United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq

Transcription

1 NO: June 2003 United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq petroleum and other sources, will be deposited until an internationally recognized, representative government of Iraq is properly constituted. DFI resources will be used to meet humanitarian needs, economic reconstruction and repair of Iraq s infrastructure, and disarmament and civilian administration costs. One billion USD from unencumbered funds in the Oil for Food Programme accounts have been transferred to DFI. Children removing components of a surface to air missile in the Baghdad area UNMACT 1. KEY DEVELOPMENTS The Revised Humanitarian Appeal for Iraq was launched in New York on 23 June. Response strategies and financial requirements, originally set down in the Flash Appeal launched in late March, have been revised to take into account new post-war needs and the significant resources which have been made available through the Oil For Food Programme (OFFP) and by donors. Against a requirement of $2.2billion, $1.97 billion is now available from these sources. The UN is seeking a further $ 259 million for humanitarian and emergency rehabilitation programmes which run until the end of (A copy of the Revised Appeal can be found at On 10 June the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) issued a regulation concerning the establishment of the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) where 95% of the proceeds of all export sales of In Baghdad, electricity provision dropped from 1,300 MW two weeks ago to 800 MW as at 18 June. The reasons cited for service reduction were sabotage of the 400 KV transmission lines at Beiji, and the breakdown of generating units due to overheat, lack of maintenance and unavailability of spare parts. 2. COORDINATION Food. WFP chaired the first biweekly NGO-UN Food Sector Coordination Meeting on 17 June in Baghdad, where the discussion touched upon inter alia the incoming Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping (VAM) study. Health. The health sector working group met with a visiting delegation from WHO on 17 June in Baghdad to discuss coordination issues and problems affecting the sector. Difficulties in communicating between all actors involved in the health sector, and the lack of information about health policy formulation from the CPA were identified as constraints to coordination. Human Rights, Protection. On 16 June 2003, the UN Area Coordinator team held

2 the first weekly meeting with Iraq human rights workers in Mosul. The agenda included discussion of the feasibility of a human rights workshop to take place early in July, and issues concerning the establishment of human rights NGOs. UNICEF chaired the first Child Protection Sub-Group weekly meeting at the UN Office in Mosul on 22 June. A full schedule of coordination meetings is published in the HIC website ( 3. PRIORITY CONCERNS SECURITY. Most security incidents were concentrated in the triangle between Baghdad, Ramadi and Mosul. In Baghdad, Coalition Forces (CF) suffered casualties every day during the past 3 weeks. Attacks against CF caused collateral damage to civilians. Armed attacks seem more carefully planned than in the past. The threat from Improved Explosive Devices (IED) on the main roads around Baghdad remains high. IED were found concealed in innocuous object from soda cans and artificial legs, to dead domestic animals. In the three northern governorates the situation is stable, but there are reports of radical elements regrouping in the region, especially in the eastern part of Sulaymaniyah governorate, where they may resume their violent activities. The coalition reports increased attacks against CF in Kirkuk following raids and arrests of suspected Ba athists. In Mosul, Kirkuk and Baghdad ex-military personnel demonstrated, sometimes violently, demanding payment of their salaries. In Kirkuk, the crowd gathered after a radio announcement advising them to go to the CPA to collect their salaries. The civil administrator in Mosul has issued orders banning non-approved assemblies and civil demonstrations. On 21 June, a demonstration led by clerics from the Hawza Shiite theology school demonstrated in front of CPA. On 18 June, two UN vehicles were held by angry mobs in different incidents in Basrah. Some of the aggressors were armed with guns. They threatened to kill a UN staff to draw attention to the issue of non-payment of salaries and pensions. In Baghdad, ongoing unrest and theft at Al Hurriya warehouse forced WFP to temporarily withdraw its presence until the situation is stabilized. The CPA is working with WFP to resolve this issue. Near the Iraq-Kuwait border, 30 children stoned one UNICEF vehicle smashing a window. On 19 June an organized crowd attacked a convoy transporting WFP food at Safwan (Basrah). A vehicle positioned in front of the convoy obliged the trucks to slow down while a crowd threw stones at drivers and stole 390 bags of wheat flour. This is the fifth convoy transporting WFP food to be attacked in the area since the food distribution started. USAID reports that an attempted looting occurred on 17 June at the grain silos in Umm Qasr port. The would-be looter cut an electrical line and was electrocuted. A fierce fifteen-minute gun battle took place on 22 June at to Kimadia warehouse No.1 in Baghdad. The general insecurity could further reduce the already low staff attendance. The same day, an explosion reportedly an act of sabotage - damaged the gas pipeline north of Baghdad, which supplies power stations. GENDER ISSUES. The CPA held a meeting with Iraqi women s groups on 14 June, where participation of women in the political process was discussed. The CPA will organize a one-day conference on gender issues on 9 July, which will focus on reform in the following areas: constitution, legislation, education, health, social affairs and the economy. The CPA is supporting an independently run radio

3 station for women (Sawa) with half an hour of programming a day. The UN facilitated the first Working Group on Gender Issues in Baghdad on 16 June. UN agencies are in the process of appointing gender focal points. The first meeting focused mainly on security issues that women continue to cite as their primary concern. For example, parents have had to resign from jobs in order to accompany children to school; girls, particularly from poorer neighbourhoods are not able to attend schools; female schoolteachers feel unsafe; women are restricted in their movement; female judges are receiving death threats. Some organizations are collecting information on abductions and sexual assault of girls and women and expressed concerns about reporting mechanisms for sexual violence, including lack of female doctors trained in forensic medical procedures for incidences of rape, lack of confidentiality in hospitals; lack of training among national police officers on dealing with victims of sexual violence; and lack of awareness amongst the CF. Organizations indicated that some communities (Gypsies, IDPs) are allegedly holding women against their will and force them to perform sexual services. A key need was identified: to ensure that women are employed in military police and that military and civilian police are trained in dealing with reports of sexual violence. ECONOMY. In the three northern governorates, the exchange rate fluctuation of the Old Iraqi Dinar (OID) against the US Dollar (USD) continues, delaying the resumption of many projects. The increase in the exchange rate of the USD against the OID led to an increase in many items in the market including food, household requirements, and construction materials. The Sulaymaniyah local authorities statement indicating that the OID would be cancelled and the USD would be used by the local markets as well as by the governmental offices reportedly contributed to the depreciation of the OID. The CPA announced that payment of May and June salaries to civil servants started. While April salaries have been paid in Iraqi Dinar (ID), May and June salaries will be paid in USD. This will have an impact on the exchange rate, therefore on the purchasing power of the population. As at 22 June, the exchange rate was ID 1,430 for one USD. VULNERABLE POPULATIONS. An interagency assessment of the Marsh Arabs took place in Basrah and Missan governorates on June. The objective of the assessment was to determine immediate humanitarian needs of these communities and to identify medium and long-term priorities. Preliminary results indicate that the humanitarian community should address simultaneously the needs of both the Marsh Arabs and their host communities, as artificial divides in targeting could encourage hostilities between the communities. The Marsh Arabs expressed concerns on the provision of drinking water, reactivation of Primary Health Care (PHC) centres; reassessment of measures to combat malaria and Leishmaniasis; purchase of crops through the Ministry of Trade (MoT); and provision of appropriate agriculture inputs. It is understood that some 50% of the Marsh Arabs sell part of the food basket to pay the ID250 ration fees. It was recommended MoT address the issue of transportation costs for food agents and beneficiaries living in the Marshes because of the long distance to the collection points for food agents and beneficiaries. The UN is following up with MoT/CPA. CPA order no.6, concerning the eviction of persons illegally occupying public buildings adopted on 6 June indicates that individuals or groups determined to be in

4 illegal occupation of public property shall be evicted, and that determination of illegal occupancy ( ) shall be made by the Commander of Coalition Forces. The CPA has pledged to establish a process whereby individuals or groups evicted from public property may appeal their eviction by submitting written evidence showing a valid right of occupancy (e.g. indicating that the property is not public, or was purchased for full value). The UN has expressed its concern to the CPA about the impact that this regulation may have on IDPs and dispossessed living in public buildings. The CPA has stated that until alternative solutions are identified for these groups, no such evictions would take place. 4. OIL FOR FOOD PROGRAMME (OFFP) UPDATE Over 480,000MT of wheat/flour, sugar and rice procured under the OFFP has been delivered to Baghdad, Erbil, Hilla, Ba aquba, Mosul, Amara, Basrah and Nassriyah by WFP. Various other commodities worth over USD30 million have been also delivered to Iraq, mainly by WFP, FAO, UNICEF and WHO. No further priority contracts will be accepted by the Office of Iraq Programme (OIP) unless they have been agreed upon by the Authority and the sectoral lead UN agencies. OIP will continue to accept and process amendments from the agencies on the 484 confirmed priority contracts. The total value of these contracts was reduced by some $95 million as a result of these amendments, mainly due to the change in transport and insurance costs to the suppliers and through reduction of quantities to be delivered. Out of 403 contracts in the pipeline (USD 1,329 million), 126 (USD 684 million) have been adopted by UN agencies and programmes, and 202 consignments have been confirmed as in transit. The Authority has agreed to receive these goods, making use of the prioritisation mechanism established by SCR Delivery schedules have yet to be agreed, but it is anticipated that arrangements for the delivery of these goods to Iraq, and compensation for additional transportation, insurance and storage costs, will have been fully addressed by 21 November, when OFFP phases out. Discussion between the UN and the CPA on the phasing out of the OFFP is ongoing. In the three northern governorates, focal points within the CPA to work with the UN on the OFFP have yet to be identified. The UN is discussing with CPA to find a solution. The capacity of the de facto local authorities to independently operate and maintain the projects after the transfer of the OFFP is also a concern. Local capacity is crucial to ensure continuation of essential services and to protect the huge investments made in the northern governorates under the Programme. 5. SECTORAL HIGHLIGHTS HEALTH. The health status of Iraq s population remains precarious, and the health system is still in a critical condition owing to continuing instability and lack of capacity. Non-payment of salaries to health care staff is a major obstacle for the proper functioning of the system. Only about 70% of the employees have been paid, while others received only the 20/30 USD incentives. As at 20 June, WHO assessed 569 out of 3,061 health facilities, countrywide. A further 1,000 of 1,453 primary health facilities and over 100 of 203 hospitals have been, or are being, assessed for structural damage by UNICEF, NGOs, ICRC, and MoH/CPA. Recognizing the need to reduce duplications, the Iraq Medical Aid Committee held a meeting on 21 June to discuss the integration of the

5 existing databases. WHO-supported rehabilitation of the MoH building has begun and should be concluded by 1 July. There are conflicting reports about the drugs pipeline and Kimadia capacity to distribute drugs. MoH-CPA, the UN and NGOs, are reviewing Kimadia stocks and distribution network. Initial reports confirmed that up to 20% of the 4,000 items imported under the OFFP (antibiotics, especially those for TB treatment, anti-cancer and chronic disease drugs, and anesthetics) are not available. WHO is working with MoH/CPA to re-start the full computerization of the system. UNICEF and MoH in Ninewa and Tameem governorates started routine immunization of children under 5 against polio, tetanus, diphtheria, Pertussis, measles and tuberculosis. The first National Vaccination Day (NVD) at all PHCs was held on 22 June. This cycle of NVD will be repeated on the 22nd of every month. WHO and MoH-CPA have set up a countrywide sentinel site surveillance network in all 82-health districts in order to detect outbreaks of communicable diseases. This structure will remain in place until the MoH routine health information system is back up and running. Data are collected daily in some densely populated locations and weekly in other areas. While under-5 malnutrition rates are reported to be doubling, most health indicators are within seasonal norms. Water and vector-borne diseases, along with vaccine-preventable diseases, are on the rise. The exception is in Basrah, where the sentinel site reports a decrease of diarrhea cases since 15 June. 79 cholera cases have been confirmed to date 1, with no fatalities. A preparedness plan for control of any cholera outbreak that may 1 (Basrah 70; Missan 2; Muthanna 1; Babil 1; Wassit 2; Baghdad 1) occur in Baghdad is under discussion, and there are adequate stocks of cholera control kits, IV fluids and oral rehydration salts (ORS) in country to contain a possible outbreak. WATER AND SANITATION. With UNICEF support, the Basrah Water Directorate and the Basrah Department of the Environment are monitoring water quality from the 12 main water treatment plants (WTP). Recent samples show alarmingly low levels of residual chlorine and a high level of bacterial contamination. The causes are high level of leakage in water networks; inadequacy of the power supply, and the general damage of chlorine-dosing equipment. To address these issues, UNICEF and the CPA have funded 9 teams to repair pipes. Additionally, UNDP is reviewing the supply of generators to the WTPs, subject to appropriate security measures. UNICEF is organizing the procurement, storage and distribution of chlorine, bleaching powder (calcium hypochlorite) and aluminum sulphate for the four governorates in lower south. In the 12 weeks since the water tankering operation began, UNICEF has distributed more than 134 million liters of potable water to Basrah and other areas in the lower south. Water-tankers bound to supply Basrah city, however, continue to experience delays at Abdally border crossing (Iraq-Kuwait). As a result, only 1.8 of the 3-million-litres target can be provided per day. The UN will raise again this issue with authorities in Kuwait. In Safwan some drivers have been forced to supply water to their population first, thus preventing water-tankers from supplying Basrah and other areas. Efforts to improve security and identify local tankers in Umm Qasr as an alternative are underway. The NGO COOPI s second survey of 53 primary health care centers in Al-Kharkh, West Baghdad, suggests an improvement of water safety from 35 to 87%. The

6 laboratory of the General Department of Environment Control performed the analyses. Survey parameters, however, are based on the Iraqi Drinking Standards Regulation 417/73, which requires a minimum of 0.2 chlorine PPM, rather than WHO International Standard of 0.5 chlorine PPM. According to UNDP, Baghdad has an estimated 1.7 million tons of garbage waiting for removal. The generation of trash is assessed at 600,000 KGs daily. UNDP will launch a project for collection and concentration of garbage at predesignated points in four areas of Baghdad. This labor-intensive project plans to employ 4,000 persons at a rate of USD 2.5 per day during 3 months. FOOD. WFP dispatched over one million MT of food commodities since the beginning of operations in April 2003, (418,262 MT between 1-18 June). As at 18 June 2003, some 280,000MT of mixed June PDS food and non-food commodities (i.e. soap and detergent) were distributed to more than 19 million beneficiaries countrywide (64% of the monthly June PDS). Food distribution continues without major problems, the main challenge being security at warehouses and silos. WFP facilitates and monitors the distribution process. There are indications that food agents charge additional fees to beneficiaries to compensate for higher transportation costs. In Basrah, MoT agreed to extend the distribution cycle from 15 to 20 days to allow food agents sufficient time to collect rations at the warehouses. There are reports that MoT staff in Kirkuk and Mosul might go on strike to protest for the lack of salary payment. MoT/CPA has been informed of the situation. WFP reports that some 300MT of wheat flour packed in WFP bags were observed at Jameela market (Baghdad). Traders indicated that most of this flour was purchased in the three northern governorates. There are indications that small traders buy wheat flour from Northern beneficiaries and then sell it in Baghdad, as Baghdad s prices are higher. Small quantities of WFP rice and oil were also on sale. WFP's Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) began on Sunday, 22 June in Babil governorate. The study will build on a prewar exercise aimed at identifying vulnerable population in the Center/South. FOOD SECURITY. A WFP/FAO mission has arrived in Iraq and is conducting a week of Household Food Security (including nutrition status) survey in four governorates (Basrah, Babil, Najaf and Diyala). The report will be available by July With the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and CPA, FAO has announced that plans for the winter cropping season have been finalized. When planting begins in October, the agency estimates that Iraqi farmers will have 1.8 million hectares of wheat and 830,000 hectares of barley under cultivation. Farmers are likely to require 1 million tons of fertilizer for the winter crop. While most farmers will be purchasing fertilizers on the open market, FAO is planning to supply 40,000 tons for the most vulnerable. The agency is exploring similar programs for the supply of pesticides to farmers in need. An assessment to rehabilitate Al Fudhailiya warehouse (Baghdad) has been completed. This warehouse was used for storage of seed and animal and poultry feed stuff. Wide areas of the outer fence, the reception building and most of the corrugated sheets of the stores roofs have been demolished and the stocks looted. At present, lack of feed (protein concentrates and Soya bean meal) and others are drastically affecting poultry production. As storage facilities are essential for importation of poultry feed, a

7 FAO project to rehabilitate the warehouse will start in the near future. The first sectoral co-ordination meeting on Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods was held in Basrah this week. FAO reports that poultry production was badly affected by the war, and that production decreased from 5.4 million birds last year to 8,000 birds in Producers complained that soldiers used poultry farms to store their weapons. They requested support to revive the sector. It was also reported that sea fishing has almost ground to a halt and fish farms are virtually non-existent. Farmers requested seed support for summer plantation and winter cereals (wheat and barley) and the process for procuring barley to start immediately, since farmers were selling their barley 30-45% lower than the prices set up by MoT/CPA. Information on the purchase and the prices offered had not reached many farmers in these areas. FAO and WHO have met to discuss food safety issues in Iraq. The immediate issue is the inspection of imported and locally produced meat. A FAO rapid assessment in Baghdad has revealed that 90% of animal meat is not inspected. Out of 7 slaughterhouses visited, only one is functioning and inspection is not effective. Butchers are delivering meat which is not stamped. Lack of regular inspection is encouraging people to slaughter outside. The main health risks for the population include TB and Hydatid Diseases. MoH is planning rapid assessments of food safety systems at the border entry points with the assistance of WHO. Food safety issues will be discussed in the National Food and Nutrition Experts Committee meeting on 23 June. FAO and the Ministry of Irrigation (MoI) have carried out rapid assessment of 4 of the 31 priority-pumping stations identified by MoI. Poor maintenance and ageing of pumps, engines, motors; control boards and electrical panels are common problems. Operation efficiency is estimated at 50%. Power cuts are frequent (up to 12 hours). To improve the situation, FAO proposed repair and maintenance works and provision of generators to be carried out. The Forest-Rehabilitation project in Mosul, employing 250 people, is being coordinated by the Forestry Authorities with monitoring/support from UNDP. Plans to repair one water pump and install another are finalized, and work will begin within the week. For the first time in months the newly cleared main irrigation canal is full of water. MINE ACTION. A countrywide Rapid Assessment Survey will commence in mid- July in order to ascertain the magnitude of the mine/uxo problem in Iraq. The data collected will be utilised in detailed mine action planning for future operations, mine risk education and victim assistance. Mine Advisory Group (MAG) will survey the northern governorates; Mine Tech will survey the southern governorates in and around Basrah, while the Vietnam Veterans of America Federation (VVAF) are providing database support and training. The Baghdad MACT office is working with the CPA Emergency Mine Action Team on the removal and destruction of several hundred surface-to-air missiles in and around Baghdad. An emergency Mine Risk Education Program is being planned for the affected communities to ensure awareness of the potential dangers of missiles. The Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, Handicap International and Norwegian People's Aid are also assisting with this activity and are conducting survey and clearance tasks of mines and UXOs in Baghdad. Four Quick Reaction Demining Force Teams from Ronco are currently undertaking demining operations in Hilla.

8 During the last week the UNOPS Mine Action Programme (MAP) has handed back 254,214m2 of cleared land to the population of Sulaymaniyah Governorate. Furthermore, all of S3 AG's (a demining contractor working in the programme) permanent marking teams and mine clearance teams in Sulaymaniyah have been transferred to the local demining NGOs; Pirmam Demining Organization and Bawajiy Demining Organization. On 18 June, HACC-B presented the National Mine Action Agency (NMAA) structure. Activities to be conducted include recruitment of Iraqi personnel; mine risk education, accreditation of demining NGOs, mine action assessment and the establishment of a national database. OFFICE OF THE HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR FOR IRAQ CONTACTS Veronique Taveau Press Spokeswoman Baghdad, Iraq Telephone: ext taveau@un.org Barbara Manzi Donor Relations/Information Baghdad, Iraq Telephone: ext manzi@un.org FUEL/LOGISTICS. On 17 June, CF confirmed that the collapse of Ramadi bridge, an overpass above Highway 10, located 180 km east of Baghdad, was a controlled demolition. Highway 10 is the main route between Jordan/Baghdad. Currently, three-west bound and one eastbound lanes are open. The remaining two eastbound lanes will be re-opened in the next few days as they are being cleared of debris. Additional information will be posted on the UNJLC website at 01.html UNJLC is looking into the alleged customs charges being levied at the Habur border crossing. All humanitarian supplies can enter Iraq through the Habur border, but it is advisable that a letter be given to each truck/car stating the purpose and type of humanitarian supplies they are carrying.