donors: NEPAL 60,000 plastic tarpaulins A 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal in have the ability to charge mobile phones, April, reducing homes and critical infrastructure helping to maintain communication with to rubble. UNHCR teams were on the ground people in remote areas of the quake zone. within hours of the quake, providing some of UNHCR’s relief operations in Nepal the first relief to the stricken population. The 25,000 were funded entirely by private donations, solar lamps agency further expanded its activities when including $576,000 from Australia for the region was struck by a second major UNHCR supporters giving in response to earthquake in May. our Nepal Earthquake Emergency Appeal. While disaster relief is not a core part of 20 UNHCR’s refugee mandate, we are able solar generators to respond when we have a large ground “UNHCR was able to act as first presence and relief stockpiles in the region. We immediately emptied our warehouses responder. We were the only agency in Nepal to deliver the first relief to remote operating in some areas devastated villages north of Kathmandu and affected by the earthquake until such time 170 communities in the eastern provinces of temporary schools Ramecchap, Okhaldunga and Sindhuli. At the as other agencies who specialise government’s request, we focused primarily in [disaster relief and recovery] on providing emergency shelter, including were able to take over.” 60,000 plastic tarpaulins and 25,000 solar lamps. As well as providing light, these lamps Craig Sanders, UNHCR Representative in Nepal 450 shelter roof kits
Annual Report 2015 19 ONGOING PROTECTION OF REFUGEES
While striving to find lasting solutions for them, Such measures prevent people languishing UNHCR aims to improve the UNHCR works to meet the refugees’ ongoing in camps on the margins of society where quality of life of all refugees in needs for shelter, water, sanitation and health they are more vulnerable to poverty, care. We coordinate education, training and exploitation, violence and disease. its care, including the long-term livelihood programs to help people develop Australia for UNHCR supports a number displaced. People can spend the skills they need to achieve self-reliance of these long-term protection programs. and build a meaningful life for themselves Each year, a percentage of the funds we years or decades living in a state and their children. of limbo, waiting to return home raise goes to improve the quality of life of Where possible, UNHCR encourages the refugees in protracted settings, upgrading in peace or resettle in another integration of refugees into the community, facilities and services, and helping them country. negotiating their access to community-based support themselves, realise their potential housing, schooling and health services. and maintain their sense of dignity and hope.
20 Annual Report 2015 ONGOING PROTECTION OF REFUGEES
Refugee children at Mohammed School of Zongo in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where half of all students are refugees from the Central African Republic.
UNHCR/ C. Delfosse
Annual Report 2015 21 Women outside a health clinic funded by UNHCR in Kalinga camp for the internally displaced. SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION, UNHCR/ B. Sokol PROTECTION AND RESPONSE
Australia for UNHCR continued to provide response initiatives in the province of major support for sexual and gender- Orientale. This included meeting the urgent based violence (SGBV) programs in the protection needs of refugee women and Democratic Republic of the Congo. We girls fleeing from Central African Republic contributed $587,000 in 2015 as part of to five UNHCR-run camps on the northern our three-year commitment to raise $2.5 Congolese border. million for this vital area of UNHCR’s work. We also maintained our support for Sexual violence remains a distressing feature existing SGBV programs for women internally of conflict in the DRC, affecting both the large displaced within Orientale province, many internally displaced and refugee populations. of whom are survivors of Lord’s Resistance Not only do clashes frequently involve the Army (LRA) violence. Among the programs rape, kidnap and sexual enslavement of we funded were community education women and girls, but the breakdown of social campaigns, training for police and local service structures during decades of conflict has providers, health and counselling services, resulted in widespread gender-based legal assistance and livelihood projects for violence and exploitation. vulnerable SGBV survivors. The majority of funds raised in 2015 were Many of these initiatives would not be possible directed to UNHCR’s rape prevention and without Australia for UNHCR’s support.
• The roll-out of the Protection Monitoring • Training and consultation days for System (PMS), an ethical registration community leaders, police, counsellors THE SGBV ACTIVITIES system that identifies SGBV cases for and other service providers. treatment and support. AND INITIATIVES BEING • Multi-media campaigns and activities • Livelihood and skills training projects designed to reach a large audience and to enable vulnerable SGBV survivors to change community attitudes to violence FUNDED BY AUSTRALIA support themselves and their children. against women. FOR UNHCR – 2014-2016: • Treatment services for SGBV survivors.
22 Annual Report 2015 ONGOING PROTECTION OF REFUGEES HEALTH CARE
Australia for UNHCR funded a special Diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and health care initiative in 2015, supporting measles are also a constant threat, due to and improving health care services in the cramped living conditions and the hot, two camps for Rohingya refugees in wet climate. Now, however, vaccination Bangladesh. programs established by UNHCR are dramatically reducing the rates of disease Funds provided by Australia for UNHCR infection and mortality. supported the medical centre in each camp for one year, including two busy outpatient clinics, hospital wards, “Gifts from Australians will help vaccination programs, ambulance and us serve the most fundamental a mental health unit. health care needs of these people. Over half of the children in Kutupalong The clinics are the first stop for and Nayapara camps are chronically medical services for refugees malnourished, and one quarter are anaemic, due to the lack of fresh and iron-rich food of all ages, and even though the in their diets. Funds from Australia for facilities are simple and very basic, UNHCR also helped to supply the feeding they are critically important.” centres with emergency and supplementary nutrition for children, pregnant women and – Farheen Khan, UNHCR Bangladesh. UNHCR/ G. Akash nursing mothers.
Australia for UNHCR helped to fund the following services in each camp for one year.
1 primary health 20 inpatient 5 maternity 3 doctors 6 nurses 6 medical care clinic beds beds assistants Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh pump water in a makeshift camp. The living conditions of 7 community Vaccination Mental health 24/7 emergency Laboratory Support for the stateless Rohingya health volunteers program services and ambulance and pharmacy nutrition centre are extremely poor. UNHCR/ G. Akash
24 Annual Report 2015 ONGOING PROTECTION OF REFUGEES
33,000 Rohingya refugees in the camps
$337,250 provided by Australia for UNHCR
92.4% measles vaccination coverage (children under 3)
93,667 outpatient consultations per year
2,654 hospital transfers NUTRITION
UNHCR works to ensure all refugees access to adequate nutrition. Malnutrition is a common consequence of conflict and displacement. It can be particularly perilous for groups with specific nutritional needs including pregnant women, nursing mothers and children. Young children who experience prolonged malnourishment can suffer permanent impairment including stunting, low cognitive function and high rates of organ failure. UNHCR works with the World Food Programme (WFP) to screen refugees for malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies upon their arrival in camps and reception centres, and to coordinate the distribution of food aid to sustain these populations long-term. In acute situations, we support and supply emergency nutrition and therapeutic feeding programs in camps. In 2015, Australia for UNHCR supported nutrition programs in camps in the Gambella region of Ethiopia, where two thirds of refugees are children. The Gambella camps have historically seen high rates of crude and under-five mortality due to illnesses related to malnutrition. Donations from Australia for UNHCR have helped to reduce rates of malnutrition in this region to manageable levels, with funds raised going towards therapeutic and supplementary foods, stabilisation centres, and education programs to facilitate community-based recovery.
ONGOING PROTECTION OF REFUGEES Australia for UNHCR Australia for UNHCR WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE
In 2015, two large gifts from individual Australian donors went towards improving water and sanitation facilities in four refugee camps in eastern Chad. These camps predominately host Sudanese refugees who have fled ongoing conflict in the province of Darfur and are unable to return home. As the populations in these camps continue to grow, the ageing water infrastructure is stretched beyond capacity. The generous gifts of $150,000 from the Jaramas Foundation and $130,000 from a second Australian donor have funded the repair of 59 water tap points, 3,220 metres of water pipelines, and the construction of 425 household latrines. The project has so far benefited more than 115,000 people, A young girl in Kule including both refugees and residents of camp eats a sachet of Plumpy’nut as part of the host communities who have access an intensive feeding to the facilities. program for the severely malnourished.
Australia for UNHCR
Annual Report 2015 27 2015 FUNDRAISING HIGHLIGHTS strong donor loyalty. These funds were Australia for UNHCR directed to the emergency programs experienced strong growth designated by UNHCR to be of greatest need as part of its General Emergency throughout 2015, both in Assistance Program. terms of donor numbers We also launched emergency appeals for and donations. Nepal, Nigeria and Europe during the year, and continued to raise emergency funds The $32.8 million we raised during the year for the crises in Syria and Iraq. Key channels represented a 22% increase on our 2014 for support were our face-to-face program, income and a 5% increase in our rate of direct mail, television, telemarketing and annual growth. The percentage of funds digital programs. transferred to the field rose to 86% of Australian donors also provided significant earnings (up 4% on 2014 figures) due to support for UNHCR’s ongoing protection the economy of scale; that is, while we are and assistance programs in established raising more funds, our expenditure remains and protracted refugee settings. Special the same dollar value and so deceases as a appeals were launched to support UNHCR’s percentage. These strong results put us on programs in health, nutrition, water, track to reach our goal of raising $50 million sanitation and education in African countries annually by 2020. either affected by conflict or hosting large We saw a groundswell of support through numbers of refugees. We also maintained one-off donations in response to the refugee our commitment to sexual and gender-based crisis in Europe and the Nepal earthquake. violence (SGBV) programs in the Democratic However, regular donations made on a Republic of the Congo, transferring more monthly basis continued to account for the than half a million dollars to these initiatives majority of our total income, and reflected in 2015. RAISING FUNDS
Children in Kakuma refugee camp in Uganda stand in line to wash their hands before breakfast.
UNHCR/ B. Loyseau
Annual Report 2015 29 “UNHCR’s donors – governments, but also private citizens, corporations and foundations – together have provided last year a record 3.3 billion dollars, and we deeply appreciate their support.” – António Guterres, outgoing UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Australia for UNHCR
Where your money goes 2015 fundraising activities Throughout the year, Australia for and campaigns UNHCR continued to focus on fostering In 2015, 88,457 Australians actively the loyalty and trust of existing donors. supported Australia for UNHCR, the In its first full year of operation, our majority being regular givers who donate 90-day Retention Program achieved a 5% on a monthly basis. reduction in donor attrition. We acquired 36,000 new donors through our Frontliners In 2015, supporters ensured UNHCR’s face-to-face program, digital engagement, capacity to respond within 72 hours in an DM acquisition and increased community emergency, donating more than $21 million fundraising. 86% to UNHCR’s General Emergency Assistance Humanitarian Program. Donors also responded strongly DRTV, telemarketing, direct mail, digital appeals, corporate support, events, programs to Australia for UNHCR’s emergency and special appeals, raising $2.4 million for increased media coverage and publications the Syria and Iraq crises, $1.4 million for were also effective channels for cash the refugee crisis in Europe, $840,000 in gifts and donor acquisition, and helped emergency assistance for Nigeria, and more to heighten awareness of refugee issues. 7% Administration 7% Fundraising than half a million each for earthquake relief in Nepal and sexual and gender-based Source: Australia for UNHCR’s Statement violence programs in the Democratic of Comprehensive Income 2015 Republic of the Congo.
30 Annual Report 2015 RAISING FUNDS
Raising awareness and support Australia for UNHCR continued to build on a A 2015 content partnership with calendar of special events to raise awareness The Guardian represented not only of refugee issues and the work of UNHCR. a first for Australia for UNHCR, but also a global first for UNHCR’s National The 12-day mission to Australia by Sister Partners. Our presence across social Angélique Namaika in August gained broad media channels grew substantially during national coverage and highlighted the the European Refugee Crisis, with a 200% Mary Lou Byrne SGBV programs that Australia for UNHCR increase in the average reach of Facebook is funding in the DRC. The appointment of posts and a 63% increase in Twitter Marta Dusseldorp and Yarrie Bangura as engagement. Special Representative and Youth Special DONOR SPOTLIGHT: Representative respectively was also well covered in the media. MARY LOU BYRNE Mary Lou Byrne has travelled the world as a librarian, cataloguing collections from Kuwait to the Solomon Islands. In 2015, she hosted a screening of the film The Good Lie at her local RSL Club in Sydney to raise funds for Australia 2015 fundraising income streams for UNHCR. “I first became interested in refugee issues after the Tampa incident in the 44.78% Face-to-Face early 2000s,” said Mary Lou. “I wanted to know who these people were, and 16.98% Telemarketing why they were in the middle of the ocean. I volunteered for a community 10.89% Digital service program and for the next five or six years, I met once a week with 9.29% Mail refugees in the Villawood Detention Centre. Their stories of fleeing Iran, 6.78% Corporate, Foundation and Major Gifts 44.78% Iraq and Afghanistan helped me 5.79% Direct Response Television Face-to-Face understand their situation.” acquired “It must be the most difficult decision 4.76% Other to leave your home, to pack up income everything and go. It’s difficult for us 0.73% Events to understand. That’s why I screened The Good Lie, not only to fundraise, but to explain to my friends what is happening, and what it must be like to be that desperate. If you can understand why children would run over a thousand miles from a small village in Sudan to Kenya, you might be more likely to support the cause.”
Annual Report 2015 31 Australia for UNHCR
SISTER ANGELIQUE MISSION Australia for UNHCR
Sister Angélique Namaika visited Australia UNHCR supporters in Sydney, Canberra and in August 2015 as the guest of Australia for Melbourne. She participated in the broader UNHCR. Sister Angélique, a Roman Catholic dialogue on women, peace and security relating nun from the Democratic Republic of the to the implementation of UN Resolution 2026, Congo, is the recipient of UNHCR’s most and helped to highlight Australia for UNHCR’s prestigious human rights prize – the Nansen work in sexual violence prevention and response I am very happy to report that Refugee Award – for her ground-breaking in the DRC. I have received the money you work with survivors of sexual and gender- have sent. based violence in the DRC. She was accompanied on her mission by UNHCR senior field officer Céline Schmidt, who spent I bought a few sewing machines Her projects are based in the remote Congolese five years working in the Congo, overseeing the and some fabric for the training town of Dungu, Orientale province, where the delivery of the SGBV programs that Australia of women, cement bags to make militia group known as the Lord’s Resistance for UNHCR is funding (see page 22). benches and tables for the Army (LRA) has wreaked havoc, razing villages, students, rafters and beams kidnapping and enslaving women and children, to finish the children’s building, and triggering mass displacement. “The young girls have been abducted medicine for the paediatric centre, and organised the field for some Sister Angélique has established a refuge for at the age of 10 or 12 and taken into vulnerable women. women and children affected by the violence, the bush where they are forced into providing a hospital, a school, an orphanage and marriage and have children to the Thank you for the support and livelihood projects which include a community assistance you are giving to us. bakery, sewing workshops and a collective soldiers. When they escape, these Many women are happy for your farm. Her programs have enabled thousands women feel they have no worth support. of women and girls to recover from the trauma of their abuse at the hands of the LRA, helping to humanity at all. With UNHCR’s Sister Angélique them care for their children, recover their support, we run projects to help them confidence and achieve self-reliance. recover from their trauma. They During her 12-day visit to Australia, Sister undertake training and activities Angélique presented to academics, students, businesspeople, politicians, diplomats, women’s so they can talk to us and gradually organisations and hundreds of Australia for reveal what is hidden inside.”
32 Annual Report 2015 RAISING FUNDS
“It’s remarkable what UNHCR has done here in a relatively short space of time. The camps are well-ordered. People are being fed, watered and sheltered within 72 hours of crossing the border. This absolute baseline response is so important and so impressive.” Naomi Steer, National Director, Australia for UNHCR.
ETHIOPIA MISSION Australia for UNHCR
In April, National Director Naomi Steer During her mission, Naomi visited a nutrition travelled to Ethiopia to witness UNHCR’s program for malnourished refugees, work in Africa’s largest refugee hosting a children’s safe-play space and an exercise nation. and rehabilitation centre for people learning to live with disabilities resulting of conflict. Ethiopia is home to more than 700,000 “I attended a meeting where community refugees, most of them from neighbouring leaders elected by their fellow refugees voiced Eritrea, South Sudan and Somalia. In the their concerns and needs. They listed food as past few years, civil war in South Sudan their number one priority, followed by shelter, has triggered a large influx of refugees into Australia for UNHCR education, livelihoods, and SGBV [sexual and the Gambella region on Ethiopia’s south gender-based violence] prevention.” eastern border. Funds raised by Australia for UNHCR help “I had heard about the dire situation for meet the immediate needs of refugees, and refugees in the Gambella camps when the support the establishment of infrastructure for emergency first began back in 2013. This has longer term services to cater for the thousands been compounded by a very harsh environment who are unable to return to their countries for – temperatures averaged 45 degrees in the many years. Since Naomi’s mission, we have week of my visit. There is a lack of amenities focussed primarily on supporting food and and many of the newly arriving refugees are nutrition programs in the Gambella camps, malnourished and in generally poor condition. as the conflict in South Sudan and extreme While the situation remains difficult, I was El Niño weather events affect crop yields amazed at what my UNHCR colleagues and and food security across the region. partners had managed to achieve.”
Annual Report 2015 33 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Australia for UNHCR Australia for UNHCR
Action Hour Mother’s Day Lunch On World Humanitarian Day, Australia for More than 220 Australia for UNHCR UNHCR launched its second Action Hour supporters attended our 2015 Mother’s campaign, encouraging people to take one hour Day Lunch in May, raising over $77,000 to support refugees. The campaign launch in for women’s projects in the DRC. Melbourne featured Sister Angélique Namaika as guest speaker, and UNHCR senior field Hosted by journalist and writer Wendy Australia for UNHCR officer Céline Schmidt. The two-week campaign Harmer, the lunch featured a panel discussion was conducted across social media channels with social commentator, writer and lecturer World Refugee Day Breakfast to raise awareness of the plight of refugees Jane Caro, Logie Award-winning comedic and forcibly displaced people. On August 19, actor Jane Turner, and poet and performer, Our annual World Refugee Day Breakfast, held supporters of our workplace giving programs Yarrie Bangura. Yarrie is a former Sierra in Sydney in June, was our most successful yet were asked to give an hour’s wages or an hour Leonean refugee and star of the acclaimed raising $155,000 for our Nigeria Crisis Appeal. of their time to raise funds and promote the play, The Baulkham Hills African Ladies Hosted by Channel Ten news anchor Sandra refugee cause. Troupe. She spoke of her experiences fleeing Sully, the breakfast featured guest speakers to Guinea as a child and of her mother’s Marta Dusseldorp, star of Janet King, A Place to Donor Briefings strength during the family’s displacement and Call Home and Jack Irish; Ian Chappell, Australia Australia for UNHCR was fortunate to resettlement in Australia. During the lunch, for UNHCR Special Representative and former have 2013 Nansen Award laureate Sister Yarrie was announced as a Special Youth Australian test cricket captain and Awer Mabil, Angélique Namaika and senior field officer Representative of Australia for UNHCR. Adelaide United footballer and former Sudanese Céline Schmidt visit Australia and speak with refugee. Awer shared his story of growing up donors in Canberra, Sydney, and Melbourne. in a refugee camp in Kenya, and how football These events provided an opportunity for helped him maintain hope and identity both in our supporters to engage with a high-profile Kenya and later in Australia. Australia for UNHCR beneficiary and senior UNHCR staff working was proud to announce Marta Dusseldorp as an on the frontline of refugee relief. Australia for UNHCR Special Representative.
34 Annual Report 2015 education. education. for girls’ advocacy her galvanised gunmen life Taliban by Malala’s on attempt an how of story the tells documentary winning award- The Yousafzai. Malala laureate Malala Me Named of He screening exclusive an watched Attendees Christmas Appeal. 2015 our launch and of achievements ayear to celebrate Quays Opera Cinema Sydney’sDendy at gathered supporters for UNHCR Australia December, In Celebration Christmas , featuring 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Prize Peace 2014 Nobel , featuring
Fox Searchlight Pictures West Indies test match in Sydney. vs Australia the at box a corporate in friends with aday and Ian with WORKING IN US FOR 2015 REPRESENTATIVES OUR SPECIAL media interviewsmedia throughout the year. in for UNHCR Australia and refugees for support of her spoke She August. in Namaika Angélique Sister with exhibition Women’sAustralian Weekly. the with interview an in women Australia forUNHCR Australia forUNHCR Australia forUNHCR a meet and greet and a meet enjoyed auction silent of our winners Lucky Breakfast. Day Refugee World our at speaker guest Ian Chappell Together’ photographic ‘Women of our and hosted the launch Breakfast Day Refugee World our at speaker Dusseldorp Actress displaced to support Australians encouraged Sydney.in also She Mother’s Lunch Day our at supporters Jane Turner comedienne and Actress Marta Marta was guest addressed was was
as our Special Youth Representative. Special our as appointment her with to coincide May The in featured was Guardian story within the Vietnamese community.within the Vietnamese fundraising community in supporting Sydney. in stay her during Namaika Angélique to Sister host Australia forUNHCR Australia forUNHCR C. Hoang refugee. Her inspiring inspiring refugee. Her asexperiences a her wrote about she Lunch, reciting poetry Day Mother’s our at keynotethe address Yarrie Bangura Canberra and playingCanberra in events community year, speaking at thethroughout her strong support Biger Aminata Conteh- been instrumentalbeen has She Perth. in events fundraising at speaker guest as UNHCR for represented Australia Carina Hoang RAISING FUNDS RAISING Annual Report 2015 35 maintained maintained
gave gave in in THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
Thank you to the following Trusts and Foundations for their generous support:
Annemarie & Arturo Gandioli-Fumagalli Foundation, managed by Perpetual Australian Communities Foundation
BB & A Miller Foundation COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING J Wright Beeren Foundation Cuneo Gibson Foundation
Dick and Pip Smith Foundation A series of humanitarian emergencies not much older than my youngest Finkel Foundation in 2015, in particular the escalation daughter, washed ashore after drowning of the European refugee crisis trying to escape Syria,” he wrote on his Goodman Foundation in September, galvanised people crowd funding webpage. “There is no across the country to raise funds world where this can be acceptable. Handmaid Fund within their communities to support Show what Melbournians can achieve UNHCR’s work in refugee relief. in 24 hours when we need to.” Jaramas Foundation Father of two, James Wright used the After a groundswell of community Jeanette and Peter Young Foundation occasion of the Melbourne train strike support and national media attention, Macquarie Group Foundation to raise money for UNHCR’s emergency James raised over $41,000 in donations. relief operations in Europe. Moved by the Pace Foundation photograph of a drowned Syrian child, “I just know that I want my one and four- James asked commuters to donate the year old daughters to be growing up in Paul Ainsworth Family Foundation money they would otherwise spend on a better world,” said James. “Amazingly, their train fare to Australia for UNHCR. the hearts and minds of Australia have Sky Foundation collectively helped to make the world a “Today we saw one of the most confronting better place and the future a bit brighter images ever seen. The picture of a toddler for the families affected by this crisis.”
36 Annual Report 2015 RAISING FUNDS
Thank you to the following people for Australia Post their special support: Australia Post became a new corporate supporter in 2015, partnering with Australia for UNHCR Senator Dr Chris Back Ahmed Fahour after employee James Wright ran a successful community fundraiser Yarrie Bangura Moustafa Fahour in Melbourne. The organisation Cate Blanchett Samira El Khafir raised $27,000 to support Syrian refugees by advertising their His Excellency General the Honourable David Gallop support for the cause and asking Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC, Governor-General customers to donate across their Wendy Harmer of the Commonwealth of Australia entire network of offices. Jane Turner Frank Lowy AC Colonial First State Global Ian Chappell Awer Mabil Asset Management Sarah-Jane Clarke Melissa Parke MP Colonial First State Global Asset Management has been a long-term Aminata Conteh-Biger Mark Scott AO supporter of Australia for UNHCR. For the ninth year running, they Marta Dusseldorp Sharman Stone MP were the principal sponsor of our Carina Hoang World Refugee Breakfast in June.
Jane Caro Football Federation Australia Football Federation Australia launched the ‘Football Cares’ campaign at Parliament House in November. Based on a similar Thank initiative in Europe, the campaign you to the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees aims to use football programs following to integrate Syrian refugees into corporations Australian society, raise awareness and their of the refugee crisis among staff for supporters and encourage donations their major to UNHCR’s relief operations for support Syrian refugees in Europe.
Annual Report 2015 37 FINANCIAL
A refugee boy helps his mother with SUMMARY the harvest in the agricultural livelihood project in Kyaka II refugee camp, the DRC. 2015 Australia for UNHCR FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement of Financial Position For the year ended 31 December 2015 As at 31 December 2015
NOTE 2015 $ 2014 $ NOTE 2015 $ 2014 $
Revenue Current assets Donations and gifts – monetary 32,518,304 26,707,401 Cash and cash equivalents 8,258,018 6,366,490 Grants – overseas related party 8,986,662 9,477,658 Financial assets – held-to-maturity 2,551,363 1,704,073 Bequest and legacy income 178,241 5,214 investments Investment income – interest 170,309 183,905 Receivables 391,056 271,909 Other income 90,767 115,704 Prepayments 656,146 142,063 Total revenue 41,944,283 36,489,882 Total current assets 11,856,583 8,484,535 Expenses Non-current assets International aid and development programs expenditure: Plant and equipment 272,584 288,736 International programs: Financial assets – security deposits 159,073 - Funds to international programs paid 21,493,208 18,585,911 Total non-current assets 431,073 288,736 Funds to international programs accrued 6,632,908 3,100,497 Total assets 12,288,240 8,773,271 Community education 165,292 116,744 Current liabilities Fundraising costs: Payables 8,156,156 4,011,119 Funded by overseas grant 8,986,662 9,477,658 Lease liabilities 16,382 - Public 2,126,387 1,931,603 Provisions 433,050 427,349 Accountability and administration 3,331,678 2,980,825 Unearned revenue 627,826 469,297 Total expenses 42,736,135 36,193,238 Total current liabilities 9,233,414 4,907,765 Non-current liabilities Excess of (expenses over revenue) / Lease liabilities 15,510 - revenue over expenses 2 (791,852) 296,644 Provisions 132,295 166,633 Other comprehensive income - - Total non-current liabilities 147,805 166,633 Total comprehensive (loss)/income (791,852) 296,644 Total liabilities 9,381,219 5,074,398
For the year ended 31 December 2015, there were no amounts earned or Net assets 2,907,021 3,698,873 incurred by Australia for UNHCR for the following categories; non-monetary donations and gifts, other Australian grants, revenue from international political Members’ funds or religious adherence promotional programs, international program support costs, non-monetary expenditure, international political or religious adherence Retained surplus 357,021 1,298,873 promotion programs expenditure and domestic programs expenditure. Reserves 2,550,000 2,400,000 The accompany notes form part of this concise financial report. These Total members’ funds 2,907,021 3,698,873 statements should be read in conjunction with the full financial statements.
At the end of the financial year, Australia for UNHCR had no balances in the following categories: inventories, assets held for sale, investment property, intangibles, other non-current assets, current and non-current borrowings, current tax liabilities, current and non-current financial liabilities, and current and non-current other liabilities. The accompany notes form part of this concise financial report. These statements should be read in conjunction with the full financial statements.
Annual Report 2015 39 Statement of Changes in Members’ Funds Statement of Cash Flows For the year ended 31 December 2015 For the year ended 31 December 2015
Retained NOTE 2015 $ 2014 $ Reserves Surplus Total $ $ $ Cash flows from operating activities Funds available for future use Cash receipts of grant 9,426,536 9,946,956 1,400,000 2,002,229 3,402,229 at 1 January 2014 Cash receipts of donations, Excess of revenue over gifts and bequests 32,696,545 26,712,615 - 296,644 296,644 expenses for the year Cash payments to suppliers and employees (17,898,088) (12,161,100) Transfer to reserves 1,000,000 (1,000,000) - Cash payments to UNHCR Funds available for future for overseas projects (21,493,208) (21,686,408) 2,400,000 1,298,873 3,698,873 use at 31 December 2014 Interest received 164,073 178,714 Excess of expenses over Other income 90,767 115,704 - (791,852) (791,852) revenue for the year Net cash provided by operating activities 2,986,625 3,106,481 Transfer to reserves 150,000 (150,000) -
Funds available for future 2,550,000 357,021 2,907,021 use at 31 December 2015 Cash flows from investing activities Payment for plant and equipment (88,734) (60,124) The accompany notes form part of this concise financial report. These Investment in held to maturity statements should be read in conjunction with the full financial statements. financial assets (1,006,363) (524,573) Net cash used in investing activities (1,095,097) (584,697) The concise financial report is an extract from the financial report. The financial statements and specific disclosures included in the concise financial report have been derived from the financial report. Net increase/(decrease) in cash held 1,891,528 2,521,784 The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide as full Cash at the beginning of the an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financial year 6,366,490 3,844,706 financing and investing activities of the Company as the financial report. Cash at the end of the financial year 8,258,018 6,366,490 Further information can be obtained from the financial report, which is available, free of charge on request to the Company by contacting (02) 9262 5377. The accompany notes form part of this concise financial report. These statements should be read in conjunction with the full financial statements.
40 Annual Report 2015 FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2015
Notes to the Financial Statements Note 3: Cash and cash equivalents For the year ended 31 December 2015 Table of cash movements for designated purposes Cash Cash Note 1: Summary of significant accounting policies available at Cash Cash available The concise financial report is an extract of the full financial report for 1 January raised disbursed at 31 the year ended 31 December 2015. The concise financial report has 2015 during 2015 during 2015 December been prepared in accordance with Accounting Standard 1039: Concise Purpose / Appeal $ $ $ 2015 Financial Reports, and the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits General Emergency Act 2012 and the ACFID Code of Conduct reporting requirements Assistance Programs (for further information on the Code please refer to the ACFID Code for Refugees 2,088,121 21,568,790 (17,989,287) 5,667,624 of Conduct Guidance Document available at www.acfid.asn.au). Syria Crisis 343,213 2,366,905 (2,091,123) 618,995 The financial statements, specific disclosures and other information Refugee Crisis included in the concise financial report are derived from and are in Europe - 1,437,074 (1,147,357) 289,717 consistent with the full financial report of Australia for UNHCR. The concise financial report cannot be expected to provide Emergency as detailed an understanding of the financial performance, financial Assistance in Nigeria - 840,276 (827,043) 13,233 position and financing and investing activities of Australia for UNHCR Sexual gender as the full financial report. based violence programs in the The financial report of Australia for UNHCR has been prepared Democratic Republic in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (AASBs) of the Congo - 586,003 (515,649) 70,354 including Australian Accounting Interpretations. A statement Emergency of compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards Assistance in Iraq 227,765 39,027 (263,647) 3,145 cannot be made due to the organisation applying the not-for-profit Emergency sector specific requirements contained in the Australian Accounting Assistance Standards. The presentation currency used in this concise financial in South Sudan 23,639 - (23,639) - report is Australian dollars. Other purposes 3,683,752 15,539,846 (17,628,648) 1,594,950 Note 2: Excess of revenue over expenses Total 6,366,490 42,377,921 (40,486,393) 8,258,018 2015 $ 2014 $ Note 4: Events subsequent to reporting period Excess of (expenses over revenue)/ revenue over expenses has been arrived at after charging the following items: The Company entered into an Annual Project Partnership Agreement which confirms financial contributions for fundraising activities for 2016. Depreciation and amortisation of plant 104,886 97,096 and equipment Note 5: Economic dependency Operating leases – rental expense 298,422 268,649 During the year ended 31 December 2015 the Company was entitled Employee benefits expense 6,144,543 6,306,662 to a grant of $9,895,834 (2014: $9,946,955) from UNHCR and is dependent on this entity for financial support in respect of developing Provision for employee entitlements 107,481 89,374 its fundraising activities and donor acquisition, and special projects as assigned by UNHCR. A similar arrangement has been agreed for 2016 through the Annual Project Partnership Agreement.
Annual Report 2015 41 DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION & AUDITOR’S REPORT FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2015 GOVERNANCE
Board of Directors
Name Qualifications, Experience Director Program Committee & Occupation since The Program Committee’s purpose is to advocate and provide support for Australia for UNHCR. The committee helps to educate Mr John BA (Hons), LLB July and inform people in both the wider community and in the W.H. Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Corrs Chambers 2000 superannuation and finance industry about the work of UNHCR Denton AO Westgarth Lawyers and the plight of refugees and displaced people worldwide. Chairman The Program Committee directly supports fundraising Mr Michael Dip of Superannuation Management, Advanced Dip July events and sponsorships, including the annual World Refugee Dwyer AM of Financial Services (Superannuation), Dip of Public 2000 Day Breakfast. Chaired by Director Michael Dwyer AM, the Administration, FASFA committee is supported by members Michael Baldwin, Joanna Chief Executive, First State Super Trustee Corporation Davison, Jack Gray, Daphne van der Oord, Muhammad Dosani, Marcus van Vugt and Peter Weldon. Mr John BA, LLB (Hons), LLM November Boultbee Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors 2000 A Melbourne Program Committee was formed in 2014 to directly support fundraising events and sponsorship AM Lawyer/Sports Executive in Victoria. The Melbourne Program Committee includes Mr Paul BA (Acctg), Dip of Superannuation Management, CA December Chris Deakin, Bronwyn King, Gordon Noble, Deidre Kennedy, Reid Member of the Australian Institute 2004 Louise Famakis, Stacy Hynes and Brendan Donohoe. of Company Directors Retired from KPMG 2014 Women’s Projects Committee The Women’s Projects Committee was chaired by Director Mrs Alice BA, MA Clin Psych, Dip Clin Psych Uni Syd February Alice Spigelman AM. Its purpose was to generate support Spigelman Clinical Psychologist, former Marketing Director 2006 to for UNHCR projects specifically benefitting women. In 2015, AM Benevolent Society, author July 2015 the committee supported the annual Mother’s Day Lunch. (resigned 28 July 2015) The committee’s members were Penny Gerstle, Pamela Gilbert, Ros Horin, Kathy Madell and Deidre McCann. Mr Rick MA, Law Oxford University, UK April Millen Member Institute of Chartered Accountants 2012 Our staff Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Australia for UNHCR is headed up by National Director Naomi Company Directors Steer, who leads a team of staff who work to raise funds Retired from PricewaterhouseCoopers 2011 to support UNHCR and to keep our donors informed about Director, Cabcharge Limited UNHCR’s work via our website, emails, phone calls, direct Director, Palmera Projects mail, publications, seminars and briefings. We are also supported by our dedicated volunteers. In 2015, Ms BA (Comm) September we had 61 volunteers supporting our office operations and Katherine Vincent Fairfax Fellow, University of Melbourne 2015 assisting at special events. Australia for UNHCR is fortunate Dundas Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of to have the support of a number of former refugees both as Company Directors staff and volunteers. They have firsthand experience of life Director, Australian Film, Television and Radio School as a refugee and a deep understanding the valuable work Executive Coach and Mentor of UNHCR. (appointed 18 September 2015)
44 Annual Report 2015 ABOUT AUSTRALIA FOR UNHCR
ABOUT AUSTRALIA FOR UNHCR
Our purpose To provide life-changing humanitarian support South Sudanese refugee children to refugees and other in a child friendly displaced and stateless space in Kule camp, people who come under Ethiopia. the care and protection Australia for UNHCR of the UN Refugee Agency.
Corporate statement Code of Conduct which ensures that non- of UNHCR to raise funds from the private Australia for UNHCR is an Australian government organisations (NGOs) conduct sector. We operate through a NFP company limited by guarantee. It was their activities with integrity, transparency Framework Agreement with UNHCR which registered under the Corporation Act on and accountability. This code sets out an authorises Australia for UNHCR to raise 4 July 2000. UNHCR is the single member agreed set of values and principles for funds on its behalf in Australia to support of the company. A registered charity, Australia NGOs to follow in the work they support UNHCR’s international humanitarian for UNHCR has tax deductible gift recipient overseas and in their fundraising and projects. Australia for UNHCR works closely status through its listing as a specific educational activities. Australia for UNHCR with UNHCR Headquarters in Geneva and international affairs recipient under Section is affiliated to the Fundraising Institute the UNHCR Regional Office in Canberra. 30.80 of the Income Tax Assessment Act of Australia (FIA), which sets standards 1997. It is endorsed by the Australian Tax for the charitable and fundraising sector Complaints Office as an Income Tax Exempt Charity and a member of the Public Fundraising Australia for UNHCR has a Complaints and a registered charity with the Australian Regulatory Association (PFRA), a self- Handling Policy and Procedure. If you Charities and Not-for-profits Commission regulatory membership body for charities have a complaint, please call our Donor (ACNC), the Australian Government’s, and agencies that carryout street and Services team on 1300 361 288 or email independent national regulator of charities. doorstep fundraising in Australia. [email protected]. Complaints relating to a breach of the ACFID Code of Conduct Australia for UNHCR is one of a number Australia for UNHCR is a member of ACFID can be made to the to the ACFID Code of of National Fundraising Partners (NFPs) – the Australian Council for International Conduct Committee at www.acfid.asn.au Development – and a signatory to ACFID’s around the world set up with the support
Annual Report 2015 45 HOW OUR FUNDS WERE DISTRIBUTED IN 2015
Donations to Australia for UNHCR went towards providing emergency relief, shelter, food, water, sanitation, education and protection services in the following countries:
Bangladesh Honduras Burundi Iraq Cameroon Jordan Nigeria Central African Lebanon Republic Myanmar Chad Nepal Democratic Nigeria Republic of TOTAL HUMANITARIAN RELIEF AND the Congo South Sudan SUPPORT PROVIDED BY AUSTRALIA FOR UNHCR El Salvador Sudan Ethiopia Syria Europe (Serbia Turkey and Macedonia) Ukraine $28,176,116 Guatemala Yemen
46 Annual Report 2015 HOW OUR FUNDS WERE DISTRIBUTED IN 2015
76.5%
Europe of funds went to support (FYR Macedonia, emergency operations Serbia) Syria Region in greatest need (Syria, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq) Nepal 18.7%
Bangladesh earmarked for Level 2 and 3 Emergencies and disaster relief in Syria, Nigeria, Nepal, Europe, Iraq and Ethiopia Central African Republic
DR Congo 4.8%
earmarked for water and sanitation, health, nutrition, education, health and SGBV protection programs
Annual Report 2015 47 www.unrefugees.org.au
PO Box Q428 Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230 Tel: (02) 9262 5377 Fax: (02) 9262 4345 Email: [email protected] ABN: 35 092 843 322