MINURSO (UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara)

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1 MINURSO (UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara) 2017 Summary Graphs Fund Detail By Agency By 6M 4M Organization Type Area of work 2M Budget Amount (USD) Shortfall UN Gov International NGO National NGO Clearance Risk Education Victim assistance Coordination (of mine action programmes) 0M 2017 Summary Following 16 years of fighting between Royal Moroccan Army (RMA) and Frente POLISARIO forces Western Sahara remains affected by both landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). This contamination jeopardizes the lives of civilians and UN personnel living and working to both sides of the 1465 km long berm which divides the territory. Although the RMA and the POLISARIO have provided MINURSO with information regarding landmine/erw threat areas the full extent of this contamination remains unknown. The UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) was established in 1991 through Security Council resolution 690 in order to monitor the ceasefire agreement between the two parties to the conflict. In 1999 the RMA and Frente POLISARIO agreed to reduce the threat of landmines/erw via Military Agreements signed with the Mission. A small mine action cell within the MINURSO Military Component was subsequently established and then expanded in 2008 to a Mine Action Coordination Centre (MACC). The MACC serves as the UN focal point for mine action initiatives within the MINURSO area of operations (AOR). To the west of the berm the RMA conducts a large scale demining operation while to the east of the berm the MACC works in coordination with the Saharawi Mine Action Coordination Office (SMACO). The SMACO which was established in 2013 is the mine action coordination entity within the Frente POLISARIO. Key UNMAS achievements to the east of the berm include the release of over sqm of land provision of mine risk education (MRE) to beneficiaries destruction of over explosive devices and the provision of landmine safety training to 2706 UN personnel (the statistics reflect progress up to November 2016). Scope of the Problem In an effort to create a more comprehensive picture of the landmine/erw threat to the east of the berm MACC implementing partner Landmine Action (in 2010 renamed to Action on Armed Violence) conducted an initial dangerous area (DA) survey from The survey and clearance activities have continued from 2009 until now. As of November 2016 a total of 344 hazardous areas remain open and awaiting clearance 48 minefields and 296 cluster munition strike areas. Clearance of cluster strike areas has been given top priority as cluster munitions were preventing access to water sources and wadis usually used by nomads for cattle grazing. The number of threat areas fluctuates slightly due to the fact that landmine/erw clearance teams discover new hazards during the course of their operations. The extent of landmine/erw contamination to the west of the berm remains unknown as a DA survey has not yet been conducted. Landmines and ERW not only threaten the lives of the local population and UN personnel but also curtail socio-economic growth and development. Since 1975 according to the RMA mines and ERW have reportedly caused over 2000 landmine casualties about 25% of which were fatalities. It is believed that the number of victims is likely higher given the lack of accurate data collection and reporting mechanisms in the territory and under-reporting. Furthermore livelihood opportunities in the desert are limited by the scarcity of water which when compounded by poor infrastructure mine/erw contamination and social marginalization negatively impacts health and food security in the territory. Coordination and Consultation: Mine action coordination and consultation takes place on a number of levels including with MINURSO mine action actors throughout the territory and with both parties to the conflict. The MACC is an integral component of MINURSO and serves as the UN focal point for mine action within the territory. Headquartered in Tindouf Algeria since September 2016 the MACC manages the Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) database thus enabling collection analysis mapping and dissemination of mine action information. It also engages with both parties to the conflict on mine action initiatives. While the RMA manages its own demining operation to the west of the berm it submits monthly demining reports to the MACC thereby helping the MACC to have a clearer picture of remaining landmine/erw threats and clearance activities. To the east of the berm the MACC works with the SMACO to establish clearance priorities for a given demining season 1

2 and engages in capacity development initiatives with an aim to build their organizational and operational capacities. The SMACO then coordinates directly with local NGOs operating in Tindouf and Rabbouni Algeria. Strategy The overall strategy for mine action in Western Sahara is guided by the Strategy of the UN on Mine Action along with the MINURSO mandate and priorities established with the SMACO. The two overarching goals of humanitarian mine action efforts in Western Sahara are: 1) To reduce the humanitarian risks posed by landmines and ERW and improve living and operating conditions for local populations and UN personnel throughout the territory and 2) To assist in creating an environment that is conducive to peace and security in Western Sahara and allow for the resettlement of Saharan refugees. The strategy is implemented through information gathering support for clearance efforts the provision of landmine safety briefings and MRE capacity development and victim assistance initiatives. The collection of accurate survey data has been an ongoing focus to provide the best possible information to UN staff and local populations living and working in contaminated areas. This data also serves as the basis for operational planning for mine and ERW clearance. Demining teams working to the east of the berm however continue to discover new landmine/erw threat areas. The extent of landmine/erw contamination to the west of the berm remains unknown as the RMA manages demining efforts in this area. In addition to reducing the risk of landmine/erw-related accidents for UN personnel and the civilian population the MACC and its implementing partners aim to assist local populations to expand their freedom of movement and remove blockages to livelihoods. When vegetation dries up and water becomes scarce during the dry season for instance Saharan goat and camel herders must travel long distances in search for water. During the rainy season on the other hand the region is characterized by extensive vegetation and sites for water catchments allowing for conditions that are ideal for animal herding and small-scale agricultural initiatives. The presence of landmines and ERW significantly hampers such activities resulting in an increase in food insecurity poor health and lost opportunities in economic growth and development. Finally capacity development initiatives encompass both overarching mine action goals. Capacity development initiatives are conducted via the day-to-day training of local deminers to the east of the berm and by strengthening the capacity of the SMACO. Although the RMA conducts demining operations to the west of the berm independently of the UN MINURSO's mandate and strategy necessitate close coordination with both the RMA and the POLISARIO to ensure that UN support is as effective as possible. Therefore the MACC is able to provide additional technical assistance and guidance whenever required to do so. Details Details: Appealing Agency Contact Person Survey and Clearance (manual demining and BAC) Activities Clearance Norwegian People s Aid (NPA) Kebe El Hadji Mamadou (elhadjim@npaid.org) Budget 2017: US $ Funds Requested 2017: US $ Implementing Partners Targeted Beneficiaries Sahrawi Mine Action Coordination Office (SMACO) & Saharawi Campaign to Ban Landmines (SCBL) Local population living east of the berm in Western Sahara. Duration through Code P17-WS01 Long-term Objective: The risk from mines cluster munitions and other weapons are reduced to a level where civilians can live safely and development is not constrained in Western Sahara. Immediate Objective: Norwegian People s Aid will work together with UNMAS and SMACO to establish a better overview of the mine cluster munition and ERW problem in Western Sahara and to implement a realistic plan for addressing this problem in the areas where NPA will work. The following activities will be conducted by the NPA program staff in 2017: 1.) Conducting non-technical survey technical survey and eventual clearance of suspected hazardous areas in NPA s assigned areas of operation. 2.) Submitting information and updating the Information Management database according to survey and clearance data collected. 2

3 3.) Increasing the capacity in non-technical and technical survey in Western Sahara. 4.) Developing standards on Land Release Non-Technical Survey Technical Survey and clearance efficiency in cooperation with UNMAS and SMACO. NPA will also focus on implementing the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 incorporating a gender perspective in all NPA activities in country. A significant reduction in hazardous areas whether suspected or confirmed. This reduction is achieved through both non-technical and technical survey work and clearance activities. The programme will focus on releasing land in the most efficient manner possible. The impact of contamination in Western Sahara is predominantly social and economic blocking access to pasture and occasionally killing livestock. Human accidents also occur with a number of injuries occurring between Indirect Program Support Costs US $ Investment US $ Local Personnel Costs US $ Materials and Supplies US $ Running Costs US $ TOTAL US $ Appealing Agency Technical and Non technical survey clearance and land release in Western Sahara Clearance United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) Contact Person Abernethy Graeme (abernethy@un.org ) Budget 2017: US $ Funds Requested 2017: US $ Implementing Partners Targeted Beneficiaries Sahrawi Mine Action Coordination Office (SMACO) Local population living east of the Berm in Western Sahara. Duration through Code P17-WS02 The objective of this project is to reduce death and injuries caused by landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW) and to promote safe access for civilians as well as create a safer environment for humanitarian operators working to the east of the berm. According to the IMSMA database there are large areas of suspected hazardous areas east of the berm in Western Sahara. The project would be of sending lighter teams to conduct technical surveys and reduced the size of the areas that will be subjected to clearance when possible. This would be accomanied with the sending of clearance teams to conduct systematic clearance on the remaining land. The project will accommodate technical survey teams which will be deployed in suspected hazardous areas to conduct area reduction and investigation of possible targets as well as technical and non-technical surveys. The teams will also be used for verification of new routes / routes not being used for a long period of time. The project would also accomodate clearance teams which would be deployed in areas where clearance is necessary. Reduction in the threat from and impact of landmines and ERW Increased freedom of movement for the local population and UN personnel and humanitarian actors to the east of the berm 3

4 Increase in the release of land to the local population Admin Costs US $ Equipment US $ Operational costs US $ Third party agreement US $ personnel US $ travel US $ TOTAL US $ Appealing Agency Contact Person Budget Funds Requested Implementing Partners Targeted Beneficiaries Duration Code Local Mine Action Authority Capacity Building (SMACO) Coordination (of mine action programmes) Saharawi Mine Action Coordination Office Abdalahy Mohamed Salem 2017: US $ : US $ MINURSO Mine Action Coordination Center Sahrawi Authorities Sahrawi Campaign to Ban Land Mines (SCBL) Sahrawi Mine Victim Association (ASAVIM) all other national and international mine action implementing partners operating in Western Sahara Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) Direct beneficiaries: SMACO Staff; Indirect beneficiaries: Sahrawi communities; victims of mines local and international mine action organizations in Western Sahara through P17-WS03 Equip SMACO personnel with the necessary skills to implement mine action activities in in line with the International Mine Action Standards and act as coordinator of mine action initiatives in Western Sahara Organize training sessions for selected SMACO staff in the field of quality control and quality assurance administration information management victim assistance Update the contamination map in Western Sahara prioritize mine action activities develop project proposals fundraise and mobilize resources for clearance activities Create mechanisms for enhanced cooperation with the relevant mine action stakeholders both national and international organisations including through organisation of mine action forums Undertake mine risk education programmes Coordinate efforts for assisting and integrating mine victims including by updating and consolidating the SMACO database on mine victims. SMACO personnel gained necessary skills and able to develop strategic plans prioritize activities mobilize resources and implement projects aimed at mine clearance and reducing the impact of landmines and other explosives. A National Mine Action Strategic Plan drafted and adopted by relevant authorities. An updated map of contaminated areas in Western Sahara east of the berm. The SMACO existing database on mine victims is up to date and used for the prioritization of support to victims of mines. Increased areas of land being released. Increased amount of POLISARIO AP mines stockpile destroyed. Effective mechanisms in place for the coordination of mine action stakeholders. Equipment (Vehicles Office and IT Equipment etc.) US $ Running costs (Fuel operating Communication and Translation costs) US $

5 Training costs US $ Travel (participation in workshops trainings and meetings field visits) US $ TOTAL US $ Appealing Agency Mine Risk Education Program in Western Sahara Risk Education Saharawi Campaign to Ban Landmines Person Contact Cheikh Boibat Budget 2017: US $ Funds Requested Implementing Partners Targeted Beneficiaries 2017: US $ Saharawi Mine Action Coordination Office (SMACO) Ministry of Education Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Association of Saharawi Mine Victims (ASAVIM) Local population of Western Sahara Duration through Code P17-WS04 The Mine Risk Education Program is designed to increase the awareness of the Sahrawi population living in the refugee camps near Tindouf in Algeria and the nomadic population living in Western Sahara to the east of the berm on the threat from mines cluster munitions and other Explosive Remanants of War (ERW). The long-term development objective of the project is that mines cluster munitions and other UXO will no longer be an obstacle to economic social and political development in Western Sahara. The immediate development objective is to significantly reduce the number of casualties resulting from landmines cluster munitions and ERW. The project will consist of two components: 1. Risk education and information dissemination in the refugee camps with 6 camp teams. This will be achieved through: Delivery of MRE sessions for the adult refugee population living in the camps and in cooperation with the Ministry of Education MRE sessions for children in schools adapted to each target group. Based on information from the camp administration and the Algerian Red Crescent delivery of MRE sessions for the nomadic population during their short return to the camps. A public information campaign through local media (TV/radio broadcasts) posters and leaflets. 2. Mine Risk Education in Western Sahara (areas to the east of the berm) with 6 mobile teams: Delivery of MRE sessions for the nomadic population. A reduction in the number of mine/erw casualties in Western Sahara. An increased level of awareness of the dangers associated with landmines cluster munitions and other ERW and of safe behavior among the target population. Others (Office running costs communications audit cost) US $ Running Costs US $ Transport US $ personnel US $ TOTAL US $

6 Appealing Agency Contact Person Cooperatives for Mine Victims Victim assistance Saharawi Mine Victims Association Haidar Aziz Budget 2017: US $ Funds Requested 2017: US $ Implementing Partners Targeted Beneficiaries Saharawi Mine Action Coordination Office (SMACO) Survivors of mine incidents and mine victims families Duration through Code P17-WS05 Socio-economic re-integration of survisors of mine incidents and mine victims' families Organize awareness raising activities for mine victims regarding their rights in national and international law. Defend the rights of mine victims in Western Sahara and advocate for their inclusion in the legislation and enforcement by Western Sahara de facto authorities. Compile data on mine victims according to international standards. Develop small income generating project targeting survisors of mine incidents and their families. Socio- economic re-integration of mine victims into the society. Needs and rights of victims of explosive hazards are guaranteed by the national legislation. Complete registration of all mine victims data in the national data base ASAVIM Staff (Assistant Officer) US $ Income generating project US $ Indirect program support costs (10%) US $ Supplies/Capital costs (Office equipment IT and materials) US $ TOTAL US $ Portfolio Team members 6