SYRIA AND REGIONAL EMOP FORTNIGHTLY INTERNAL SITUATION REPORT 28 February 13 March 2014 Index: HIGHLIGHTS SYRIA LEBANON JORDAN TURKEY IRAQ EGYPT REGIONAL RESPONSE IN NUMBERS
HIGHLIGHTS Syria: The Government of Syria approved use of Nusaybeen crossing point for delivery of humanitarian assistance through Turkey, verbally on 4 March and formally on the 13 March. In anticipation of more regular land access to Al-Hasakeh, WFP plans to immediately dispatch food rations for 50,000 people. Lebanon: March distributions began and are currently on-going and so far, 617,750 beneficiaries have been assisted either through e-cards or food parcels. This is 87% of the operational planned figure. Jordan: The GoJ Minister of Interior has announced with UNHCR that Azraq Camp will open on 30 April though this date could be advanced if there were to be major arrivals in the meantime given that the space in Za atri is now filling rapidly with an average of 530 people arriving every day. WFP plans to open the camp with vouchers but has sufficient food stock on hand in case of market delays. Turkey: WFP has invested approximately US$240.1 million into the Turkish economy since October 2012, not only through its e-food card programme but also through extensive procurement in support of WFP global operations. Iraq: 27 airlifts to provide assistance to the conflict-affected population from Erbil to Quamishli in North-eastern Syria completed. Egypt: The preferred service provider for the joint UNHCR/WFP OneCard system has been selected and will be publicized shortly. WFP and UNHCR are forming a joint group of experts who will commence negotiations with the newly selected partner on specific details of the expected services. These negotiations are planned to be finalized by April when the contract will be prepared and the OneCard platform piloted in Damietta in June. 2
SYRIA HIGHLIGHTS The Government of Syria approved use of Nusaybeen crossing point for delivery of humanitarian assistance through Turkey, verbally on 4 March and formally on the 13 March. In anticipation of more regular land access to Al-Hasakeh, WFP plans to immediately dispatch food rations for 50,000 people. Food dispatch rate significantly improved in March due to an enhanced supply chain with all March commodities in prior to the start of the cycle. As of 15 March, WFP fulfilled 54 percent of the plan in comparison to 36 percent at the same time last month. Affected populations in Ar-Raqqa will receive WFP food rations for the first time since November 2013 due to access opening on 8 March which allowed the delivery of 6,700 food rations in support of 38,000 people. Besieged populations in rural Idleb and Homs will receive food assistance delivered as part of inter-agency convoys deployed on 1 and 6 March. A total 10 attempts to reach besieged populations in Moadamiyeh and Adraa Alomaliyeh through inter-agency convoys were put on hold by continued deferrals and re-visitations from both parties to the conflict. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS i. Security & Political Developments Following the endorsement of the UN Security Council resolution 2139 on 22 February, consultations are underway for the elaboration of an implementation plan. A number of meetings among UN Agencies, cooperating partners and government counterparts took place throughout the week in Damascus. The opening of Nusaybeen crossing point at the border with Turkey was discussed to improve deliveries to the north-eastern governorates. Additionally, a work plan is being prepared for the delivery of regular program assistance to five priority cut-off and hard-to-reach locations including Aleppo, rural Aleppo, Rural Damascus, Dar a and the north-eastern governorates. On 11 March 2014, three suicide bombers attacked Hadia Hotel, in Qamishly city. Hadia Hotel, occupied by the Kurdish militia (YPG) is located 800 meters from WFP office and Maryland Hotel (recommended by UN Advisory). All WFP staff are safe and additional security precautions are in place to ensure staff safety. A new Save the Children report decries devastating health crisis in Syria. An alarming 60 percent of hospitals and health-care facilities have been destroyed, medical supplies have dried up and nearly half of the doctors have fled the country as a result of the three year conflict. According to the report, approximately 4.3 million children within Syria struggle to gain access to medical assistance. Truce deal collapsed in Yarmouk as clashes erupted and blocked aid to thousands still living in the camp on 2 March 3
ii. Evolving Needs and Humanitarian situation Available information from SARC report escalating humanitarian needs in Aleppo. Over the past two weeks, heavy shelling and attacks on rural and eastern Aleppo city have continued unabated with increasingly damaging consequences for the civilian population. According to latest available information, over 98,500 people have been newly displaced over the reporting period mainly from Moyasar, Marjeh, Shaar, Bistan Al-Kaser, Fardoos, Hanano and Al-Hadarya (eastern Aleppo city), towards western Aleppo city and the Turkish border. Dire humanitarian conditions were reported in the eastern neighbourhoods of Aleppo city as all food and other humanitarian deliveries have stopped since September 2013 and people are struggling to access basic services and commodities. In the western districts, the influx of IDPs from the eastern side continues though at a controlled pace owing to the frequent closures of the Boustan Al-Qaser crossing point. Local committees have reported a shortage in safe living spaces for IDPs, some of whom have resorted to squat in parks and other public areas. In Qamishly (Al-Hasakeh) continued displacements from the besieged villages of Nobbul and Zahraa in rural Aleppo are being reported. Crossing the Turkish border through precarious means, an average 150-200 people are entering the governorate each week and waiting for days at Qamishly airport for a flight for Damascus. Over the reporting period, 110 new arrivals were reported from airport authorities. WFP was unable to assist these families with locally procured ready-to-eat rations owing to delayed clearance and administrative procedures. Discussions with relevant authorities are however in place to accelerate release of these commodities for distribution. iii. Market Analysis The easing of road blockages in the north-eastern governorates improved availability of supplies in Al-Hasakeh and Deir-ez-Zor markets which registered a slight drop in prices over the reporting period. However, instability in the area continued to disrupt the proper functioning of markets, particularly in Ar-Raqqa where high inflation severely limited access of poor households to basic goods. In Al-Hasakeh and Deir-ez-Zor most commodities registered a decline in prices compared to the last week of February. In Al-Hasakeh, the price of rice decreased by 14 percent, lentils by 9 percent and cooking oil by 11 percent. Similarly in Deir-ez-Zor city and Al-Mayadeen, the price of rice dropped by 33 percent, lentils by 11 and 13 percent respectively, cooking oil by 27 and 30 percent while sugar by 16 percent. In Al-Hasakeh, intensifying informal trade with Kurdish groups in Iraq contributed to reducing the price of fuel in the governorate. Over the reporting period, the price of a 25kg butane cylinder decreased by 20 percent from SYP 4,200 to SYP 3,500 while in the rest of the north-east prices for this commodity have increased by up to 150 percent in Ar-Raqqa. Lack of enforcement of government policies resulted in rising prices of subsidized bread both in Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor. In Deir-ez-Zor the price of 1.5kg of bread spiked to 67 percent compared to the last week of February, in Ar-Raqqa city by 100 percent and in Tal Abyad market upwards by 40 percent. Deteriorating security, particularly in Dar a, Aleppo and parts of Rural Damascus also contributed to rising bread prices over the past two weeks. 4
OPERATIONS i. Food Dispatch update for March cycle A total 458,204 family food rations were dispatched by 15 March to assist a targeted 2.3 million across the country. Negotiations through partners, allowed WFP food to reach Ar-Raqqa, closed to all access since November 2013. A first cargo of 4,000 family food rations was dispatched on 8 March. An additional 3,600 rations, intended for Deir-ez-Zor, where diverted to Ar-Raqqa on 11 March following a relapse in the security situation in this governorate. Deir-ez-Zor was last accessed on 27 February, when WFP dispatched 5,400 rations for 27,000 people. Following government approval, preparations are underway to deliver 10,000 family food rations to Al-Hasakeh through Turkey once Nusaybeen corridor opens. In anticipation of more regular land access into the governorate, WFP suspended airlifts from Iraq on 11 March in order to focus on the inter-agency airlift of materials (for further details please refer to Logistics Cluster section). The total airlifted rations were 16,170 food rations, 14,761 bags of wheat flour and 14,206 bags of rice meeting approximately 11 percent of the governorate s planned food assistance. A total of 5 inter-agency airlifts from Damascus to Qamishly delivered 53 mt of Nutributter and 15 mt of yeast alongside other humanitarian supplies from 12-15 March (for further details please refer to the Logistics Cluster section). WFP dispatched 59.65mt of Plumpy Doz out of a planned 78mt for both collective shelters and host communities in Damascus, Rural Damascus, Tartous, Lattakia and Idleb with the remaining 18mt to be dispatched to Hama in the upcoming weeks. 5
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ii. Food distribution update for January February cycles January cycle distributions concluded during the first week of March reaching over 3.65 million people across 12 Syrian governorates. The low capacity of some partners, particularly in Dar a, As-Sweida and Aleppo, to rapidly manage all assistance received, accounted for the delayed conclusion of the cycle. Moreover, this extended distribution resulted in an overlapping between cycles which led to further slow-downs. In January, no distributions could be conducted in Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor where insecure road conditions continued preventing access. February cycle distributions have so far fulfilled 61 percent of the plan reaching almost 2.6 million people across the country by 11 March. February distributions of Plumpy Doz and Nutributter exceeded targets assisting 103,864 children out of a planned 68,158 in both collective shelters and host communities. A number of reasons accounted for this discrepancy. Some quantities of Plumpy Doz dispatched in January were distributed only in February. Additionally, the Ministry of Health took advantage of the on-going national polio vaccination campaign to increase coverage of the blanket feeding programme in Rural Damascus. Here rations were split to reach a larger than planned number of children. However, additional quantities of Plumpy Doz are currently being dispatched to these areas to ensure that each child receives a full ration. Finally, through an inter-agency convoy, 2,502 children in Al-Houle in rural Homs were supported with Plumpy Doz on 1 March. Nutributter distributions supported 16,118 children aged 6-23 months in the north-eastern governorates out of a planned 24,249. Distributions of emergency fuel supplies to 58 collective shelters in Homs, Hama and Damascus for cooking and heating over the winter season concluded on 3 March. Over 75,000 litres of fuel out of a planned 97,210 litres were delivered, fulfilling 77 percent of the plan. WFP is meeting the urgent needs of newly displaced families with no access to cooking facilities through locally procured ready-to-eat rations. By 13 March 16,515 ready-to-eat rations for 82,575 people were distributed in Rural Damascus, Damascus, Homs, Hama, Tartous, Quneitra and Aleppo. 7
Wheat flour and Bread distribution Partners are working with public bakeries to increase bread production and distribution in western Aleppo city. A total of 6 public bakeries (from a previous 4) are now being supplied with fortified wheat flour allowing bread production to increase from 46,000 bundles to over 65,000 per day. Arrangements with private bakeries have faced challenges due to limited inputs and high production costs which public bakeries have been able to circumvent through receipts of government subsidized fuel and other inputs. Vulnerable families rely on subsidized bread from public bakeries making it crucial to ensure these bakeries are able to function. iii. Monitoring and Assessments A total of 18 monitoring visits were conducted over the reporting period by WFP staff in Al-Hasakeh, Homs, Tartous, Rural Damascus and Damascus. These included a post distribution monitoring visit in Al-Hasakeh. Additionally 8 verification visits were conducted by Project Facilitators in areas nonpermissible to WFP staff in Aleppo and Rural Damascus. No monitoring visits could be conducted in Quneitra, Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor owing to persisting insecurity in these areas. A door-to-door post distribution monitoring was conducted in Qamishly (Al-Hasakeh). Interviewed families were mainly IDPs from Tal-Hamis, Tal Ahmad, Sharmokh in rural Al-Hasakeh. Most respondents were entirely dependent of WFP assistance to cover food needs having exhausted all of their savings and lost their livelihoods. Most households reported lacking access to medicines and medical care as well as fuel for cooking and heating. Pipeline Status In March, the receipt of an advance loan of US$ 23.5 million will allow WFP to procure 24,323mt of assorted commodities (rice, cooking, sugar, dry and canned pulses and pasta) and cover 52 percent of May requirements. Additionally, this latest advance will allow WFP to procure 10,000 pre-packaged rations for the north-east. A loan of 1,612mt of sugar between Syria and DPRK CO is underway with repayment expected in May. 8
In preparation for the launch of the school-feeding programme in May, a sample of regionally procured date-bars, have been received and sent for testing. Results are expected within the next week. In the meanwhile, WFP procurement team is identifying local suppliers for the procurement of 240mt of date bars in addition to the 400mt to be procured regionally. Logistics Issues The recent government approval for delivery of humanitarian assistance through Nusaybeen border crossing point, will allow WFP to immediately dispatch 10,000 food rations (651 mt) in support of 10,000 families or 50,000 people across the governorate. An additional 35,000 rations (2,278.5 mt) are under procurement for delivery within the next three weeks. Total plans amount to 45,000 rations or over 2,900 mt of food commodities. Top-Line Risks & Mitigation Measures Deteriorating insecurity continues to restrict access into Deir-ez-Zor, where humanitarian deliveries have been disrupted since October 2013. COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIPS i. Inter-Agency Coordination / Support The launch of the Nutrition Sector Assessment initially scheduled for the second week of March was postponed until 1 April 2014. The need for further training of enumerators was identified following a pilot assessment in Lattakia where partners were unable to correctly undertake MUAC measurements. Additionally the questionnaires are being revised as per request of the UNICEF Regional Health and Nutrition Advisor. The launch of the OCHA-led Joint Humanitarian Assessment was also postponed by government authorities until further notice. In joint collaboration with other UN agencies, WFP is supporting preparations for a scoping study to assess livelihood conditions of conflict affected populations in Syria. The elaboration of a framework and methodology for the assessment is underway and the study is scheduled to take place within the next six months. 9
ii. Inter-agency convoys During the reporting period, WFP participated in inter-agency convoys in hard-to-reach areas in Homs and Idleb (for details, please refer to the table below). For the first time since the start of the conflict an inter-agency convoy reached Harim camps in north-rural Idleb hosting an estimated 60,000 IDPs. On 1 March, WFP delivered 3,500 family food rations for 17,500 people On 6 March an inter-agency convoy delivered food and other humanitarian supplies to the besieged town of Al-Houle in rural Homs last accessed in May 2013. WFP participated with 4,000 family food rations for 20,000 people. Findings from the rapid assessment conducted during the mission estimate a total 70,000 people living in the area of which 8,000 internally displaced. The limited food available on local markets is procured from nearby villages and smuggled through the river. Commodity prices were reportedly 25-30 percent higher than normal resulting in the resident community significantly relying on negative coping strategies, such as reducing food consumption or purchasing less preferred foods. An inter-agency convoy left for Adraa Ummaliyeh and Adraa Al-Balad in Rural Damascus on 12 March, carrying WFP food for 6,000 people alongside other humanitarian supplies. However, the convoy was halted by a checkpoint at the frontline and forced to turn back. iii. Logistics Cluster The Logistics Cluster supported an inter-agency convoy to Harem camps in rural Idleb on 1 March. The 21 truck convoy transported 1,121m³ of relief cargo including WASH, health, shelter, protection and food items on behalf of IOM, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. Additionally, a second joint convoy to Al Houle in rural Homs was supported by the Cluster on 6 March. A total of 833m³ of humanitarian supplies including food, shelter, protection, WASH and health items were transported on behalf of UNICEF, UNFPA and WHO. The Logistics Cluster is supporting inter-agency airlifts from Damascus to improve delivery of humanitarian assistance to cut-off populations in Al- Hasakeh. Starting on 12 March, a total of 5 airlifts have been conducted thus far, transporting over 136m³ of relief cargo out of a planned 400m³. Items airlifted included whiikhalls, ICT equipment sanitary kits, clothes and shoes, house-cleaning items, medicines, blanket supplementary feeding products and yeast on behalf of GOPA, IMC, IOM, UNICEF, WFP and WHO. Over 2,000m³ of WASH, health, food, protection and shelter items were stored at the Cluster s free-to-user common warehouse facilities in rural Damascus, Qamishly and Safita on behalf of IMC, Oxfam, Premiere Urgence, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNRWA. RESOURCING STATUS WFP is progressively scaling-up to reach 4.25 million people in 2014. For the March-May 2014 reporting period, WFP requires US$ 184 million within Syria of which US$ 120 million remain unfunded (65 percent). PLANNING AND PRIORITIES Increase efforts to advocate for unhindered access to all people in need in all cut-off locations to improve coverage of the emergency response. 10
LEBANON HIGHLIGHTS March distributions began and are currently on-going and so far, 617,750 beneficiaries have been assisted either through e-cards or food parcels. This is 87% of the operational planned figure. Tensions remain high throughout Lebanon with several cross-border incidents reported during the reporting period. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS i. Security, Political and Social Developments The Yabroud offensive in Syria has translated into an upsurge of cross border incidents since 28 February. There has been an increase in intensity looking at the number and frequency of air strikes conducted by Syrian Armed Forces resulting in numerous casualties. In addition, these incidents led to counter reactions with rocket shelling from the Lebanese side of the border especially in the area near Arsal and Laboueh, during late afternoon and evening hours. With the Ghouta and Yabroud operations in Syria the likelihood of terrorist attacks could increase. So far this has been limited to southern suburbs of Beirut and Bekaa-Hermel. However possible targets in the near future in other areas cannot be ruled out. The situation in Tripoli remains tense with sporadic shooting and clashes reported. ii. Security Incidents: On 28 February and on 1, 3, 5, 6 and 8 March, the eastern Lebanon border areas of Bekaa, Arsal, Hermel and surroundings, were subject to several air raids, by Syrian jets. The raids targeted a gathering for the Syrian opposition. Two people were reportedly killed and five others were injured. Media reported that Lebanese Army Forces allegedly responded by using anti-aircraft guns Several, cross border incidents were also reported on 8, 9, 10 and 11 March where shelling and shooting from the Syrian side was primarily reported in northern Lebanon, especially in the area around the border town of Akkar. In the Bekaa valley, similar incidents were reported. On 07 March, three rockets fired from Syria landed on the outskirts of two Bekaa Valley villages, adding that there were no reports of causalities or material damages. Two of the rockets fell on the outskirts of the village of Nabi Othman while the third landed near Labweh village. The rockets were fired from the eastern mountain range that divides Lebanon from Syria. 11
iii. Assessments Needs Assessment of Palestinian Refugees from Syria (PRS): WFP has consolidated the PRS report and shared it with UNRWA for final review, which is currently being finalized (the feedback is expected on 15 March). The vulnerability criteria for the PRS population, by sector and globally, were shared with UNRWA. At this stage, discussions are underway to define the best targeting options at field level and a meeting will also be held with UNRWA s regional poverty advisor. The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) support for UNWRA consisted of finalizing the post-distribution monitoring (PDM) form and discussing the analysis plan. The training of field monitors also took place on PDM data collection and the M&E system is expected to be rolled out on 14 March. iv. Markets NSTR OPERATIONS WFP continued to discuss with the World Bank and the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) National Poverty Targeting Programme (NPTP) to develop a food assistance project, which would entail providing e-cards to vulnerable Lebanese, as part of an NPTP assistance package that is outlined in the sixth Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP6). The World Bank held a meeting with the new Minister of Social Affairs, to provide an update on the project. Meetings were also held with NPTP to review the extreme poverty figures, targeting criteria and regional breakdowns within Lebanon. In addition, WFP provided a training to NPTP field work coordinators on the e-card platform and informing beneficiaries on the use of the e-card. The project s concept of operations and budget are being finalized with all relevant stakeholders, and the World Bank is liaising with all on preparation for a donor meeting during the week of 24 March. A new shop strategy is being developed by WFP in Lebanon in order to expand during the second half of 2014. The shop selection criteria, access to the programme for the non-partner shops, and the modalities and conditions for shop evaluation, contracting, and cancellation of shops are being redefined. This new strategy should be available towards the end of April, and the new contracting mechanism should be rolled out by June 2014. Consultations on the new strategy are inclusive of WFP Sub Offices in addition to all Cooperating Partners. 12
Breakdown of E-Card Beneficiaries for March (ongoing): Beneficiaries who received automatic uploads to their e-cards in January: 601,787 Beneficiaries who received Food Parcel in March (distributions ongoing): 15,963 Qobayat SO: 2,870 Zahle SO: 6,681 Beirut SO: 6,412 Planned BR11 Planned Ops 14-Jan Actual % Reached Planned BR11 Planned Ops Actual % Reached Planned BR11 Planned Ops Vouchers 795,000 584,186 550,076 94% 843,750 616,745 577,547 94% 875,625 669,794 601,787 89% Parcels 73,500 40,000 47,534 68% 94,730 40,000 65,434 164% 97,763 40,000 15,963 40% Total 868,500 624,186 597,610 93% 938,480 656,745 642,981 98% 973,388 709,794 617,750 87% 14-Feb 14-Mar Actual % Reached Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Monitoring activities for the March cycle started during the reporting period. The price monitoring form was amended so as to better match weights and brands that can be found in most shops in Lebanon. WFP in Lebanon was also focused on mapping some of the Country Office s activities, through an interactive map (OpsFeed). In particular, it was decided that distribution/redemption figures would be disaggregated by caza (district), and that activities relating to the Syria corridor would also be featured on the map. For more details on the OpsFeed, see also paragraph additional mission. Monitoring of food parcel activities, which currently represents 4% of WFP s operations in Lebanon, is being intensified. WFP and its partners will conduct short post-distribution interviews at the household level to inquire about the quality and use of the WFP food parcel. This would also help inform the revision of the WFP food parcel composition. 13
Prepaid Electronic Voucher (e-card) Under the umbrella of the Cash Transfer Programme Working Group (co-chaired by UNHCR and Save the Children), WFP continued to be heavily engaged in 3 streams of work market assessment (mentioned in the Markets section above), the re-design of the minimum expenditure basket, and strengthening of the accountability/beneficiary feedback. Terms of Reference (TORs) are currently being developed by WFP, UN agencies and partners. Contingency/Preparedness Preparedness Stock: The preparedness stock, funded by CERF, is 26,000 parcels enough for 130,000 people. With the contingency stocks, WFP responded to two influxes of Syrian refugees into Arsal with the latest one being in February 2014, in which 3,990 food parcels enough for 11,000 refugees were provided. Contingency Planning: WFP s Operational Continuity Plan as well as the HCT Contingency Plans are in the process of being updated to ensure that they are fully aligned for 2014. Emergency Preparedness and Response Package (EPRP) Toolkit: The EPRP toolkit, including all MPAs by functional unit is planned to be updated during March. The updated EPRP package should be available online by the end of March 2014. Safety Nets Assistance WFP continued collecting requests for safety nets assistance from cooperating partners (CPs) in order to carry out distributions in April. Internal: So far approximately 6,000 requests have been received. Vulnerable individuals who can benefit from this assistance include: Pregnant and lactating women, children under 2 years of age, elderly over 60 years of age, and non-autonomous individuals. Eligible vulnerable individuals will receive an individual ration, through the e-card, for as long as their proven vulnerability persists. A separate data management system is being finalized in order to produce the first Safety Nets beneficiary list in March for the April distributions, and so as to avoid any possible duplications in requests and assistance. Money Injected into the Economy During the reporting period, WFP has injected US$ 17,808,810 into the Lebanese economy (distributions on-going). So far in 2014, WFP has approximately injected US $ 51,675,227 million into the local economy. 14
Additional Missions During the reporting period, the GIS officer from the REC came for a 2 day mission to discuss the development of the Lebanon OpsFeed (on-line interactive map). The purpose of the OpsFeed is to provide an up to date snapshot of WFP operations and relevant information on the current situation in the country, including refugee concentrations and major security incidents. It will help identify the intervention needs and geographic gaps, while at the same time showing the need of supplementary funds to support Syrian refugees in the region. This information tool can be used for both internal and external audiences including partners (FSSWG), donors, PI and WFP management for understanding and following up on WFP s operations and portraying its emergency response evolution over time. Internal: Although the OpsFeed is currently being developed a first draft of the map is available through this link: http://54.225.218.247/wfp/opsfeedlebanonv1.1.php (to be remained internal until further notification). Human Resources Chadi Wehbe joined Zahle Sub-Office as Driver for one month. Procurement The cards sleeves for the e-cards programme are currently being printed after approval on the design by HQ. Internet services tender is finalized, where a notification is sent to the awarded supplier. In addition, a tender for the installation of cabling infrastructure at Zahle office is launched. The LBCO has sent supplier registration documents to the REC for the registration of several food suppliers to participate in the next tender of food parcels. Import Parity Form (IPF) submitted for the purchase of food parcels after the extension of the LTAs has been approved for 825 mt under two suppliers, a Purchase Requisition is also in place. Delivery of food parcels is complete for the existing Purchase Orders In addition, Lebanon Country Office purchased some office equipment during the reporting period including a server for the Beirut office and various other IT equipment. Finance/Administration Three additional vehicles are due to arrive in Lebanon. The Electronic Payment System from CitiDirect has been rolled out in Lebanon to process payment directly online. 15
ICT A new IT Officer, Nono Kukimunu, joined Beirut office for an anitial 2 months. A network upgrade in WFP Beirut Office was conducted as well as the installation and configuration of the new server in Beirut. Reprograming of radios is currently ongoing to adjust for Bekaa usage. ICT staff are working on updating and clearing the Asset Management Data. Logistics The liner vessel MV Feofan berthed Beirut port on 10 March with 5,000 mt of rice (over 330,000 bags of 15 kg each), which is currently being offloaded (completion expected 13 March). The rice is being loaded onto trucks and dispatched onwards to Damascus by road. All containerized cargo at the port has been dispatched from Beirut to Damascus. During the reporting period, WFP Lebanon Logistics dispatched 6,982 mt of food (including pasta, lentils, chickpeas, bulgur and rice) from Beirut Port to Damascus. Due to operational and programmatic requirements, WFP is using the Beirut corridor to supply food to Damascus (via Al Masnaa Border Crossing) at present, and also stands ready to dispatch food from Beirut to the Safita and Lattakia packaging facilities as and when required. COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIPS Status of Cooperating Partnerships As at 13 March, 10 out of the 13 FLAs for the food parcel and e-card programmes were signed by both WFP and the respective CPs. The e-card FLAs with WVI and Save the Children were significantly delayed as the process for the CPs to receive clearance from their Headquarters was lengthy. The only remaining food parcel FLA, with Islamic Relief, required some budget adjustments prior to finalization from the CP side. On 11 March, the monthly CP meeting was held in Beirut for partners working on food parcels and e-card distributions. During the food parcel meeting, the main agenda items centred on sharing best practices regarding new arrivals assessments and cross checking of lists in order to reduce duplication of assistance. The development of a larger data-sharing mechanism between all partners was also discussed. Food parcel partners were provided with an update on the reporting requirements as a means to improve the quality of the reports. The e-card partners meeting focused on updates regarding the verification and safety net programs, distribution planning and coordination between CPs. Partners were also made aware of the rollout of CP evaluations in 2014. Progress was made towards adapting the Jordan EMOP Office CP evaluation forms for the WFP Lebanon context. Indicators and outputs related to the WFP Lebanon operation were added and circulated within Programme and with the Head of Sub-offices for their review and input prior to sharing with 16
the REC. It is planned to have the CP evaluations ready for the partners by April so that partners may have enough time to develop actions plans to improve areas of weakness before the end of the FLAs in June. Targeting and Appeals Mechanism Multi-Functional Teams (MFTs) were created to review verification questionnaires results, and provide final validation on re-inclusion or exclusion of refugees from assistance. Thus far, 26 MFT meetings have been held in all regions. Updated guidelines have been shared with MFT members with the aim of standardizing the process across regions in Lebanon. So far, a total of 30,966 cases, were analysed and scored for re-inclusion (97.5% of all planned visits). Of these, 7,074 (22.8%) have been automatically re-included for assistance (table 1). Data analysis for all households that appealed or live above 500 meters has been completed. In addition, WFP along with UNHCR - will ensure that all households visited and analysed, will receive either assistance or an SMS informing them of their exclusion. A database with 254 cases with unclear registration numbers has been shared with partners and 125 were identified and corrected thus far. A report on the preliminary results of the verification exercise is being reviewed. In addition, a comparison between the results from the verification exercise and the Vulnerability Assessment of Syrian Refugees (VASyR) is underway to further understand the discrepancies observed. GOVERNORATE Low-Mild Vulnerability (excluded) Moderate-Severe Vulnerability (reincluded) Total No. of Households Percentage excluded No. of Households Percentage Included No. of Households By Area Beirut 279 66.7% 139 33.3% 418 1.3% Bekaa 8943 73.6% 3201 26.4% 12144 39.2% Mount Lebanon 3105 76.7% 943 23.3% 4048 13.1% North 7860 81.1% 1833 18.9% 9693 31.3% 17
South 3118 79.7% 795 20.3% 3913 12.6% Unknown 587 78.3% 163 21.7% 750 2.4% Total 23892 77.2% 7074 22.8% 30966 100.0% A targeting task force was established to refine the targeting criteria and methodology currently in place as well as exploring its applicability for crosssectorial cash assistance. Further analysis of the VASyR, along with information collected through the verification questionnaires and PDMs, will be used as basis for decision-making and fine-tuning the targeting criteria if necessary. All verification questionnaires have been combined into one database and analysed. A verification taskforce including WFP and UNHCR is working on updating the verification standard operating procedures (SOPs) in order to validate it with all partners and re-launch the verification programme for all excluded households for possible re-inclusion, in addition to the verification of the included households. Discussions were also carried out with the Regional Bureau in Cairo (OMC) and REC ICT for support on the installation of the new server in Lebanon, the new version of the GRASP application and the required tests to confirm the suitability of GRASP for phase two of the verification exercise. Inter-Agency Coordination / Support The Food Security Sector Working Group (FSSWG) held its monthly meeting on 11 March. Members received feedback on Activity Info reporting and the quality of data reported. Consensus was reached on how to report on indicators. It was agreed that the Food Security Sector would have two Minimum Food Baskets - one for survival needs covering both kilocalories and most macronutrients and one for minimum needs covering kilocalories, macronutrients and micronutrients. ACF and FAO volunteered to act as Food Security specialists/focal points for the Multi-sectoral Needs Assessment (MSNA) secondary data review, working closely with the MSNA technical team during the review of the food security chapter of the report. It is worth highlighting that in January, well over 90% of the Food Security Sector interventions came from WFP s programme alone. This information was collected through Activity Info. In light of the results of the 2013 nutrition survey led by UNICEF, it was proposed during the Health and Nutrition Working Group meeting held on 28 February that a separate nutrition task force be created. The secretariat called a meeting for 14 March to further discuss: 1) the governance structure of the task force (co-leadership/chairing/secretariat), 2) the development of TORs, 3) development of a strategic work plan, and 4) basic information needs such as the 3Ws. 18
Lebanon Logistics Forum During the reporting period, a Lebanon Logistics Forum (LLF) meeting was scheduled to take place on 12 March but was postponed and is now scheduled to take place on 19 March. However, information on overland transport procedures, customs challenges, and relevant maps were shared with participants in the past two weeks. Public Information/Communication During the reporting period, the office finalised the design of 4 donor visibility products, including posters and stickers that can be placed at both shops and distribution poits. Those materials will not only provide recognition and acknowledgement to countries that supported the operation in Lebanon in the field but primarily aim to inform refugees about the use of the E-card, provide useful nutrition advice, and help them get better use of the assistance. The PIO supported the REC and the Jordan EMOP office during this period and conducted interviews with AL Jazeera, Reuters, and Al-An TV on the crisis inside Syria as well as accompanied a BBC crew to Zaatari camp. The office also drafted SOPs on how to handle journalists at distribution sites that will be shared for the aim of endorsement with implementing partners running the sites. The process to recruit a PIO for Lebanon is underway; candidates were shortlisted and sat through a written exam. The panel interviews will take place next week in order to have a new staff on board in April. PLANNING & PRIORITIES The Lebanon Country Office Annual Performance Planning (APP) exercise (inclusive of the Country Office risk register) for 2014 was finalized with all functional units during the reporting period. Internal: Updates must take place for the following: HCT Contingency Planning, Operational Continuity Planning,, and EPRP toolkit. Internal: FLAs for the first six months of 2014 must be finalized as soon as possible. Internal: The CO will continue to operationalize lessons learned for the e-card transition, particularly considering the upcoming cash and vouchers workshop, which is expected to take place at the end of March. 19
JORDAN HIGHLIGHTS The GoJ Minister of Interior has announced with UNHCR that Azraq Camp will open on 30 April though this date could be advanced if there were to be major arrivals in the meantime given that the space in Za atri is now filling rapidly with an average of 530 people arriving every day. WFP plans to open the camp with vouchers but has sufficient food stock on hand in case of market delays. Internal: Donor/media visits: The GoJ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced that in 2013 there were 3,000 media visits to Za atri camp alone, many of which WFP helped facilitate. In addition, the MoFA recorded more than 9,000 total missions (including media, donors etc) in both camps and communities, many related to the Syrian Crisis. Refugee influx: During the past two weeks 7,386 Syrian refugees crossed into Jordan, an average of 530 refugees per day peaking at 948 in one day. This is almost double the average of 300 per day that Jordan has been receiving since late 2013. E-vouchers: WFP concluded e-card distributions in three of the four planned governorates in the second tranche of the e-voucher rollout. Given the large caseload, distribution is ongoing in Ramtha. On March 9, WFP simultaneously began the third tranche of e-voucher distributions in the Tabarbour district of Amman and Balqa governorate with plans to reach an additional 54,316 beneficiaries with e-cards by mid-april. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS i. Security issues Heavy rains during the reporting period led to localized flooding across Jordan and in Za atri camp. UNHCR moved some families to child friendly spaces (CFS) until the rains let up, preventing break-ins of schools or humanitarian distribution points by those seeking dry shelter. ii. Evolving needs GoJ Minister of Interior, Hussein Majali, confirmed that the GoJ has agreed to open Azraq camp on 30 April, though this date could be advanced if there are major arrivals in the meantime given that the space in Za atri is now filling rapidly with an average of 530 people arriving every day. The current capacity of Azraq camp is 15,000 beneficiaries, though eventually there will be space for 130,000 individuals once all shelters are constructed. WFP and partner ACTED have therefore decided to be ready for an opening date of 20 April as a precautionary measure. While WFP plans to open the camp with vouchers, WFP is keeping sufficient food stocks in case of market construction delays. 20
Internal: The Minister also voiced his opinion that the Syrian crisis has not even started yet and said that we are likely to see various different refugee profiles coming to Jordan and he would not be surprised if we are still dealing with Syrian problems in 2024. With 200,000 refugees expected to arrive during 2014, UNHCR, the GoJ and the humanitarian community are now debating whether more camps should be created. As of 10 March, UNHCR had registered 584,600 Syrian refugees in Jordan. Refugee influx: During the past two weeks 7,386 Syrian refugees informally crossed into Jordan and were brought to Za atri camp, an average of 530 refugees per day peaking at 948 in one day. Internal: Recent interagency reports show an increase in fighting in the Deraa region with more than 100 bomb attacks per day, forcing Syrians to flee the violence. Nearly all of those crossing into Jordan informally must cross near the Iraqi border region of Jordan due to fighting along the Jordanian/Syrian border. In addition, an average of 200 more Syrians are arriving than leaving per day through the official western border crossings. Iris Scan: UNHCR re-registration is ongoing in Za atri camp and 24,000 individuals have been processed thus far. UNHCR has noted that 60% of the reregistered population are children (higher than thought) and 42 percent of households are female headed. Internal: More alarmingly, UNHCR estimates 40 percent of women and girls are not able to leave their homes at all. In communities, UNHCR has re-registered more than 300,000 Syrian refugees with the retina scan. Participatory Assessment: WFP participated in the field work/data collection for the UNHCR led interagency Participatory Assessment (PA) in urban areas that concluded on 2 March. The PA assessment was carried out through structured dialogue and semi-structured interviews in order to promote meaningful participation within the refugee community, including key informant interviews. A draft report should be shared with WFP in the coming weeks. New born babies: There has been an average of seven new born babies in Za atri camp per day over the past year, with more than 3,500 babies born in the camp so far. In total (camp and community) the GoJ has registered the birth of over 10,300 Syrian refugee babies since the start of the crisis. WFP is ensuring children between the ages of 6-24 months receive have an age appropriate food with the upcoming distributions of SuperCereal Plus in Za atri camp planned for the end of March. iii. Markets Azraq camp: Internal: The contract for the first supermarket in Azraq is expected to be finalized week of 11 March. Once the contract is signed, the retailer will take an estimated 30 days to construct the shop. Za atri camp: All 18 markets continue to operate. Internal: Discussions are currently underway to increase the voucher value, which would be accomplished by WFP discontinuing the bread distribution. If this happens, then the retailers will be asked to ensure that they have sufficient bread supply. 21
OPERATIONS *Based on UNHCR manifest which is subject to uncertainties due to incomplete camp departure information and other variables. **New arrivals to Al Za atri camp only receive dry rations until the following cycle and thus the figure for vouchers is lower than dry rations. Internal: In addition, UNHCR database issues have prevented a small number of families from receiving vouchers. ***The operational planned figure is based on the BR figure minus nutrition activities in Za atri camp as the number screened which should be the operational planning figure was not yet available. 22
GFD/C&V/School Feeding/Nutrition Paper vouchers: WFP concluded the February paper voucher cycle for Syrians living in Jordanian communities on 18 February reaching 421,457 beneficiaries based on the UNHCR manifest. In March, WFP plans to reach 372,248 beneficiaries with paper vouchers, lower than the month prior due to the ongoing transition to e-vouchers. E-Vouchers: The partner bank uploaded the March voucher entitlements to e-cards distributed during the e-voucher pilot and first tranche of the rollout reaching 35,199 beneficiaries. Refugees who received e-cards during the late February and early March distributions, the second tranche, will have their cards loaded during the week of 16 March. While distributions in the Ma an, Tafila and Karak governorates have concluded, due to a large caseload the final distribution of the second tranche in Ramtha will conclude at the end of March. The third tranche of the e-voucher rollout began on 9 March in the Tabrbour district of Amman and Balqa governorate with plans to reach 54,316 beneficiaries (15,915 HHs). All beneficiaries planned to receive e-cards after 20 March in Tabrbour will receive paper vouchers for March and an e-card that will be loaded in April, while those who receive e-cards before 20 March will receive their first loading from the bank to cover March. In Balqa, families will receive paper vouchers for their March entitlement as well as an e-card to be loaded during the first week in April for the April cycle. WFP plans to conclude the third tranche of the rollout by mid-april. Al Za atri Camp: WFP began the second February cycle on 16 February and concluded on 26 February reaching 93,622 beneficiaries of the 133,839 individuals on the UNHCR manifest. The first cycle of March distributions began on 4 March with plans to reach 116,639 beneficiaries from the UNHCR manifest. The camp numbers decreased due to returns to Syria, informal camp departures and the ongoing UNHCR re-registration/retina scan exercise. Thanks to a generous Saudi donation of dates, WFP began distribution of 2kg date packages to every family in Za atri camp starting the first March cycle. School Feeding: WFP reached 12,603 children attending school on a daily basis during the reporting period with date bars. However, due to the recent cold weather and rain, less students attended school and thus WFP reached less beneficiaries than the weeks prior. Bread Distribution: WFP continues to distribute 22.5 mt of bread on a daily basis in Za atri camp between 6:30 and 9am. Welcome Meals: WFP distributed more than 7,300 welcome meals to new arrivals during the reporting period in Za atri camp. In addition, WFP has been dispatching an average of 5,000 welcome meals to IOM every two weeks for distribution at the new government registration centres all refugees must pass through before arriving to Za atri camp. Nutrition: WFP cooperating partner Save the Children Jordan commenced distribution of SuperCereal Plus for the treatment of MAM in Za atri camp on Wednesday 26 February 2014. A total of 135 Syrian boys and girls under the age of five and pregnant and lactating women with MAM have received 23
SuperCereal Plus rations to cover a one month period in February. Medair continues to implement the targeted Nutrition programme in the community settings with daily work-week distributions taking place through the JHAS clinics in Amman, Zarqa, Mafraq, Irbid and Ramtha. i. Pipeline Status The Jordan EMOP s operational shortfall through March is US$ 497,632. The Jordan EMOP has received an advance financing of USD 15.5 million (out of which USD 4.8 million are from the IRA and 10.7 from the Working Capital Fund). The Jordan EMOP has received a contribution from the UK of GBP 1 million (equivalent to USD 1.6 million) and it has been programmed for voucher distribution. The outstanding advances amount to USD 15.5 million full cost recovery. ii. Monitoring Al Za atri Camp: During the reporting period, WFP field monitors conducted a total of 14 post-distribution monitoring forms, 12 shop monitoring forms, 4 distribution monitoring forms and 38 beneficiary contact forms. Main finding from monitoring activities conducted during the reporting period include: o WFP monitors, together with partner SCI staff held multiple focus groups in Za atri camp during the reporting period. All groups noted food was not a concern in the camp due to WFP s food assistance. Beneficiaries noted their content with the transition to vouchers and all groups cited their preference for vouchers over food. In addition, five out of six groups noted the fair prices of the new supermarkets. Some did note that they sold the voucher due to the lack of capacity to cold store products and thus sold vouchers to purchase items on a daily basis. Once the camp has been fully re-registered by the UNHCR retina scanning technology, WFP will implement the e-card modality which will afford families the ability to shop as many times during the month as they wish. Communities: During the reporting period, most WFP FMAs were busy attending e-card distributions and could not monitor other activities. WFP conducted 10 post distribution surveys, visited 2 shops and conducted 3 beneficiary contact monitoring forms. The following was gathered during these visits and e- card distributions: o Information sessions for using the E-cards and PIN codes were provided for the beneficiaries regularly, with good attention from the partners. o Overall, beneficiaries were very happy to receive their e-cards, since they will no longer have to travel to distribution sites and pay transportation fees. o Internal: While having improved since the first phase of the e-voucher rollout, the UNHCR verification process is still the bottleneck during e-card distributions. WFP is in the process of funding additional UNHCR staff through UNOPS, which will increase the UNHCR verification capacity at e- voucher distributions. The additional UNHCR staff will be added to the current verification teams, and the daily caseload called forward will increase from 350 to 500 households. o Internal: Partners had difficulties contacting beneficiaries to request their attendance at e-voucher distributions due to inaccurate contact information received from UNHCR. It was agreed that partners will call beneficiary households at least 2-3 days in advance to pre-identify the unreachable households. 24
o Beneficiary Hotline: WFP recruited three additional staff members to answer calls on the beneficiary hotline. During the period WFP received an average of 50 calls per day. 40 percent of the calls from beneficiaries were to report that they had not yet received their e-cards. WFP informed these beneficiaries of the e-card distribution schedule and the overall plan for the e-voucher rollout (i.e. being a phased transition to e-voucher from paper voucher). 36 percent of the calls were to receive clarification on distribution times/schedules or various components of the e-voucher programme and 14 percent of calls were to update household contact information, including phone numbers and addresses. iii. iv. Logistics During the reporting period, 47,000 parcels (sufficient for 115,000 people) have been packed for the final food distribution during the first cycle of distribution in March. WFP has received 1,400 of the 1,600 mt of dates donated by Saudi Arabia and the final 200 mt are currently in transit to the WFP Amman warehouse from Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Top-Line Risks & Mitigation Measures NTSR COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIPS i. Status of Cooperating Partnerships The GoJ Ministry of Interior announced that the Syrian Refugee Camps Department (SRCD) will now take on the GoJ mandate for managing the refugees in the communities as well as their current mandate to manage those in camps, changing its name to the Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate (SRAD), with JHCO continuing to work on distributions in the communities. ii. Inter-Agency Coordination / Support Internal: The GoJ Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced that in 2013 there were 3,000 media visits to Za atri camp alone, many of which WFP helped facilitate. In addition, the MoFA recorded more than 9,000 total missions (including media, donors etc) in both camps and communities, mostly related to the Syrian Crisis. Following an interagency survey, the humanitarian community announced that it employed 1,448 Jordanians in Za atri camp, 42 percent of whom were from nearby Mafraq communities. During the reporting period, WFP handled media interviews and camp visits from CBS, NBC, BBC Radio, BBC film crews in Za atri camp, freelance photographer Dan Giannopoulos, University of Boston, WFP HQ Legal Unit and the Korean Christian Journal as well as USAID. 25
WFP held the monthly food sector meeting with more than 10 representative organizations and two donors present. WFP and ACTED presented the demographic and income related findings from the CFSME, with plans to present on the main findings during the next monthly meeting. In addition, the group discussed the RRP6 monthly dashboards to be published for public consumption. WFP released two press releases on the Jordan EMOP regarding the launch of the nutrition programme and a thank you to the French Government for their recent contribution. PLANNING & PRIORITIES The ongoing CFSME alongside continuing meetings with other agencies and partners on vulnerability and targeting. Nutrition: Commencing the age-appropriate programme in Za atri camp. Continued transition from paper to e-vouchers. Azraq preparations for the planned April opening. TURKEY HIGHLIGHTS On 12 March 2014, the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Government of Turkey, AFAD, announced that the total number of Syrians registered and assisted in 22 camps located in 10 provinces was 220,083. WFP field teams, with support from the CO and TRC have completed assessment missions to Malatya, Viranşehir, Akçakale and Nusaybim camps. WFP has invested approximately US$240.1 million into the Turkish economy since October 2012, not only through its e-food card programme but also through extensive procurement in support of WFP global operations. 26
SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS i. Security, Political and Social Developments On 14 March, Turkey put its military on alert against any threat from jihadist groups inside Syria. Approximately 25 Turkish soldiers are standing guard around the Tomb of Suleyman Shah in Qal'at Ja'bar, Syria. The area 25 kilometres from the border remains Turkish territory under the 1921 Treaty of Ankara. On 13 March, Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi, U.N Chief Envoy for Syria, appealed to the Security Council, in particular the United States and Russia to take steps to re-energize the process. Western media and political analysts have pronounced the talks dead as Washington and Moscow continue to quarrel over Ukraine. Brahimi also expressed strong reservations about the attitude of the Syrian government and the possibility of Syrian elections in the near future. Any electoral process is incompatible with any peace process. Brahimi and the UN Secretary General are scheduled to brief the UN General Assembly on Friday, 14 March. On 13 March, UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, appealed to Russia and the United States to help revive the stalled peace talks concerning Syria. He stressed that Syria s neighbours are bearing the increasingly unbearable humanitarian, security, political and socioeconomic effects of the conflict. The United Nations calls the ongoing conflict in Syria and the international community s failure to reach a definitive agreement unconscionable and cites more than nine million people displaced creating the world s largest displaced population. More than 2.5 million Syrians are currently registered or awaiting registration as refugees in neighbouring countries. The total number of people who have fled their homes in Syria now exceeds 40 percent of the pre-conflict population and the numbers are rising. On the third year anniversary of the beginning of the conflict, 140,000 have been killed. On 11 March, clashes erupted at a hospital in Istanbul where a 15 year-old boy died nine months after being struck on the head by a teargas canister fired by police. The boy s death is the eighth linked to last year s mass anti-government protests which began in Gezi Park, Istanbul and spread throughout the country. In the aftermath of his passing, protests have erupted across the country. The United Nations Human Rights office has expressed serious concerns about a bill allowing Turkey s telecommunications authority the power to block websites without having to seek a court order and to penalize internet providers who fail to cooperate. UHCHR is concerned that this might lead to breaches of human rights, in particular the right to freedom of expression and opinion, and the right to privacy. On 4 March, the crossing point in Mursitpinar in the Suruc town of the Sanliurfa province was opened after renovations. Local authorities state that the crossing point will be used primarily for humanitarian aid to be delivered to Syria. Spontaneous returns will be processed two days a week. According to AFAD, more than 10,000 Syrian births have been recorded in Turkey since the beginning of the crisis in 2011. 27
In Akcakale and Karkamis, officials informed UNHCR that the border gates are still closed due to security concerns on the Syrian side. Internal: In Viransehir, camp officials report approximately 750 Syrians who approached the camp requesting accommodation continue to be housed in the waiting area. Camp management later received authorization from AFAD to transfer these refugees to Nusaybin camp. In Adiyaman, camp management waiting to hear from AFAD regarding accommodation plans for the approximate 350 spontaneous arrivals. In Nizip, 546 Syrians who were staying at a mosque were transferred to rub halls in Nizip 1 camp temporarily and will most likely be transferred to Nusaybin. Rampant fighting along the border is often cited as the reason for these influxes. Internal: Local officials in Kilis informed UNHCR that during the first 3 days in March 2014, about 3,745 Syrians returned to Syria spontaneously. Local police in Kilis facilitated their safe crossing from the reopened border gate of Oncupinar to Bab Al Salame. This is a large increase compared to the daily 500-600 persons were crossing before the gate was closed for a few days, for security reasons. Reportedly after the positive news on the security situation in the border villages and Azaz town last week, the number of spontaneous returns during the weekend increased and since 01 March 2014more than 1,200 persons returned on a daily basis. ii. Evolving Needs Internal: The recent UN resolution which calls for unhindered passage to humanitarian aid into Syria has spurred planning and preparedness action by humanitarian actors in order to undertake cross-border aid delivery. WFP has been working with the government and other UN agencies to organise the first UN interagency cross-border aid convoy through the Nusaybin/ Qamishly border point. On 13 March, Head of Country Operations, Jean-Yves Lequime, along with several members of the logistics cluster attended an interagency convoy preparedness meeting in Gaziantep. The Syrian Government has given its official written approval for cross-border humanitarian deliveries through the Qamishly/Nusaybin border, yet the Turkey s approval has likewise been received. Convoys could potentially be ready at the border as early as 19-21 March. Five agencies have confirmed their readiness to move cargo: WFP (27 trucks), UNICEF (17 trucks), UNHCR (24 trucks), WHO (1 truck) and IOM (11 trucks). There remain issues to be considered such as: the capacity of the border crossing point, requirement for transhipment, customs procedures and the security situation at the border. iii. Markets The Turkish lira has hit a record low against the dollar at TL 2.50 during the reporting period, making it the worst performing emerging market currency in the world. Low cash reserves and political turmoil have made it difficult for the central bank to evade the plummeting rates. Political tensions are currently particularly high due to upcoming elections and proposals to control internet usage in country. The International Monetary Fund urged policy makers to stick to a flexible exchange rate and argued that an interest-rate increase is the immediate priority in order to control inflation throughout the country. Prices increased by 7.4% in 2013 and are expected to keep rising. 28
OPERATIONS i. Pipeline Status In line with new reporting requirements from HQ and the REC, a new pipeline the actualized project pipeline has been developed. This pipeline is a more realistic representation of our needs and takes into consideration the most updated situation changes on the ground. The operational pipeline shows a break in mid-march for April 2014 with a total of US$1.1 million. In order to make a timely transfer to beneficiaries, WFP needs to receive the funds by next week. The overall shortfalls have been reduced by US$3.1 million (net of ISC) due to the generous contribution of DFID. 29
The actualized project pipeline assumes 120,000 beneficiaries in January, 140,000 in February and March, 220,000 beneficiaries in April and May, and 300,000 beneficiaries from June 2014. The February and March ration amount will be US$40 for existing camps (120,000 beneficiaries) and US$30 for new camps (currently 20,000 beneficiaries). The expansion plan takes into consideration both funding and readiness of present and prospective camps to institute the program. The total operational shortfall in 2014 is approximately US$84m. The last three month s fund contributions/ allocations are detailed in the table below: Grant Allocation Date Donor TURKEY (USD) Net of ISC (USD) 01/10/13 LUX MAE 331,565 309,874 04/10/13 USAID/FFP 635,000 593,458 14/10/13 JAPAN 300,000 280,374 14/10/13 Switzerland 221,484 206,994 05/11/13 PRIVATE 21,750 20,327 04/12/13 Sweden/Multi 2,551,950 2,385,000 10/12/13 EEC (ECHO) 9,510,870 8,888,663 10/02/2014 Japan 1,900,000 1,775,701 10/02/2014 USAID/FFP 1,750,000 1,635,514 10/03/2014 DFID 3,333,334 3,115,265 30
ii. Monitoring Internal: WFP and TRC staff visited Malatya Beydağı camp on 10 March to perform an assessment of the camp s readiness for the E-Food Card Programme using the 60-20 Turkish lira modality, in the near future. WFP and TRC staff met with the camp manager, security officials as well as market manager. The market was found to be very clean and in good condition. Food availability and quality is above average however the prices were found to be above average. Expensive products in the camp are usually brand-name products and WFP asked that more economic alternatives be procured in order to increase purchasing power. The market has sufficient infrastructure to be ready for the launch of the E-Food Card Programme. Of concern is the fact that there is only one market in the camp and the lack of competition and beneficiaries inelastic demand will likely drive up prices in the future. Internal: After perusing the assessment reports (price comparisons as well as check lists for programme pre-requisites), the WFP assessment team holds the opinion that Malatya and Midyat camps should be the first camps considered for expansion. Considering the moderate sizes of the camps, Malatya with approximately 7,260 persons and Midyat with approximately 3,250 persons, it s more feasible to expand in a shorter period of time. However, both WFP and TRC agree that the high prices in Malatya should be addressed with AFAD before entering the camp. In the coming weeks, WFP and TRC will lobby AFAD to reduce the prices. With regard to the AFAD card, both Mydiat and Malatya already use the AFAD card system, whereas in Akçakale, Viranşehir and Nusaybin the system is not yet operational. In Kilis, Elbeyli, the AFAD card system is likewise in use but the shops do not meet the pre-requisites to join the programme. With regard to NFIs, irregular distribution continues to be a challenge with beneficiaries using their food allotment to purchase necessary items that are not otherwise provided. It will continue to obstruct the efficacy of the programme and preclude smooth transitions to the 60-20 modality until it is sorted. iii. Logistics Issues TRCO has identified a building for the UN/WFP compound in Gaziantep and continues administrative and procurement activities related to opening the new facility. Various UN agencies have been confirmed for relocation to said compound. The compound is undergoing several modifications as per UNDSS recommendations. A definite timeline for completion has not been specified. WFP has invested approximately US$240.1 million in the Turkish economy since the beginning of the programme in October 2012; not only through the e-food Card Programme, but also through the extensive procurement of commodities in support of global operations as delineated below: 31
iv. Top-Line Risks & Mitigation Measures WFP Turkey faces an operational pipeline break of US$1.1 million in mid-march for the April upload. The latest that WFP can receive these funds is next week. Internal: The government has agreed with WFP/TRC to address programme related issues in all camps (both WFP/TRC e-food card programme supported camps and non-participating camps), prior to considering further programme expansion. Issues relate to high product prices and irregular NFI assistance. Assessments of Mydiat and Malatya camp were promising with regard to programme infrastructure but WFP and TRC are looking to address high prices before entering the camps. 32
COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIPS i. Inter-Agency Coordination / Support Between 6 and 11 March, Head of Country Operation together with Nigel Fisher (Regional Humanitarian Coordinator) met with MoFA to discuss the potential for delivering aid through the Nusaybin border point following the consent of the government of Syria. On 13 March, Head of Country Operations, along with several members of the logistics cluster attended an interagency convoy preparedness meeting in Gaziantep. During the reporting period, the Gaziantep sub-office welcomed its new Head of Office, Christine Clarence. Additionally, the CO welcomed a Monitoring and Evaluation officer, Helene Greiche. WFP programme and communications office, Kathleen Inglis, attended the Food, Non-food items ad Cash and Voucher Working Group held in Gaziantep on 4 March. ii. External relations WFP and TRC will be facilitating upcoming programme visits from donors: ECHO, USAID, DFID and Canada. PLANNING & PRIORITIES Internal: The immediate priorities until the next reporting cycle are: To work with AFAD and camp management to ensure that issues affecting programme expansion (high food prices and regular harmonized NFI assistance) are resolved. To continue assessment missions throughout all camps to confirm programme expansion plans. To finalise and publish the Quarterly Monitoring and Evaluation Report. To complete the procurement process for visibility items for all the camps and staff. 33
IRAQ HIGHLIGHTS ECHO Commissioner, Kristalina Georgieva visits Baghdad and Kurdistan region to meet local authorities and humanitarian partners on Syria and the Anbar IDP crises 27 airlifts to provide assistance to the conflict-affected population from Erbil to Quamishli in North-eastern Syria completed. The Emergency Coordinator meets with the Italian Head of Development Cooperation and USAID Country Director in Iraq, Sally-Ann Lynch to brief them on the emergency food assistance to the Syrian refugees in Iraq. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS i. Security, Political and Social Developments On 12 March, ECHO Director General meet with members of the Humanitarian Country team in Baghdad and indicated that the primary objective for her mission in Iraq and neighbouring countries was to take stock of how people are coping as the Syria crisis enters its third year. The DG noted that Iraq has not received enough recognition for its support to the Syrian refugees and reiterated the EU intention is to do more for the Syrian Refugees including support for cross border operations. The DG also expressed concern following the recent events in Ukraine and its potential impact on the Syrian crisis, as it is diverting international attention with no one able to predict how the situation will develop. The DG indicated that failure to reach a peaceful resolution inside Syria could lead to an additional influx of refugees into Iraq and the neighbouring countries. On 13 March, the DG visited Peshkabor border crossing and Domiz camp to meet with some of the Syrian refugees and held further discussions with Dohuk authorities and humanitarian partners. In the Dohuk meeting which was attended by the Emergency Coordinator, the DG discussed issues including ECHO visibility in the food voucher programme, the opening of a northern humanitarian corridor from Turkey into Syria, the potential risk that the crisis could be protracted. Other issues included sustainability of the support to the Syrian refugees, recognition of Kurdish government as donor and partner and the need to distinguish between Iraq issues in general and those affecting the Kurdistan region in particular. On 3 March, the Emergency Coordinator, UNICEF Country Representative, UNHCR Head of Area Office for the North, and UNAMI/ICODHA representatives met with a delegation from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by the Head of Humanitarian Coordinator. After general discussion on the status of the Syrian crisis and the humanitarian response in Iraq, the delegation explained that they are planning to enhance their presence Kurdistan region. They also 34
ii. announced the allocation of 1,000,000 euros to Italian NGOs in Kurdistan as well as 1,000,000 euros to UNICEF and UNHCR. At present no further anticipated donation to WFP for Northern Iraq. On 11 March, the Emergency Coordinator, WHO Country Representative, UNHCR Head of Area Office for the North, UNAMI Head of Erbil Regional Office, UNICEF Emergency Coordinator, and UNAMI/ICODHA representatives met Sally-Ann Lindsay, USAID Country who informed all agencies in Erbil that USAID would be closing its current programs in Iraq by end 2015 and was exploring options to providing technical support to be paid for by the Iraqi government (Baghdad based). The airlifts of humanitarian assistance from Erbil to Quamishli in Al-Hasakeh in North-eastern Syria to provide assistance to the conflict-affected population have been suspended after 27 tours out of the 31 initially planned. The planes have been moved to Damascus to carry out more airlifts inside Syria. A suspected terrorist belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-sham (ISIS) was arrested in Erbil by the Asayish, the Kurdish security forces. He reportedly came from Kirkuk with the intent to carry out a suicide bombing in Erbil. A military unit arrested 44 wanted men in a security operation carried out south of Mosul in the Hammam al-alil and Qayyarah areas. There is need to monitor the security situation in Mosul due to its close proximity to the two camps serviced by WFP, namely Domiz which is located 50 km north of Mosul and Gawilan camp located 40 km to the east. Although the border crossing at Tel Koçer (Yaarubia) between Syrian (West) Kurdistan and Iraq was officially opened on 19 February, continued fighting between the Syrian Kurdish YPD and ISIS throughout north-eastern Syria will preclude any establishment of a land corridor for WFP in the foreseeable future. As previously reported, the ongoing conflict in Anbar province continues to present different challenges including access to the refugees in Al Obady camp and the IDPs in Anbar region. Local agencies have to make ad hoc arrangements to gain access. The Head of the Area Office, the Emergency Coordinator and the security section will continue to monitor the threat situation to adjust security and delivery protocols accordingly. Evolving Needs With the recruitment of additional programme staff in Erbil and Dohuk, there is an urgent need for additional vehicles and offices. Pending the identification of additional office space in Erbil, prefab offices are being set-up for programme staff to use in various camps in the region. Fresh efforts are underway to identify new office premises for Dohuk sub-office. The new building which had been previously identified and cleared by the Security Management Team (SMT) is no longer available for WFP use as the proprietor has already rented it out. iii. Markets The Request for Quotation launched to identify retail shops for the food voucher programme in Domiz camp was closed on 6 March. The date for the review panel is to be determined. The procurement meeting to review of the technical and financial offers for One Card pilot to be implemented in tandem with UNHCR will be held from 17 to 20 March in Amman. Despite the third re-advertisement of the Request for Proposals, only one vendor responded so far. 35
OPERATIONS *HEB distributed to families with children under 5 years of age (where there are no camp schools). ** Not included in total number of beneficiaries targeted as included in either voucher or GFD distribution. *** Total number of beneficiaries of in-kind food as percentage of planned beneficiaries i. GFD/C&V/School Feeding Distribution The monthly distribution of food vouchers targeting 76,000 Syrian refugees in Domiz camp started on 2 March. So far, 26,950 food vouchers have been distributed to 69,777 beneficiaries. The voucher distribution is still in progress. The Development and Modification Centre (DMC) responsible for Domiz camp management has started a camp audit to assess refugees who live inside or outside the camp and stamping their registration documents accordingly. Through this assessment process, DMC collected UNHCR Registration Cards from the refugees which are the main identity documents required to access in-kind food or food vouchers. In order not to delay the scheduled distribution of inkind food and food vouchers, and based on consultations with the outgoing acting Emergency Coordinator, it was decided that refugees will be given food and food voucher ( where applicable) using a photocopy of the original UNHCR registration cards along with the residency permit. The UNHCR registration cards are scheduled to be returned on 15 March 2014. 36
ii. iii. iv. The remaining 1,770 Syrian refugees in Al Obady camp also received their food rations despite the ongoing security operations in the region. The suspension of HEB distribution in Al Obady camp school is still in effect while discussions continue with the central Iraqi authorities. The distribution of in-kind food to Syrian refugees in Arbat transit camp was conducted on 10 March. 77 family food rations and 2,399 individual parcels were distributed to 2,563 beneficiaries (532 families and 102 singles). In addition to WFP s food parcels, 3 kg of UNICEF s High energy biscuits (HEB) were distributed 309 families with to the children under five years of age targeting 513 children. The monthly distribution of in kind food to Syrian refugees residing in Gewilan, Basirma, Dara Shakran, Kawr Gosk and Qushtapa have been delayed due to a pipeline break. Delivery was delayed due to concerns raised by Procurement Section regarding the packaging and other control issues. The delivery is estimated to be done on 18 March. Assessments The Emergency Coordinator and Programme Officer held discussions with UNHCR North Area Operations Officer on the Joint Assessment Mission to be started in mid-april. The budget, timelines and next steps to be taken were agreed upon. Inputs have been provided to UNHCR/ACTED-REACH for the multi-sectoral needs assessments scheduled to start from 16 March across the Kurdistan region. Planning for an assessment of non-camp refugees to be conducted by non-camp coordination in Dohuk is in progress. WFP will participate along with other humanitarian partners. Monitoring The draft M&E narrative report for July to December 2013 has been sent to the Area and Sub-office for comments. Logistics Issues The second round of humanitarian airlifts from Erbil to Quamishli which started on the 4 February has been completed after 27 rounds including one flight for the delivery of relief items from UNICEF and IOM. No further flights will be conducted from Erbil as the aircraft has been moved to Damascus to conduct other airlifts to Quamishli. Erbil Logistics unit started receiving food destined for Iraqi IDPs from Turkey through Ibrahim Khalil entry point. The delivery of additional food stocks for distribution to the Syrian refugees in Iraq in March and April initially expected from Turkey during the first week of March was delayed pending clearance from quality and control by Procurement Section. The delivery is now scheduled from 18 March 2014. v. Top-Line Risks & Mitigation Measures NSTR. 37
COORDINATION & PARTNERSHIPS i. Status of Cooperating Partnerships The local Project Review Committee met on 13 March to recommend the establishment of Field Level Agreement (FLA) for cooperating partnerships to support WFP food assistance programme in Kurdistan region of Iraq effective 1 April. The Note for Record is being finalized for necessary approvals. The current FLAs to end March for ACTED and Islamic Relief, may need to extended again pending 1) Outcome of the retail selection process scheduled on 17 18 March; 2) Clearing and levelling of land in camps for the retail shops and food voucher distribution points (procurement in process issues are that the land is not in good shape and may be quite expensive); 3) Construction of shops once retailers are notified and the potential impact on target number of beneficiaries given that many Domiz registered refugees are living outside the camp and may face problems once the shops outside the camp are closed. ii. Inter-Agency Coordination / Support NSTR PLANNING & PRIORITIES An IT assessment mission is coming to Erbil from 17 to 23 March. The mission will review the North Iraq office requirements and IT support requirements for the transition from paper to e-vouchers A Procurement and Retail Assessment mission is planned on 25 26 March to assess the retail capacity in Akre for the establishment of a food voucher programme. Planning for the conduct of training sessions for all the drivers in April is in progress. Ongoing review in progress of office requirements and relocation for Sulaymaniyah, Erbil and Dohuk REC Finance Officer expected in April to be based in Erbil. Recruitment for FMA s and Admin in Dohuk ongoing. 38
EGYPT HIGHLIGHTS The preferred service provider for the joint UNHCR/WFP OneCard system has been selected and will be publicized shortly. WFP and UNHCR are forming a joint group of experts who will commence negotiations with the newly selected partner on specific details of the expected services. These negotiations are planned to be finalized by April when the contract will be prepared and the OneCard platform piloted in Damietta in June. The proportion of Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) calling the WFP hotline is higher than Syrian refugees, accounting for 11 percent of all calls but representing only 4-5 percent of total WFP beneficiaries. Males, which represent 51 percent of total beneficiaries, are also slightly higher represented at 53 percent of total calls. While women-headed households account for a third of all refugee households, women are nearly half of total callers to the WFP hotline indicating that this format of information exchange and feedback is accessible to women. WFP / UNHCR joint workshop was held to debrief on the February distributions and discuss key areas of collaboration including data management, hotline procedures, mass messaging and distribution processes. February voucher distributions were completed in the first week of March reaching 85,000 beneficiaries or 91 percent of the target including 81,500 Syrian refugees and 3,500 Palestinian refugees from Syria (PRS) with UNRWA. WFP is expecting to shift to e-vouchers in greater Cairo in March through Carrefour allowing refugees to redeem multiple times up to the full value of the voucher and purchase more fresh products throughout the month. The vouchers will be uploaded remotely each month saving beneficiary s time and money by not attending distributions and providing a greater sense of dignity. SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS Security, Political and Social Developments (on-going) Distributions are currently not being scheduled on Fridays due to the risk of security incidents related to public protests on Fridays. Evolving Needs There have been 3,782 new registrations and 1,141 case closures with UNHCR from the start of the year to 1 March. If the rate of case closures continues, approximately 4,500 cases will be closed this year similar to the total case closures in 2013 of 4,607. By contrast the rate of registration, if remaining constant, will result in 15,000 refugees registered in 2014, which is significantly lower than the 118,000 registrations seen in 2013. 39
As of 12 March, there were 135,030 Syrians registered as refugees with UNHCR representing 50,017 households. Nearly 90 percent of registered Syrian refugees are residing in the locations where WFP is providing assistance. The refugees are residing predominantly in greater Cairo (76,839), Alexandria (29,001) and Damietta (12,392). WFP is currently assisting 100 percent of beneficiaries in Alexandria and Damietta and 65 percent in greater Cairo. The lower numbers in greater Cairo are mainly due to limited capacity at distribution sites and a single supermarket branch for redemption during the past two months while negotiating a new supermarket partner. However, this limitation is expected to be removed following the shift to e-vouchers with Carrefour in greater Cairo for March as they have thirteen branches across Cairo and the e-voucher will eliminate the need for large monthly distributions. UNHCR has been conducting information sessions with community based protection networks on services available and key issues including the dangers of irregular migration and the need for Syrian refugees to obtain their residency permits in their UNHCR refugee cards. Markets Slight improvement in macroeconomic outlook: In spite of continued slowdown in economic activity during 2013, the macroeconomic outlook for 2014 is slightly improving (Beltone, EIU). This is possibly related to increasing consumer confidence (consumer confidence increased by 11.9% in Jan 14, IDSC) as well as higher investor confidence in the economy with the change in the government and the revised credit ratings for Egypt (Fitch changed country outlook to stable). The government has also launched a fiscal stimulus package worth LE 30 bn (over US$4 bn), which will support total investment growth and job creation during 2014. Nevertheless, it will take a while before the impact trickles down to vulnerable households that are suffering from cumulative increases in consumer prices and persistent unemployment; the government quarterly labour survey for December 13 shows that unemployment rates stabilized at 13.4 percent. Foreign exchange rate and international reserves stabilized since January 14: The Egyptian pound has depreciated in 2013 against key currencies, however, it has relatively stabilized around US$/EGP 6.96 since Januayr 14, recording US$/EGP 6.9601 on 28 February 14. Net international reserves slightly increased during February 14 to US$ 17.3 billion, compared to US$ 17.1 billion in January and the Central Bank of Egypt expects NIR to rise to US$ 20 billion during the coming months (Beltone Egypt). Inflation in domestic food prices continues to rise and it s a major threat to vulnerable households: Consumer price indices published by the government s statistical agency CAPMAS show that annual inflation rates in the consumer price index and specifically the food price index increased to 19.3 percent during January 14, with a monthly increase of 3.7 percent, the highest monthly increase since January 11. The food groups that have seen the largest annual increase are vegetables (30.4 percent), fish and sea food (27.4 percent), dairy products and eggs (27.3 percent), as well as meat and poultry (18.3 percent). Inflation rates are higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Inflation in food prices is a key threat to vulnerable households, especially that 65 percent of their total monthly spending goes to food items (EFO, Dec 14). Slight improvement in the coping strategies adopted by vulnerable households during Oct-Dec 13: The quarterly food security monitoring system bulletin (the Egyptian Food Observatory) shows that vulnerable households whose income was insufficient to meet their monthly basic needs has decreased to 80.2 percent during Oct-Dec 13, compared to 89.7 percent in Sept 13 and 83 percent in December 12. Also, households whose income was insufficient to meet 40
their monthly food needs declined to 63 percent compared to 72.3 percent in Jul-Sep 13 and 69 percent during Oct-Dec 12. In addition, the reliance on severe coping strategies like reducing the quantity of food intake and borrowing food / money to buy food declined during Oct-Dec 13 to 12.2 percent and 30.8 percent respectively, compared to 18 percent and 35.5 percent during Jul-Sep 13. OPERATIONS *This figure is based on the Operational Planned Beneficiaries to illustrate how many beneficiaries of those planned for by the operation were reached. ** Planning figures are based on UNHCR manifest *** Planning figures are based on UNRWA manifest 41