Preliminary Emergency Appeal Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq: Population Movement

Transcription

1 Preliminary Emergency Appeal Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq: Population Movement Preliminary Emergency Appeal n MDR81003 GLIDE n OT LBN/JOR/IRQ 9 August 2012 Appeal target (current): This Preliminary Emergency Appeal seeks CHF 3.7 million in cash, kind, or services to support national societies in assisting 55,000 people (11,000 families), for six months, until the beginning of February This is in addition to providing significant support to national societies through disaster preparedness and capacity building components, in light of the fluid situation and contingency planning for a larger influx of Syrians into the neighbouring countries. A Final Report will be available by the beginning of May 2013 (3 months after the end of the operation). <click here to view Budget Contact details Map of the region Summary: A significant increase in numbers of Syrians fleeing into Syria s neighbouring countries calls for an urgent scale-up of response in the region. To date over 123,000 people have been registered by UNHCR in Syria s neighbouring countries, although the Government of Jordan estimates that some 150,000 people have arrived in Jordan alone, with some sources reporting similar numbers in Lebanon. To address this need, this appeal seeks CHF 3.7 Million to assist the Jordan Red Crescent, the Lebanese Lebanese Red Cross teams provide emergency medical services on the border area of Wadi Khaled, North Lebanon. Photo: IFRC, Emily Gilbert Red Cross and the Iraq Red Crescent, in responding to the needs of some 11,000 families in the areas of relief (including cash assistance), hygiene promotion, disaster preparedness and capacity building for the operating national societies. Activities developed in this Preliminary Emergency Appeal are based on IFRC and partner National Societies joint assessment findings and other secondary information, and have been designed in partnerships between the Federation and NS. Since March 2012, activities targeting the needs of people fleeing Syria into Lebanon and Jordan have been supported by the Revised Emergency Appeal for the MENA Civil Unrest (appeal number: MDR82001). However, with mounting violence across Syria, forcing tens of thousands to flee across borders, this Preliminary Emergency Appeal focuses entirely on the needs in the neighbouring countries

2 2 and outlines the essential activities that the Jordanian Red Crescent and the Lebanese Red Cross Societies will implement with support from IFRC, as a direct reflection of the urgency of the situation. An increase in Syrians crossing into Iraq calls for an inclusion of support to the IRCS in responding to this crisis, although details of activities are still being developed and will be included in the first operations update. As stated in operations update 12 on the 4 th July 2012, for the MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal, the balance of funds remaining for the regional component (Lebanon and Jordan), will be transferred to this population movement appeal and activities implemented as agreed. Under the MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal, the Lebanese Red Cross has provided emergency medical services to wounded and sick people arriving on the eastern and northern borders of the country from Syria through first aid treatments, transportation to hospitals and provision of blood units. LRC teams have been saving the lives of hundreds of people in desperate need. Under the same Emergency Appeal, the Jordanian Red Crescent has been providing hygiene kits and other essential nonfood items to Syrians registered in Amman and the northern areas of Mafraq, Ramtha and Irbid, where the highest numbers of Syrians are currently found. Both the LRC and JRC continue to carry out these essential activities in their respective countries, to meet the urgent needs of people arriving from Syria. However, with growing numbers of people entering Syria s neighbouring countries, needs too are increasing. This Preliminary Emergency Appeal details the scale-up of the response required to assist this ever-growing vulnerable population in the region and is drawn-up in close cooperation with Red Cross Movement partners. With an increase in influx in Iraq over the recent weeks, IRCS has been responding to the situation on border areas, with need of support from the Federation to ensure a scale-up as required. The situation Since the beginning of 2011, violence in towns in Syria between the government and armed opposition groups has caused mass displacement within Syria and into its neighbouring countries. Violence spread across the country over several months and by July 2012, street fights and shelling had reached Aleppo and Damascus a previous safe haven for many who had fled other hot-spot areas. By the end of July, over 123,480 people had fled Syria, into Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon and Iraq and were registered with UNHCR, with over half of these being children. However, it is estimated that in reality, many more than this have fled. Within the IFRC MENA region, Jordan and Lebanon have received the greatest number of people fleeing from Syria and Red Cross and Red Crescent teams have been working around the clock to meet the essential needs of this vulnerable population. Iraq is also now a recipient of a growing influx of Syrians, in both the north and south of the country, with over 12,000 Syrian people now residing there. In Jordan Within the MENA region, since the beginning of the unrest in Syria, Jordan has been the recipient of the highest number of fleeing Syrians. The government estimates that by July 2012, some 150,000 Syrians had crossed into Jordan, of which, 37,448 had been registered by the end of July Over 50,000 have been identified by local organisations as being in need of assistance. By mid July, it was reported that as many as were crossing from Syria and into Jordan per day, with 78% coming from Da ara in the south of Syria, during this period. In response to the increasing influx of people, four sites for Syrians were established in the north of the country where the majority of refugees reside, including a transit camp for an initial stay of 72 hours (Bashabsheh), and three further camps for longer stays (Cyber City, King Abdullah Park - accommodating families, Stadium accommodating single males). UNHCR and local and international organisations have been providing essential assistance to these people, ensuring that basic needs are met for families and single people alike. Based on influx numbers in last year s contingency planning, a camp has now been established in Mafraq governorate, near the Syrian border, extendable to accommodate up to 130,000 people and with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organisation mandated to take charge of the camp management, with the support of UNHCR. Planning for such a number indicates the deteriorating situation in neighbouring Syria, which is driving people out into and across Jordan in search of assistance and protection. People residing in the sites are in the process of being transferred to Za atri camp.

3 3 The majority of refugees in Jordan are staying in host communities in Amman, Irbid, Ramtha and Mafraq. However, unlike the Iraqi refugees who came to the country in 2004, many of these Syrian families are staying with host communities including already vulnerable families, in poorer areas of the south and throughout Jordan, thus putting further pressure on household resources. Indeed, there are now Syrian refugees residing in all 12 governorates across the country, including in the far southern areas of Ma an and Aqaba. The international community, along with the government and national organisations, have been focusing their efforts in the north of Jordan. However, with these new developments, efforts will also need to concentrate on the south, where although small in percentage to date, increasing numbers of Syrian refugees are residing. Number of UNHCR registered Syrians in Jordan since 1 March Source: UNHCR Needs in both refugee sites and host communities are diverse, and the international community, in cooperation with the government, is working across the country to meet both the basic and emergency needs of Syrians that have fled. With the highest numbers of Syrians being in the north, primary focus is in this area, especially within the established refugee sites. JRC, in partnership with other local and international organisations, including Gulf PNS (such as the UAE RC, Saudi RC and Qatari RC) and WFP, have been providing urgent relief distributions to families in host communities, in the form of food parcels, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses. Its pool of volunteers across the country means distributions at branch level are reaching Syrians nationwide. Other local and international organisations have been providing families with cash assistance and support with rent payments, as well as supporting the health system, education system and implementing protection and psycho-social support activities, among others. Contingency planning between the government, UN agencies and local and international NGOs are for a worst-case scenario of 200,000 people fleeing into Jordan, with a medium case scenario of 100,000 and lower case of 70,000. It is expected that with the already known pressure and reports of some friction between guests and host communities, an ever-increasing influx will have a growing impact on Jordanian society and its services, requiring a bolstering of JRC capacity to respond. In Lebanon The Lebanese authorities have permitted civilians fleeing the unrest in Syria to enter Lebanon both through official and unofficial border crossings. Lebanon, by the end of July 2012, had 32,796 Syrians registered with UNHCR, with over 80% of these coming from Homs. The majority of these people are to be found in the northern areas of the country, and in the Beka a valley; although recent weeks have seen some families move further in-country to towns and cities such as Tripoli and Beirut. In July, some 20,000 Syrians crossed into Lebanon over a period of 48 hours alone, although many of these were not in need of assistance and planned to return in a matter of days or weeks. A large number of Syrians, however, are unwilling to return to Syria until stability and security are restored in their home villages. To date, the government has not permitted the establishment of camps and therefore families who have fled Syria are residing in host communities. Many are renting, although as in Jordan, limited savings means rent funds are rapidly depleting. Those living in Lebanese families are often doing so in areas where resources are already more strained than in wealthier areas such as Beirut. In these cases, pressure is put on Lebanese families and their household resources in terms of food, non food items and particularly funds. The government, in response to the influx has opened up community buildings such a schools, to

4 4 accommodate Syrian families, but growing pressure on such government structures remain and water and sanitation interventions are needed - and being implemented in cases where existing infrastructure does not meet the needs of refugees. At least 22 collective shelters have been built in the north and in Beka a and 10 small mosques have been converted into family homes. The government s High Relief Commission (HRC) was appointed from early on in the crisis to respond to the needs of displaced Syrians in the north of Lebanon, with food and to cover secondary health care and treatment for wounded individuals. In July, in response to the significant influx of Syrians into Lebanon, the Prime Minister made a change in policy and mandated the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA) to provide assistance to Syrian refugees, with the HRC remaining in charge of supporting the Lebanese and the wounded. However, in recent weeks the High Relief Commission has announced the cessation of funding, leading to the discontinuation of health services, which have been providing large numbers of Syrians with essential medical care. In education, Syrian children are receiving remedial classes to allow their studies to continue. Despite permission being granted by the Ministry of Education for Syrian children to UNHCR registered Syrians in Lebanon as of July Source: UNHCR register in Lebanese schools, the enrolment rate of Syrians is low, with as little as 3% enrolling in secondary schools. In addition, in many cases jobs are difficult for Syrians to secure and lack of income makes obtaining essential food and nonfood items on the market a growing challenge. International and local organisations, including the Lebanese Red Cross, continue to assist the influx of people along the northern and eastern borders coming from Syria, providing them with medical aid, hospital transfers, distributions, education and shelter. Organisations are providing cash for rent and working to rehabilitate the homes of host families supporting Syrians and providing affected people with food and nonfood items including hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and kitchen sets. Operations are taking place primarily in the north and east of the country although with the movement of the population, some organizations are working to meet the needs of those further inside Lebanon. As in Jordan, contingency planning in Lebanon between the government, UN agencies and INGOs is for a worst-case scenario of 200,000 people crossing into the country from Syria. Such figures mean it is essential for the national society to be prepared and ready to respond rapidly, to large numbers. In Iraq Since March 2012, Syrian nationals have been crossing the border from Syria into the Kurdistan region in response to the unrest inside Syria. Syrians are now fleeing across the southern parts along the border with Syria, ever since the Iraqi Prime Minister, on 23 rd July, ordered borders to be opened for Syrians fleeing the violence to be welcomed in through the three border points of Al Waleed, Al Qa im and Rabyeh. As a result, the number of Syrian refugees entering Iraq between the 24 July and 31 July, 3,185. By the end of July 2012, UNHCR-registered Syrians of Kurdish origin had reached 8,445 people- residing primarily in Duhok but including over 1,400 in Erbil and nearly 400 in Suleimaniya. With numbers increasing in the south, the total number of Syrians residing in Iraq by the end of July was over 12,000. Domiz camp in Duhok has been accommodating Syrian families for a number of months and the camp population has now reached over 2,500 people, with capacity to accommodate up to 10,000 individuals. In June 2012, it was reported that the Kurdistan Regional Government confirmed that all new Syrian arrivals must be hosted in camps and that all assistance must be provided from Domiz.

5 5 With influx having begun through other border crossings, camps have been established at the border points of Al Waleed and Al Qa im and assessments are being carried out in anticipation of a second camp being set up in Al Qa im. Organisations are working in all camps to cover basic needs including food, water and NFIs. Residency permits are being provided to Syrians in Domiz, enabling families with free access to public services. In addition, over 20,000 Iraqi returnees are reported to have entered Iraq since 18 July These families stay near border areas, rather than their home of origin, and thus are adding to the already 1.5 million IDPs in the country. There are over 87,000 UNHCR registered Syrians in Iraq as of July Source: UNHCR registered Iraqi refugees in Syria, and therefore plans are in place for a response to the expected increased influx as the situation in Syria continues. The Iraqi Government is carrying out efforts to facilitate the return of Iraqis from Syria, through flights and buses and providing returning families with grants. Coordination and partnerships In Jordan Coordination between JRC, IFRC and other Movement partners is taking place on a regular basis to ensure that planning for the current response, implementation, and contingency planning in case of increased influx of Syrians into the country are carried out in close cooperation, to ensure that the needs of affected communities are best met without duplication. This includes the development of this appeal, for which the logistics component has been coordinated to ensure ICRC and IFRC activities complement each other. Informal and formal communications take place frequently, as required. Roles and responsibilities are in line with the Seville Agreement. IFRC is in contact with PNS implementing bilaterally, to improve population targeting and fill gaps in response. On an international level, members of JRC and IFRC regularly attend coordination meetings with UNHCR, government authorities and other agencies. Through these, the Movement shares information and learning from best practice. Centralised UNHCR coordination meetings take place monthly and bi-monthly in Amman, Mafraq, Ramtha and Ma an and include an interagency task force, which has an overview of the situation and response in country. Regular updates are posted and accessed by the Movement through the UN portal, which provides updates on numbers of registered Syrians, needs assessments and implementation progress. Coordination meeting are structured by sector, including health, protection, WASH, food, cash and NFIs, education and site coordination. Some of these groups also have sub-sector meetings. JRC has been working closely with the authorities and the mandated Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), to coordinate efforts. In Lebanon LRC hosts monthly Movement coordination meetings, which includes IFRC, ICRC, German RC, Netherlands RC, Belgian RC, Norwegian RC, PRCS Lebanon, Qatar RC, UAE RC and Iran RC. Meetings are used to update on the situation in-country, share details of progress and inform on plans. Roles and responsibilities in-country are in line with the Seville Agreement. Additional communication between Movement partners takes place through other means on a daily basis, or as required, to ensure the three components are working together to best meet the needs of the affected population, within their respective

6 6 mandates. The IFRC MENA Zone shares an office with some in-country PNS, which facilitates and continues information sharing. IFRC and LRC attend UNHCR coordination meetings, which take place twice monthly in Beirut, and monthly or bi-monthly in Quobayat and Bekaa under the sectors of distributions, WASH and shelter, education, health and protection. Regular updates are posted and accessed by the Movement through the UN portal, which provides updates on numbers of registered Syrians, needs assessments and implementation progress. LRC and IFRC have also been involved in the interagency contingency planning meetings, planning for a worst case scenario of up to 200,000 people into Lebanon alone, and 700,000 into Syria s neighbouring countries in total. The plans take into account contingency stock and planned activities by sector according to each participating organisation, as well as current response by sector and geographic location. Mandated by the government to act as auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field during disasters and armed conflicts, and being the major provider of emergency medical services in the country, LRC works closely with the authorities to ensure plans and implementation are shared and coordinated. In Iraq IRCS, IFRC and ICRC are in communication regarding information sharing and updates on activities. During the IFRC and IRC assessment in Domiz camp, meetings took place with various UN agencies and other local and international organisations to gain an understanding of current response and gaps identified. Communication with a number of these organisations has been ongoing. Joint assessments have been carried out on border areas between ICRC and IRCS to gain a better understanding of the needs within the affected populations. IRCS works closely with the authorities across the country. Red Cross and Red Crescent action Jordan and Lebanon were included in the regional component of the MENA Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal since 26 March 2012, to incorporate support to the Lebanese Red Cross and Jordanian Red Crescent in assisting, in their respective countries, people who had fled the violence in Syria. This new appeal for population movement is being launched to reflect an increase in need in the region neighbouring Syria, including an Iraq component given the recent developments. The Federation continues to keep an overview of the evolving situation and response in the region. With dedicated members of the Disaster Management Unit (DMU) closely monitoring the shifting context with regards to the civil unrest and population movement, information obtained is used to inform the response and support teams implementing activities on the ground. Through field visits, debriefings with staff and delegates and regular report updates, the MENA Zone Office takes an analytical role in terms of information management, which is used to guide the response operation. In Jordan JRC is registering Syrians living in host communities and has been distributing relief to Syrian families across the country, including in Amman, Ramtha, Irbid, Mafraq and Ma an. To date, JRC has been focusing its response on host communities. However, should a huge influx arrive and JRC be mandated to establish and manage a refugee camp, efforts may be redirected to include refugees living in camps. For Jordan, the IFRC MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal included a relief component and capacity building for the National Society. Through this appeal JRC has received a number of relief items for distribution and contingency stocks funded by IFRC, Norwegian Red Cross and Spanish Red Cross as follows:

7 7 Donor Item Quantity Spanish Red Cross Hygiene kits 1,500 Jerry cans 3,000 Norwegian Red Cross Rubb hall 1 Blankets 1,680 Kitchen sets 448 Hygiene kits 500 The Federation Tents 150 Hygiene kits 1,000 Jerry cans 1,050 Household kits 150 However, lack of funding under the regional component of the MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal has meant that a number of planned activities were unable to proceed. ICRC has to date provided 500 hygiene kits for JRC to distribute and has carried out a number of assessments regarding JRC capacity, which have been followed by a plan including support to JRC in logistics, restoring family links, and outreach and communications. ICRC contingency planning with JRC covers the possibility of quick mobilization to support a large influx of refugees for a limited period. Through bilateral contributions, JRC has distributed 10,000 food parcels donated through the Saudi Red Crescent, by the people of Saudi Arabia. These were distributed across the country. JRC continues to work in partnership with UAE Red Crescent to distribute food parcels and hygiene kits as needs demand. Saudi Red Crescent also provided local NGO Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organisation with blankets, mattresses, sleeping bags for distribution, primarily in Mafraq. UAE RC also contributed earlier this year to JHCO with 3,000 parcel of food and other relief items. The Qatari Red Crescent is working in the health sector, providing urgent health care to wounded Syrians. Islamic Development Bank also provided JRC with relief parcels for distribution. In Lebanon With support from this Preliminary Emergency Appeal and in fulfilling its auxiliary role to the government, the Lebanese Red Cross Emergency Medical Services (EMS) continue to provide emergency health services to people who have crossed the border from Syria into the north and east of the country and who are in need of urgent medical assistance. First aid treatment, evacuation, hospital transfer services, transportation and support through blood units are being provided. For transfers, LRC EMS is primarily transporting patients from Wadi Khaled and Beka a, to hospitals in the north of Lebanon in Tripoli and Akkar, and to date has provided this service to hundreds of Syrians in need. Under the regional component of the MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal, LRC received funding for medical equipment for ambulances, as well as uniforms for staff and volunteers. The ICRC in Lebanon follows up accordingly its protection mandate and continues to provide assistance in the sectors of health and economic security. ICRC's partnership with LRC includes core running costs and consumables for the national EMS program and it continues to maintain LRC s temporary emergency post in Ras Baalbek, which it has been doing since January ICRC supports the casualty chain and evacuations, carries out regular hospital visits, and finances treatment for the most seriously wounded cases in three hospitals in the Beka a. ICRC is carrying out emergency distributions of food and NFIs, where needs arise.

8 8 In support of LRC efforts, a number of bilateral PNS have been working to ensure the needs of the population have been met. Qatari Red Crescent has provided funding to support the LRC blood bank in Tripoli and through government funding, the Belgian Red Cross are providing ambulances to the EMS. The Netherlands Red Cross has been part-funding the temporary emergency post in Wadi Khaled. Other bilateral discussion are underway. In Iraq Following the opening of borders to Syrian refugees, IRCS was quick to respond by establishing a camp and providing water and food to people crossing into Iraq. As the situation has developed, IRCS is now focusing its efforts on providing health assistance to Syrians in need of medical care. ICRC and IFRC are coordinating with the IRCS in terms of information sharing and to identify any support requirements or gaps in response. ICRC and JRCS have carried out assessments along border areas to best guide subsequent actions. With the deteriorating situation in Syria and increased influx of people into Duhok, the IFRC and IRCS carried out a joint rapid assessment in Domiz camp to identify the needs and possible areas in which a Federation emergency appeal component could add value. Activities to support possible interventions along the border are underway, to be finalized and included in the next operations update. The need for ongoing assessments is essential and will be undertaken in partnership between the IFRC and IRCS in the coming weeks. The Needs In Jordan IFRC, with JRC, carried out three rapid assessments in Jordan, in the months of June and July, covering Amman, Ramtha, Irbid and Mafraq. Based on discussions with UN and other local and international organisations, and supported by visits to Bashabsheh and King Abdullah Park refugee sites, it is clear that the international community has been primarily focusing its activities on these sites across all sectors, ensuring a good coverage of services for refugees in these locations. Families from these sites will be transferred to the new Za atri camp in Mafraq, where organisations work to cover essential needs. However, with an estimated 150,000 Syrians in Jordan (Government of Jordan statistics), it is clear that a large number of refugees are living in host communities across the country, in all 12 governorates. This is putting a strain on host communities, especially for those living in already poorer areas where household resources are lower. JRC s current response is focusing in the host communities. Staff and volunteers carry out house visits and hold regular discussions with people arriving at distributions, as well as with those newly registering, to gauge a better understanding of their situation and needs. IFRC, along with JRC have also visited a number of Syrian families living in the Jordanian communities. From this information, JRC and IFRC were able to develop the plan of activities included in this appeal, to meet the needs of the ever-growing Syrian population in Jordan. As outlined in The situation section, above, there is a clear need across sectors in the host communities. However, based on IFRC and JRC findings, the most urgent needs where an IFRC appeal can add value to the international and national response already established in Jordan, are as follows: Relief (NFIs and cash): There is a higher cost of living in Jordan than in Syria and jobs for Syrians are hard to come by. In addition, many men who were previously the breadwinners for their families, remain in Syria, having given up their businesses due to the situation. This means household savings are being used up rapidly. Although some people are managing to find work, many are unable to and the whole responsibility to provide then falls with the host family. Across the board, rent is listed as a priority need in Jordan. It has been reported that there are cases of Syrians registering with a given mobile number, which they then change - as they can no longer afford the rent in one place and so flee, thus increasing their vulnerability in terms of access to assistance. There have also been reports of forced evictions. Mafraq branch of JRC reported that some families are living on

9 9 the streets, with others having made make-shift shelters for themselves. A small number of international organisations are providing cash for rent for such cases. Irbid branch of JRC stated that although initially there were often two families in a two-bed house, there can now be anything from four to over 10 families sharing the same amount of space. Although some stay in accommodation provided by the government, monthly utility bills can be up to 45 JD (USD 63), which is another drain on the limited savings families have. Assessments have indicated that some families are in need of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and milk for babies. Some are selling relief items from organizations, to access fresh food products on the markets. Syrians living in urban settings have access to markets, which are functioning as normal. However, some reports suggest that prices may rise with the increasing influx of refugees, which would further drain the financial resources of households. With WFP providing food vouchers and a number of local NGOs providing food parcels, unmet needs, in many cases are for supplementary food items. Although health care is provided to Syrians by the government, the cost of medication is something that not all families can afford. In Irbid, especially for chronic conditions such as diabetes, depression, etc., anecdotal evidence suggests costs of up to USD 50 per month for certain types of essential medication, which people can ill afford, especially the elderly and disabled. With such a range of needs across Syrian families, cash would be an appropriate response to reach the most vulnerable by providing them with a means of purchasing essentials. For new arrivals, and given that the winter months are arriving, basic NFIs including mattresses and winter blankets, should continue to be distributed by JRC. Water and sanitation: With over-crowding common in areas where Syrian families are residing, and Jordan being known for high losses of water through its plumbing and piping, the strain on water resources is a problem. Scabies has been reported in some areas and it is clear that if crowded living conditions continue for many more weeks or months, outbreaks of other communicable diseases cannot be ruled out. Homes visited by IFRC and JRC indicated high numbers of people using one small bathroom, with the toilets, at times, opening directly in to the kitchen. Given this context, hygiene promotion sessions, including a component on economizing water, would be an efficient way of helping to reduce the risk of outbreaks of diseases and improving health conditions amongst host communities, while ensuring the best usage of available water through awareness. Disaster Preparedness: It is JRC s mandate to provide an emergency camp for up to 5,000 people within 27 hours. Moreover, with interagency contingency planning for up to 200,000 people crossing into Jordan, it is clear that JRC, like other organizations functioning in the country, needs to be fully prepared for this scenario. JRC also has a small amount of stock for a limited number of families in its warehouse in Amman, which need to be bolstered to prepare the national society for an initial response for up to 1,000 families. JRC has approximately 600 volunteers nationwide, with 200 of these active. Numbers of volunteers vary between branches, with lower numbers in the front line branches in the north (Irbid and Mafraq) and slightly higher in the south (Ma an and Aqaba). With such an influx of refugees arriving especially in the north, it is essential that branch teams be capable of responding to the growing needs in their community. Training is required to ensure volunteers and staff alike are familiar with modes of response and best practices in accordance with RC Fundamental Principles as well as international standards and codes such as Sphere and the Red Cross Code of Conduct. Capacity building: In terms of logistics, JRC currently has one warehouse in Amman and a rubb hall donated recently by the Norwegian Red Cross to assist the relief operation. ICRC plans to provide logistics support through the clearance of the Amman warehouse and provision of tools, to allow for space to reorganise stock, but systems need to be improved to better manage stock control and supply chain. Branches have limited furniture and communications equipment and rely on rented premises to operate. Some branches operate entirely through volunteers, who use their own vehicles when carrying out operations. For this operation to run smoothly and with an ever growing case-load, support in terms of training and technical advice and guidance is necessary to ensure JRC staff and volunteers can safely and efficiently implement the planned response activities. Tools, equipment and vehicles are also required to ensure JRC has fully functioning logistics.

10 10 In Lebanon Although needs in Lebanon, as in Jordan, are diverse, there are a number of organizations working with the authorities and UN agencies to provide assistance to those most in need. The needs highlighted below are those for which LRC and the Federation can have the most added value in the current context: Emergency medical support: Lebanon continues to receive an influx of wounded Syrians and Syrians in need of urgent medical care. As the primary provider of the ambulance service in the country, LRC has a well-established and well-respected Emergency Medical Service across the country, with some 2,700 volunteers providing this life-saving support. The influx of Syrians needing urgent transportation to hospitals for surgery and care is putting additional pressure on this service and having an impact - especially on the vehicles LRC are using to relay patients from border areas to these points. Many of the routes that must be taken during this task involve difficult terrain, which become increasingly difficult to pass during winter months and in snowy weather. LRC also provides transportation to Syrians in need of follow up care such as prosthetics and other treatment. For LRC to continue providing this essential duty, it is important that the national society is well equipped with adequate and appropriate ambulances and vans. Disaster preparedness and capacity building: LRC presently does not have stock in-country to respond in case of a higher influx of Syrians or another emergency. Its volunteers are also in need of practical disaster management training to be able to manage a relief response of this scope. LRC, like other organizations functioning in the country, needs to be fully prepared for a worst-case scenario of 200,000 people crossing into Lebanon from Syria, in line with inter-agency contingency planning. Therefore, it is essential that LRC has the capacity to provide immediate relief assistance, initially to up to 1,000 affected families. This should include provision of stock and adequate training of volunteers and staff to be able to fulfill this role. Iraq IRCS, through its staff and volunteers is providing assistance in border areas to people fleeing Syria. With pressure on IRCS to respond, there is a need for Federation support to ensure that the national society has the capacity to provide the assistance required to meet the basic needs of those crossing into Iraq. Further discussions are taking place between the Federation and IRCS to fully detail the activities of support required and a subsequent plan of action. Support and response, in coordination with ICRC and the relevant authorities, will also develop in line with the fluid situation on the ground and the changes in influx. The proposed operation In Jordan Relief Outcome: 5,000 families have adequate essential items and increased means for household expenditure over the coming six months Output Activities planned Provision of relief assistance to 5,000 families Develop an efficient and accurate beneficiary targeting strategy to enable interventions to meet the needs of the most vulnerable families (25,000 people) Procure relief NFIs for up to 25,000 people, within Sphere standards including NFIs Distribute 5,000 mattresses to Syrians (local procurement) and cash Distribute 5,000 summer blankets to Syrians Distribute 1,000 kitchen sets to Syrian families Distribute 25,000 winter blankets to Syrians for winter months if the situation requires Deploy one cash delegate for up to three months to carry out a detailed assessment and design and establish a cash programme providing cash assistance to the most vulnerable families (deployment outputs will include

11 11 assessment, targeting of beneficiaries, identifying the most appropriate disbursement mechanism and modality of programming) Distribute cash to the most vulnerable families in a modality designed by the cash delegate IFRC and JRC to collaborate closely in implementation of activities including monitoring and reporting Recruit necessary local staff to support JRCS in administrative tasks related to appeal activities Hygiene promotion Outcome: Improved hygiene practices amongst 3,000 families over the coming six months Output Activities planned Dissemination of hygiene promotion messages and hygiene kits to 3,000 families (15,000 people) Deploy one hygiene promotion delegate for three months to carry out a detailed assessment and subsequently develop and deliver a hygiene promotion project within Sphere standards, including beneficiary targeting and training of volunteers Develop information, education and communication hygiene promotion materials Procure and distribute hygiene kits to 3,000 families, within Sphere standards Deliver hygiene promotion training for JRC staff and volunteers in branches across the country, and members of affected communities Disseminate hygiene promotion messages, through trained JRC staff, volunteers and members of the community to 3,000 families. Disaster Preparedness Outcome: Increased JRC readiness to respond urgently to an increase in the influx of refugees or other emergency Output Activities planned Preposition of stock for JRC and Preposition the following contingency stock to increase JRC stock to assist provision of 1,000 families urgently, based on contingency stock JRC has in the training to warehouse, that was provided through the MENA Civil Unrest Revised branches across Emergency Appeal.: the country 500 Kitchen sets (500 already provided in the MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal) 5,000 Blankets 850 Tents (150 already provided in the MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal) 5,000 mattresses (local procurement) 1,000 cooking stoves (local procurement) Train 60 people, including volunteers, members of NS staff and members of the local community in disaster management, including relief, shelter Capacity building Logistics Outcome: Increased JRC capacity to respond urgently to an increase in the influx of refugees or other emergency Output Activities planned Logistics technical support Train JRC staff and volunteers on logistics including warehouse

12 12 provided to LRC, provision of logistics training and provision of logistics tools and equipment management and establishment and use of LOGIC Equip five branches/ warehouses with computers, printers/scanners, backup disk, stationary and furniture to selected warehouses and branches, to support professional warehouse information management. Provide relevant tools for warehouses for cleaning and maintenance Provide communications equipment for increased efficiency in relief distributions, including UHF radio sets Provide two trucks, two pick-ups and one forklift Provide four rubb halls as required Provide uniforms for 200 staff and volunteers In Lebanon Emergency health Outcome: Improved access to wounded Syrians in need of emergency medical care and follow up Output Activities planned Provision of six vehicles to LRC Procure and equip four 4 x 4 ambulances for LRC Emergency Deliver four 4x4 ambulances to LRC to improve Emergency Medical Medical Services Services (EMS) access to wounded Syrians over difficult terrain and during winter months Procure two vans for LRC to assist with the transportation of Syrians in need of essential follow-up medical care Deliver two vans for transportation of non-urgent medical cases to hospital and for follow up care Follow up on use of ambulances and vehicles in relation to the transportation of Syrians in need of medical care and follow up in cooperation with ICRC Carry out joint assessments in the area of health and other sectors to identify changing and newly developing needs given the fluidity of the context Disaster preparedness and capacity building Outcome: Increased LRC capacity and readiness to respond urgently to an influx of refugees or other emergency Output Activities planned Training for LRC in disaster Develop, in partnership with LRC, an appropriate disaster management management, training to include aspects relevant to LRC s emergency work and preposition of contingency planning for the Syrian population movement stock for up to Train 45 LRC staff members from across the country, in disaster 1,000 families management, including relief, logistics, water and sanitation. (5,000 people) 45 trained LRC staff members to train teams at branch level, across and rehabilitation departments of one LRC Preposition the following stock for up to 1,000 families, within Sphere warehouse standards: 5,000 blankets 2,000 jerry cans 2,000 tarpaulins 1,000 hygiene kits 1,000 kitchen sets 100 household kits Rehabilitate one LRC warehouse in the north of Lebanon and provide warehouse equipment

13 13 In Iraq Relief Outcome: Increased coverage of relief assistance to people entering Iraq from Syria Output Activities planned Provision of assistance to Carry out joint assessments on border areas to best target the most families entering vulnerable families Iraq Support IRCS in scaling-up assistance to people fleeing the Syrian violence into Iraq, in line with the influx Provide training to IRCS staff and volunteers where required to enhance the IRCS response in line with international standards Develop a plan of action for the coming months for a response operation Support IRCS in monitoring operations Communications advocacy and public information Communications activities will highlight the complementary role NS in neighbouring countries have been playing in assisting Syrian refugees. NS assistance will be emphasized as part of the overall regional humanitarian response to the crisis in Syria. Activities will include web stories, photographs, interviews and other media materials as required. It may also involve field visits by MENA communications staff to National Societies in Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq to support their communications work and to generate approaches and materials which reflect one RCRC movement voice in the region. Logistics Professional logistics support to the operations will be provided in accordance with IFRC standards, procedures and processes. Activities will include, but are not limited to, the following: Mobilizing relief items pre-positioned in IFRC s Global Logistics Service Office in Dubai for emergencies and ongoing operations. Coordinating between IFRC, ONS programme managers, zone logistics unit and Dubai office, for timely and cost-efficient sourcing option for items required in the operation Coordinating mobilization of goods and reception of incoming shipments Utilizing existing warehousing facilities and vehicles for storage and efficient dispatch of goods to the final distribution points Supporting ONS in securing adequate storage solutions Ensuring that local procurement of goods, services and transport is in line with IFRC procurement standards and procedures Liaising and coordinating actions with other key actors so that that the IFRC logistics operation processes use all information to be as efficient and effective as possible Capacity of the national societies The National Societies of the MENA region have considerable experience in dealing with natural disasters and manmade crises. They have a sound base of trained staff and volunteers, with particular strengths in first aid, community health and blood programming, and with strong youth volunteer networks. The Jordanian Red Crescent focuses its work on disaster management, CBHFA, peace building and social development. JRC is the lead agency in the event of a major disaster and is a member of the High Council

14 14 for Disaster Response. It has played a vital role dealing with the influx of refugees during past conflicts including running relief operations, organizing camps for evacuees and providing humanitarian assistance. JRC s headquarters are based in Amman, with branches in all 12 governorates of the country. Some of the key teams in HQ, including Disaster Management, Relief and Logistics, have salaried Heads, with teams of volunteers, as well as employing manual labour as required. JRC has approximately 600 volunteers nationwide, with 200 of these active. Numbers of volunteers vary between branches, with lower numbers in those on the front line of the Syrian population movement response, namely in the north (Irbid and Mafraq), with slightly higher numbers in the south (Ma an and Aqaba). The Lebanese Red Cross is mandated by the Government to act as auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field during disasters and armed conflicts. Its mandate stipulates it is the main provider of prehospital emergency care services in the country, as well as providing response to natural and man-made disasters. With a wide array of partners, it is the leader in first aid as well as disaster response. The national Society Emergency Medical Service (EMS) enjoys high credibility and acceptance among the whole population in Lebanon, enabling it to perform its important role of transferring injured Syrian refugees from the border to hospitals for treatment. LRC has 32 local branches across the country, 45 EMS stations, 4 operations rooms and 12 blood banks. It also has 42 dispensaries and 15 mobile clinics. LRC has 2,700 EMS volunteers and 1,400 youth volunteers, who show great commitment and professionalism in their work. The Lebanese Red Cross is on the direct transfer arrangement. Capacity of the IFRC The Zone office, which recently moved to Beirut, is coordinating the response activities at Zone level to ensure timely and effective delivery of humanitarian response. The Disaster Management Unit, headed by the DM Coordinator, is a team of four, consisting of a Disaster Preparedness Officer (since May- staff on loan from SARC), a Disaster Response Delegate (funded by the British Red Cross through the MENA Civil Unrest Revised Emergency Appeal) and a Disaster Management Assistant. The IFRC has an office in Amman, which provided initial logistical, administrative and representation support to the IFRC/ JRCS assessment and will continue to do so throughout the operation in Jordan. Budget summary See attached budget (Annex 1) for details. Jagan Chapagain Acting Under Secretary General Programme Services Division Bekele Geleta Secretary General Contact information For further information specifically related to this operation please contact: In the National Societies In Jordan: Subhi Ejjeh, Director of DMU, Phone , Mobile , Fax , subhi.ejjeh@jnrcs.org In Lebanon: Sami Dahdah, President, Lebanese Red Cross, Tel: /3/4/5/166, Fax: (961) (1) , redcross@redcross.org.lb

15 15 In Lebanon: Georges Kettaneh, Director of Operations and Disaster Management, Lebanese Red Cross, Tel: /3, fax: , georgeskettaneh@yahoo.com In Iraq: Dr. Yassin Abbas, President of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society; phone: ; ircs_int_dep@yahoo.com Laith Abbas: Federation Representative, Iraq Representation; phone: Mob: ; laith.abbas@ifrc.org In the MENA Zone Emily Gilbert, Disaster Response Delegate, MENA Zone Office; phone: +961 (0) ; mob ; emily.gilbert@ifrc.org Dr. Hosam Faisal, DM Coordinator, MENA Zone; phone: +961 (0) ; mob ; hosam.faysal@ifrc.org Mauricio Bustamante, Acting Head of Operations, MENA Zone Office; phone: ; mob: Mauricio.bustamante@ifrc.org Mohamed Babiker, Regional Representative, MENA Zone, Amman; mob: Mohamed.babiker@ifrc.org In Geneva Office In Geneva: Christine South, Operations Support, Phone: , christine.south@ifrc.org For Resource Mobilization and Pledges: In IFRC MENA Zone: Samah Hassoun, Senior Resource Mobilization Officer, Phone: , samah.hassoun@ifrc.org For In-Kind donations and Mobilization table: In IFRC Global Logistics Services - Dubai office: Ari Mantyvaara, Logistics Coordinator, Phone: , ari.mantyvaara@ifrc.org For Performance and Accountability (planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting enquiries) In IFRC MENA Zone: Tenna MENGISTU, tenna.mengistu@ifrc.org Click here 1. Emergency Appeal budget and map below 2. Click here to return to the title page How we work All IFRC assistance seeks to adhere to the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO s) in Disaster Relief and the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Disaster Response (Sphere) in delivering assistance to

16 16 the most vulnerable. The IFRC s vision is to inspire, encourage, facilitate and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies, with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering, and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world. The IFRC s work is guided by Strategy 2020, which puts forward three strategic aims: 1. Save lives, protect livelihoods, and strengthen recovery from disaster and crises. 2. Enable healthy and safe living. 3. Promote social inclusion and a culture of non-violence and peace.

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