UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR
COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION
AND CENTRAL AFRICA
JANUARY - DECEMBER 1999
DECEMBER 1998
UNITED NATIONS UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR
COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION
AND CENTRAL AFRICA
JANUARY - DECEMBER 1999
DECEMBER 1998
UNITED NATIONS New York and Geneva, 1998
For additional copies, please contact:
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Complex Emergency Response Branch (CERB) Palais des Nations 8-14 Av. de la Paix Ch-1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Tel.: (41 22) 788.1404 Fax: (41 22) 788.6386 E-Mail: [email protected]
This document is also available on http://www.reliefweb.int/
OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (OCHA)
NEW YORK OFFICE GENEVA OFFICE United Nations Palais des Nations New York, NY 10017 1211 Geneva 10 USA Switzerland Telephone:(1 212) 963.5406 Telephone:(41 22) 788.6385 Telefax:(1 212) 963.1314 Telefax:(41 22) 788.6386
4
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... vii
Table I: Summary of Total Funding Requirements - By Appealing Agency/Country ...... ix Table II: Summary of Total Funding Requirements - By Agency, Sector and Country ...... x
THE COMMON HUMANITARIAN ACTION PLAN ...... 1
Humanitarian Context ...... 2
Common Humanitarian Action Plan ...... 5
SUMMARY OF PROGRAMMES/PROJECTS ...... 10
Table III: Listing of Project Activities - By Appealing Agency ...... 11 Table IV: Listing of Project Activities - By Sector ...... 12
Coordination ...... 13 - 18 Assistance to Refugees ...... 19 - 35
ANNEX I. 1998 Financial Summaries ...... 37
ANNEX II. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ...... 47
ANNEX III. Acronyms and Abbreviations ...... 49
6
7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The various conflicts which have plagued the Great Lakes Region, have resulted in large numbers of victims who have been displaced from or forced to remain in their looted and destroyed communities or who have reluctantly sought refuge in other countries of the region.
In a region in which the majority of the population has always lived close to, or below, acceptable subsistence levels, the persistent deterioration of political, social and economic conditions has resulted in the continued uprooting and marginalisation of fragile and vulnerable populations. While political instability and subsequent economic malfunctions may have deprived many of their sources of livelihood, they have also resulted in the virtual elimination of the basic and essential services of health, water supply and education. Consequently, ever increasing numbers of people have become dependent wards of the life-saving assistance of the humanitarian community.
This dynamic has a regional rather than purely national dimension, as such, there is an identified need for a regional mechanism to direct appropriate humanitarian assistance to these affected populations. In addition, the recurrent crises affect people in more countries than those for which consolidated appeals are envisaged in 1999, hence the necessity to cover their needs under a Regional Appeal. In such an environment, one must recognise the limit of humanitarian action. Indeed, any humanitarian assistance can only be a stop gap measure that minimises human suffering until such time as long term political solutions can be found.
The 1999 Regional Inter-Agency Consolidated Appeal will focus on two issues: regional coordination efforts, and assistance to refugees and returnees of the Great Lakes Region (GLR) who have sought asylum in Uganda or outside the Region. The GLR includes Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Uganda and United Republic of Tanzania. The UN country teams of Burundi, the DRC, Uganda and Tanzania have decided that the humanitarian situation in their countries, warrant the preparation of country-specific CAPs, which will be launched conjointly with the Regional CAP. Following consultations with the UN, the Government of Rwanda decided that a country-specific CAP was not required for 1999, however the 1998 CAP will be extended to May 1999 and updated to reflect new priority activities, especially in the North-West.
The United Nations Regional Consolidated Appeal represents an outline of what the UN justifiably believes it is capable of achieving under difficult circumstances, rather than what it would ideally like to do. It is, therefore, an action plan which details how emergency humanitarian assistance can be systematically coordinated, delivered and monitored to ensure the most effective use of scarce resources in a timely manner. The total amount sought for regional programmes is US$ 58,442,043. Tables summarising regional programmes are attached, in addition to tables which summarise the requirements of all the 1999 Consolidated Appeals related to the crisis in the GLR.
Recognising the need for effective regional coordination of the UN political and humanitarian responses to the crises affecting the region, the Secretary-General appointed a Representative and Regional Humanitarian Advisor for the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa (RRHA) whose office has been established in Nairobi. The RRHA serves as the principal advocate for humanitarian actions, humanitarian principles, policy formulation, and other concerns that are germane to the region.
Using accepted humanitarian principles and taking into account the concerns raised in the IASC-sponsored Strategic Humanitarian Coordination in the Great Lakes Region, 1996-1997 and Report of the Tripartite (United Nation Children’s Fund - UNICEF, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - UNHCR, World Food Programme - WFP) Lessons Learned
8 Study of the Great Lakes Emergency Operation Since 1996, a consensus has been formed at the regional level by the participating agencies of the United Nations (Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - OCHA, Food and Agriculture Organization - FAO, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP and World Health Organization - WHO) of how best to address issues of regional dimension, including the cross-border movement of populations and assistance, and effective coordination mechanisms.
A process of preparing and regularly updating contingency plans (national and regional) was launched in February and reinvigorated with renewed zeal with the resumption of hostilities in early August in the DRC. In an effort to streamline and facilitate UN operations in the DRC, particularly in areas under rebel control, an agreed upon Code of Conduct has been prepared by the UN and its humanitarian partners, while regular regional coordination meetings have been convened and information-sharing systems put in place. All of these actions are the result of concerted consultations amongst regional UN Agency representatives.
9
Table I : Summary of Total Funding Requirements for the 1999 UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Countries of the GREAT LAKES REGION and CENTRAL AFRICA BY APPEALING AGENCY / COUNTRY January - December 1999
AP TH BUR DEM U UN TOTA PEA E UNDI OCR G ITE L(US LIN RE ATIC A D $) G GI REP N RE AG ON UBLI D PU EN C OF A BLI CY THE C CON OF GO TA NZ AN IA
FA 1, 7,93 3,80 2 79 16,80 O 57 0,00 5,00 , 0, 6,000 0, 0 0 7 00 00 1 0 0 1 , 0 0 0
IO 6 638,6 M 3 68 8 , 6 6 8
OC 75 768, 412, 4 2,377 HA 5, 689 371 4 ,563 10 1 3 , 4 0 0
OH 9,33 2,24 11,58 CH 7,00 9,00 6,000 R 0 0
UN 5,50 4,45 4 1, 11,68 DP 0,00 6,25 0 32 1,250 0 0 5 0, , 00 0 0 0 0
UN 3,70 1 3,844 ES 1,11 4 ,918 CO 8 3 , 8 0 0
UN 246, 1 1, 1,442 FP 000 9 00 ,000 A 6 0, , 00 0 0 0 0
UN 42 10,2 3,50 7 18 75,21 HC ,7 75,2 7,01 0 ,0 9,400 R 37 96 9 0 00 ,0 , ,0
10 85 0 00 0 0
UN 70 10,0 5,00 3 6, 24,93 ICE 0, 54,0 0,00 , 10 4,000 F 00 00 0 0 0, 0 8 00 0 0 , 0 0 0
WF 12 35,2 5,25 6 47 161,8 P ,1 39,0 7,01 1 ,7 69,19 18 09 7 , 00 4 ,0 5 ,5 55 5 89 4 , 5 2 4
W 56 574, 1,46 5 29 3,392 HO 1, 520 1,21 0 4, ,330 80 0 0 80 0 , 0 0 0 0
GR 58 83,6 26,1 7 75 313,7 AN ,4 25,6 47,8 0 ,2 91,32 DT 42 32 67 , 05 3 OTA ,0 3 ,3 L 43 7 89 0 , 3 9 2
11
12
13
14
15 THE COMMON HUMANITARIAN ACTION PLAN
Changes in the Humanitarian Situation At the end of 1997, the international community was preoccupied by the return and reintegration of large numbers of refugees to their countries of origin. In spite of low levels of conflict, the first six months of 1998 witnessed considerable progress in the reintegration of refugee populations in their home countries and a good start on the rehabilitation of the most affected communities. However, the resumption of hostilities in the DRC in August 1998 put a stop to the return of DRC refugees from Tanzania and neighbouring countries. In fact, the conflict has forced many residents of eastern DRC to move to Tanzania, as well as take refuge in Burundi. The war has also resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the DRC. Although the fighting has not led to a significant outflow of refugees as originally anticipated, it has provoked widespread internal displacement, particularly in the southwest in Bas-Congo and in the east in the Kivus. Nevertheless, the cross-border movement of people continues to swell the numbers of existing refugees, while continued conflict in Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda perpetuates the displacement of innocent civilians.
Progress Made In 1998, the regional programmes were able to successfully undertake and complete a series of projects, in spite of considerable odds, including extremely challenging security constraints, logistical impediments and reduced funding. For example, refugees were assisted in returning home, and rehabilitation projects were implemented throughout the region. In addition, the Regional Humanitarian Advisor for the GLR has helped bridge the existing gaps between political and humanitarian initiatives. Through his good offices, a number of strategic policy initiatives were designed and implemented, including ensuring essential humanitarian connections to sanctions-bound Burundi. Humanitarian access has been sought and accorded, Principles of Engagement have been prepared, the flow of essential and timely information has been enhanced with the assistance of the Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN/CEA). These initiatives have served to improve regional coordination and to foster a sense of common direction within the humanitarian community.
Lessons Learned The UN in the GLR has adopted significant recommendations notably the need to coordinate its humanitarian assistance programmes in order to maximise the use of resources, avoid duplication and ensure essential needs are met. The elaboration of the Code of Conduct, the launching of a coordinated national and regional contingency planning process, regular high level coordination meetings and the follow-up on decisions taken by such groups, are evidence of the pursuit of a common approach.
Although initially commissioned in late 1997, two comprehensive studies, one examining strategic coordination and the other reviewing operational coordination in the GLR, were published in 1998. Both these reports were instrumental in highlighting previous problems and providing recommendations for the future.
The Inter-Agency Standing Committee commissioned study entitled Strategic Humanitarian Coordination in the Great Lakes Region, 1996-1997, defined the concept of a framework of consent to assist in developing policies of humanitarian coordination. The linkages between humanitarian efforts and political solutions were highlighted, however, the authors argued that successful strategic coordination is a function of the inter-action of many elements -- UN Agencies, national governments, and rebel authorities. Through the RRHA, the UN has
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 1 linked humanitarian assistance, by virtue of its nature a short-term goal, with longer-term political efforts. As such, the RRHA has assumed overall responsibility of a coordinated political and humanitarian approach to the troubles in the GLR. As an example, using the stature and independence of his office, the RRHA has established and maintained important contacts with national governments and rebel groups in an effort to negotiate access to affected populations.
The tripartite (UNICEF/UNHCR/WFP) evaluation of the Lessons Learned Study of the Great Lakes Emergency Operations since September 1996, provided specific recommendations, including a framework for ongoing negotiations to improve collaboration on operational issues among the agencies.
With regard to the provision of assistance to refugees, the UN has learned through its experience in the GLR, that it is in the long-term interests of both the countries of origin and asylum to establish refugee camps at a sufficient distance from borders. In addition, the strengthening of the emergency response capacity requires inter-agency cooperation at technical level such as provision of food, site planning, road engineering, water, health and nutrition and community services/education.
Humanitarian Context This section is devoted to the current humanitarian context which dictates the parameters of the regional common humanitarian action plan. Country-specific consolidated appeals have been prepared for Burundi, the DRC, Uganda and Tanzania, and details on the humanitarian context of these countries is found in those documents.
Political, Economic, Security and Constraints Analysis In 1999, the UN and its humanitarian partners will be forced to work in an increasingly complex humanitarian environment. There has been an exponential increase in the number of state and non-state actors involved in the current regional crisis, while the long standing internal battles in Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda continue unabated. The ongoing vicious cycle of displacement - looting/destruction - return to home communities - displacement, has led to heightened levels of ethnic animosities, the repeated loss of all means of production and the destruction of the already limited health, water and educational infrastructure.
Affected Population In spite of initial progress made in the first half of 1998, notably in the reintegration of returnees in their home communities, the dynamics of the continuing regional conflicts have ensured that the total number of affected people in the GLR has actually increased since late 1997, as the number of local communities affected by the conflict is greater than the actual number of IDPs and refugees, but has not yet been accurately assessed. The situation concerning the affected populations of the GLR during 1998 is summarised below:
Burundi: The problem of IDPs remains acute with about 550,000, or over 10 percent of the population, classified as displaced. Fighting in the DRC created an influx of some 8,000 new Congolese refugees.
Republic of Congo: The country has witnessed a significant decrease in the number of IDPs from 650,000 to just over 200,000 by November 1998. The refugee population originating from countries of the GLR has decreased to an estimated 11,000 with the departure of
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED2 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 2 Rwandese to the DRC in early November. A census is currently underway to determine the number of refugees who remain.
DRC: The number of refugees increased four-fold in the first part of 1998, largely due to an influx of Angolan refugees. The resumption of war in August 1998 has resulted in a rise in the number of displaced and affected people. However, given the insecurity in large swathes of the country, the actual figure cannot be determined. As of November, over 20,000 DRC nationals had fled the current conflict to surrounding countries. The total estimated number of Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries is 90,000.
Rwanda: There has been a dramatic increase in the number of IDPs from about 35,000 in December 1997, to over 650,000 by November 1998. The majority of the IDPs are in the northwest. Additionally, there are some 30,000 Congolese refugees from North Lkivu in Rwanda.
Uganda: The number of IDPs has increased by approximately 100,000 to nearly half a million, the bulk of which are to be found in the north.
Tanzania: Tanzania continues to host the largest refugee population in the GLR. The number of Congolese refugees slightly decreased with the successful repatriation operation of South Kivu which ended abruptly when the conflict broke out in early August. Since the conflict began, there has been a steady influx of Congolese refugees, many of whom recently repatriated.
Surrounding countries: In 1998, the number of refugees from the GLR fleeing to surrounding countries has remained unchanged at about 50,000. Sudan also hosts a sizeable number of refugees from the Great Lakes, with 3,600 refugees from the DRC.
Political/Military Developments The military conflict in the DRC now involves at least nine state actors and their respective armies, and an untold number of non-state actors or insurgent groups. The eruption of the war in the DRC in August 1998, was a culmination of long standing tension. The military victory of the Alliance des Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération in May 1997 was not accompanied by the expected political developments and tangible economic benefits for its population and increased security for its neighbours. A rebellion was launched, led by the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie was launched, backed by several countries in the region. President Kabila requested the support of the Southern Africa Development Community to counter what he termed an aggression by Rwanda and Uganda. Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe responded by providing critical military assistance. A month later, Chad also provided military assistance.
The countries adjacent to eastern DRC have continued to suffer from insurgent movements and/or active rebellions. It appears that the Allied Democratic Forces of Uganda, Interhamwe militia and the ex-Forces Armées Rwandaises, in addition to the Burundian Conseil National pour la Défense de la Démocratie/Front pour la Défense de la Démocratie and the Parti pour la Libération du Peuple Hutu/Forces Nationales de Libération, have a tacit alliance with President Kabila’s regime. There are also credible reports that these groups have at times collaborated with Congolese insurgent movements such as the Mayï-Mayï, in
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED3 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 3 actions against the Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie. In addition, these insurgent movements maintain bases in territories other than their countries, purchase weapons from regional and extra-regional sources despite an embargo imposed by the UN, and continue to actively recruit people from their ethnic group, be it in their home countries or refugee camps hosting their compatriots.
Security and Constraints Analysis Access by the humanitarian community to the affected populations has been severely constrained by the fluid nature of the war and the concomitant insecurity. One of the major dilemmas now faced by the humanitarian community in the GLR is to find a cost-effective and rapid means of delivering emergency supplies. The Government of the DRC has stated that they are not adverse to the delivery of humanitarian assistance in areas not under their control, but that no such assistance should come from the bordering countries of Rwanda, Uganda or Burundi. This and other impediments have delayed or hampered the delivery of assistance, while the costs associated with moving assistance from other, more distant points, cannot be absorbed by the UN over a long period of time. Despite the provision of exemptions for humanitarian supplies and equipment, under the regime of sanctions imposed on Burundi, logistical hiccups continue to plague the pipeline of emergency supplies, making Burundi an unlikely source of assistance for eastern DRC, even if Kinshasa’s objections were removed.
In 1998, vehicles, communications equipment, stocks and other important items belonging to the international aid organisations were once again looted, this time by retreating Government forces and the rebels in eastern DRC. In this situation the international community was faced with three options, to resume its work in an atmosphere of "business as usual", impose certain conditions for the resumption of its activities, or abandon the affected population. The UN has chosen the second option, standing steadfast in its request that its goods be returned, while requesting free and unfettered access to international communications as a condition to resume its work. It has also been decided that only life-saving assistance can be provided under the current conditions.
Humanitarian workers in the region recognise that a considerable level of risk to their personal security is inevitable. International staff have an ongoing option to withdraw which is often not open to those of local origin. Some operations may be continued by locally recruited staff in situations where expatriates are either unwilling or unable to remain. However, it must be recognised that local staff and their families, are likely to be placed under life-threatening pressure by parties to the conflicts and the integrity of such operations may be compromised.
Problem Analysis, Response and Prospects The need for an effectively coordinated approach to the provision of humanitarian assistance in the GLR has never been greater. The complexity of the conflicts which affect the region pose special new challenges for the humanitarian community. It is the view of many observers that there will not be a quick solution to the war and that it could easily degenerate into a long drawn-out stalemate, which in turn has the potential to draw in new belligerents. In addition to the deteriorating situation in the DRC, the international humanitarian community is also faced with large-scale humanitarian problems in Burundi, Uganda and Rwanda as a result of, the not unconnected internal insurgencies. Standard approaches which have been used in the past to care for asylum-seekers and IDPs, have had to be revised, in light of the new levels of insecurity, inaccessibility and open hostility of armed groups to the presence of humanitarian workers. Contingency planning is being used to assist the UN and its humanitarian partners to ensure that resources are
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED4 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 4 available and systems are in place to permit a timely and appropriate response to present and future crises. In light of the current situation in the DRC, the UN has taken a lead role in negotiating with government officials and the rebel movement for access to vulnerable populations, and modalities for the provision of humanitarian assistance.
Common Humanitarian Action Plan
Regional Contingency Plan/Scenarios In February 1998, the RRHA, concerned by the escalating level of tension in the DRC, particularly along the borders with Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, requested the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinators of the four countries to develop contingency plans in the event of an outbreak of hostilities. In early August, the Emergency Relief Coordinator requested the UN country teams of the DRC and all surrounding countries, under the leadership of the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinators, to update and in a number of cases develop, contingency plans to deal with the spill-over effects of the war in the DRC. The country-specific contingency plans are updated on a regular basis and have been incorporated by OCHA into an evolving regional framework.
Most UN country teams’ best case scenarios are based on a continuation of the current level of conflict, with significant numbers of people affected, while in their worst case scenarios, the UN country teams estimate that upwards of two million people will be affected. It is expected that the present conflict, unlike previous crises in the GLR, will result in a greater number of IDPs than of refugees.
The contingency plans forecast population movements and the resultant implications for provision of assistance. The available response mechanisms, logistical implications and constraints, additional staff requirements and other relevant issues were also analysed. Access and entry points were identified as well as systems for delivery from local and regional stockpiles.
It is widely acknowledged that the demands placed on the UN system under the most optimistic scenarios could be met with resources presently available in-country or in the region. However, it has also been recognised that the demands of worst-case scenarios dwarf the present capacity of the humanitarian community.
In addition to this regional inter-agency exercise, UNHCR organised a regional working meeting in Nairobi, attended by representatives of OCHA, UNICEF and WFP and staff from affected UNHCR Field Offices. A regional action plan for refugees was adopted.
Current and Needed Competencies and Capacity A number of UN Agencies -- FAO, OCHA, UNHCR, UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, WHO -- maintain regional offices in Nairobi, while WFP’s regional office is in Kampala. OCHA maintains daily contact with the UN Agencies, while open channels of communication are also maintained with international NGOs present in Nairobi and in the GLR. In an attempt to facilitate the exchange of relevant humanitarian information between concerned parties, the ORHA holds a weekly information exchange meeting open to all humanitarian partners, prepares regular comprehensive reports on the affected populations throughout the GLR and compiles ad hoc reports on specific issues of concern to the humanitarian community.
OCHA has strengthened its field presence with the establishment of a Humanitarian Coordination Unit in Uganda, increasing the staffing levels in Nairobi, the DRC, Rwanda and
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED5 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 5 by placing a Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer at the disposal of the DRC Country Team in eastern DRC. As a consequence of this strengthened presence, OCHA now provides critical support to the coordination efforts of the Resident/Humanitarian Coordinators and the humanitarian communities in Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, Uganda, and at the regional level through the ORHA.
Overall Strategy Each agency will meet the humanitarian needs for which it is mandated and to the extent possible, and will support national and local authorities in their efforts to meet basic humanitarian needs. This will take place in an environment of cooperation with other agencies, including non UN actors, which seeks to direct assistance to the most needy, avoids duplication of efforts and ensures to the maximum extent possible that the various interventions have a synergistic effect rather than exist as independent interventions.
Long and Short-Term Goals The short-term goal of the UN and its partners is to minimise the human suffering caused as a result of the extra-ordinary circumstances in the GLR. Given the increasing numbers of vulnerable people in the GLR, the UN will have to focus its initiatives on life-sustaining activities, while working with local communities and governments to develop sustainable rehabilitation programmes. The longterm goal is to implement solution oriented strategies, towards peace and full recovery. The UN will also strive to reinforce national institutional capabilities by collaborating with national efforts to coordinate humanitarian assistance.
Sectors
Coordination The level of conflict and the ominous regional and continental political implications, cannot easily be separated from the need to assist those most adversely affected by the wars. The nature of the conflicts in the GLR has led to an increase in the number of humanitarian actors with cross-cutting mandates and agendas which have sought roles in all the affected countries. The multifarious mandates of these humanitarian organisations necessarily warrants a consensus on critical issues of policy and operational coordination.
Cognisant of the need to approach the political and related humanitarian problems of the GLR in a comprehensive and principled manner, in late 1997, the Secretary-General appointed his Representative and Humanitarian Advisor for the GLR. Reporting directly to the UN Secretariat on political issues through the Department of Political Affairs, and on issues of humanitarian concern through the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the RRHA is the principal instrument in the formulation of a common political and humanitarian policy in the region. The following organigramme on humanitarian coordination in the GLR illustrates the linkages between the RRHA, the OCHA offices in New York and Geneva and how the RRHA relates to the humanitarian partners at the regional and national levels.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED6 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 6
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED7 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 7
At the operational level, WFP, in accordance with the contingency planning, will ensure that appropriate resources are available and systems maintained to respond to eventual needs. WFP will take the lead in food aid planning and management through meetings with key players where information on needs, security, logistics, food markets and production are reviewed and joint plans are made.
UNICEF Nairobi will continue to support UNICEF Country Offices across the region in humanitarian actions concerned with health, nutrition, water and sanitation, basic education, child protection and non-food relief. With an emphasis on capacity-building, support functions will include active monitoring, assessment, preparedness planning, support in emergency response, training and special initiatives. In addition, the Regional Office will, over the course of the year, give special emphasis to reduction of child soldiers, the universal elimination of anti-personnel landmines, and to peace-building initiatives.
In order to achieve its ultimate objective of improving the communities’ nutritional status, through increased local capacity for self-sufficiency, FAO intends to intensify its efforts at the regional level. To this end, and provided that funds are available, FAO will strengthen its coordination structure in Nairobi. While providing technical and strategic guidance, to the numerous organisations involved in the agricultural sector, this Coordination Unit will monitor and assess emergency needs, facilitate cooperation among organisations and provide assistance to its partners, mainly NGOs, in their resource mobilisation efforts, and field activities in the region.
Assistance to Refugees To manage the Great Lakes Operations, it is necessary to establish and maintain an effective operational and administrative capacity at headquarters and in the field. UNHCR will care for refugees in camps through multi-sectoral programmes; provide protection for asylum-seekers and refugees; determine refugee status of individuals; repatriate, reintegrate, and monitor returnees; address environmental concerns and special needs, including those of women and children, and provide institutional support in these areas to host governments. Given the uncertainties in the DRC, UNHCR is compelled to take a flexible approach to planning for next year’s programme.
UNHCR is planning to assist, in addition to the refugees in the GLR, refugees from the GLR in countries not covered by country-based Appeals. In the Republic of Congo, approximately 11,000 Rwandan refugees; in Zambia: some 1,700 Rwandan refugees and 12,200 refugees from the DRC; in the Sudan: some 3,600 refugees from the DRC; and, in Kenya: some 300 Rwandan refugees (out of a total of some 7,700, most of whom live with families in urban environments). UNHCR’s funding requests for operations will be included in the country-specific consolidated appeals, whereas the administrative and delivery costs for activities in favour of refugees originating from the GLR are reflected in the regional consolidated appeal.
With UNHCR, WFP will conduct joint food needs assessments of refugee populations. Additionally, WFP will work closely with civil society to create awareness of the needs of affected populations.
In order to improve the often severely degraded nutritional status of the refugees in camps in Tanzania and Uganda, FAO intends to supply them with seeds of short-cycle vegetable seeds, as well as basic tools. This particular project will focus mainly on women as immediate beneficiaries, vegetable production being traditionally carried out by women.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED8 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 8 WHO recognising the increased threat of the spread of epidemics as a result of population movement, will disseminate information on health issues among practitioners in the GLR and will strive to harmonise procedures and protocols among countries of the GLR. In addition, WHO will also work with local authorities in adjacent districts in neighbouring countries to exchange health information.
Information IRIN/CEA, based in Nairobi, has supported coordination efforts by facilitating wider access to information and promoting information exchanges amongst personnel from UN Agencies and departments, NGOs, international organisations, donor countries, governments, academia and the media. A main objective of IRIN is to foster greater awareness of the issues and underlying causes of conflict in the region.
In 1999 IRIN/CEA will continue to work closely with the UN system and other humanitarian partners to monitor and report on ongoing emergencies and their effect on neighbouring countries, as well as new crises. A variety of information products will also be introduced to further enhance information sharing and to ensure access to relevant information for the wider humanitarian community. These include closer ties to OCHA’s humanitarian website, ReliefWeb, which will enable those with access to the Internet to receive enhanced IRIN reports with more graphics, maps and photographs.
The 1999 activities and financial requirements of the four IRIN offices are reflected in a separate Appeal document. Thus, the regional or individual country Consolidated Appeals do not include the costs of IRIN pertaining to their respective areas.
Relationship with other Assistance Programmes The UN will strive, in all its humanitarian activities, to complement governments, non-governmental organisations and bilateral programmes. In doing so it will strictly adhere to and promote the principles of human rights and international humanitarian law. The UN system will promote local self-help initiatives and attempt to strengthen emergency preparedness at the community and national level. The UN will continue to work very closely with its partners in the Red Cross Movement - ICRC and IFRC.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED9 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 9 SECTORAL PROGRAMME/PROJECTS
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED10 INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 10
Table III : Total Funding Requirements for the 1999 UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Countries of the GREAT LAKES REGION and CENTRAL AFRICA THE REGION Listing of Project Activities - By Appealing Agency January - December 1999
Cod Appealing Agency / Activity Requir e ements (US$)
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION
GLR Support to regional coordination of 330,000 -03 agricultural relief operations
GLR Emergency supply of agricultural 1,240,0 -06 inputs to refugee population in 00 Tanzania and Uganda camps
Sub-Total 1,570,0 00
OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
GLR Support for the development of a 755,103 -01 strategy of coordination of humanitarian assistance
UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND
GLR Regional emergency coordination, 700,000 -02 support and advocacy
UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES
GLR- Multi-sectoral repatriation and re-integration, emergency care and 42,737,085 04 maintenance assistance for refugees and returnees and rehabilitation assistance for refugee-affected areas
WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME
GLR- Disaster mitigation / contingency planning 12,118,055 05
11
Table III : Total Funding Requirements for the 1999 UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Countries of the GREAT LAKES REGION and CENTRAL AFRICA THE REGION Listing of Project Activities - By Appealing Agency January - December 1999
Cod Appealing Agency / Activity Requir e ements (US$)
GRAND TOTAL 58,442,043
12
Table IV : 1999 United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Countries of the GREAT LAKES REGION and CENTRAL AFRICA THE REGION Listing of Project Activities - By Sector January - December 1999
Cod Sector / Activity Requir e Appeal ements ing (US$) Agenc y
COORDINATION
GLR Support for the OCHA 755,103 -01 development of a strategy of coordination of humanitarian assistance
GLR Regional emergency UNICEF 700,00 -02 coordination, support and 0 advocacy
GLR-0 Support to regional coordination of agricultural FAO 330,000 3 relief operations
Sub-Total 1,785,103
ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
GLR-0 Multi-sectoral repatriation and re-integration, UNHCR 42,737,085 4 emergency care and maintenance assistance for refugees and returnees and rehabilitation assistance for refugee-affected areas
GLR-0 Disaster mitigation / contingency planning WFP 12,118,055 5
GLR-0 Emergency supply of agricultural inputs to FAO 1,240,000 6 refugee population in Tanzania and Uganda camps
GLR-0 Monitoring of health situation in the Great Lakes WHO 561,800 7 Region
Sub-Total 56,656,940
GRAND TOTAL 58,442,043
13
14 COORDINATION
Appealing Agency: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Activity: Support for the development of a strategy of coordination of humanitarian assistance
Code: GLR-99-1/N01
Target Populations: Affected people in the Great Lakes Region (GLR)
Implementing Agency: OCHA/Office of the Regional Humanitarian Advisor, Nairobi
Time-Frame: January - December 1999
Objectives: To facilitate strategic co-ordination of humanitarian assistance
Funds Requested: US$ 755,103
SUMMARY From its inception in November 1996, the principle mandate of the Office of the Regional Humanitarian Advisor, has been to monitor, analyse and report on all humanitarian issues and developments in the broader Great Lakes Region (Burundi, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania) and to work with country teams to set agreed upon policies and goals, thereby ensuring an effective system of coordination through and agreed upon allocation of responsibilities amongst the UN and its humanitarian partners.
The ORHA is headed by the Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer who counsels the Regional Humanitarian Advisor on humanitarian issues, including operational constraints, trends and relevant political issues to ensure a consistent strategic approach to policy formulation at both the national and regional levels. The Senior Humanitarian Affairs Officer is supported by three international staff members who are the focal points and responsible for: monitoring all humanitarian issues related to sanctions on Burundi, including facilitating the despatch of essential humanitarian supplies; an effective regional contingency planning process; preparing regular comprehensive reports on the affected populations throughout the GLR; organising and hosting weekly GLR information exchange meetings and regular inter-agency regional coordination fora; preparing ad hoc reports on issues of concern to the humanitarian community and; mobilising resources through the CAP.
The major challenge facing ORHA in 1999, will be to enhance the strategic co-ordination systems currently in place and assist the RHA with the difficult task of setting the overall direction and goals of UN humanitarian programmes. This will include advocating humanitarian principles, negotiating security clearances and access to affected populations, formulating new humanitarian strategies based on assessed needs, and attempting to articulate durable solutions to the conflicts and the concomitant humanitarian crises that continue to beset the GLR.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 15 COORDINATION
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Budget Item US$
Staff Costs
1 Senior Humanitarian Advisor (L-4/5) 132,100
1 Information/Programme Analyst (L-3) 110,100
1 Liaison Officer (L-3) 110,100
1 Administrative Officer (L-3)* 55,050
1 Associate Information Officer (L-2) 88,300
Local Staff Salaries/Overtime 30,760
Consultancies 18,000
Sub-total 544,410
Operating Costs
Office Rent/Maintenance 21,000
Utilities 4,800
Purchase of Equipment 12,000
Purchase of Office Furniture 2,500
Purchase of Official Supplies 10,000
Maintenance of Vehicles 15,000
Fuel, Oils and Lubricants 12,000
Communications 55,000
Field Travel 45,000
Miscellaneous Expenses 11,400
Sub-total 188,700
Programme Costs 733,110
3 percent Administrative Support Costs 21,993
Grand Total 755,103**
*Services and costs shared with IRIN
**Some shortfalls (debts to unearmarked funds) or carry-over funds from 1998 may exist but cannot be specified at the time this document is being prepared.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 16 COORDINATION
Appealing Agency: United Nations Children’s Fund
Activity: Regional emergency coordination, support and advocacy
Code: GLR-99-1/N02
Target Populations: Children/women beneficiaries throughout the Great Lakes
Implementing Agencies: UNICEF East and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), Regional Emergency Support Unit
Time Frame: January - December 1999
Objectives: To enhance the well-being of children and women/fulfilment of their basic rights, through six principal programme activities: 1) monitoring, assessment, early warning; 2) encouraging preparedness; 3) coordinating support and problem-solving; 4) technical support; 5) liaison and collaboration with partners; 6) support of special initiatives.
Funds Requested: US$ 700,000
SUMMARY In response to acute humanitarian needs across the Great Lakes--caused or compounded by war, political instability, displacement, economic distress and disrespect for human rights--UNICEF holds that current efforts to assure the survival, protection and basic rights of children and women must not only be continued, but accelerated in 1999. Indeed, greater efforts by all parties must be mobilised for children.
To achieve such, UNICEF is committed in 1999 to an increased advocacy effort for the respect of children and women's rights and the peaceful resolution of conflict, to enhanced monitoring and assessment of needs and to an acceleration of programme actions on behalf of children. UNICEF is planning to pilot new initiatives to enhance capacities of local and national authorities to meet humanitarian needs and it will continue supporting basic service delivery in emergency situations where such are needed.
The enhancement of a regional commitment to ensure that children's rights are respected and fulfilled will contribute to peace building, help prevent abuse and further the combined efforts of all to meet humanitarian needs. Better monitoring, early warning, and preparedness will ensure earlier preventive action, more effective emergency response and recovery efforts. Supporting effective, efficient and coordinated response of UNICEF activities across the region, as experience has proven, will have direct consequences for child beneficiaries and ensure great accountability of resources. Enhancing national and community capacity-building efforts so as to support local action to meet the humanitarian needs of children is fundamental to every action but will be given renewed emphasis through new district and community level capacity building initiatives related specifically to emergency management.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 17 COORDINATION
The regional emergency support programme for 1999 described herewith will be implemented by the Regional Office in collaboration with UNICEF Country Offices, regional institutions, national/local authorities and UN and NGO partners. It also deserves note that while a major emphasis of the emergency support activities will be directed to the countries of the Great Lakes region, they will also extend to all emergency impacted countries in east and southern Africa. An important contribution of the 1999 regional emergency support programme will be the special initiatives planned which include finalisation of a preparedness planning guide, development of training materials on the care/protection of unaccompanied children, analysis of emergency education programmes, support regional efforts to reduce the number of child soldiers and the elimination of anti-personnel land mines, compiling lessons learned from emergency actions and undertaking analysis of needs of internally displaced children.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Budget Item US$
Programme Support Personnel 370,000 Support to programmes (e.g. travel, equipment, consultations) 100,000 Capacity-building 80,000 Emergency skills training 230,000 Special initiatives Publications 20,000 Regional child rights/peace advocacy project 50,000 Major regional conference on children in emergencies 80,000
Operating costs (telecommunications, fuel, office supplies, rent) 80,000
Total 1,010,000
Less funds available for personnel and programmes 310,000
Total Requested 700,000
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 18 COORDINATION
Appealing Agency: Food and Agriculture Organization
Activity: Support to regional coordination of agricultural relief operations
Code: GLR-99-1/N03
Target Population: Affected families throughout the Great Lakes region with a reduced capacity to produce their own food
Implementing Agencies: Ministries of Agriculture in the host countries, FAO and NGOs
Time Frame: January - December 1999
Objectives: To provide regional orientation and programme support to emergency and recovery activities in the region; to enhance emergency response capacities of NGO partners; in collaboration with other UN Agencies to find more effective ways to improve agricultural relief interventions in order to mitigate the effects of the crises, and prepare for and respond to acute emergency needs
Funds Requested: US$ 330,000
SUMMARY In 1998 FAO with its NGO partners provided emergency agricultural assistance to over 1.5 million persons in the whole Great Lakes region. In order to increase efficiency of relief operations for the agriculture sector, the Regional Coordination will help develop response preparedness to crisis, impact mitigation and to establish an early warning systems for countries in emergency conditions. Numerous agencies, including NGOs and UN organisations, are involved in the assistance to the agricultural sector. The FAO emergency support will, therefore, be oriented to improve their relief capacities in the region, providing strategic guidance in responding to the basic agricultural needs of affected populations. This will entail monitoring and assessment of emergency needs, preparedness, and providing direct support to agricultural emergency programs. The FAO Regional Emergency Coordinator (REC) will be responsible for overseeing cross-border and regional activities to ensure a common approach and to strengthen the impact on beneficiary populations. The REC will also facilitate inter-agency cooperation and collaboration; assist in needs assessment; report on donor commitments; support international procurement, shipping and delivery procedures; and, organise and disseminate information from country emergency operation units.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 19 COORDINATION
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Budget Item US$
1. Technical assistance 180,000
2. Field and office equipment 50,000
3. Administrative support (secretary and driver) 24,000
4. Official travel to the region 36,000
5. General and direct operating costs 40,000
TOTAL 330,000
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 20 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Appealing Agency: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Activity: Multi-sectoral repatriation and re-integration, emergency care and maintenance assistance for refugees and returnees and rehabilitation assistance for refugee-affected areas
Code: GLR-99-1/NO4
Target Population: Refugees and returnees form Burundi, Rwanda, the Republic of the Congo (ROC) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as well as repatriation of the same refugees from other countries in Africa
Implementing Agencies: UNHCR, NGOs and Government Partners
Time Frame: January - December 1999
Objectives: To promote the repatriation of the remaining refugees who can return; to provide international protection and assistance in countries of asylum to refugees-affected areas through short-term interventions following the return of refugees
Funds Requested: US$ 42,737,085
SUMMARY
Regional: · UNHCR will promote respect for humanitarian principles and refugee law among governments of the region and neighbouring countries by building a consensus that the protection of refugees and solutions to refugee problems coincides with vital interests of the states;
· UNHCR will continue actions to resolve the problem of the remaining Rwandese caseload in a dozen countries in and near the Great Lakes, and to ensure asylum, protection, and welfare for other groups of refugees (primarily Burundi) in countries of the region, pending durable solutions;
· The Office will support and when appropriate promote the voluntary repatriation to the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda, as well as measures that could prevent refugee outflows;
· To manage the Great Lakes Operations, an effective operational and administrative capacity at Headquarters and in the field will be established and maintained.
Country Specific: In neighbouring countries hosting refugees from the Great Lakes, UNHCR will provide assistance and protection (pending status determination and/or the development of durable solutions to the following: Uganda: approximately 7,000 Rwandan and 1,200 DRC-Congolese refugees; Zambia: some 1,700 Rwandan and 12,200 DRC-Congolese refugees; Sudan: some 3,600 Congolese (DRC) refugees;
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 21 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Kenya: some 300 Rwandese refugees are assisted (out of a total of some 7,700) the majority of whom are urban refugees residing with families.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Sector/Activities Costs (US$)
Food 359,835
Logistics 1,965,853
Domestic needs 1,232,908
Water 404,970
Sanitation 269,887
Health/nutrition 509,053
Shelter 289,169
Community services 73,727
Education 25,000
Crop production 52,000
Livestock 7,541
Fisheries 0
Forestry 1,311
Income-generation 51,000
Legal assistance 1,048,633
Agency operations support 5,595,277
Programme delivery 22,840,084
8,010,837
Total 42,737,085 NOTE : The above project presents UNHCR’s requirements (January-December) for the Regional Consolidated Appeal which is part and parcel of UNHCR’s activities in the Great Lakes Region and Central Africa summarised below. More details on country-specific activities by UNHCR can be found in the relevant country-based Consolidated Appeal.
BASIC FACTS
WHOM UNHCR HELPS
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 22 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
In the United Republic of Tanzania: some 260,000 Burundi and 40,000 Congolese refugees (from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) living in camps.
In Burundi: approximately 50,000 Burundi refugees who are expected to return in 1999, and some 50,000 internally displaced persons; some 600 Rwandan and some 5,000 Congolese refugees who arrived recently. UNHCR also strengthens basic services in the areas to which refugees and internally displaced persons return.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo: those Congolese who have returned from countries of asylum, some 500 Burundi refugees in Mbuji-Mayi, 11,000 in Uvira (if UNHCR has access to them), and 3,000 refugees of various other nationalities in the DRC.
In the Republic of the Congo: approximately 11,000 Rwandan refugees.
In Uganda: approximately 7,000 Rwandan and 1,200 refugees from the DRC.
In Zambia: some 1,700 Rwandan refugees and 12,200 refugees from the DRC.
In the Sudan: some 3,600 refugees from DRC.
In Kenya: some 300 Rwandan refugees (out of a total of some 7,700, most of whom live with families in urban environments).
BACKGROUND
The Democratic Republic of the Congo The outbreak of two successive wars in the DRC (the first of which, during late 1996-early 1997, brought Laurent Kabila to power; the second, which began in August 1998, challenged his authority) has had a significant impact on the humanitarian situation throughout the region. The economic, social and political climate in the DRC is tense and unstable. UNHCR has had very little access to refugees there since the end of 1996. Prior to the latest conflict, there had been hope that the protocol signed by the Government and UNHCR on 28 July 1998 would remove obstacles to UNHCR’s activities in the country. But the resumption of hostilities made it even more difficult to reach the refugees.
UNHCR was finally obliged to evacuate all its staff from the DRC in mid-August 1998 (two security persons maintain a minimum presence there). Efforts to renew humanitarian assistance during 1999 will largely depend on the political and security situation both inside the country and throughout the region, and, of course, on access to the refugees. Given these uncertainties, UNHCR is compelled to take a flexible approach to planning for next year’s programme.
The United Republic of Tanzania Some 100,000 persons entered the Kigoma region after fleeing the first conflict in the DRC in 1996. While nearly half of them returned to the DRC during the first part of 1998, the second conflict in the DRC reversed this trend. Preparations were thus made for a new influx. As of
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 23 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
September 1998, approximately 260,000 Burundi refugees live in camps in Tanzania. Some 40,000 of them arrived in the aftermath of the 1993 hostilities that followed the assassination of the newly elected President M. Ndandaye.
Others arrived during 1995-97; and some 40,000 Burundi nationals who had lived independently in Tanzanian villages, many since the 1970s, were rounded-up and relocated in camps in late 1997 and early 1998. The influx from Burundi continued in 1998, although at a lower rate than in the past. Following the massive repatriation of almost all Rwandan refugees from Tanzania in December 1996, the remaining refugees fled into the bush to avoid repatriation. However, since January 1998, UNHCR has been receiving a new influx of asylum-seekers from Rwanda. Some 4,000 are in the Mbuba Transit Centre, and 1,800 in Mkugwa camp in Kibondo. In Lukole camp (Ngara), some 8,000 refugees thought to be Burundi declared that they are Rwandans.
Burundi The generally stable and secure conditions prevalent in some of the northern and eastern provinces of Burundi attracted the spontaneous return of 62,000 refugees from Ngara and Kibondo camps in Tanzania during 1997. Smaller numbers of refugees also chose to return from Rwanda. By the end of 1997, UNHCR had received, reintegrated, and assisted some 177,000 persons. The most recent conflict in the DRC precipitated the spontaneous repatriation of some 30,000 Burundi refugees from camps and villages in the Kivu and neighbouring regions of the DRC. Another 10,000 persons repatriated to Burundi from Tanzania in 1998.
Because of the volatility of the region, UNHCR has reinforced its contingency planning to be able to react in case new refugee movements occur. Recent developments in the DRC have had dramatic consequences for UNHCR’s operational capacity and field presence in that country. The refugee programme in Tanzania has, in the past, benefited from the active interest and involvement of the Government. Refugees there enjoyed access to agricultural land, the possibility of naturalisation, and the opportunity to receive government assistance to post-primary education. But recent refugee crises have made the Government and the people less welcoming towards refugees. Since 1994, refugee assistance and protection have been delivered in a politically-charged atmosphere between the countries of origin (Burundi and Rwanda) and the country of asylum (Tanzania). UNHCR provides special assistance and support to the Tanzanian authorities towards maintaining the civilian and humanitarian character of the refugee camps.
Current Situation An attempt by UNHCR to set in motion a tripartite mechanism among the agency and the Tanzanian and Burundi Governments did not meet with much success. Economic sanctions against Burundi by neighbouring countries has inhibited external peace initiatives.
Still, an internal peace process, overseen by the Government, is gaining momentum; and reintegration activities conducted by UNHCR are contributing to reconciliation. Those in Need of Protection and Assistance The Government estimates there are a total of approximately 22,000 refugees. Because the agency has no access to these people, it has been unable to confirm these numbers.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 24 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Assistance has been provided to some 600 of the most vulnerable refugees and to new arrivals fleeing the conflict in the DRC.
Rwandese refugees who arrived in the Congo in May 1997 are hosted in the camps in the north of the country. The screening operation planned for 1998, but delayed due to the conflict in the DRC, will continue in 1999. The refugee population is largely male. Other groups of refugees (primarily some 500 Burundis) who arrived between 1993 and 1996 are hosted in the Mbuji-Mayi camp, DRC. Congolese refugees are mainly a mix of urban residents and rural farmers of which the single largest ethnic group are Bembe (70 percent). Most (more than 70 percent) are women and children.
The Burundi refugees originate from the following provinces of Muyinga, Kirundo, Ngozi, Karuzi, Kayanza, as well as Ruyigi and Makamba. The majority of the Burundi refugees are farmers. With the exception of a few hundred Tutsi or ethnically mixed families, they are all of the Hutu ethnic group. Rwandan asylum-seekers/refugees are primarily of Hutu origin, mostly from Kibungo in the east of the country.
The change of power in the DRC prompted the spontaneous departure of pro-Lumbumba DRC refugees residing in Bujumbura since the 1960s. Similarly, because of the positive prospects for the repatriation of old-caseload Tutsi refugees from Rwanda, UNHCR Bujumbura reduced assistance to the most vulnerable of the urban refugee caseload.
Objectives
Regional UNHCR will promote respect for humanitarian principles and refugee law among Governments of the region by building a consensus that the protection of refugees and solutions to refugee problems coincides with the vital interests of States. UNHCR will continue to try to resolve the problem of the remaining Rwandan refugees in a dozen countries in and near the Great Lakes region and ensure asylum, protection, and welfare for other groups of refugees (primarily Burundis), until durable solutions are found. The Office will support and, when appropriate, promote the voluntary repatriation to the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda. Measures may include reintegration programmes in areas of return and support for measures to prevent future refugee outflows. To manage the Great Lakes Operation, it is necessary to establish and maintain an effective operational and administrative capacity at Headquarters and in the field.
Burundi UNHCR believes it is appropriate to encourage the return of refugees to those areas of Burundi considered safe. If favourable security conditions persist, it is reasonable to anticipate the return of 50,000 refugees in 1999. UNHCR will also provide assistance to 50,000 internally displaced persons living in the same area as returnees. This will be accomplished by implementing Quick Impact Projects to re-establish basic services for both populations. The Democratic Republic of the Congo UNHCR’s plans include: organising the voluntary repatriation of Rwandan, Burundi, and Congolese refugees and locating and assisting those Rwandan refugees to whom UNHCR has access; helping those refugees who cannot be repatriated to integrate locally (assistance
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 25 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES in the form of agricultural materials and income-generating activities will help these refugees assume a greater degree of self-sufficiency); organising, wherever possible, the resettlement of various refugees; ensuring access to education (primary, secondary, university and professional) for refugee students of various nationalities; rehabilitating community infrastructures used or built for refugees, returnees, and the local populations that host them; and consolidating and re-focusing programmes towards groups with special needs and environmental protection.
NB: In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UNHCR’s activities in north and south Kivu as well as in the Province Orientale have been suspended following the occupation of these provinces by rebel forces and a temporary evacuation of UNHCR offices. UNHCR staff are now returning to the capital after an emergency evacuation. Wherever possible, activities similar to those listed above will also be conducted in the DRC.
The United Republic of Tanzania Objectives include promoting refugee law and security through law enforcement institutions; assisting refugees in returning to their country of origin through voluntary repatriation or by providing alternative durable solutions for groups and/or individual refugees; and providing basic and complementary food supplies to refugees with special needs.
Other Neighbouring Countries In other countries hosting refugees from the Great Lakes region, UNHCR provides protection and assistance pending status determination and/or the development of durable solutions. In Uganda, approximately 7,000 Rwandan and 1,200 refugees from the DRC will be assisted in 1999. In Zambia, some 1,700 Rwandan and 12,200 refugees from the DRC will receive assistance pending repatriation. In the Sudan, the planned repatriation of some 3,600 persons from the DRC has been put on hold pending improvement of the security situation in the DRC.
Protection and Solutions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo The Regional Office will continue to promote refugee rights among national and local authorities. Seeking solutions for individual cases will remain the Office’s main activity. The Office will follow-up on the 1998 accord cadre signed between UNHCR and the Government of the DRC and will encourage the application of tripartite agreements signed in 1998 in Uganda and Burundi.
The United Republic of Tanzania A repatriation operation to the DRC was established during the second half of 1997 after a Tripartite Agreement on Voluntary Repatriation was signed. As of January 1998, more than 75 per cent of the refugees from the DRC had registered to repatriate; by 31 July of that year, more than 54,000 persons had repatriated to the DRC with UNHCR assistance. Although the operation was interrupted, due to the eruption of civil strife in the DRC in August 1998, it is hoped that the operation can resume in 1999. Some 40,000 refugees from the DRC (who arrived during the 1996-1997 influx) remain in camps in Tanzania.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 26 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
It is difficult to foresee a rapid repatriation of the Burundi refugees in Tanzania given the seriousness of human rights violations in some provinces and the slow progress of political dialogue in Burundi. In 1998 UNHCR helped repatriate those Burundi refugees who expressed a desire to return to relatively safe and stable provinces, particularly Ruyigi and Muyinga. An average of 2,000 persons return each month (a total of some 10,000 to date). Though the programme will continue throughout 1998, no significant increase in the number of returnees is expected during 1999.
UNHCR assists Rwandan refugees in Tanzania by assisting the Government in speedily determining the status of asylum-seekers, advocating for their protection from refoulement, and settling refugees in camps pending durable solutions.
The Government’s recent adoption of a more restrictive asylum policy has resulted in the uprooting and rounding-up of refugees from the villages in northwestern Tanzania — most of whom had successfully settled among the population, inter-married, acquired property and businesses, and become self-sufficient. A large number of them have been sent to refugee camps, thus undermining their self-sufficiency by making them dependent on international assistance.
Burundi UNHCR conducts workshops on protection for civilian and military authorities and staff, maintains a presence at border crossing points and in transit centres and monitors the reintegration of returnees.
Women And Children Provided the political and security situation in the DRC allows, UNHCR will set up protection activities for urban refugee women and their children in Kinshasa and provide assistance and income-generating projects for repatriated widows and single mothers in the eastern part of the country. These activities will be reinforced in 1999 with education and professional (technical) training projects. Culturally and ethically sensitive reproductive health education will be offered to the 11,000 Rwandan refugees located in four camps in the Congo.
Assistance will be given to centres housing unaccompanied minors, foster families and teenage groups in the DRC and in the Congo. This child-centred programme will also include psychological counselling for children in difficulty, reproductive health assistance for teenage girls, and the identification of foster families for unaccompanied minors. Security conditions permitting, the Regional Office and the Government of the DRC will launch a programme to search for and identify an unknown number of Rwandan unaccompanied minors who are scattered throughout the DRC and the Congo.
In Tanzania, the involvement of women in food distribution is now firmly established throughout the refugee camps. Efforts to ensure women’s participation in other camp activities, such as education, reproductive health and issues of gender violence (including sexual violence), will continue, and, where necessary, be reinforced. Since sexual violence is a serious problem in the camps, concerted efforts are being made by UNHCR, law enforcement authorities, community services, health agencies and the refugee communities to reduce the incidence of violence against women, support the victims and bring offenders to justice.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 27 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
It is estimated that 40 percent of the total female population benefit from primary education; however, 75 percent of all drop-outs are girls. In response to these statistics, UNHCR has launched a programme to increase female enrolment and reduce their drop-out rate in primary education. Only 25 percent of the total population of women participate in informal education activities.
In Burundi, identifying, tracing, assisting and monitoring unaccompanied minors will continue during 1999.
Environment Reforestation projects in the eastern DRC were interrupted by the latest conflict in the country. Their resumption will depend on the security situation in the DRC. In Tanzania, UNHCR funded environmental rehabilitation projects in the Kagera and Kigoma regions from 1994 to 1998 and will continue to do so through 1999 in cooperation with local authorities and NGOs. However, UNHCR’s role in these development activities will be reduced and assumed increasingly by bilateral donors.
Education Although there is a major effort to provide primary education for the refugees in Tanzania, the protracted character of some refugee situations requires that attention also be given to post-primary education needs. The Government used to vigorously support secondary education, which followed the Tanzanian curriculum.
But of late, education is geared less towards local integration than towards repatriation, and the Government has reduced its participation in it. With the scarcity of resources for access to primary education, little remains for secondary education. Only a limited number of urban refugees take advantage of UNHCR scholarships.
Capacity-building The Tanzanian Government has stressed the need for more national NGOs to become involved in UNHCR’s refugee operations. All parties also recognise the need for the continued presence of international NGOs that can, in turn, help build the capacities of national NGOs.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 28 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Coordination In Tanzania, UNHCR coordinates directly with the Refugee Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs. In addition, the office of the Inspector-General has been providing police constables to protect relief operations in the field. Apart from regular consultations between UNHCR’s Representative and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Coordination Committee, based in Dar Es Salaam, coordinates all refugee operations in Tanzania. The Committee is composed of line Ministries, United Nations Agencies and NGOs. Regular meetings are held at the Central and District level to consult on issues of relevance to the refugee operation in Tanzania. Other interested parties, such as the Prime Minister’s Office and the European Union (and ECHO), also work with UNHCR.
UNHCR works with other United Nations agencies, primarily the World Food Programme (WFP), to ensure there is a constant supply of basic food commodities. Food management at Extended Delivery Points is now the responsibility of WFP. UNHCR also works with UNICEF, WHO, and UNFPA.
Under OCHA’s overall leadership, an inter-agency working group comprised of OCHA, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNHCHR, UNFPA, and WHO was established in Geneva to consolidate the various country responses to a possible humanitarian crisis in the DRC (including the emergence of large numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees). UNHCR organised a regional working meeting in Nairobi, attended by representatives from all relevant UNHCR Field Offices, OCHA, WFP, and UNICEF, in which an Action Plan for the region was adopted.
Lessons Learned The Great Lakes region continues to be plagued by ethnic intolerance, political instability and periodic population movements. Strengthening the emergency response capacity requires technical expertise in site planning, road engineering, water, health and nutrition and community services/education. It is also important to maintain an adequate level of pre-positioned food and non-food items. Northwestern Tanzania will probably continue to host refugees, given the instability in the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. UNHCR considers it in the long-term interest of both the country of origin and asylum that the principle of establishing refugee camps at a sufficient distance from borders be respected in all future decisions on camp placement.
Impact Given the extremely challenging security and logistics situation, and reduced funding for UNHCR’s 1998 programmes, the agency has largely succeeded in providing adequate levels of assistance to refugees and returnees in camps, settlements, and returnee areas throughout the region.
In Burundi, the impact of the programme has reached beyond the specific needs of returnees; it has also contributed to the reconciliation process. In Tanzania, UNHCR expanded its assistance to include education, essential health care, and community services. Some 55,000 refugee children attend school in all camps; clothing has been distributed to children and women; each person receives more than 15 litres of water per day; more than 148,000 mosquito nets were distributed among refugee families to reduce mortality rates due to malaria; and malnutrition rates in all camps are low.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 29 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Despite limited planning information, a volatile security situation, and a challenging political environment in the DRC, more than 500 Expanded Humanitarian Programme (EHP) projects were launched by more than 50 local NGOs, 10 international NGOs, public institutions, and private contractors. The EHPs covered virtually all sectors, including water, sanitation, infrastructure, health, education, fisheries, animal husbandry, agriculture and forestry. Through the Programme, UNHCR: rehabilitated two major urban roads and more than 150 km of rural roads; repaired more than 40 bridges; reconstructed and cleaned drainage systems; constructed 39 sustainable gravity-fed village water sources in areas surrounding refugee settlements; rehabilitated 18 health centres, including construction of an operating theatre in Bukavu and significant work on Uvira and Goma general hospitals; supplied surgical and laboratory equipment; and rehabilitated 55 schools and supplied school desks for 5,000 students.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 30 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
UNHCR’s Budget for Countries of the Great Lakes Region and Central Africa
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Budget Item US$
Food 609,768
Transport/logistics 11,952,507
Domestic needs/household support 2,686,962
Water supply 847,538
Sanitation 635,474
Health/nutrition 4,438,965
Shelter/other infrastructures 3,398,607
Community services 1,823,659
Education 2,247,095
Crop production 903,392
Livestock/animal husbandry 7,541
Forestry 663,385
Income-generation 120,742
Legal assistance/protection 2,021,866
Agency operational Support 12,010,978
Programme delivery costs* 22,840,084
Sub-total 67,208,563
Administrative support costs 8,010,837
Total 75,219,400 * Includes costs for protection, monitoring and coordination
NOTE : The budget of the UNHCR’s global requirements for the Great Lakes Operation, as summarised in the above table is fully consistent with UNHCR’s Global Appeal for 1999.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 31 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Appealing Agency: World Food Programme
Activity: Disaster mitigation/contingency planning
Code: GLR-99-1/N05
Target Population: 200,000 IDPs, refugees or affected persons
Implementing Agencies: WFP together with other agencies i.e. UNHCR/UNICEF
Time Frame: January - December 1999
Objectives: Timely and appropriate interventions to save lives of vulnerable populations
Funds Requested: US$ 12,118,055
SUMMARY WFP’s major tool for disaster mitigation in the Great Lakes Region is the use of contingency planning to ensure that resources are made available, and systems are in place, permitting a timely and appropriate response to a possible crisis. WFP has acquired, over the past four years, a positive record for mounting effective and timely responses to crises by using a regional approach.
The contingency plan allocation will form a food and cash resource and a system for WFP’s timely emergency response in conjunction with other partners. Food and other resources will be directed by WFP’s Regional Office in Kampala to the affected Country Office. Within the country, joint operations and work plans, involving all key operational agencies, will cover caseload numbers and their requirements, as well as agencies’ staffing, communications, logistics, field staff security arrangements and deployment plans.
The most likely scenarios to result in new humanitarian emergencies are civil conflict in DRC, Rwanda and Burundi causing significant internal or cross-border population displacements. Scenarios being used in October 1998 range from 10,000 to 900,000 displaced persons both inside countries of the region and across borders. Contingency scenarios and plans are regularly updated.
It is unlikely that all or most of the scenarios will take place simultaneously. It is estimated that up to 200,000 persons, requiring 3,240 MTs of food per month for a six-month period, should be considered for contingency planning purposes.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 32 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Budget Item Quantity (MTs) Average Cost Per Total Value MTs (Us$) Cost (Us$)
Cereals 14,400 180 2,592,000
Pulses 4,320 430 1,857,600
Vegetable oil 720 840 604,800
High energy biscuits 150 1,500 225,000
Sub-total food and food value 19,590 5,279,400
Ocean freight, insurance and superintendence costs 1,587,490
LTSH 3,276,173
Direct support costs 1,171,648
Indirect support costs 803,344
Total 12,118,055
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 33 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Appealing Agency: Food and Agriculture Organization
Activity: Emergency supply of agricultural inputs to refugee population in Tanzania and Uganda camps
Code: GLR-99-1/N06
Target Population: 500,000 refugees living in camps in Tanzania and Uganda
Implementing Agencies: Ministries of Agriculture in the host countries, FAO, UNHCR and NGOs
Time Frame: January - December 1999
Objective: To supply minimum essential agricultural inputs to refugees for the agricultural seasons starting in March, June and September 1999
Funds Requested: US$ 1,240,000
SUMMARY The refugee population in the Great Lakes region is mostly concentrated in Uganda and Tanzania. An estimated 500,000 persons are currently living in camps often established four or five years ago. This project targets 125,000 households in dire need of agricultural assistance in order to improve their nutritional status and reduce their dependence on external aid.
FAO and UNHCR have decided to implement a programme targeting refugees hosted in Tanzania and Uganda. FAO will be responsible for technical guidance, procurement, distribution and logistical facilities, while UNHCR will ensure targeting of beneficiaries. The aim of this activity is to provide vulnerable families, that have an extremely reduced access to land, with a basic agricultural assistance that temporarily contributes to secure their food needs rather than creating an environment for definitive settlement.
The kit to be distributed will be composed of 60 grams of vegetable seeds and 2 hoes per family and it will allow 125,000 families to cultivate 2 ares (1 ha = 100 ares). Vegetable production is a traditional women’s activity which will provide a supplement in fresh food as well as a surplus for exchange. The provision of vegetable seeds will be accompanied by an appropriate training programme given by FAO.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 34 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Budget Item US$
Agricultural Inputs: 8 MTs of vegetable seeds and 250,000 Hoes 1,070,000
General and direct operating costs (including monitoring, evaluation, transport, 170,000 handling and storage costs)
Total 1,240,000
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 35 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
Appealing Agency World Health Organization
Activity: Monitoring of health situation in the Great Lakes Region
Code: GLR-99-1/N07
Target Population: IDPs, returnees and affected populations living along the borders of the countries of the region
Implementing Agencies: WHO, UNHCR, NGOs, Ministry of Health
Time Frame: January - December 1999
Objectives: To provide regular health information to partners through Humanitarian Regional health information bulletin; to support harmonisation of procedures and protocols between Great Lakes countries; to strengthen the health information exchange between health authorities of adjacent districts in neighbouring countries.
Funds Requested: US$ 561,800
Outbreak of epidemics have been frequent as a result of massive movement of refugees and displaced persons that continue to occur within and between the countries of the GLR. Cholera, dysentery, malaria, measles, epidemic type meningitis, plague, poliomyelitis, typhus and viral haemorrhagic fevers (particularly the Ebola virus) have been observed during the preceding years of conflict in the GLR. Furthermore, there is always the looming threat of an outbreak of epidemics of other emerging and re-emerging diseases. The lack of timely and accurate confirmations of casual agents of epidemics hinders the implementation of well targeted interventions.
In 1998:
Exchange of health among countries of the GLR has been strengthened through the establishment of a radio network in Burundi, DRC and Rwanda. The sub-offices in the DRC remained functional except in the Kivus.
Cross-border epidemic control and surveillance has been initiated on the basis of the protocol signed by the ministers of health of the GLR in 1997 in Kigali, and inter-country meetings for the exchange of information have taken place. For example, in May 1998 a meeting was held between Burundi, DRC, and Rwanda in Cyangugu to coordinate cross border cholera activities.
The WHO Kigoma sub-office has been working closely with UNHCR, UNICEF and regional health authorities; it has regularly participated in the assessment of the health of the refugees and provided technical support, reported regularly to the respective WHO offices, Great Lakes WHO focal point and partners. WHO fielded expert staff from HQ, WHO/AFRO, inter-country team and the GLR focal point to provide support to countries of the GLR as needed.
However, the following concerns remain of particular importance to the health of the affected population: (i) inequity of distribution of health services; (ii) inadequate provision of health services to the affected local population, IDPs and refugees; (iii) weak national and regional health information system unable to ensure proper feed-back on public health problems;
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 36 ASSISTANCE TO REFUGEES
(iv) haphazard delivery of health services in complex emergency situation; (v) lack of coordination and cooperation in health programmes of similar nature between countries of origin and asylum; and, (vi) poor compliance of health stakeholders to protocols, procedures and treatment policies when made available.
In the worst case scenario in 1999, in terms of health, will be the consequence of the disruption of public health facilities such as water supplies, basic sanitary utilities resulting in the spread of water-borne diseases (cholera, dysentery, typhoid and others), over-crowding of displaced population favouring the spread of infectious diseases, disruption of public health programmes (immunisation, child and maternal health care and delivery services, tuberculosis, malaria and other public health control programmes).
In 1999, WHO will continue to provide technical support and normative guidance to national health authorities, UN Agencies and NGOs in the implementation of health services to the local population, IDPs and refugees. Particular emphasis will be put on health needs assessment and a health information system that enables provision of proper feed-back on public health issues including epidemiological surveillance and response to epidemics.
WHO human resources in the GLR will be mobilised to provide technical support to affected countries and extra support will be provided from WHO inter-country teams in Uganda and Kenya, WHO/Regional office and WHO/HQ according to specific needs.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Budget Items US$
Technical competence building 180,000
Building cross-border and inter-country health information exchange for 150,000 Emergency
Development and harmonisation of standard emergency health 100,000 information management activities and procedures
Assessment, monitoring and evaluation of health situation 100,000
Sub-total 530,000
Programme support costs (6 percent) 31,800
TOTAL 561,800
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 37
ANNEX I.
1998 FINANCIAL SUMMARIES
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 47
ANNEX II. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND
RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES
OPERATIONS IN THE GREAT LAKES 1999
Introduction The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has been active in the Great Lakes region since 1994. For 1999, the Federation envisions three separate country appeals for operations in Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania. Their total value is CHF 20,554,000, and they are expected to benefit 635,000 beneficiaries in the three target countries.
Broadly speaking, the Federation's programmes, implemented by the respective National Red Cross Societies, are focussing of refugee relief, rehabilitation, health (including water and sanitation), social welfare, disaster preparedness, and National Society development. In the spirit of the 1997 Seville Agreement, the Federation, the National Societies and the ICRC are co-operating closely, sharing information and advice on all relevant programmes.
Burundi After the 1996 departure of the Rwandan refugees, the emphasis of Red Cross programmes in Burundi has shifted to assisting and rehabilitating people who have been internally displaced by civil war. Apart from the distribution of 170 MTs of essential household items to 9,000 IDP families, the programme will focus on providing building materials for the reconstruction of 230 family houses and 47 school rooms. In agricultural rehabilitation, 15,000 hoes and 2,500 kg of seeds will be distributed. The health programme calls for the supply of essential drugs to deal with endemic and epidemic diseases, mainly in IDP camps, as well as supplementary feeding for 2,000 infants and 400 breast-feeding women.
Rwanda In 1999, Red Cross programmes in Rwanda will focus on the construction of 150 houses for widows and child-headed households, as well as on the rehabilitation of schools, hospitals and water sources. The Community-Based First Aid project will involve the deployment of 360 trained volunteers throughout the country. They will work with the communities on matters like health and sanitation (latrines and waste management) and health education (malaria prevention and personal hygiene). Finally, the disaster preparedness and prevention (DPP) component of the Rwanda programme seeks to train National Society volunteers at the branch level, as well as the establishment of four DPP training and warehouse facilities in the country's most strategic prefectures.
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 48 ANNEX II. INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES
Tanzania The Tanzania Red Cross Society, supported by the Federation, will continue its relief operation benefiting 95,000 Congolese and Burundian refugees in three camps in Western Tanzania's Kigoma region. The activities include camp management, food distribution, administrative services, and health services (including water and sanitation). Meanwhile, the appeal seeks funds to develop the National Society's capacity to deal with disasters through the build-up of material, logistical and human resources.
Budget Summary CHF
Burundi 4,065,000
Rwanda 4,289,000
Tanzania 12,200,000
TOTAL 20,554,000
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 49
ANNEX III.
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AFRO Regional Office for Africa
CAP Consolidated Appeal Process
DRC Democratic Republic of the Congo
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
GLR Great Lakes Region
HQ Head Quarter
IASC Inter-Agency Standing Committee ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies IRIN/CEA Integrated Regional Information Network Central and East Africa
NGOs Non-Governmental Organisations
OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ORHA Office of the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator
REC Regional Emergency Coordinator RRHA Representative and Regional Humanitarian Advisor
UN United Nations UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
WFP World Food Programme WHO World Health Organization
UNITED NATIONS CONSOLIDATED INTER-AGENCY APPEAL FOR COUNTRIES OF THE GREAT LAKES REGION AND CENTRAL AFRICA 50