COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT. General Guidelines on Operational Priorities for Humanitarian Aid in 2018

Transcription

1 EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, SWD(2017) 464 final COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT General Guidelines on Operational Priorities for Humanitarian Aid in 2018 EN EN

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents 1. General context and Outlook for Priorities Horizontal operational priorities: improving aid effectiveness, efficiency and quality of operations Operational priorities reflected in the budget allocation General methodology Index for Risk Management INFORM and Crisis Assessment Forgotten Crisis Assessment Integrated Analysis Framework Other considerations Operational objectives and budget planning North, West and Central Africa East and Southern Africa, Great Lakes Eastern Neighbourhood Middle East Asia, Latin America, Caribbean and Pacific Worldwide intervention Epidemics Small Scale Acute Large Emergency Response Tool (ALERT) Support to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) Complementary and thematic activities Enhanced Response Capacity Visibility, information and communication Training for Humanitarian Professionals Delivery, coordination and control of humanitarian aid Ways and means of delivering aid Coordination and exchange of information Monitoring of use of funds

3 The Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) of the European Commission manages humanitarian aid to the victims of conflicts or disasters, both natural and man-made, in third countries. The mandate of DG ECHO in this area is to save and preserve life, to reduce or prevent suffering to safeguard the integrity and dignity of people affected by humanitarian crises by providing relief and protection. Through early action and a focus on preparedness, DG ECHO seeks to preserve livelihoods and build resilience of affected populations. DG ECHO also helps to facilitate coordination on humanitarian assistance with, and among, EU Member States humanitarian departments and agencies. The overall priority is to ensure that the aid is managed in the most effective and efficient way possible so that the help the EU delivers to people in need has the maximum effect, whilst respecting the principles of international law and the principles of impartiality, neutrality, humanity, non-discrimination and independence. DG ECHO is also responsible for the management of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism which covers interventions in Member States, as well as in third countries 1 and the implementation of Council Regulation (EU) 2016/369 of 15 March 2016 on the provision of emergency support within the European Union 2. This Regulation lays down the framework within which Union emergency support may be awarded through specific measures appropriate to the economic situation in the event of an ongoing or potential natural or manmade disaster. This kind of emergency support can only be provided where the exceptional scale and impact of the disaster is such that it gives rise to severe wide-ranging humanitarian consequences in one or more Member States and only in exceptional circumstances where no other instrument available to Member States and to the Union is sufficient. The three instruments, humanitarian aid, civil protection and emergency support, are linked and under the responsibility of the same Commissioner. The present document is drawn up under Article 16(1) of Council Regulation No 1257/96 3 and therefore covers humanitarian aid operations for the year ahead. The document does not cover DG ECHO's activities in the field of civil protection, which are instead described in the annual work programme for civil protection actions to be adopted on the basis of the civil protection legislation adopted on 17 December Equally, the EU Aid Volunteers initiative (EUAV) activities for 2017 will be detailed, as in the past, in the specific EU Aid Volunteers annual work programme as laid down in Article 21(3) of Regulation 375/ As far as emergency support within the Union is concerned, the related actions in the field are covered by a dedicated financing decision adopted by the Commission upon decision of the Council of the European Union to activate emergency support under Regulation (EU) 2016/ Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism (OJ L 347, , p. 924). 2 OJ L 70, , p Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid (OJ L 163, , p. 1). 4 Regulation (EU) No 375/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 establishing the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps (OJ L 122, , p. 1). 3

4 1. GENERAL CONTEXT AND OUTLOOK FOR 2018 Humanitarian crises have continuously increased in complexity and severity over the last decades, and in 2018 this trend is expected to continue. More people are in need today than ever before, and the resources required to help them are greater than any time since According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), between January and June 2017 the number of people needing humanitarian aid has risen by 12.5 million people, to a total of million people in 37 countries. 5 The UN's humanitarian appeal for the largest one ever, currently amounting to USD 23.5 billion - is only 26% funded as of mid-year 6. Humanitarian crises tend to affect those most vulnerable the hardest, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and children. Children can especially be vulnerable in crisis situations; this is only increased when their education is disrupted. In 2017, according to UNICEF, 75 million children were out of school due to emergencies. Girls living in conflictaffected countries are particularly affected: they are more likely to be out of school and they also face a much greater risk of gender-based violence as well as early marriage and pregnancy. Prevention of and response to gender-based violence are still not treated as a priority from the earliest stages of emergencies and humanitarian responses lack sufficient mechanisms funding, policy and systems to ensure that the issue is comprehensively addressed. In today's protracted conflicts, insecurity often prevents the delivery of aid where help is most needed. Access to, and the protection of the most vulnerable, continue to be challenged due to wide-spread and growing lack of compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the humanitarian principles. The percentage of civilian victims in conflicts has dramatically increased, and the security of humanitarian personnel has continued to decline for years. Humanitarian needs are further exacerbated by the growing effects of climate change and the damages inflicted by extreme weather phenomena, especially in disaster-prone regions exposed to repeated climatic shocks. The effects of the exceptional El Niño cycle will continue to be felt in many regions of the world throughout 2018, particularly in Africa. While global humanitarian needs are dramatically increasing, funding is not. It is therefore essential to identify and focus on main priorities and guiding principles, on the basis of which the EU's humanitarian budgetary allocations are determined. In 2018, EU humanitarian aid will continue to focus on supporting those most in need following sudden-onset, protracted and forgotten crises 7. Food crises increased in frequency, magnitude and severity during Out of 47 food insecurity hotspots described in the Global Report on Food Crises , 34 were in Africa, displaying complex crises caused by natural and man-made events and often a combination of both. Four countries faced an alarming risk of famine: Yemen, north-east Nigeria, Somalia and South Sudan. Overall, about 20 million people were considered as being at risk of starvation in these four countries. The impact on the affected populations is severe and will carry over into It will therefore be important to ensure that integrated responses, focusing on livelihood recovery and resilience building are prioritised, while continuing to support live Global Humanitarian Overview, June 2017 Status Report, UNOCHA Global Humanitarian Overview, June 2017 Status Report, UNOCHA The methodology used to that end is supported by the DG ECHO Integrated Analysis Framework (IAF) and the Index for Risk Management INFORM. 4

5 saving actions where needed. The treatment of acute malnutrition is a priority in these four crises. Undernutrition is affecting future generations, particularly in Africa and southern Asia, in a dramatic manner. Three L3 9 emergencies, i.e. Iraq, Syria and Yemen, remain the world's most severe, largescale humanitarian crises, with significant implications for neighbouring countries. More than half of the world s refugees come from the Eastern Mediterranean region, and the region also hosts the largest number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as a result of conflict. Both displaced populations and host communities are in dire need of live-saving assistance, especially in the sectors of health, nutrition, food security, protection, shelter, water and sanitation (WASH), livelihood and education to respond to the effects of the conflict and the collapse of basic public services. 2. PRIORITIES 2.1. Horizontal operational priorities: improving aid effectiveness, efficiency and quality of operations The unparalleled surge in natural disasters and humanitarian crises experienced in 2017 is not likely to recede over in the next years. Against this backdrop, it is ever more important to increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian aid by underpinning actions on the ground, and strategic funding decisions, with evidence. Aid effectiveness and result-oriented actions will continue to be at the core of the EU's humanitarian agenda in In the context of the World Humanitarian Summit, the EU made a number of concrete commitments to step up its efforts to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian action. A main outcome of the summit is the Grand Bargain; which envisages bringing together donors and implementing agencies to pursue several interrelated work streams to improve performance in areas such as transparency, needs assessment, localisation of response, beneficiary involvement and harmonised reporting. The Commission will continue contributing to operationalising these approaches in policy and operations, in strong partnership with other Grand Bargain signatories, including many of its main humanitarian partners. In particular, DG ECHO will continue working with OCHA in taking a global lead on advancing a coordinated approach to needs assessment. The objective is to develop a collaborative, pragmatic and evidence-based approach to underpin and improve strategic and operational decision-making. Pilot projects should also be considered to test in practice some innovative operational working methods aiming at furthering relevant Grand Bargain commitments. Aid effectiveness and efficiency will also be pursued through targeted dissemination and continued development of guidance on thematic and cross-cutting issues such as food, nutrition, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), health, gender and age, disaster risk reduction, cash transfers and protection. At the same time, systematic monitoring and reviews by the Commission's humanitarian experts as well as the employment of key results indicators and specific markers will ensure that EU-funded operations are implemented in line with agreed guidance and present a more comprehensive picture of DG ECHO's results, performance and resources. In parallel the reflection on appropriate methodologies of allocating the funds available between the rising numbers of complex crises will continue

6 In 2018, DG ECHO will focus on the following areas that are increasingly relevant in the current humanitarian context: Supporting education in emergencies Education in emergencies (EiE) actions are essential to help to prevent, reduce, mitigate and respond to emergency-related academic, financial, social, institutional, physical/infrastructural barriers to children's education, while ensuring the provision of safe, inclusive and quality education. To this end, DG ECHO EiE actions will focus on three outcomes: children affected by humanitarian crises access, and learn in, safe, quality and accredited primary and secondary education; children affected by humanitarian crises learn life-saving and lifesustaining skills, are protected and have increased personal resilience; education services are strengthened through preparedness, response and recovery interventions. Since 2012, DG ECHO has been constantly earmarking an increasing percentage of its annual humanitarian budget for this priority. In 2018, it will continue to actively engage in and scale up its support to education in emergencies as per commitment made by EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides, who announced that 8% of EU humanitarian aid budget will be dedicated to Education in emergencies. Forced displacement Over 65.6 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide as a result of persecution, conflict, generalised violence, or human rights violations 10. Over 40.3 million people are internally displaced as a result of conflict 11, while 22.5 million are refugees and 2.8 million are asylumseekers % of the global refugee population are children under 18 - the highest proportion in a decade 13. The consequences of the largest wave of forced displacement since 1945, both on displaced populations and on their host communities, will continue to pose humanitarian challenges well beyond The particular challenge of forced displacement is being dealt with through the Commission's Communication 'Lives in Dignity: from Aid-dependence to Self-reliance' adopted in April This Communication outlines a new development-led approach to forced displacement. Its main objective is to strengthen the resilience and self-reliance of both the displaced and their host communities through a multi-actor approach (with development, humanitarian and security actors working together) from the outset of displacement crises. The new approach, applied in practice through joint analysis and programming on a number of countries, aims to harness the productive capacities of refugees and IDPs by helping them to access education, housing, land, livelihoods and services. In 2018, the operationalisation of the Communication at working level will continue. Cash transfers The EU is strongly committed to the use of cash in a context-driven way 15. It is often the most appropriate response in terms of speed, flexibility, choice and dignity of beneficiaries. A 'basic needs approach', which allows for differentiated, but better coordinated and integrated responses across intervention sectors will continue to be developed. It will be implemented in relevant operations in close conjunction with social protection approaches. The Global Trends Report, UNHCR Global Overview Report, IDMC Global Trends Report, UNHCR Global Trends Report, UNHCR. COM(2016) 234 final: "Lives in Dignity: from Aid-dependence to Self-reliance Forced Displacement and Development". 6

7 implementation of the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN) in Turkey is an example at scale of what such an approach could look like. In January 2017, DG ECHO issued a Guidance Note on the delivery of medium to large-scale cash transfers. This approach is fully in line with Grand Bargain commitments to scale up the use of cash with a view to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and providing a better response to those in need. Following some clarifications the guidance will be finalised and fully rolled out in Enhancing Protection and compliance with IHL The sharp increase in deliberate breaches of IHL and the humanitarian principles has made protection a prime challenge in today's humanitarian contexts. In 2018, the Commission will take forward implementation of the 2016 Staff Working Document 'Humanitarian Protection: Improving protection outcomes to reduce risks for people in humanitarian crises' 16 which outlines the definition and objectives of its humanitarian protection work, and provides guidance for the programming of protection work in humanitarian crises, for measuring the effect of interventions and for planning related capacity-building activities. Advocacy for compliance with IHL will likewise become central to the EU's approach to armed conflicts. Gender and age mainstreaming Natural disasters and man-made crises are not gender neutral: they have a different impact on women, girls, boys and men. Their differentiated needs and specific vulnerabilities during and in the aftermath of crises need to be addressed accordingly. Projects that fail to integrate gender and age considerations risk being off-target and not reaching those that need aid most. This can lead to providing support in an inadequate manner, or even to inadvertently doing harm. In 2014, DG ECHO introduced the Gender-Age Marker, as a quality and accountability tool to assess, promote and track EU-funded humanitarian interventions' sensitivity to gender and age. Preliminary results show that in 2015, 89% of DG ECHO funded actions integrated gender and age to some extent. DG ECHO is currently in the process of assessing the first two years ( ) of implementation of the Marker and will publish the report shortly. In this context, in 2018, DG ECHO will continue to operationalise its approach to gender and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises outlined in its 2013 Staff Working Document 'Gender: Different Needs, Adapted Assistance' 17, and continue to mainstream gender and age across all priorities, to ensure that gender- and age-dimensions are considered as a principle of quality aid. Prevention and responding to Gender-based violence In 2017, the EU (through DG ECHO) took over the leadership of the 'Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies', a multi-stakeholder initiative with 66 members, including States, international organisations and NGOs working to ensure that gender-based violence is addressed in humanitarian crises. During its leadership, the EU will focus on strengthening awareness and implementation of the Call to Action by the humanitarian community, in particular at field level. In this context, in 2018, DG ECHO will continue to operationalise its approach to gender and gender-based violence in humanitarian crises outlined in the Staff Working Document SWD(2016)183, SWD(2013)290,

8 'Gender: Different Needs, Adapted Assistance' 18, and continue to support the prevention and responding to gender-based violence, including through targeted actions and the supporting of capacity-building of humanitarian actors in this area. Persons with disabilities Persons with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by natural and man-made disasters. They also face multiple barriers in accessing humanitarian services, such as water, shelter or food and may have specific protection needs. In order to make EU humanitarian action more inclusive for persons with disabilities, DG ECHO will develop standards for EU-funded humanitarian projects to ensure that the specific needs of persons with disabilities are adequately addressed. Furthermore, for the first time, the HIPs highlight that EU-funded humanitarian partners should include people with disabilities in their action. Resilience as a cross-cutting priority Resilience objectives will continue to be mainstreamed in all interventions. Resilience is also an essential feature of the EU Global Strategy published in The joint High Representative-Commission Resilience Communication of June calls for a stronger humanitarian-development coordination (nexus) among other interactions, placing an emphasis on anticipation, prevention and preparedness. In order to achieve this, the European Commission is promoting a joint analysis of risks and vulnerabilities, reaching a common definition of priorities and co-ordinated action to improve the situation and selfreliance of the most vulnerable. This is achieved in parallel with increased political engagement and support from Members States, particularly in fragile and vulnerable countries. In 2018, the nexus approach will be tested in a series of pilot countries in which Joint Humanitarian Development Frameworks or similar exercises will be pursued. The contribution of humanitarian funds to EU Trust Funds will continue to be used as leverage for increasing resilience of the most vulnerable. In 2018, DG ECHO intends to contribute to the Emergency Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displaced persons in Africa. Innovation, technology and big data; engagement with the private sector Humanitarian emergencies are reaching unprecedented levels. Strengthening the capacity of humanitarian actors to respond to natural disasters and man-made crises in an effective and efficient manner is a priority. Innovation and new technologies can play an important role in this respect. Harnessing the technological innovation, technical skills and expertise of the private sector and research communities is determinant. DG ECHO will strive to ensure an increased involvement of a wide range of actors in humanitarian response. It will support the development of innovative solutions, products and approaches to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of the humanitarian response, inter alia by exploiting opportunities offered by EU research and innovation programmes. Particular attention will be paid to new technological solutions to support efficiency, improved transparency and accountability throughout the humanitarian programme cycle and accountability to affected populations. Synergies will be developed between technological SWD(2013)290, JOIN(2017) 21,

9 developments and areas such as improved needs assessment, cash programming, identity management (including as regards forced displacement situations), education in emergencies and urban crisis response. DG ECHO will promote better ways of managing information in emergencies, including through the use of open-source data Food and nutrition assistance The impact on the affected populations of recent food crises is severe and will carry over into Responding to food crises from a resilience and livelihood protection perspective will continue to be a priority. DG ECHO will document and support the integration of nutrition in routine health activities for children and mothers. As a member of the 'No Wasted Lives' coalition, along with other main donors (DFID, USAID) and actors (UNICEF, WFP, INGOs) involved in combating undernutrition, DG ECHO will continue to support progress in performance and cost efficiency through innovative approaches in nutrition programming, and advocate for the scale up of prevention and treatment both in humanitarian and protracted crises. Environment The quality, impact and long-term outcomes of humanitarian action are improved by environmentally responsible life-saving and life-sustaining humanitarian action. Mainstreaming environmental considerations can also reduce conflict drivers, increase resilience, self-reliance and sustainability and improve aid-effectiveness and resourceefficiency. In 2018, DG ECHO will strengthen environment knowledge, map existing tools and, where relevant, mainstream environment into guidelines and implementation plans. Urban settings An increasing number of people are seeking refuge in cities in the context of global forced displacement, with urban settings presenting their own set of unique challenges and opportunities. At the same time, growing severity and frequency of natural hazards expose urban settings, vulnerable communities and economies to increased risks of disasters. In order to meet the complexity of needs in urban settings, DG ECHO will continue to promote a multi-sectoral approach to assessments and programming in urban settings, and advocate for greater attention to humanitarian needs in urban environments. The scale of humanitarian response to urban crises also requires multi-level understanding and intervention at household, neighbourhood and city scale, through strengthened cooperation with all relevant stakeholders including development actors and local authorities. DG ECHO will continue to promote urban resilience in line with the 'Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction ', ensure follow-up on the implementation of the 'New Urban Agenda', and ensure linkages with the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Social protection Scaling up social protection systems has been identified as one of the core avenues to enhance the resilience of vulnerable populations and to enable quick and efficient humanitarian assistance in response to sudden-onset disasters. While building national social protection systems has traditionally fallen under the remit of development, the humanitarian community can play an important role in aligning with and complementing these efforts in supporting the creation of shock-responsive social protection systems and safety nets for the most vulnerable. Social protection is increasingly considered as an entry and exit point for cash transfers, laying the basis for more durable solutions, in line with the provisions of the Guidance to partners funded by DG ECHO to deliver large-scale cash transfers. DG ECHO will continue 9

10 to work closely with other Commission services to identify best practices and opportunities to inform how it can support the implementation of social protection programmes. Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) The EU Action Plan on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) , adopted on 17 June , aims at further promoting disaster risk management and its integration into relevant EU policies. The Commission's strategic approach to DRR is closely aligned to Sendai Priority 4 on enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response. DG ECHO funded Disaster Risk Reduction programmes aim at reducing the impact of natural disasters on populations and allowing early warning and early action. The resilience agenda has followed a similar approach, as it is more cost-efficient and overall effective to invest in preparedness instead of only responding once a situation has deteriorated to a degree that triggers a major humanitarian operation. In 2018, DRR programmes will focus on preparedness for response and early action, considering DG ECHO's added value gained over the years. This approach is equally reflected in WHS and Grand Bargain commitments for early action, to strengthen national and local responsibilities for preparedness, to respond earlier and better to make humanitarian assistance "as local as possible, as international as necessary." In addition there is a real opportunity to align DG ECHO's experiences in community based risk reduction with the capacity of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), including the CP Prevention and Preparedness Advisory Missions, to engage with, and support, local and national government structures. 21 SWD(2016) 205 final,

11 2.2. Operational priorities reflected in the budget allocation General methodology In line with the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union 22, the Humanitarian Aid Regulation 23 and the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid 24, and acting on the basis of the relevant financing decision (Commission Implementing Decision financing humanitarian aid operational priorities from the general budget of the European Union) adopted by the Commission, DG ECHO is committed to providing relief and protection to populations affected by natural or man-made disasters. The methodology used for the allocation of funding is supported by the Index for Risk Management INFORM, the Crisis Assessment, the Forgotten Crisis Assessment (FCA) and the Integrated Analysis Framework (IAF) saw the completion of the fifth annual Integrated Analysis Framework (IAF) exercise, the basis for the funding allocation for the following year; the same analytical preparatory work serves also as the foundation for DG ECHO's Humanitarian Implementation Plans (HIPs). DG ECHO field experts in coordination with the respective operational units conducted IAF country analyses. This analysis provides a first-hand account of crisis areas and gives an insight into the nature and the severity of needs. DG ECHO also carries out at central level a global evaluation, which has the following dimensions: (i) the Index for Risk Management INFORM 25, which categorises countries on the basis of their risk to humanitarian crisis and disasters, coupled with the Crisis Assessment, which in 2017 builds on three INFORM indicators: conflict intensity score, uprooted people and number of people affected by natural disasters, and (ii) the Forgotten Crisis Assessment, which identifies crises that have been overlooked or neglected by the international humanitarian community and/or the global media and which need special attention. DG ECHO constantly re-appraises humanitarian crises as they evolve. If the need for humanitarian assistance diminishes, often due to the start of rehabilitation and development activities, DG ECHO winds down its humanitarian work. A high priority is given to linking humanitarian aid and development activities. The exit strategy for all areas of humanitarian intervention is reviewed twice a year; first, when funds are initially allocated, secondly, during a mid-term review. The latter is an opportunity to review priorities for remaining funds in accordance with evolving needs Index for Risk Management INFORM and Crisis Assessment INFORM identifies countries at risk from crises and disasters that could overwhelm national response capacity. It analyses three dimensions of risk at country level: (i) Hazard & Exposure, (ii) Vulnerability, and (iii) Lack of Coping capacity, grouping 191 countries based on a five-level risk assessment approach: very high, high, medium, low and very low risk countries 26. Of 49 countries most at risk from humanitarian emergencies (INFORM Very High and High Risk) identified in September 2017, 11 are at very high risk. These countries are Somalia, Article 214. Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid (OJ L 163, , p. 1). Joint Statement by the Council and the Representatives of the Governments of the Member States meeting within the Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission (OJ C 25, , p. 1). More information on INFORM available at and in INFORM Results 2017 Report For an in-depth analysis of all 191 countries, please refer to INFORM countries' risk profiles on: 11

12 South Sudan, Chad, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Yemen, Niger, Congo DR, Sudan, Syria and Iraq. Seven of these countries were identified with very high risks in all 3 risk dimensions (hazard & exposure, vulnerability and lack of coping capacity). INFORM can be used to group countries based on their current level of risk and the trend over previous years. The overall 2017 INFORM results showed that 24 countries experienced increasing risk to humanitarian crises and disasters over the three year risk trend ( ). Of these, five countries were already in very high levels of risk - Chad, Haiti, Niger, South Sudan and Yemen -, while 11 were in high levels of risk - Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, El Salvador, Korea DPR, Lebanon, Libya, Nepal, Rwanda, Turkey and Ukraine. The September 2017 Crisis Assessment identified 58 countries suffering from a natural disaster and/or a violent conflict and/or that are experiencing a large number of uprooted people reflected by a crisis index of 3. Specifically, of the 58 countries identified, 25 countries suffered from a violent national or subnational conflict, 30 countries suffered from a natural disaster in 2017, while 22 countries experienced a large number of uprooted people (as compared to their total population), all represented by a crisis assessment indicator of Forgotten Crisis Assessment The Forgotten Crisis assessment (FCA) attempts to identify crises characterized by very low media coverage, a lack of donor interest (as measured through aid per capita) and a weak political commitment to solve the crisis, resulting in an insufficient presence of humanitarian actors. The FCA exercise identified the existence of 12 forgotten crisis situations, most of which were already identified as forgotten in : 1.. Armed conflict in Colombia 2. Burundi regional refugee crisis: Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania 3. Philippines armed conflict 4. Sahrawi refugee crisis in Algeria 5. Sudan and spill-over of Sudanese crisis to Chad: Darfur, Refugees, Transitional Areas, East Sudan, Sudanese refugees in Chad 6. Spill-over of Central African Republic crisis CAR refugees in Cameroon, CAR refugees and returnees in Chad 7. Food and nutrition crisis in the Sahel 8. Pakistan: country-wide conflict affected populations, natural disaster affected populations and Afghan refugees 9. Ukraine: conflict 10. Armed conflict in Mali bordering areas Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger 11. Venezuela security crisis, including spill-over of Colombian conflict in Venezuela 12. Other situations of violence in Central America El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico The newly identified proposed forgotten crises are the Burundi regional refugee crisis, the food and nutrition crisis in the Sahel, the Ukraine conflict, the security crisis in Venezuela - 12

13 including the spill-over of the Colombian conflict, and other situations of violence in Central America. As an established principle, approximately 15% of the EU's initial annual humanitarian budget is allocated to forgotten crises The INFORM countries, data on crisis assessment, forgotten crisis assessment and a visual representation of these results are to be found in the Annexes to this document. 13

14 Integrated Analysis Framework As part of DG ECHO's annual assessment exercise, INFORM and other indices are accompanied by an in-depth (sub-)country level assessment through the Integrated Analysis Framework (IAF) process 27. These assessments are achieved at country level or when more appropriate at regional level for countries or regions with potential humanitarian needs. The IAF exercise draws on DG ECHO's field presence and humanitarian expertise adding qualitative judgements based on individual crises within a country or a region. An assessment of needs per crisis specifically analyses a crisis' overall humanitarian needs, population affected, vulnerability of population affected and foreseen trends. Specifically, the IAF template includes for a country or region: a context analysis (national and sub-national levels), a field level needs assessment, a response analyses (covering for example information on the presence of other donors, LRRD options, humanitarian coordination or partners' implementation capacity), if relevant a specific food and nutrition analysis, a forgotten crisis recommendation where appropriate and a disaster risk reduction (DRR) assessment Other considerations DG ECHO aims to ensure availability of funding for as many crisis situations as possible and that there is a swift, efficient, comprehensive response. Whilst funding allocations are based on needs assessment and co-ordination with other donors, certain factors that are outside of DG ECHO's control may reduce the volume of aid that can effectively be delivered to the beneficiaries. Two factors, in particular, should be mentioned. These are the extent to which implementing organisations are present and have the capacity to handle needs in a given crisis zone ('absorption capacity'), and the linked problem of access restrictions caused either by insecurity or administrative impediments. DG ECHO also aims to ensure that proper needs assessment and monitoring take place and only accepts 'remote management' where absolutely necessary and justified by humanitarian imperatives. Restrictions faced by partners are most prevalent in areas of conflict, a marked absence in the rule of law or due to political and administrative impediments. They can also be affected by political resistance from governments. In line with the reorganisation of DG ECHO in 2017, which saw a new Directorate created for emergency management, worldwide intervention now includes a funding modality to enable immediate funding of the initial response to large scale fast onset crises. This will complement the already existing modality for fast response to small scale crises. Called the Acute Large Emergency Response Tool (ALERT), it will permit rapid allocation of first response funding in the first hours of an emergency while funds for the broader response are accessed. 27 The IAF exercise in particular responds to the historical and geographical constraints in global data update (data lag or lack), where certain quantitative indicators for some countries, particularly those with a strong recent deterioration due to crisis, e.g. Syria, might not represent the on-the-ground assessment of the current state of vulnerability or coping capacity values. 14

15 Operational objectives and budget planning The general EU budget earmarked on the budget lines for humanitarian aid/food assistance and disaster preparedness is EUR This amount is to be used to finance humanitarian aid operations aiming essentially to: (a) Provide humanitarian and food assistance, relief and protection to vulnerable people affected by man-made crises, possibly aggravated by natural disasters, including new crises and existing crises where the scale and complexity of the humanitarian crisis is such that it seems likely to continue. (b) Provide humanitarian and food assistance, relief and protection to vulnerable people affected by natural disasters that have entailed major loss of life, physical and psychological or social suffering or material damage. (c) Provide first initial response to cover the immediate needs of the most vulnerable in the days after a large scale emergency or a sudden onset humanitarian crisis as well as humanitarian assistance for response and disaster preparedness to populations affected by disasters where a small scale response is adequate and to populations affected by epidemic outbreaks. (d) Support strategies and complement existing strategies that enable local communities and institutions to better prepare for, mitigate and respond adequately to natural disasters by enhancing their capacities to cope and respond, thereby increasing resilience and reducing vulnerability. (e) Improve the delivery of aid through complementary and thematic activities aiming at increasing the effectiveness, efficiency, quality, timeliness and visibility of humanitarian actions and transport. DG ECHO will maintain its broadened regional approach with regional responses in certain Humanitarian Implementation Plans (HIPs). A regional approach presents the substantial advantage of lending added speed and flexibility to EU humanitarian assistance, as well as simplification/streamlining among HIPs. The following sections provide details on how DG ECHO will support humanitarian and food assistance to vulnerable people affected by man-made crisis and/or natural disasters, and on DIPECHO operations North, West and Central Africa North Africa In 2018, continued humanitarian support will be provided to conflict-affected populations in Libya and to the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria. As North Africa is prone to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods and droughts, disaster risk reduction measures will be supported in Algeria and Tunisia. Furthermore, an emergency response in North African countries could be envisaged if significant humanitarian gaps are identified. Algeria - Sahrawi refugees The Sahrawi refugees crisis derives from a 42-year old conflict resulting in a protracted refugee situation in South-western Algeria (Tindouf), where an estimated Sahrawi refugees 28 are almost entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance, with little prospects for return, integration or resettlement. Food assistance, water, sanitation, essential medicines and 28 In the absence of a registration exercise, UNHCR has been using the planning figure of most vulnerable refugees for its assistance programmes. 15

16 logistic support to deliver aid remain the basic needs in the Sahrawi refugee camps. Considering the limited employment opportunities in the Sahara desert, it is unlikely that basic humanitarian needs of the Sahrawi refugees will decrease. Overall humanitarian funding has, however, decreased by 20% in the last five years, with EU humanitarian funding now representing around 40% of the overall assistance. There is a need to maximise the impact of the assistance provided and also look at other funding instruments to complement humanitarian aid in this forgotten crisis. Livelihood and self-reliance initiatives would give some employment perspectives to the youth in particular who feel increasingly frustrated by their dependency and lack of employment opportunities. Funding in 2018 will focus on food assistance, water and sanitation, health, livelihood support, disaster risk reduction and security. Protection, coordination, education in emergencies and advocacy remain important. Support should be adapted to the protracted nature of the crisis. Given the overall number of people in need, competitive priorities and the limited budget available, broadening the spectrum of donors and aid interventions will be essential. Libya Since the fall of Qaddafi s regime in 2011, the competition for political power and control of the country's strategic and economic resources between different factions and the ongoing fighting between armed groups, including with the so-called Islamic State for Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and with other extremist groups, pose a threat against humanitarian access. Insecurity has affected the main urban centres over the last months, with violent fighting in Benghazi and Sirte in particular. The country's economy has been severely affected by the conflict and by the absence of a functioning government, which has significantly impacted the lives of civilians with shortages in medical, food and fuel supplies, multiple displacements, breakdown of the social and medical infrastructure, disruption of basic services and communication, and disregard for IHL. The IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix exercise estimates that approximately people have been internally displaced, while 1.3 million are in need of assistance. Since Libya has traditionally been both a final destination for migrants and a transit country for those attempting to reach Europe, many migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are caught up in the Libya conflict in a situation of high vulnerability and in need of protection. Humanitarian support in 2018 will focus mainly on health, shelter, food and non-food items and addressing the humanitarian and protection needs of the most vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), host communities and returnees, refugees and asylum-seekers. Continued support will be provided to advocate for the respect of IHL and initiatives aiming at strengthening local partners capacities to implement humanitarian programmes. The situation in the region is likely to remain volatile in As a spill-over from the conflict in Libya into Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt or Morocco, these countries could face an increased influx of refugees and migrants seeking their way to Europe or third country nationals escaping the war. An emergency response could be provided as appropriate. West Africa/Sahel Recurrent food and nutrition crises in recent years have seriously reduced the resilience of the most vulnerable populations in West Africa/Sahel and, hence, their capacity to absorb shocks. Populations are very vulnerable, facing a series of different challenges, such as poverty, climate change, food and nutrition insecurity, epidemics, population growth, conflict and insecurity. The number of people suffering from food and nutrition insecurity remains at a permanently high level. Some 13.2 million people are in need of emergency food assistance and over 37 million moderately food insecure. 3.4 million children under five are in need of 16

17 treatment for Severe Acute Malnutrition, which is one of the highest numbers in the world in relative terms. Furthermore, the conflicts in Northeast Nigeria/the Lake Chad basin and Northern Mali have forcibly displaced more than 2.8 million people and severely impacted their livelihoods as well as the livelihoods of local communities. In 2018, there is no prospect for a significant decrease in the number of undernourished children as the reasons for undernutrition are many-fold, sustainable prevention interventions are only implemented on a small-scale basis and resilience building efforts take time to demonstrate a concrete impact. Therefore, continued solid humanitarian engagement is required in the Sahel region, which is considered a forgotten crisis. Humanitarian efforts will continue to focus on the following priority areas: multi-sectoral emergency assistance and protection for populations affected by conflict; nutrition support to help reduce excessive morbidity and mortality of children under five in areas where Severe Acute Malnutrition has reached the emergency threshold; adequate food assistance to populations facing severe food insecurity; support to enhance preparedness and response capacity in high-risk areas; emergency response to epidemics and natural disasters as appropriate. Apart from direct action to help those most in need, efforts will continue to draw high-level attention on the urgent need to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable populations in the Sahel through AGIR (Global Alliance for Resilience Initiative). Interventions in West Africa will cover primarily vulnerable populations in Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Nigeria. In Senegal, interventions will focus on Disaster Risk Reduction. In addition, epidemics preparedness will be supported in Guinea and neighbouring countries; a response will be provided to epidemics and natural disasters in coastal West African countries 29 as appropriate. Mali The implementation of the June 2015 Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation remains slow, and violence has spread to Central Mali and across the border area into neighbouring countries (notably Burkina Faso and Niger). This continued insecurity continues to have a negative impact on the presence of government services, MINUSMA and humanitarian access. Therefore, access to basic services in the affected regions has not been restored yet and almost 1.5 million people are entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance. This includes refugees who are not expected to be able to return in the near future and IDPs. The conflict has led to a regional humanitarian crisis, which is considered a forgotten one. At the same time, food and nutrition insecurity seriously affects populations across the country. Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates remain above the emergency threshold of 10%. An estimated 3 million people are food insecure, while people need emergency food assistance, including children. In 2018, it is envisaged to continue providing food assistance and basic services to the most vulnerable conflict-affected populations in Northern and Central Mali. At the same time, support will be given to reduce Severe Acute Malnutrition and food insecurity as well as to build resilience, linking with development actions to the largest extent possible. In addition, it is planned to strengthen humanitarian access to the Northern regions (notably through continued support to humanitarian flights) and address the needs of Malian refugees in neighbouring countries (Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger). Response to natural disasters and epidemics as well as support to disaster risk reduction is also foreseen. Nigeria 29 Benin, Cape Verde, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Togo, Ivory Coast. 17

18 The humanitarian crisis in Northeast Nigeria is massive and still deteriorating, despite significant improvements in delivering assistance. A total of 8.5 million people are directly affected. Due to violence, forced displacement continues. To date, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) stands at 1.7 million in the Northern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe. Some Nigerian refugees are still hosted in neighbouring Cameroon, Niger and Chad. The number of people facing critical food insecurity in the three mentioned States has reached 5.2 million, with more than people in famine-like conditions (as of August 2017). An estimated children under five suffer from Severe Acute Malnutrition and require lifesaving nutrition treatment. The country is also regularly affected by epidemics linked to poor health care coverage and lack of access to clean water and sanitation. Furthermore, populations living in the Benue and Niger River basins are regularly affected by floods. Southeastern Nigeria is currently receiving an influx of Cameroonian refugees from the Anglophone regions which is already surpassing individuals at the end of October In 2018, the main focus of the humanitarian response will be on providing emergency assistance to the internally displaced in terms of food assistance, shelter, water and sanitation, basic health and protection support. In addition, support is foreseen to improve the management of Severe Acute Malnutrition and associated diseases in order to reduce the mortality of vulnerable children under five. Pursuing a joined-up approach with development partners for a comprehensive response, support is envisaged to help build the resilience of the most vulnerable conflict-affected population. Furthermore, humanitarian assistance will be provided as appropriate to respond to other emerging humanitarian needs, for instance related to natural disasters or epidemics. Support to disaster risk reduction is equally foreseen. Central Africa Central African Republic (CAR) The situation in the Central African Republic remains volatile, as demonstrated by a new wave of violence and steep increase in related forced displacement that started in the first semester Humanitarian needs remain very high due to recurrent outbreaks of violence, continuing protection threats, protracted as well as new population displacements, widespread destruction of homes, disruption of basic services and livelihoods, high levels of food and nutrition insecurity. The spillover of the crisis to neighbouring countries notably Chad and Cameroon continues. Humanitarian actors are increasingly targeted by armed groups, and humanitarian access has sharply reduced in CAR is one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarian workers. 2.4 million people - about half of the population - are considered in need of humanitarian assistance. 2.1 million people are food insecure. Over the first half of 2017, the number of internally displaced people (IDPs) has increased to compared to in January The number of refugees has increased by 6% over the same period, from to (of whom in Cameroon). In 2018 the humanitarian response will focus on life-saving assistance. Efforts will be supported to ensure a swift and flexible response capacity in this volatile context. Aid will encompass protection, emergency food and nutrition assistance and short-term livelihood support, emergency health and WASH interventions, provision of shelter and non-food items. In responding to the most pressing needs, humanitarian assistance will support as much as possible building the resilience of affected populations, pursuing a joined-up approach with development partners. Activities will be closely coordinated with development cooperation instruments, whenever possible and more specifically with EU Trust Fund "Bêkou". 18

19 Advocacy efforts will continue to help ensure that the CAR crisis, including its regional dimension, remains high on the international agenda and receives an adequate international response. Chad In 2017, Chad continued to be at the juncture of major crises (CAR, Lake Chad, Libya, Sudan), with cumulative forced displacement over time. The needs remained high and related to both manmade and natural disasters, including epidemics. Chad hosts more than refugees in the Eastern, Southern and Western regions, and returnees mainly in the South. It also hosts more than IDPs who have fled Boko Haram violence in the Lake Chad basin. The Sahel belt of Chad continues to suffer high levels of food insecurity due to a variety of reasons, including notably difficult climatic conditions, endemic poverty and chronic underdevelopment as well as the conflict in the Lake Chad area. These factors have triggered various food and nutrition crises, seriously impacted livelihood, negatively affected the coping capacities of the most vulnerable and their resilience. The admission numbers for Severe Acute Malnutrition have exceeded projections in nine regions, and an increasing number of children under five ( in 2017) are estimated in need of life-saving nutrition treatment. Food and nutrition insecurity is projected to persist also in Furthermore, Chad is exposed to natural disasters such as floods and local dry spells, and to epidemics, with cholera, malaria and Hepatitis E being persistent threats. The combination of high vulnerability with low response capacity and a limited donor engagement qualifies the refugee situation in the East (Darfuri refugees) and the South of the country (CAR refugees) together with the nutrition and food security situation as forgotten crises. Against this background, humanitarian actions in 2018 will focus on multi-sectoral emergency support to vulnerable refugees, returnees and host populations, while encouraging self-reliance as much as possible; reduction in under-nutrition related mortality and morbidity among children under five and their mothers through emergency support combined with resilience building measures; support to preparedness and response to new emergencies; and reinforcing the linkage between humanitarian and development support. Chad is indeed a pilot country for the operationalisation of the humanitarian / development nexus. Cameroon Cameroon continues to face growing humanitarian needs linked to the escalating Boko Haram crisis in the Far North region and the persistent displacement situation in the Eastern regions (CAR refugees). In the last months of 2017 the deteriorating situation in Western Cameroon has led to social unrest and displacements of population. By November 2017 around refugees from Cameroon had been registered in Nigeria. Cameroon hosts a total of refugees from CAR out of them arrived since December 2013 and many still rely completely on humanitarian assistance to cover their basic needs. In view of the volatile context in CAR, return prospects are unlikely to materialise on a large scale in the immediate future. In the Far North region of Cameroon, Boko Haram violence has caused massive population displacement and severely disrupted agricultural and trading activities. The number of both IDPs (estimated at ) and refugees from Nigeria (76 500) has continued to increase. However, since April 2017 a number of refugees (around ) have started going back to 19

20 their villages of origin in Nigeria. The arrival of IDPs and refugees creates an extremely difficult situation for host communities, who already faced chronic food and nutrition insecurity prior to the crisis. Due to the persisting conflict in the Lake Chad basin, this situation is expected to continue in Acute needs are anticipated in the areas of food assistance and livelihood, protection and access to some basic services (notably health, water supply and education). Humanitarian coordination is also to be reinforced In response to this complex situation, humanitarian interventions in 2018 will continue to focus on the provision of multi-sectoral emergency assistance and protection, responding to basic needs of IDPs and refugees in camps and with host communities, while also ensuring emergency food and nutrition assistance to affected resident populations in the Far North. Support to voluntary return movements of displaced populations may also be envisaged as appropriate. EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa The EU Emergency Trust Fund for Stability and Addressing Root Causes of Irregular Migration and Displaced Persons in Africa (EUTF Africa) 30 was set up in late 2015 to finance activities in African countries crossed by major migrations routes responding to four objectives: create greater economic and employment opportunities; strengthen resilience of communities, and in particular the most vulnerable, as well as refugees and displaced; improve migration management in countries of origin, transit and destination; improve governance including conflict prevention and reinforcement of rule of law. As in 2017, support to the resilience objective of the EUTF Africa is foreseen also in From the humanitarian perspective, the EUTF Africa provides a tool for increased complementarity and coordination between humanitarian and longer-term development interventions, in particular related to joint resilience and LRRD (Linking Relief, Rehabilitation and Development) initiatives in the three geographic windows of the EUTF (Sahel/Lake Chad, Horn of Africa, North Africa) East and Southern Africa, Great Lakes Sudan and South Sudan More than four years into the conflict, the situation in South Sudan is worsening. Fighting continues to be reported in numerous parts of the country between government and various anti-government forces, amidst an increasing fragmentation of belligerents, forcing thousands of civilians to flee within and outside the country. Human rights violations and widespread disregard of International Humanitarian Law by all parties to the conflict continue unabated, resulting in more suffering for civilians, who are deliberately killed, or injured. These abuses are often ethnically motivated. The continuous deterioration of the political and security situation has further disrupted access to basic services, livelihoods and markets, leading to an unprecedented food insecurity situation affecting half of the population, with thousands of people facing famine conditions, and malnutrition levels above the emergency threshold. The 2017 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) estimates that 7.5 million people, 63% of the population, are in need of humanitarian assistance. The protracted conflict has already resulted in forced internal displacement of 2 million people and almost 2 million South Sudanese refugees in 30 C(2015)7293 of

21 neighbouring countries (up from 1.4 million at the beginning of 2017). South Sudan is also hosting over refugees fleeing insecurity and conflict from neighbouring countries (mainly from Sudan). Access conditions have continued to worsen in 2017 not least due to: a rise of bureaucratic impediments at all levels (national, state and county level), a deterioration of the overall security environment, regular denial of access to those most in need, and frequent attacks and lootings against humanitarian staff and resources by the parties to the conflict, militias and criminals. In Sudan, the humanitarian situation is complex and of particular concern in areas where basic living conditions for affected populations have been worsening due to man-made and natural disasters whilst humanitarian assistance has been limited due to restrictions and overstretched capacity. About 4.8 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, representing 12% of the overall population. Conflict and insecurity in Darfur and the Two Areas have led to the displacement of about 3.3 million people. The country is also hosting over refugees and asylum seekers, including more than South Sudanese refugees. The intensification of the conflict in South Sudan has caused an increase in the influx of arrivals in 2017 with more than people as of July 31 st. External shocks as well as poverty, eroded livelihoods and lack of access to essential resources and basic services have also led to a critical nutrition situation with an estimated 2.2 million children under the age of 5 affected by Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM), including affected by its more severe form. Despite high and urgent needs in the country, it has proved difficult to ensure international awareness and sustained attention to this complex crisis. Sudan is therefore considered by DG ECHO as a forgotten crisis for the fourth year in a row. In Sudan, the operating environment for humanitarian actors remains restrictive, mainly due to insecurity and constant bureaucratic impediments that challenge effective, principled and sustained access to affected populations. Some areas affected by years of conflict remain inaccessible despite critical humanitarian needs. Advocacy to support principled humanitarian assistance has however permitted to scale up the emergency response for the South Sudanese refugee influx and in newly accessible areas in Darfur. The UNSC decision to reduce UNAMID military and police capacity by June 2018 may further undermine the protection environment for civilians and the security and safety of aid workers and assets. Under its 2018 strategy for Sudan and South Sudan, DG ECHO will focus on addressing critical and objectively assessed humanitarian needs through emergency life-saving activities in particular in case of new shocks (conflict-related displacement/refugee influx, natural disasters/climate shock, epidemic outbreaks). It will also contribute to the reduction of excess mortality and morbidity related to conflicts, addressing in particular Global Acute Malnutrition. In Sudan this will be pursued through extended free and quality treatment for most at risk population. DG ECHO will also aim at strengthening resilience of vulnerable population notably in protracted displacement situations, enhancing linkages with longer term development programme. Horn of Africa After 2016, a year marked by drought and floods caused by El Niño, 2017 saw devastating drought affecting all countries of the region, especially Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya; this was the worst drought since 2011 (when famine was declared in Somalia, claiming over lives). The recurrent nature and cumulative effect of such natural disasters has strongly undermined the capacity of local populations to resist, respond and survive without external assistance. The number of drought-affected people facing food crisis now stands at 19.2 million. 21

22 Conflicts in the HoA are dynamic and cause high displacement; the region now hosts over 2.7 million refugees, mainly from Somalia and South Sudan, but also from Sudan, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Eritrea, Ethiopia and Yemen. Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya host the largest refugee caseloads in Africa. In addition, about 3.2 million people are internally displaced in Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia. The crisis in South Sudan continues to trigger massive influxes of refugees into neighbouring countries, especially Uganda, which hosts half of the total South Sudanese caseload. Overall, approximately 25 million people (drought-affected, refugees and IDPs) are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance in the region. In 2018, DG ECHO will sustain its activities to address drought affected people and refugees' acute humanitarian needs. The assistance will put special emphasis on life-saving activities and response to the displacement crises while ensuring that the early recovery phase of the drought crisis receives appropriate attention and that the resilience of communities is strengthened. The use of emergency preparedness and response mechanisms to provide flexibility in the response to new emergencies will continue to further strengthen costefficiency. DG ECHO will closely follow the discussions at regional level on potential return strategies and will strongly advocate for its voluntary character. In line with the humanitarian/development nexus commitments, DG ECHO will continue to be actively involved in the search for self-reliance solutions in forced displacement settings in coordination with development partners. Somalia Somalia still represents one of the most serious and complex humanitarian crises in the world. A threat of localised famine continues in Somalia, as failed rainy seasons and continued severe drought have affected people's livelihoods. Around 6.2 million people remain in need of humanitarian assistance with almost 3.3 million people estimated to be in IPC 31 3 (crisis) and 4 (emergency). About children under the age of five are acutely malnourished. In addition, malnutrition, food insecurity and water scarcity have led to a critical health situation. Outbreaks of acute watery diarrhoea /cholera and measles are ongoing. Conflict and drought aggravate the humanitarian situation, leading, among other things, to further displacement and the exhaustion of coping mechanisms. The conflict situation is a stalemate, with no end in sight of very high levels of insecurity. Two million people are internally displaced in Somalia while approximately have taken refuge in the neighbouring countries. Restricted access and high insecurity are major challenges for aid agencies. In 2018, DG ECHO will continue to focus on emergency response through life-saving activities mainly in the south-central regions of Somalia. Recovery activities will be supported, provided access and monitoring are feasible. Durable solutions for displaced populations will be considered, including local integration and informed and voluntary returns when conducted in safety and dignity. Linkages with longer term development programmes would be essential. Protection as well as the mainstreaming of DRR initiatives will be encouraged. This will contribute to strengthening the resilience of the most vulnerable communities. Ethiopia Having not yet recovered from the massive El Niño drought (affecting mostly highland areas), the country is again facing a severe drought affecting over 8.5 million people mostly in the south and south-east pastoral parts of the country in addition to the 4 million covered by the 31 Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) 22

23 Government s PSNP 32. An estimated 3.6 million children under the age of five, and Pregnant and Lactating Women (PLW) are in need of treatment for moderate acute malnutrition and an additional children are estimated to be suffering from the life-threatening severe form. Loss of assets and livelihoods as a result of the drought have caused the displacement of over people. Coupled with a massive cholera outbreak that hit Somali region in the first half of 2017, the humanitarian situation in these regions continues to deteriorate with increasing rates of acute malnutrition that have exceeded the emergency thresholds. Despite mobilisation of the international community, the response remains seriously underfunded with critical food pipeline shortages and the scale of the crisis reaches levels beyond the capacity of the Ethiopian government alone. The consequences of the drought compounded other humanitarian needs that the country is confronted with: in particular, a significant caseload of refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Sudan. Ethiopia is currently the second largest refugee-hosting nation of the continent with over refugees in need for assistance. Almost new South Sudanese refugees have arrived over the last year. Over 1 million are internally displaced, some of them being protracted cases mainly caused by inter-clan/cross-border conflicts, but also new cases caused by the drought food security crisis. In 2018, a so-called "Emergency response mechanism" for Ethiopia, consisting of partners with high flexibility and full coverage of the most affected regions, will continue to be reinforced in order to improve the coverage and the timeliness of support to affected populations in emergency situations. The refugee caseloads will continue to receive lifesaving assistance including potential opening of new camps, relocation of refugees to other sites and assistance to host community if the situation requires. Moreover, the impact of the drought is expected to linger for the coming years, requiring continuous support to the drought affected populations. Kenya Recurrent food and nutrition crises continue to cause high levels of vulnerability. After three consecutive failed rainy seasons, agricultural and pastoral communities have lost the ability to cope as their resources are depleted. The 2017 drought is more intense and widespread than in , with the number of people facing food insecurity reaching 3.4 million 33, mainly in the ASALs 34. In four sub-counties, acute malnutrition levels are extremely critical at over 30% 35, with the prediction of a continuation and/or deterioration. The estimated number of children (6-59 months) and Pregnant Lactating Women requiring treatment for GAM is and respectively. In the counties with critical levels of under-nutrition, the under-5 SAM 36 caseload is estimated at per year. Internal displacements have also taken place in these same areas reinforcing peoples' vulnerabilities. This is in addition to refugees dependent on food assistance. In 2018, DG ECHO s support for Kenya will focus on assistance to refugees living in camps as well as the most vulnerable drought-affected populations in the hardest-hit counties in ASAL areas. Emphasis should be placed on protection and safeguarding asylum, especially Productive Safety Net Programme. Source : Government of Kenya, July 2017 Arid and Semi-Arid Lands; the most-affected counties are Baringo, Garissa, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Samburu, Tana River, Turkana and Wajir Data collected from May to July 2017 show GAM rates (WHZ) exceeding 30% in Turkana South (37%), Turkana North (34%), Turkana central (31%), North Horr (31%). Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) 23

24 since registration of new refugees' arrivals has been put on hold for several months. Durable solutions for refugees in protracted situations will be emphasized including support to assisted returns provided that this meets the principles of voluntariness, safety, dignity and to areas of choice. DG ECHO will focus on the most affected drought areas through emergency / lifesaving programming through support to the UN critical pipeline for nutrition, and through Cash Transfer Programming (CTP) addressing basic needs including food. An effective collaboration with the Government of Kenya would also be prioritised. Djibouti In 2018, the priority for DG ECHO should remain the support to newly-arrived and protracted refugee populations. DG ECHO will prioritize core humanitarian needs in camps, including access to WASH services and food assistance in the form of cash. Protection activities focusing on registration and documentation of refugees and asylum seekers and comprehensive assistance to victims of violence will be also considered based on funds availability. Linkages with the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF) initiative will be encouraged in order to strengthen the search for durable solutions and allow sound and sustainable exit strategies. Uganda Uganda is now facing the world's fastest growing refugee crisis, due to a continuous and unprecedented influx of people fleeing conflict in neighbouring South Sudan. It is now the top refugee hosting country in Africa, with over 1.3 million refugees and asylum seekers, including South Sudanese, Congolese and Burundians refugees. The number of South Sudanese refugees in Uganda has now passed the one-million mark. The situation is putting a lot of pressure on Uganda and its progressive policy towards refugees. With refugee settlements already stretched and with the need to open new settlements or extend existing ones, an appropriate level of response is needed to ensure uninhibited access to asylum, provision of life-saving assistance, the effective management of reception centres and registration procedures and potential establishment of settlements in new areas. High attention to targeting of humanitarian response will be critical. The engagement of more long-term actors should be more widely promoted and advocated for in order to support the self-reliance policy promoted by Uganda and threatened by the unbalance between increasing level of humanitarian needs and the very low level of funding. In 2018, DG ECHO will focus on addressing the most critical humanitarian needs through multi-sectoral life-saving activities to build basic services. In addition and given that the great majority of the caseload is composed of women and children, it is also essential to develop protection activities (preventive or as a response) to the benefit of refugees. Due to the low literacy rate and the heavy disruption of education services in South Sudan, Education in Emergencies will also be a focus. While both protracted and new caseloads co-exist, priority will be given to new influxes, including whenever relevant host communities. Specific attention will be given to the South Sudanese refugee crisis, though DG ECHO will continue to support other new refugee caseloads. Linking short-term humanitarian interventions to medium-term development interventions would be essential. In particular with the EUTF for Africa and the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework, DG ECHO will seek for complementarities with development actors to support self-reliance of the refugees. Southern Africa and Indian Ocean 24

25 The majority of the countries in the Southern African and Indian Ocean region (SAIO) 37 are emerging from a widespread food security crisis as a result of the El Niño phenomenon which developed since early 2015 and led to the worst drought in the last 35 years in 2016/2017. EC humanitarian funding for the drought in SAIO amounted to EUR 52 million in 2016 and EUR 9 million in 2017.With improved food security in the region, humanitarian relief activities related to El Niño response were largely concluded in August This has created conditions for a transition from emergency humanitarian assistance to recovery and resilience building. Furthermore, the exposure of the region to recurrent events and the vulnerability of the population make it necessary to support disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience. The SAIO region is exposed to various hazards ranging from floods, cyclones, drought and epidemics resulting in loss of lives, livelihood assets, economic losses and population displacement. Despite considerable efforts and achievements in terms of DRR, there are still needs in the region. Early Warning Systems (EWS) are not always translated into early action; there is a need to further advocate, elaborate and put in place Emergency Preparedness & Response approaches. In view of this context, humanitarian priorities for DG ECHO in 2018 in the SAIO region will be based on two pillars: (1) enhance preparedness and resilience; (2) respond to unforeseen events when national/local capacity is overwhelmed. ECHO will prioritise building on lessons learnt and best practices, to scale up innovative DRR practices. Some interventions will be axed around preparedness for and mitigation of the effects of disasters. Focus will be on Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, and for the first time also on Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Actions will aim at strengthening national, district and local preparedness and response capacity, linking early warning to early action, and increasing government and local actors' capacity for response and provision of basic needs, improving EWS and DRR in schools/education. Actions will also support preparedness to use cash in emergency responses, linking it to social protection systems. DRR funding will support community-based approaches aiming to enhance the resilience of the hazard-exposed communities. To the extent possible, the Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk Management interventions will be implemented in close collaboration and with the involvement of national counterparts and local authorities and linkages will be promoted with regional initiatives. These interventions will pursue durable and innovative solutions to benefit vulnerable populations by strengthening local, national and regional capacities for resilience. In all its interventions ECHO will promote the use of innovative solutions, cash transfers, in particular the use of multipurpose cash transfer and encourage the use of existing social protection systems and safety nets for targeting, registration and delivery of humanitarian assistance to beneficiaries to improve efficiency and linkages with development programmes. Great Lakes region The Great Lakes region is characterised by a plurality of crises, both protracted and acute, affecting a significant number of people. Crises include armed conflicts and insecurity leading to recurrent forced displacement, food insecurity and under-nutrition, in addition to repeated epidemics. Many crisis-affected people lack livelihood opportunities and often live in extreme poverty, while access to basic social services and rule of law are inadequate or inexistent, especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi. Conflicts in the Great 37 For the purposes of the 2018 Humanitarian Implementation Plan the term Southern African and Indian Ocean Region (SAIO) covers the following countries: Botswana, Comoros Islands, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 25

26 Lakes are dynamic and cause high level displacement within and across every national border in the region, which now hosts over one million refugees, mainly from Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, but also more recently from South Sudan. DRC and Tanzania host the largest refugee caseloads in the Great Lakes region with some refugees in DRC and refugees and asylum seekers in Tanzania. In addition, more than 4 million people are internally displaced in DRC, Burundi and the Republic of Congo. With around four million IDPs, the DRC has become the African country with the highest number of internally displaced people. In addition to two decades of successive shocks, armed conflicts and intercommunity violence in the DRC, the country is now also confronted to new upsurges of violence and conflicts in the Kivus but also in Tanganyika and, more recently, in the Kasaï region. In Tanganyika, the ethnic conflict between Luba and Twa people has persisted and moved to new locations in The number of displaced people is estimated at over Population movements continue with new displacements with a low level of response in terms of humanitarian assistance (basic services). The nature of the violence makes the return of the populations to their home villages difficult in the absence of local authorities' implication and without the support of humanitarian organisations. The crisis in Tanganyika had also a spill-over effect with several thousand people crossing the border and seeking refuge in Zambia. Since August 2016, a complex emergency has quickly developed in the five provinces of Kasaïs (Kasaï, Kasaï Central, Kasaï Oriental, Lomami and Sankuru), affecting some 2.6 million people, of which nearly 1.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, the majority of whom - more than one million - being displaced persons. The conflict is taking place in an area that was not, up-to-now, affected by a humanitarian crisis, which means that the response has to start from scratch with partners having to "invest" in a new area, with all the security and access constraints. The situation generates significant humanitarian needs for multi-sectorial response as well as for protection. Nevertheless, the local health structures were still operating in the area with the support of development actors, including the EU. The Kasaï crisis has also an impact in Angola with an influx of Congolese refugees (33 000). In Burundi, since the president, Pierre Nkurunziza, announced his intention to seek a third term in April 2015, the country has been plunged into a crisis of staggering proportions. Violence by Inbonerakure (government militia) and violations of human rights, including torture and arbitrary executions, are still regularly occurring even though they are almost invisible nowadays. This initially "political" crisis has been slowly turning into a humanitarian crisis with a significant impact both internally and in the region, forcing some Burundian to flee to neighbouring countries. The crisis has triggered a major socioeconomic crisis in an already very poor and fragile country. According to OCHA Humanitarian Response Plan for Burundi (HRP), around 3 million people are affected by the crisis. The EU has suspended direct financial aid to the government 38, and the development cooperation in the country is currently channelled via NGOs, Member States agencies and UN agencies. Food insecurity and under-nutrition are significant in the Great Lakes region and affects some 7.7 million people in DRC in 2017, which represents an increase of 30% compared to 2016 and some 2.56 million in Burundi. The Great Lakes region is also largely affected by epidemics e.g. measles, malaria, cholera, yellow fever, and even Ebola. In the DRC and the Burundi crisis contexts, both having regional implications, the humanitarian situation is aggravated by political and pre/post-electoral tensions (in the case of 38 Council Decision (EU) 2016/394 of 14 March 2016, closing consultations under article 96 of Cotonou agreement. 26

27 DRC), economic downturn and the spread of violence. In some areas, the situation keeps deteriorating due to physical/logistical and security obstacles. Overall, the security situation has deteriorated, in particular in the DRC, where the Kasaï crisis has added to an already very unsafe context. On 20 October 2017, the United Nations activated a system-wide emergency response to the humanitarian crisis in the DRC at the highest level: level 3 (L3) 39. The geographical focus of the L3 response in the DRC is on the regions of South Kivu, Tanganyika and the Kasaïs. L3 is an operational tool which allows for an accelerated and scaled-up assistance and protection, including the mobilisation of additional capacities, resources and extended field presence. The L3 emergency response activation remains valid till mid-april In 2018, DG ECHO will prioritise its support on the provision of immediate multi-sectoral assistance and protection responding to the basic needs of the newly arrived refugees in the Great Lakes region while working on longer term solutions with development actors for the more protracted situations. Advocacy for the voluntary character of any return will be pursued. In the DRC, DG ECHO will address urgent needs arising from population displacements in conflict zones and life-threatening situations in non-conflict areas. Particular attention will be given to the protection of civilians affected by conflict. DG ECHO will support emergency preparedness to ensure swift response capacity in such volatile contexts. Other regions affected by epidemics and acute malnutrition will also be assisted strictly respecting emergency thresholds and taking into account local capacities. In line with the humanitarian/development nexus commitments, DG ECHO will continue to be actively involved in the search for self-reliance solutions in the Great Lakes region, in forced displacement settings, both IDPs and refugees, in coordination with development partners. Advocacy for the defence of humanitarian space and respect of humanitarian principles and IHL will be maintained, along with support for humanitarian coordination and logistics whenever relevant, including the provision of the ECHO Flight service to access remote areas in the DRC. ECHO Flight In 2018, DG ECHO aims to improve the conditions for delivering humanitarian aid by supporting transport services to ensure that aid is accessible to beneficiaries. ECHO Flight is a vital service for most humanitarian partner organisations operating in some regions of Africa, as it would not be possible to implement many humanitarian projects without this service. ECHO Flight opens up humanitarian access by providing a dedicated, efficient, safe and cost-effective humanitarian air transport services to remote locations that would otherwise be cut off from the rest of the world. ECHO Flight facilitates partners' humanitarian response and improves the quality of humanitarian operations by allowing more frequent monitoring and evaluation missions. Field staff productivity is increased because rotations can be organised to allow staff to rest and recuperate on a regular basis. The capacity to carry out emergency evacuations by air is for many organisations a prerequisite for the continued implementation of their projects. ECHO Flight directly supports between 300 and 350 projects in the DRC, Kenya and Mali. In addition, ECHO Flight in Kenya travels close to the Somali and Ethiopian border and ECHO Flight DRC travels in northern Uganda close to the South Sudanese refugee camps, which allows humanitarian aid workers to access these 39 With this activation, there are now four L3 crises worldwide: Iraq, Syria, Yemen and the DRC. 27

28 three countries. ECHO Flight transports more than passengers and 15 tonnes of cargo per month Eastern Neighbourhood Turkey The impact of the Syria regional crisis on Turkey is significant and will continue to represent a major challenge in With over 3.4 million registered refugees in 2017, out of which 3.1 million are Syrians, Turkey is the host to the largest refugee population in the world. These numbers are unlikely to substantially decrease in The majority of the non-syrian registered asylum seekers are Iraqis and Afghans, with others coming mainly from Iran, Somalia and a variety of other countries. Despite the relatively progressive nature of the legal framework and the assistance made available for refugees in Turkey by the government and international humanitarian organisations, refugees have difficulties meeting their basic needs. While the condition of refugees in camps is relatively stable, the situation for refugees outside the camps may worsen over time if savings and household resources are consumed at a greater rate than they are able to replenish them. Poverty also involves an increased risk of exploitation. In 2018, DG ECHO will continue to implement its programme of humanitarian response with a focus on the following activities: 1) to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable refugees through DG ECHO s flagship programmes in close coordination with Turkish authorities and EU-longer term instruments: firstly the Emergency Social Safety Net (ESSN), which will continue to constitute the main vehicle for humanitarian assistance under the EU Facility for Refugees in Turkey and cover the basic needs (food, shelter, etc.) of up to 1.3 million refugees and secondly the Conditional Cash Transfer for Education (CCTE), both projects are financed under the HIP 2017 until the end of 2018; 2) provision of specialized protection, education and health services complementing the interventions of the Government of Turkey, the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan in response to the Syria Crisis and EU longer-term instruments: the scale of intervention will depend on the possible prolongation of the Facility for the Refugees in Turkey (FRT) beyond 2017; 3) emergency response and preparedness; and 4) strategic coordination and information management. Ukraine The conflict that has affected around 5 million people and caused massive displacement, both within the country and across borders, continues to affect the population in eastern Ukraine. The areas beyond government control (NGCA) and along both sides of the line of contact, subject to continuous ceasefire violations, are particularly affected. The situation is characterised by a shrinking humanitarian space in the NGCA, restrictions of movement for people and goods across the line of contact, security, bureaucratic and legislative hurdles and suspension of social assistance to hundreds of thousands of IDPs. Of major concern is the very low level of funding to respond to the humanitarian needs caused by this protracted crisis. DG ECHO will continue to advocate for improved humanitarian space at all levels and with all parties to the conflict. It will support integrated interventions and will focus on helping the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine, in particular the population living along both sides of the contact line and in the NGCA. DG ECHO is advocating for opportunities for LRRD and seeks longer term commitments from development donors to support conflict affected persons, including IDPs and returnees in the Government Controlled Area, living further away from the contact line. DG ECHO, 28

29 together with DG NEAR and the EEAS, is working on a joint framework in order to shaping a more comprehensive response to the impact of the conflict by addressing humanitarian, stabilisation and reform/development priorities. Western Balkans The so-called Western Balkans route for refugees entering the European Union has remained closed since March Illegal crossings still continue but their number is contained. The numbers of new refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in Serbia has been in clear decline (at the beginning of September 2017 amounting to around 4 200). In 2018, implementing the humanitarian development nexus, DG ECHO will phase out its assistance to the remaining refugees, asylum seekers and migrants stranded in Serbia. Should there be a new significant influx of refugees and migrants exceeding the coping capacities of the host countries, DG ECHO stands ready to finance life-saving activities Middle East Syria Regional Crisis The Syria conflict continues to take a drastic toll on civilian lives and causing severe humanitarian crisis in Syria and the region. There are over 13.6 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and protection, 6.6 million internally displaced people (IDPs) and over 5 million refugees in neighbouring countries (Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq) and beyond (Egypt). More than 7 million are food insecure; 1.7 million IDPs live in camps, settlements and collective centres, while thousands are stranded at the borders. In 2017, as part of its swift and needs based approach throughout the country, DG ECHO scaled-up its emergency response as result of the offensive to retake ISIL-controlled areas along the Euphrates corridor that resulted in more displacement and vulnerability. The establishment of 'De-Escalation Areas' (DEAs) may have a significant impact on the humanitarian situation, particularly in Idlib, Homs, Hama and Aleppo, and the southern provinces of Der'a and Quneitra, which all combined host around 2.6m people. In 2018, DG ECHO will continue to provide swift and needs based multi-sectoral life-saving response. Sectors will include protection, health, wash, coordination, education, emergency preparedness and first line response. Assessments suggest that humanitarian access to ISIL-held areas and protection of civilians in high intensity conflict areas will remain a serious challenge. DG ECHO will prioritize its needs based assistance to most vulnerable people regardless of their geographical location. Particular consideration will be given to improve humanitarian access, protection of civilians and humanitarian aid workers. Humanitarian Diplomacy (Advocacy) will continue to be central to ensure respect of IHL, enhanced access and protection of civilians. The EU will continue to call for humanitarian access and increased aid delivery in DEAs. In case of safe, voluntary and dignified returns, DG ECHO will consider providing basic support to meet returnees' urgent needs. Coordination with other EU instruments will be further enhanced to complete a Joint Humanitarian and Development Framework (JHDF) efforts aimed at ensuring effective response, resilience and solid links between EU humanitarian and development instruments. Jordan is one of the countries most affected by the Syria conflict. It hosts over Syrian refugees (around 10% of its population). Undocumented refugees are often victims of forced relocation inside the camps or back to Syria. Registration renewal and documentation process was agreed by Jordan and humanitarian actors as part of the Brussels Conference Output Paper for Jordan. The closing of the north-eastern border with Syria so-called 'Berm' in mid-2016 has left over people stranded at the border in a desert area in precarious conditions. The Jordan Compact presented at the London conference in February 2016 sets 29

30 out a series of major commitments aimed at improving the resilience of refugee and host communities, focusing mainly on livelihoods and education. In 2018, DG ECHO will continue assisting Syrian refugees in Jordan through cash interventions both in and outside camps with a particular focus on life-saving operations at the Berm and stepping up protection programs and advocacy. In parallel, DG ECHO will strengthen its efforts with other EU instruments to ensure a smooth transition to longer-term solutions for documented refugees and host communities in Jordan. Lebanon hosts the world highest number of refugees per capita. It continues to face a long standing political stalemate, serious economic and social instability. The government is increasingly putting in place restrictive measures towards refugees, affecting further their protection and well-being. The main drivers of the increasing refugees' vulnerability is the heightened protection threats, prescriptive legal regulations that further drive refugees into illegality and the spiralling down of their basic living conditions. With 80% of refugees reportedly lacking legal stay, which further exposes them to exploitation and harassment and limits adequate access to services, the asylum space is alarmingly restricting. The return of refugees to Syria continues to dominate the political narrative, further corroborated by the rhetoric on the creation of de-escalation zones. The absence of meaningful humanitarian assessment of the recent movements raises serious concerns on the risk of refoulement taking place. Based on the evolution of the situation and the heightened protection risks, DG ECHO response in 2018 will keep its focus on protection and provision of life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable refugees based on evidenced needs. Protection and accountability remain key elements in the DG ECHO strategy for Lebanon. The JHDF (Joint Humanitarian Development Framework) exercise between DG ECHO and DG NEAR was instrumental in transitioning certain interventions into a more sustainable and longer term assistance mechanism and with a view to ensure the operational continuity between the various EU instruments along their respective mandates. In Egypt, the increased influx which has characterized the year 2016 continues unabated with newly registered refugees during the first semester of 2017 alone and decreased outflows towards Europe following a restrictive shift in policy. Steadily deteriorating humanitarian situation for the over urban refugees, including Syrians and an unprecedented number of unaccompanied and separated children, due to the economic and financial crisis unfolded as of the end of Over 90% of the Syrian refugees are classified as 'severely' or 'high vulnerable' and live in the most overcrowded and impoverished urban settings. Despite formal access to public education and health services, multiple barriers negatively affect Syrian refugees capacity to benefit from them. In 2018, DG ECHO will continue to consolidate its small-scale niche response implemented during the last two HIPs focusing on core humanitarian needs. The response strategy aims at expanding basic needs approach through multipurpose cash transfer to the most vulnerable, addressing core protection gaps and delivering emergency health and education. Yemen Yemen has turned into the world largest humanitarian crisis in absolute numbers of people in need combining the 'triple tragedy' of famine, cholera and a brutal conflict. Out of a total population of 27.4 million, 20.7 million people are estimated to be in need of humanitarian assistance. Seven million people are at risk of famine and 3.2 million children and women suffer acute malnutrition. Furthermore, nearly 16 million lack access to water and sanitation thus aggravating further a nutrition crisis. Of particular concern is the public health crisis, including the current cholera outbreak. 30

31 DG ECHO's operational priorities for 2018 will build on last year approach while acknowledging the combination of emergency and protracted needs present in the country. Given the scale of the needs, priority will be given to the most vulnerable groups and people most at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation, including internally displaced persons, refugees and migrants trapped in Yemen. The key strategic areas will be in 2018: integrated response to the continuing nutrition and food security crisis; response to the health crisis (including WASH activities required to prevent transmission of epidemics); multi-sectoral response to new and protracted cases of displacement, host communities and besieged population and horizontal support in protection, advocacy and coordination. As the conflict is becoming protracted but with the potential of major escalations in some locations (i.e. Red Sea coast, Hodeida), special attention will be paid to strengthening rapid response capacities among DG ECHO partners. Palestine After fifty years of ongoing occupation in the West Bank and ten years of blockade of the Gaza strip, Palestine 40 continues to be a protracted protection crisis with humanitarian consequences caused by recurrent violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL). In 2018, DG ECHO will continue to assist and protect the vulnerable communities of Gaza who struggle to cope with a complex protracted situation. The key socio-economic indicators illustrate the decline of the area where almost 40% of the population in Gaza now live below the poverty line, and the unemployment rate has reached over 60% amongst the youth. The escalation in the internal Palestinian divide over control of Gaza has led to an unprecedented chronic energy crisis affecting the already deteriorated health, WASH and livelihood sectors. In the West Bank, in particular Area C and East Jerusalem, DG ECHO will continue supporting and protecting around people that are subject to economic deprivation with limited access to basic services (water, food, health, education), displacement and dispossession of land and housing through forced evictions and home demolitions. In 2018 humanitarian assistance in Palestine will continue to focus on the humanitarian mandate through reinforced integrated multi-sectoral approaches and with increasing emphasis on protection and emergency preparedness and response, humanitarian advocacy and support to humanitarian coordination. Close coordination within Commission services and with the European External Action Service (EEAS) will continue to ensure programmatic complementarity between relief and long-term operations/resilience building. Iraq crisis In 2018, Iraq will enter the fifth year of its latest humanitarian crisis, result of the ongoing armed conflict, with more than 11 million Iraqis in need of humanitarian aid and over 3.4 million internally displaced (in addition to Syrian refugees). The humanitarian crisis in Iraq has been one of the largest, most complex and highly volatile in the world and is classified by the UN as a L3 emergency (UN classification for the most severe crises worldwide). In 2018, sustained and significant life-saving humanitarian support will continue to be required to assist the most vulnerable people in retaken areas as well as those affected and/or displaced by previous conflict in Mosul and Telafar, and in upcoming fighting in West Anbar, Hawija, and foreseen future hotspots of violence. Ensuring protection of civilians and respect of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) will remain a top priority, during and after the conduct of hostilities (e.g. guaranteeing due process in security screening and detention; protecting/assisting families allegedly labelled as ISIL-affiliated, subject to collective 40 This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individual positions of the Member States on this issue 31

32 punishment, violations, including retaliation, forced confinement, and forbidden return). Protection and assistance to physical and gender based violence survivors will also remain essential as well as mental and physical rehabilitation for the people who have suffered trauma. Approximately one million Iraqis are estimated to be prevented or not able to return to their areas of origin, anytime soon in This would mainly be due to the alleged consideration of displaced families as affiliated to ISIL, the extraordinary level of contamination by unexploded devices, massive destruction during conflict, the actual forbidden return of displaced families by armed groups, on ethno-sectarian basis, as well as fear of retaliation. Those prevented to return will face protracted displacement in 2018, most likely in dedicated IDP camps under strict security conditions and dependent on humanitarian aid. The EU will also further strengthen its humanitarian advocacy, to ensure the respect of IHL and protection of all civilians, during and after the conduct of hostilities. Promoting a sustainable response and transition to early recovery and mid-term support, where and as soon as possible, will be more important than ever in the post Mosul/post ISIL scenario. Bolstering synergies and complementarities between humanitarian aid, stabilization, early recovery and development support will be essential, to enable Iraqi families to rebuild their lives Asia, Latin America, Caribbean and Pacific South West Asia and Central Asia Region Afghanistan The conflict in Afghanistan has intensified over the last year, causing ever-increasing suffering and further erosion of the social and economic fabric of the country. According to a UN 2017 needs overview 41 Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous, and most violent, crisis ridden countries in the world. The continued deepening and geographic spread of the conflict has prompted a 13% increase in the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in 2017, now 9.3 million. The number of civilians killed and injured during the first six months of 2017 persisted at the same record high levels as in 2016 but with a worsening toll from suicide attacks, and a greater impact on women and children. As the conflict further expands, the number of IDPs has increased to around 1.7 million. The protracted conflict continues to imply that there are 2.4 million registered Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan and an estimated equal number of undocumented Afghans without official refugee status or the associated protection. Afghan refugees represent the third largest refugee group worldwide and the second largest contingent of asylum seekers to the EU. In 2016, over Afghans returned, or were deported from Pakistan, Iran and Europe. However, this, together with the 1.7 million displaced people (25 % of which are recent within the last 18 months, the others being protracted), has put increasing pressure on the scarce services and resources inside Afghanistan, particularly in urban areas to which IDPs and returnees are attracted. Despite the USD 15 billion pledged by the international community at the 2016 Brussels conference, the government of Afghanistan not only lacks the resources and the capacity to provide for its conflict affected populations but also does not control all of its territory. There is a continued need for support for life-saving multi-sector interventions to assist conflict-affected populations, as well as healthcare provision in areas not otherwise covered by government services. The complexity of the conflict, the insecurity, the weak government agencies, the remoteness and inaccessibility of vulnerable communities, pose significant challenges to the provision of

33 principled humanitarian aid. DG ECHO will thus support coordination, safety and security measures and air services as a pre-requisite for more effective aid delivery. Afghanistan is also regularly affected by natural disasters, predominantly floods and drought, affecting on average over people each year. It will be important to maintain lifesaving multi-sector support capacity for these populations, while also promoting disaster preparedness. Pakistan Pakistan is confronted with issues related to internal insecurity, as well as the spill-over effects of the conflict in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, whereas humanitarian assistance for disaster and conflict affected communities continues to be needed, some issues are showing a more positive trend and reduced needs. Over the last years, the reduction in conflict in the North-western areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and FATA has allowed the bulk of the internally displaced to return home. There are re-integration and rehabilitation needs in the areas of return but these are being carried out by the government with the support of development donors. As a result this issue will require very little humanitarian input in Despite the recent return of refugees to Afghanistan, Pakistan continues to host over 1.4 million registered and an estimated 0.7 million unregistered Afghan refugees, for which the Government of Pakistan still requires international assistance. Even if the bulk of this is being provided by development donors, certain aspects, such as protection, will still require humanitarian assistance. Nutritional vulnerabilities remain particularly critical in Sindh and Baluchistan provinces. However, with development actors embarking on a comprehensive support programme to tackle the structural aspects of the malnutrition in Pakistan, DG ECHO has phased out of mainstream nutrition programmes and will rather support the government in establishing an emergency response capacity to deal with future nutritional shocks. Iran Iran hosts documented Afghan refugees, and an estimated 1.5 to 2 million undocumented Afghans mostly living in peri-urban settings. Some of these Afghan nationals are considered to be vulnerable. Iran has opened up its national health insurance scheme to documented Afghan refugees on the same basis as its own citizens. In addition, all foreign children irrespective of their legal status have also recently been permitted to enrol in the national education system. In this context, international support has not so far been commensurate with the scale of the needs. In 2018, DG ECHO will continue to concentrate on assisting the most vulnerable refugees regardless their status. The main sectors covered include food assistance, health, voluntary repatriation, protection and education. In terms of protection DG ECHO will, in particular, engage with the Iranian authorities, to promote the protection and well-being of the several hundred thousand Afghans who are deported from Iran each year. Central Asia In view of the remarkable progress made in the field disaster risk reduction by the governments of central Asia, DG ECHO has decided that its long-standing DIPECHO programme has achieved its objectives and should be phased out. Nonetheless, as existing programmes will run until the end of 2018 a monitoring capacity will be maintained. Furthermore not only will the Commission remain involved in building DRR capacity in the 33

34 region through its various indicative and thematic programmes managed by DG DEVCO but DG ECHO will continue to help building a stronger collaborative relationship between the national and regional DRR bodies of Central Asia. South and South East Asia, and the Pacific The region is among the most natural disaster-affected in the world in terms of scale, recurrence and severity of disasters. New disasters in some countries of the region may require a humanitarian response, given their population's high exposure and vulnerability to disasters and the limited national response capacities. Moreover, DG ECHO will continue to respond to man-made disasters in Myanmar and Bangladesh. DG ECHO will maintain its support for DRR in ASEAN Member States, as well as in South Asia (Bangladesh and Nepal). DG ECHO DRR interventions aim to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable communities in disaster-prone areas and build the capacity of institutions, while promoting the replication of DRR models which have proved to be effective and sustainable. In what concerns ASEAN States, priority will be given to actions supporting the implementation of the AADMER Work plan , which can cover one or several countries. In South Asia, DG ECHO will focus on: (1) earthquake preparedness, with an emphasis on high population density urban areas (Bangladesh and Nepal); (2) reinforcing institutional capacities; (3) school based DP and (4) preparedness for emergency response. Myanmar DG ECHO will continue to address the needs of the most vulnerable people affected by violence and conflict. The focus will be on Rakhine, Kachin and Shan States, where up to one million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. DG ECHO may also continue to address the humanitarian needs generated by the cumulative impact of natural disasters. The new spate of violence that spread through Rakhine State since August, in particular in northern Rakhine, has much worsened the humanitarian situation. At the time of writing, humanitarian access to North Rakhine remains heavily constrained - only the Red Cross Movement has some access therefore needs assessments cannot be carried out at present, but before this latest crisis more than stateless Rohingya were living in the area; at least are likely to remain with very limited access to basic necessities, such as food and health care. In Central Rakhine State, people remain segregated in detention camps in appalling conditions, since the 2012 inter-communal violence. Throughout the State, protection concerns are very serious. The continued state of emergency and the severe movement restrictions negatively impact people's access to basic services and livelihoods, pushing these communities to attempt very dangerous migration routes, while also fuelling conflict. In Kachin and Shan States, the conflict has displaced more than people since 2011 and fighting continues to cause new displacements. Acute humanitarian needs remain unaddressed, notably for the IDPs in areas outside government control. Restricted access to populations in need of humanitarian assistance is, also here, a major challenge for the relief response. Protection, DRR and attention to specific vulnerabilities and gender/age issues will be mainstreamed in all operations funded by DG ECHO. Information management and coordination can also be funded. Support for the repatriation of refugees and resettlement of IDPs within Myanmar may be envisaged, in coordination with development actors, if the situation is conducive for safe and voluntary return. Bangladesh DG ECHO will continue to deliver basic life-saving humanitarian aid to the Rohingya refugees and the host community in Cox's Bazar, including to the (as of October 34

35 2017) newly displaced Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Assistance will be provided within and around the camps, including the most vulnerable populations living in the surrounding area, to the extent that access is granted. In parallel, discussions will continue with key stakeholders to promote a durable political solution to this crisis. An important protection issue is the lack of legal status which, if addressed, could solve many of the present challenges. Bangladesh is a highly disaster-prone country and particularly vulnerable to cyclones, floods and earthquakes. Hence, DG ECHO will continue to contribute to addressing the humanitarian needs generated by major natural disasters that overcome national response capacities. In parallel, DG ECHO will continue to fund DRR projects, focusing on urban earthquake preparedness and floods preparedness in the Cox Bazar area, to build the resilience of this very vulnerable population. Central, South America and the Caribbean Central America In Central America, and some states in Mexico, the humanitarian impact of organised, pervasive violence is extremely high, with similar effects to those found in conflicts: forced population displacement; lack of access to basic services; child recruitment; confinement of entire communities. At global level, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador are among the fifteen countries most affected by extreme events, according to the latest INFORM ranking. Costa Rica, Panama and Mexico have also been occasionally affected by such events. Some 1.7 million people per year require temporary evacuation and/or emergency assistance due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, droughts, hurricanes. Successive shocks over the last years, exacerbated by El Niño-related droughts and the coffee rust have seriously deteriorated the food security situation of the most vulnerable populations. In 2017, at least 0.7 million people, mainly in the Dry Corridor in Guatemala and Honduras, are estimated to be acutely food insecure. The combination of high exposure to hazards, high levels of poverty and extreme violence has eroded the coping capacities of local populations. Climate change and rapid unplanned urbanization further exacerbate vulnerability. In 2018 DG ECHO will support protection and relief assistance for the most vulnerable victims of organised violence, food assistance and short- to medium-term livelihood recovery and protection for people affected by food insecurity, as well as disaster preparedness and resilience-building activities. South America South America is exposed to a variety of hazards. In 2018, DG ECHO's disaster preparedness and DRR activities will aim to strengthen local, national and regional response and coordination capacities, while promoting a civil protection approach to State response. Based on the achievements and lessons learnt from previous interventions, actions will aim at further strengthening and replicating best practices for ownership and institutionalisation by the authorities. To this end, close coordination with local, national, and regional institutions will be maintained, and synergies with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism will be explored. Colombia While the peace agreement signed between the Government and the FARC at the end of 2016 and the ongoing talks with the ELN are a historic opportunity to end a decades-long internal conflict which killed and displaced about 7 million since 1985, violence perpetrated 35

36 by new armed groups, including FARC dissidence, against civilian populations continues to generate humanitarian needs across the country. Around new displacements are reported each month in 2017, with spill-over effects into neighbouring countries, mostly Ecuador. In 2018, DG ECHO support will focus on the most affected and under-assisted populations, in particular recently displaced people and rural communities facing restrictions of movement and access to food and basic services. Attention will be paid to most vulnerable groups - female-headed households, children, elderly, indigenous and Afro-Colombians. In the region, DG ECHO will provide assistance and protection to Colombians in need of international protection and to refugees. DG ECHO will aim to link humanitarian initiatives with peacebuilding programmes in conflict affected areas, while seeking continued synergies with the Trust Fund set up by the EU in support of the peace process. In the event of a massive influx of Venezuelan populations into Colombia, DG ECHO will ensure the provision of assistance to the most vulnerable of them. Venezuela The prevailing social, economic and security crisis has generated an increasingly palpable humanitarian crisis (not recognised by the national government), in particular due to lack of access to food and health by a large part of the population. The impact of the crisis in the region is also very worrying, since a large number of Venezuelans are seeking refuge to neighbouring countries, mainly Trinidad and Tobago (40 000), Brazil (between and ) and Colombia (over ). Needs are mostly in terms of lack of access to health services, and lack of access to food. DG ECHO will continue to support the provision of humanitarian monitoring tools, with the possibility to scale up assistance according to identified needs. Caribbean As was underscored by the devastation caused by the 2017 hurricane season, the Caribbean is highly vulnerable to recurrent natural hazards, notably hurricanes, storms, flooding and droughts (the latter intensified by El Niño in ). DG ECHO will continue its support to Disaster Risk Reduction and preparedness, and the strengthening of resilience, building on the achievements of previous interventions and within the EU response strategy Linking Relief Rehabilitation and Development. DG ECHO will also stand ready to provide rapid humanitarian assistance in response to new sudden-onset disasters in the region. Cooperation will continue with disaster management institutions at local, national and regional level to further promote institutionalization and sharing of best practices. Haiti Eight years after the 2010 earthquake, significant progress has been made to address the needs of the victims. Following the widespread damage caused by Hurricane Matthew in October 2016, humanitarian needs remain high and the EU has mobilized a comprehensive response, integrating humanitarian and development aid, through complementary funding instruments/decisions. This approach will be continued in Worldwide intervention Humanitarian aid operations to be financed by DG ECHO as worldwide intervention (outside the EU) aim to provide assistance in situations where there are fast onset humanitarian needs for example within the context of an epidemic outbreak, cyclones, floods, earthquake, 36

37 landslides or any other sudden onset crisis that generates humanitarian need. This intervention includes a Humanitarian Implementation Plan designed to ensure rapid funding for response to a broad range of fast onset and first response needs: the Epidemics Tool which aims at preventing and mitigating epidemics outbreaks, the Small Scale Response Tool, the Acute Large Emergency Response Tool (ALERT), and a contribution to the IFRC DREF. The implementation of these four worldwide intervention tools will contribute to the fulfilment of providing humanitarian assistance both for urgent response and disaster preparedness to populations affected by disasters and epidemics Epidemics Epidemics pose great risks to the health, lives and livelihoods of vulnerable people in developing countries. Communicable diseases that have appeared or reappeared in recent years have demonstrated their epidemic potential and their capacity to significantly exceed national resources and boundaries, causing major - even regional - emergencies. The burden of endemic and epidemic-prone diseases tends to increase in view of more complex emergencies related to natural disasters, climate change, and conflict. Such crises result in increased vulnerability to infectious diseases alongside reduced capacity of countries to respond to public health risks, especially if existing health systems were already poorly resourced. Vaccination coverage in developing countries is generally low and, thus, the risk of transmitting infection is increased. To reduce morbidity and mortality in disease outbreaks, early and effective action is required. Preparedness and response capacity are intimately linked as an effective response is only possible with an appropriate degree of preparedness Small Scale While relatively limited numbers of people may be involved, small-scale disasters still have a serious negative impact on the lives and livelihoods of those affected. They often occur in remote or isolated areas and rarely attract international attention. In addition, in the context of larger disasters, even in countries with relatively developed disaster management capacity, there are sometimes gaps in the national response, i.e. needs that are not covered due to social inequality, physical isolation, and under-reporting of events or inadequate local capacity. The objective of the Small Scale Response Tool is to provide rapid relief assistance to victims of natural or man-made disasters where a small-scale response is sufficient to cover unmet needs and enhance preparedness. Where appropriate, actions funded also aim at enhancing the most vulnerable populations' resilience and strengthening the capacity of local communities and authorities to respond to disasters Acute Large Emergency Response Tool (ALERT) Large scale sudden onset disasters can have an enormous impact on the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable populations. In many countries, the effects of a disaster when combined with high levels of vulnerability and insufficient local capacities may be devastating and require urgent life-saving assistance. How quickly needs are addressed within the first days of a disaster is usually critical. The purpose of the Acute Large Emergency Response Tool (ALERT) is to provide a first initial response to cover the immediate needs of the most vulnerable in the days after a large scale emergency or a sudden onset humanitarian crisis Support to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) Most small-scale emergencies are responded to at local or national level. Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies, supported by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), are often best placed to provide an immediate response as they are rooted in the local community, mobilising community members as volunteers. DG ECHO will continue to support the IFRC's DREF through earmarked contributions. Funding 37

38 is provided for relief activities as well as preparedness for imminent disasters, in the context of small-scale emergencies for which an appeal is unlikely to be launched Complementary and thematic activities Enhanced Response Capacity In 2018, DG ECHO will contribute to addressing the increasing gap between humanitarian needs and response capacity by reinforcing the capacity of the humanitarian system to prepare, assess, analyse and respond to humanitarian crises. The capacity of humanitarian actors to respond to the ever-growing needs has been stretched to the limit. Meeting this challenge is not only a question of increasing financial resources, but also of improving tools, knowledge, coordination and preparedness. With the Enhanced Response Capacity (ERC), DG ECHO has a unique tool at its disposal to support global, and system relevant, capacity building initiatives. This will ultimately benefit the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian operations Visibility, information and communication In 2018, DG ECHO aims to increase awareness, understanding of and support for humanitarian issues, especially in Europe and in third countries where the Union is funding major humanitarian operations, by organising high impact public awareness, information and communication actions. These also serve to highlight the partnership between DG ECHO, on behalf of the Commission, and its partners in delivering relief assistance to people affected by humanitarian crises. Communication actions in 2018 will also contribute, where appropriate, to the corporate communication of the Commission, in particular regarding the EU's role in the world (A stronger global actor), as well as to the corporate communication cluster "An EU that Protects". DG ECHO's communication approach for humanitarian aid has been developed to take into account the specificity of humanitarian aid, with a view to preserving a distinct identity for impartial, needs-based humanitarian action, in line with the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid. The European Union is one of the world's leading humanitarian aid donors and plays an important role in shaping the global humanitarian landscape. Providing transparent and accountable information about the impact of EU humanitarian aid and disaster response and the underlying values to stakeholders in the wider sense is crucial to underpinning and mobilising continued support and relief assistance. Joint communication actions with the European Commission's humanitarian partners are integral to this approach. Operational activities funded by DG ECHO will thus fully integrate this imperative. Communicating the EU's response to major ongoing and sudden onset crises remains at the core of communication planning, together with awareness-raising on more strategic themes e.g. international humanitarian law, the humanitarian principles and 'forgotten crises'. Communication channels will include, inter alia, traditional print media, digital and social media products, journalist visits, television programmes, events, integrated communications campaigns and strategic action with humanitarian partners on key campaigning issues Training for Humanitarian Professionals In the European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, Member States and the partners of the European Commission agreed that the promotion of training activities should be part of an overall approach to reinforce global aid. Moreover, the Action Plan of the Consensus commits the European Union to the "reinforcement of EU training provision for humanitarian professionals and other actors linked to the humanitarian response " to contribute to an "improved response to humanitarian crises" and to achieve improved accountability to aid 38

39 recipients. The Commission is committed to the implementation of those principles which underpin the vision of the European Union. In 2018, DG ECHO will provide support to academic and education programmes that actively contribute to enhancing the professionalism of humanitarian actors, taking into account the demands of the field and the changes and evolution in both the humanitarian and higher education sectors. DG ECHO's first priority will be to support the coordination of the European master programme focussing on disciplines relating to humanitarian aid action. Such a master is the foundation for developing a network of professional humanitarian workers. The master is provided by the Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA). The Network on Humanitarian Action (NOHA) has been actively assisting DG ECHO since 1993 in promoting the professionalism in the humanitarian field. NOHA produces 130 Masters Graduates each year. To complement these master programmes, it is important also to develop introductory and advanced courses for professionals and practitioners working or starting to work in the humanitarian sector. These courses could focus on topics such as protection, logistics, cashbased intervention, security, IHL, which are amongst DG ECHO's priority topics. In order to reinforce the efforts made by European based organisations on education, it will also be important in 2018 to partner with humanitarian non-governmental and governmental organisations as well as with third-country academic institutions with a view to developing new joint research and training activities. Such partnerships could contribute to the professional delivery of humanitarian action through the provision of relevant and appropriate education and research. Such initiatives could also foster exchanges between humanitarian stakeholders across the globe through well-established networks. 3. DELIVERY, COORDINATION AND CONTROL OF HUMANITARIAN AID 3.1. Ways and means of delivering aid Field Network The field network of 45 field offices in over 40 countries is considered as one of DG ECHO's main key strengths. Composed of both international and local experts, it contributes decisively to making the European Union a reference donor, whose strong position in international fora is based on first-hand operational knowledge. The basic role of DG ECHO's field network is to enhance the effectiveness and appropriateness of the EU's humanitarian action by: Contributing to the identification and evaluation of humanitarian needs in the field and their possible evolution; Monitoring of humanitarian aid projects funded by the Union and provision of technical advice on needs assessment, analysis of proposals, and lessons learned; Contributing to ensure a coherent roll-out of policy guidelines guaranteeing a consistent level of quality for Union-funded humanitarian aid projects; Representing the Commission in relevant humanitarian aid clusters/fora, to advocate with relevant stakeholders at local/regional/global level, within the framework defined by Headquarters and to ensure appropriate communication and visibility actions, while keeping the office structures flexible, adapted to needs and acting through an appropriate resource, logistics and security management. 39

40 The field network is therefore of crucial importance in helping to enhance the impact of humanitarian aid to beneficiaries and in improving DG ECHO's ability, on behalf of the Commission, to determine priorities for the use of this aid. The presence of technical assistance in the field, ready to intervene immediately in humanitarian crises, substantially increases the Commission's rapid reaction capacity and the introduction and monitoring of aid programmes financed. Relations with partners DG ECHO implements its humanitarian aid mandate by funding projects proposed by more than 200 partners. They include European non-governmental organisations, United Nations agencies, other international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and specialised agencies from the EU Member States. Having a diverse range of partners is important, as it allows comprehensive coverage of an ever-growing list of needs in different parts of the world and in increasingly complex situations. Grants and contributions are decided on the basis of the best proposals covering the needs of those most vulnerable. Partner organisations make a commitment to highlight the origin of EU aid Coordination and exchange of information Various mechanisms are in place to ensure coordination and exchange of information on crisis response and humanitarian aid activities in general, including: Exchange of information on overall operational strategies and on responses to specific crisis situations features regularly on the agendas of the Council Working Group on Humanitarian Aid and Food Aid (COHAFA) attended by Member States; Crisis reports are shared with Member States. They contribute to the development of shared assessment and understanding on the situation on the ground and thus contribute to the overall coordination of the humanitarian response by the EU and its Member States; Exchanges with partners both at headquarters and at the field take place regularly; EDRIS (European Disaster Response Information System) collects data on DG ECHO and Member States' humanitarian aid activities; At international level, DG ECHO continues to participate in well-established fora such as the Good Humanitarian Donorship and the ICRC Donor Support Group/ODSG; Regular exchanges of views on the EU's response to crises take place in the European Parliament (in particular in the DEVE Committee); Ad hoc crisis coordination meetings of the EU services and broader inter-service meetings aimed at exchanging information (e.g. ARGUS meetings, Crisis Platform meetings organised by the EEAS); Regular information exchange and upstream coordination in relation to crisis response interventions under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) to ensure optimal deployment of DG ECHO resources and coherence of interventions Monitoring of use of funds Correct implementation of EU-funded operations is ensured by several layers of checks and monitoring, at internal level and by external actors. 40

41 Evaluation Evaluation is a key tool for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of EU initiatives. DG ECHO s evaluation programme covers five years and provides full evaluation coverage of DG ECHO s activities (humanitarian aid and civil protection) over the programme period. In 2017, the following evaluation related projects have been or will be completed, and the reports made available on DG ECHO s evaluation webpage on Europa 42 : Comprehensive evaluation of Humanitarian Aid; Interim evaluation of the European Voluntary Humanitarian Aid Corps; Evaluation of the European Commission s interventions in the humanitarian Health sector; Evaluation of the European Commission s humanitarian interventions in the region of Southern Africa and Indian Ocean; Evaluation of the European Commission s humanitarian interventions in India and Nepal. The following evaluations are currently about to be launched and completed in 2018: Evaluation of the implementation of Council Regulation (EU) 2016/369 on the provision of emergency support within the Union; Evaluation of the European Commission s humanitarian interventions in the African Great Lakes; The Evaluation Programme for 2018 is yet to be defined, and will contain additional evaluations to those mentioned above. Controls performed by DG ECHO The main aspects of the control environment developed by DG ECHO include supervision and monitoring procedures and ex-ante/ex-post controls: o Strict selection and quality control mechanisms of partners under the Framework Partnership Agreement that DG ECHO, on behalf of the Commission, signs with NGOs and international organisations 43 defining the requirements for financial credentials and expertise of partners; o Assessment of needs through a network of DG ECHO field experts (technical assistants) worldwide; o Appraisal of project proposals and on the spot project monitoring through a network of DG ECHO field experts (technical assistants) worldwide; o Regular field visits to projects by geographical desks, technical experts, external auditors, and DG ECHO managers; o Obligation for partners to produce reports after the end of each operation to justify their expenses. A thorough analysis of these reports, with checks on eligible Currently IFRC and ICRC. UN organisations and agencies are covered by the Commission-wide Financial and Administrative Framework Agreement (FAFA). 41

42 expenditure, are carried out by DG ECHO's operational and financial desk officers; o Audits on the legality and regularity of expenditures claimed and on management and control systems are performed by external auditors contracted by DG ECHO; o Regular evaluations are undertaken, focusing on major country operations, partners and thematic issues. The results of these are posted on DG ECHO's website. The monitoring mechanisms listed above should not be seen in isolation. Each one contributes to providing reasonable assurance on the legality of transactions and their general compliance with relevant rules and obligations. Furthermore, within the European Commission, controls are carried out by the Internal Audit Service, whose mission is to give recommendations, opinions and advice with respect to internal control systems of European Commission's departments and EU autonomous bodies. Additional controls DG ECHO's operations and financial management are also subject to external controls. In this respect, they are further audited by the European Court of Auditors. The European Court of Auditors audits EU finances and, increasingly, the performance of its activities. Its observations and recommendations are published in the Courts' annual and special reports, which are transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council 44. Furthermore, specialised committees of the Budget Authority (European Parliament and Council) exercise control over financial management in European Commission services: in this context, the Budgetary Control Committee of the EP organises annual hearings with a number of Commissioners in the framework of the procedure for the discharge of European Commission's annual accounts. Annexes: Annex I: Index for Risk Management INFORM & Crisis Assessment (date) Annex II: Crisis Assessment Index Rank 2017 Annex III: Summary of Forgotten Crisis Assessment The annual report is published on 42

43 Natural Human HAZARD & EXPOSURE Socio-Economic Vulnerability Vulnerable Groups VULNERABILITY Institutional Infrastructure LACK OF COPING CAPACITY INFORM RISK RISK CLASS Annex I: Index for Risk Management (September 2017) COUNTRY (a-z) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (0-10) (Very Low-Very High) Somalia Very High South Sudan Very High Chad Very High Afghanistan Very High Yemen Very High Central African Republic Very High Niger Very High Congo DR Very High Sudan Very High Syria Very High Iraq Very High Pakistan High Myanmar High Nigeria High Haiti High Ethiopia High Cameroon High Libya High Mali High 43

44 Mozambique High Uganda High Kenya High Bangladesh High Burundi High Tanzania High Mauritania High Eritrea High Papua New Guinea High India High Ukraine High Colombia High Côte d'ivoire High Guatemala High Burkina Faso High Guinea-Bissau High Philippines High Angola High Djibouti High Congo High Sierra Leone High Nepal High Zimbabwe High Korea DPR High Liberia High Turkey High Iran High Rwanda High Madagascar High Guinea High 44

45 Lebanon Medium Mexico Medium Solomon Islands Medium Azerbaijan Medium Cambodia Medium Honduras Medium Senegal Medium Togo Medium Palestine Medium Egypt Medium Lesotho Medium Indonesia Medium Russian Federation Medium Tajikistan Medium Venezuela Medium Malawi Medium Marshall Islands Medium South Africa Medium Peru Medium Algeria Medium Ecuador Medium Jordan Medium Gambia Medium Timor-Leste Medium China Medium El Salvador Medium Thailand Medium Nicaragua Medium Gabon Medium Benin Medium 45

46 Zambia Medium Micronesia Medium Sri Lanka Medium Lao PDR Medium Tuvalu Medium Morocco Medium Dominican Republic Medium Bolivia Medium Equatorial Guinea Medium Vanuatu Medium Swaziland Medium Georgia Medium Bosnia and Herzegovina Medium Ghana Medium United States of America Medium Armenia Medium Namibia Medium Comoros Medium Kiribati Medium Brazil Medium Viet Nam Medium Kyrgyzstan Medium Mongolia Medium Serbia Low Malaysia Low Belize Low Panama Low Fiji Low Saudi Arabia Low Uzbekistan Low 46

47 Tunisia Low Guyana Low Botswana Low Chile Low Greece Low Costa Rica Low Oman Low Paraguay Low Dominica Low Bhutan Low Samoa Low Moldova Republic of Low Cyprus Low Italy Low Albania Low The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Low Turkmenistan Low Palau Low Tonga Low Nauru Low Israel Low France Low Cuba Low Romania Low Bulgaria Low Cabo Verde Low Canada Low Montenegro Low Jamaica Low Suriname Low 47

48 Spain Low Australia Low Argentina Low Maldives Low Kazakhstan Low Croatia Low Bahamas Low Belgium Low Antigua and Barbuda Low Mauritius Low Seychelles Low Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Low United Arab Emirates Low Brunei Darussalam Low Germany Low Kuwait Low Saint Lucia Low Japan Very Low United Kingdom Very Low Hungary Very Low Belarus Very Low New Zealand Very Low Poland Very Low Malta Very Low Trinidad and Tobago Very Low Slovakia Very Low Korea Republic of Very Low Portugal Very Low Barbados Very Low Latvia Very Low 48

49 Saint Kitts and Nevis Very Low Uruguay Very Low Slovenia Very Low Czech Republic Very Low Netherlands Very Low Lithuania Very Low Sweden Very Low Grenada Very Low Ireland Very Low Switzerland Very Low Qatar Very Low Sao Tome and Principe Very Low Denmark Very Low Austria Very Low Liechtenstein Very Low Iceland Very Low Estonia Very Low Bahrain Very Low Luxembourg Very Low Norway Very Low Finland Very Low Singapore Very Low 49

50 Annex II: Crisis Assessment Index Rank 2017 Crisis Assessment Index Rank September 2017 The Crisis Assessment Index lists countries in alphabetical order. The final Crisis Index is shown, as well as the three dimensions. Each dimension has a value that is the result of combining indicators. Note that all values are the result of ranking countries. If countries are in the top quartile (25%), they score 3; in the bottom quartile, they score 1; in the middel 2 quartiles, they score 2. Conflict Index ISO3 Country* Uprooted people Index (CI) Natural Disaster Index (CI) (CI) INFORM Crisis Index AFG Afghanistan AZE Azerbaijan BRA Brazil CMR Cameroon CAF Central African Republic TCD Chad COL Colombia COD Congo, Democratic Republic of the DJI Djibouti TLS East Timor ECU Ecuador EGY Egypt SLV El Salvador FJI Fiji GEO Georgia HTI Haiti IND India IRQ Iraq JOR Jordan LBN Lebanon