ECUADOR GLOBAL APPEAL 2015 UPDATE Overview Working environment zdespite ongoing peace talks between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), forced displacement in and from Colombia is expected to continue in the near future. The Office will closely monitor the intentions of the refugee population about their future, which will depend on the outcome of peace negotiations; the voluntary repatriation strategy will therefore be reviewed as the situation evolves. Planned presence Number of offices 5 Total personnel 102 International staff 13 National staff 47 JPOs 5 UN Volunteers 4 Others 33 2015 plan at a glance* 152,300 Estimated number of people of USD 22.5 million Overall funding requirements 1,300 Number of refugees estimated to depart for resettlement countries * All PoC figures refer to projected 2015 end-year information at time of planning (mid-2014) zgiven numerous changes in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the creation of a new Vice-Ministry for Human Mobility, its Refugee Directorate faces new challenges that will affect refugee status determination (RSD) and the functioning of the Inter-Ministerial Eligibility Commission. zan important change in the Ecuador operation is the new focus on comprehensive solutions to provide better responses to a protracted refugee situation. Complementing traditional responses, the Comprehensive Solutions Initiative (CSI) will mainstream livelihoods support for people of concern in order to zaccess to asylum in Ecuador remains difficult owing to the provisions of Refugee Decree 1182, and there is growing consensus among policy-makers about the constraints it poses. A law reform process to address human mobility issues, including asylum, is in progress. UNHCR is actively promoting the adoption of legislation that is in line with international refugee law. increase self-reliance; consider migratory alternatives that include protection safeguards; and undertake activities to mitigate negative public perceptions about refugees. z In view of the gap between constitutional norms and effective access to rights for people of concern, the CSI aims to complement and support government efforts to find durable solutions for refugees. The National Development Plan is designed to support irregular migrants, refugees and others in need of international protection, through the promotion and implementation of a legal framework for human mobility. UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 Update Ecuador 1
People of concern Ecuador continues to host the largest number of refugees in Latin America, mainly from Colombia. More than 70 per cent of the refugee population resides in urban centres, dispersed across different neighbourhoods. Planning figures Type of population Origin Jan 2015 Dec 2015 Refugees People in refugee-like situations Total in country Of whom assisted by UNHCR Total in country Of whom assisted by UNHCR Colombia 52,430 52,430 51,450 51,450 Various 1,070 1,070 1,050 1,050 Colombia 88,840 88,840 98,840 98,840 Asylum-seekers Colombia 2,000 2,000 1,000 1,000 Total 144,340 144,340 152,340 152,340 Needs and strategies Response The refugee situation has become protracted, and most refugees who have been in the country for years are unable to attain sustainable levels of self-reliance. Recent studies show that 95 per cent of refugees are not currently interested in voluntary repatriation. Seventy-three per cent prefer local integration, even though they are aware of the many impediments that persist, including discrimination and lack of adequate documentation. A significant 22 per cent of the refugee population is interested in other solutions, notably resettlement in a third country. The Office will support government efforts to reach durable solutions. Specific UNHCR activities are aligned with those of national plans, including advocating for the right to work, social security, health and education. In 2015, the organization will focus on integrated access to durable solutions, such as: resettlement, local integration, including alternative migratory solutions (such as residence permits or labour migration schemes with protection safeguards) and voluntary repatriation. These will be pursued with the goals of re-opening protection space and enhancing livelihood opportunities for refugees. Activities for the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) will be mainstreamed throughout all available solutions for people of concern. The Office will continue to support the national network of safe houses and prioritize the socio-economic empowerment of SGBV survivors. The right to asylum and the fight against discrimination will remain essential cross-cutting advocacy and communication goals. The organization will pursue its focus on individual assistance for new arrivals and people with specific needs (through a voucher programme), and on community projects to mitigate the impact of the presence of refugees on host communities. UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 Update Ecuador 2
Main objectives and targets for 2015 The following matrix contains examples of some of the main activities planned in 2015. Using a selection of objectives from UNHCR s programme plans for the 2014-2015 biennium, it is designed to illustrate: what - under the global needs assessment planning and prioritization process - has been planned (Planned activities) for particular groups of people of concern (People of concern); the identified needs that can be covered if full and flexible funding is made available (2015 comprehensive target); and the needs that may not be met if funding falls short of the ExCom-approved budget (Potential gap). The estimation of a potential gap is based on the country operation s own assessment of the likely impact of a global funding shortfall. Calculations are based on various criteria, including the particular context, strategic priorities and experience of resource availability for the respective area of activity in previous years. Activities under objectives on child protection (including best interest determination), education and prevention and response to sexual and genderbased violence (SGBV) are core areas which are given priority in the allocation of funding (priority area). In order to ensure the necessary flexibility in the allocation of funds, UNHCR relies on unrestricted contributions from its donors. It should be understood that in some cases, targets for activities or delivery of services may not be reached for reasons other than a funding shortfall, e.g. lack of access to people of concern, cases not reported, changing circumstances, security problems, insufficient capacity to implement all programmes planned, etc. In the Global Report 2015, an explanation of why any target may not have been reached will be provided. Planned activities People of 2015 comprehensive target Potential gap BASIC NEEDS AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES Population has optimal access to education UNHCR will provide school uniforms, school supplies and scholarships to refugee children. Schools with a significant presence of refugees will receive equipment and supplies. Constructive activities, such as art and sports, will be offered to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent discrimination and bullying in schools. Percentage of primary school-aged children enrolled in primary education Percentage of secondary school-aged young people enrolled in secondary education Colombian refugees 100% Priority area Colombian refugees 100% 35% DURABLE SOLUTIONS Potential for resettlement realized UNHCR will submit cases of refugees for resettlement to third countries based on vulnerability criteria. Those accepted by third countries will depart for resettlement. Percentage of PoC identified in need of resettlement submitted for resettlement Percentage of PoC identified in need of resettlement who have departed for resettlement Colombian refugees 100% 0 gap Colombian refugees 90% 15% FAIR PROTECTION PROCESSES AND DOCUMENTATION Access to and quality of status determination procedures improved UNHCR will continue to provide support to the Government s Refugee Directorate to facilitate access to the asylum process for people in need of international protection. This support will allow the Refugee Directorate to maintain offices in areas with large concentrations of refugees. Extent to which applicants have access to status determination procedure Extent to which status determination procedure meet minimum procedural standards advocated by UNHCR Colombian refugees 80% 10% Colombian refugees 95% 25% UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 Update Ecuador 3
Planned activities People of 2015 comprehensive target Potential gap FAVOURABLE PROTECTION ENVIRONMENT Law and policy developed or strengthened UNHCR will advocate for maintaining and expanding protection space for refugees. UNHCR will pursue its dialogue with the Government and advocate for inclusion of refugee issues in laws, regulations and government programmes. Extent to which migration law and policy contain protection safeguards Extent to which the law is consistent with international standards relating to refugees Colombian refugees 70% 10% Colombian refugees 90% 10% COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND SELF RELIANCE Self-reliance and livelihoods improved UNHCR will strengthen its livelihoods strategy and increase beneficiaries access to self-employment by 50 per cent through vocational training, grants and seed capital. Extent to which PoC have formal access to work opportunities in host country Colombian refugees 100% 40% Coordination The success of UNHCR s strategy in 2015 will be closely linked to the involvement of key partners. These include national, departmental and municipal authorities at various levels, other UN agencies, civil society organizations, the media, universities, the private sector, the donor community (particularly country-based funding partners) and other relevant development and peace-building actors. Implementation In particular, coordination with WFP, which manages a food voucher programme for new arrivals and vulnerable groups, will be continued. Collaboration with UNDP on joint fundraising efforts focusing on access to rights and enhancement of livelihoods for vulnerable groups (including refugees) in the northern border zone of Ecuador is being explored. Partners Implementing partners Government agencies: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility Refugee Directorate, Ombusdman s Office NGOs: Comité Permanente de Defensa de los Derechos Humanos, Corporación de Mujer a Mujer, Corporación de Viviendas Hogar de Cristo, Federación de Mujeres de Sucumbíos, Fondo Ecuatoriano Popolorum Progressio, Fundación Ambiente y Sociedad, Fundación Tarabita, Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, Jesuit Refugee Service, Misión Scalabriniana, Oxfam, Refugee Education Trust Financial information Financial requirements for Ecuador in 2015 are set at USD 22.5 million. Planned activities are designed to cover basic humanitarian assistance for refugees and asylum-seekers, and to enable them to exercise their rights, achieve the most appropriate durable solution, and enhance their opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Budgets for Ecuador 2010 2015 Operational partners Government agencies: Institute of Popular and Solidarity Economy, Ministry of Labor (Professional Training and Vocational Service), Public Defender s Office NGOs: Norwegian Refugee Council Others: GIZ, IOM, UNDP, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 Update Ecuador 4
2015 budget for Ecuador USD Budget breakdown PILLAR 1 Refugee programme Total 2014 revised budget (as of 30 June 2014) 21,010,276 21,010,276 Favourable protection environment Law and policy 597,914 597,914 Access to legal assistance and remedies 686,497 686,497 Access to territory and refoulement risk reduced 520,214 520,214 Public attitude towards people of concern 834,314 834,314 Subtotal 2,638,937 2,638,937 Fair protection processes and documentation Reception conditions 421,857 421,857 Registration and profiling 709,464 709,464 Status determination procedures 1,106,195 1,106,195 Civil registration and status documentation 546,157 546,157 Subtotal 2,783,672 2,783,672 Security from violence and exploitation Protection from effects of armed conflict 457,514 457,514 Prevention and response to SGBV 1,573,000 1,573,000 Protection of children 1,257,260 1,257,260 Subtotal 3,287,774 3,287,774 Basic needs and essential services Health 588,334 588,334 Reproductive health and HIV services 205,457 205,457 Water 144,360 144,360 Basic and domestic items 663,157 663,157 Services for people with specific needs 1,426,297 1,426,297 Education 778,914 778,914 Subtotal 3,806,518 3,806,518 Community empowerment and self-reliance Community mobilization 681,357 681,357 Self-reliance and livelihood activities 3,019,201 3,019,201 Subtotal 3,700,558 3,700,558 Durable solutions Voluntary return 430,374 430,374 Integration 2,717,424 2,717,424 Resettlement 974,014 974,014 Subtotal 4,121,811 4,121,811 Leadership, coordination and partnerships Coordination and partnerships 412,417 412,417 Donor relations and resource mobilization 391,604 391,604 Subtotal 804,021 804,021 Logistics and operations support Operations management, coordination and support 1,370,819 1,370,819 Subtotal 1,370,819 1,370,819 2015 total budget 22,514,110 22,514,110 UNHCR Global Appeal 2015 Update Ecuador 5