Update on Regional Developments in Central, East and West Africa

EC/47/SC/CRP.37

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S PROGRAMME
STANDING COMMITTEE
30 May 1997

8th Meeting

I. INTRODUCTION

1. This document is divided into three parts: following the introduction, Part II provides information on West and Central Africa and Part III on Eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa. The text for each of these parts contains an overview of developments in the relevant sub-region, followed by individual country reviews. Relevant budget and post tables are summarized in the two annexes.

II. WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

A. Sub-regional overview

2. There has been a marked contrast in the development of the refugee situations in West Africa as compared to Central Africa. West Africa has been characterized by several peace initiatives and prospects for massive voluntary repatriation, whereas Central Africa has been affected by the highly volatile situation in the Great Lakes region and the danger of further refugee flows into countries such as the Congo and the Central African Republic.

3. The major breakthrough on Liberia was the agreement by the warring factions to participate in legislative and presidential elections, preceded by complete disarmament and demobilization under the supervision of ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and the international community, mainly represented by the United Nations. This success meant that serious efforts could be recommenced by UNHCR and its operational partners for the voluntary repatriation of the approximately 670,000 Liberian refugees in the neighbouring countries of Côte d'Ivoire (160,000) and Guinea (420,000) and as far away as Ghana and Nigeria. The voluntary repatriation operations will take place within the framework of the Abuja Peace Settlement, and in accordance with the established timetable of activities. Particular attention will be given to assure that all adult refugees willing to return home to vote be assisted to do so well before the elections, now scheduled for July 1997.

4. The successful legislative and presidential elections in Sierra Leone¹ in 1996 were followed by the signature of a Peace Agreement between the new Sierra Leonean Government and the Revolutionary United Front. The possibility of assisting the voluntary return of some 375,000 Sierra Leonean refugees, most of whom are in Guinea (250,000) and Liberia (120,000), seemed to be a realistic expectation as of end April 1997. Indeed, some 16,000 Sierra Leonean refugees have already spontaneously returned home while almost 2,000 have been assisted in returning. Considerable efforts have been made by UNHCR and its operational partners to plan for the voluntary return of the majority of the remaining refugees.

5. The two on-going voluntary repatriation operations for Togolese and Malian refugees continue. The Togolese operation will be completed by the end of 1997, while that of the Malians is expected to come to a close by the end of 1998.

6. The optimism generated by the overall return of peace to the main war-affected areas of West Africa is constrained by two major concerns: first, the fragility of the security situation in Sierra Leone, characterized by periodic outbursts of violence between Government forces and opposing factions, and second, by the situation in Liberia where the complications of organizing the elections are immense with the risk that credibility of the electoral process and the elections themselves might be undermined unless more time and resources are found. Equally worrying for UNHCR and its operational partners is the low response to the appeal for funds for the implementation of the various voluntary repatriation programmes in the sub-region. Unless the funding situation improves, it will be difficult to ensure thorough and efficient programme implementation.

7. In Central Africa, the conflict in the Great Lakes region and the war in Zaire have resulted in the recent arrival of Rwandan and Zairian refugees in the Congo and in the Central African Republic. In preparation for an eventual influx into the Congo and the Central African Republic, UNHCR's presence in both countries was reinforced, and emergency relief items are being pre-positioned. The possible influx of Rwandan and Zairian refugees into neighbouring countries continues to be a major preoccupation. The rapidly evolving situation is being monitored closely.

8. Various activities are underway throughout the sub-region to implement UNHCR's policies and guidelines on women, children and the environment in order to mainstream concerns for refugee women, children and the environment into UNHCR's protection and assistance programmes. Special attention in programme planning is paid to areas such as protection, access to food, access to appropriate health care, education, self-reliance through skills training, income-generation, participation in decision-making in camp management and other related activities.

9. Training workshops will be held in People-Oriented-Planning throughout the sub-region to ensure a more gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approach to programme planning. In order to promote durable solutions, active support is being given to refugee and displaced women's local initiatives in peace-building activities such as peace education and conflict resolution. Efforts are underway to mainstream women's peace-building activities in Mali, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The participation of refugee women in camp management committees, food management and distribution is being enhanced. Priority will be given to the protection and assistance of unaccompanied minors and the issue of recruitment of child soldiers and adolescents.

B. Regional Special Programmes

(a) Repatriation of Liberian Refugees

10. The security situation in Liberia has considerably improved. This was mainly attributable to the successful disarmament and demobilization exercise completed in early February. Tangible progress had also been achieved in other areas of the implementation of the revised Abuja Agreement, including the effective countrywide deployment of troops by ECOMOG and observers by the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (UNOMIL), the dissolution of factions and their conversion into political parties, as well as the restoration of Monrovia to its initial safe-haven status. Consequently, the Liberian peace process now seems to be moving towards its final stage, that is, the holding of legislative and presidential elections.

11. The participation of refugees in elections has consistently been a matter of concern to the international community since it was considered that disenfranchising the refugee population would cast a shadow over the very legitimacy and credibility of the electoral process. Following a decision of the two main countries of asylum, strongly supported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), not to allow refugees to register or vote from exile, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1100 in late March 1997. The resolution stresses "the importance of assisting with the prompt repatriation of refugees who are willing to return in time to participate in the registration and voting process."

12. In pursuance of the Security Council resolution, and as part of the concerted efforts to consolidate the peace process in Liberia, UNHCR announced plans to facilitate the repatriation of those Liberian refugees seeking to return home voluntarily and permanently in time to participate in the elections. With regard to organized large-scale repatriation, elements such as the security situation, logistical constraints resulting from the rainy season, as well as the wish expressed by some refugees to return only after the end of the school year and harvest will be taken into account.

13. Meanwhile, rehabilitation activities in returnee-affected areas should commence as early as possible. To this effect, a technical mission has been fielded to design Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) which would be implemented in close coordination with other humanitarian and development agencies as well as bilateral donors.

14. In April 1997, a WFP/UNHCR joint food assessment mission with the participation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and donor representatives visited Liberia. The mission recommended, inter alia, that priority be given to women beneficiaries at all stages of the food assistance process. Special modalities will be developed to ensure that women refugees participate in the food management and distribution process and that they are better informed of their entitlements. Gender sensitivity will be reinforced through training activities for WFP, UNHCR and implementing partner staff. Gender-specific data will be systematically collected for the design and implementation of all UNHCR projects.

15. An appeal for the funding of the repatriation exercise is currently being finalized. The estimated costs for the entire operation, including the reintegration phase, amount to some $ 55 million over an 18-month period.

(b) Repatriation and reintegration of Malian Refugees

16. The relentless efforts initiated earlier by the Malian authorities towards national reconciliation culminated in the adoption of an Amnesty Law, promulgated in March 1997. This major development, together with the equally important signing of tripartite agreements between the Malian Government, the asylum countries and UNHCR, have significantly contributed to the atmosphere of peace and security prevailing in the country, particularly in the north.

17. In this context, UNHCR will vigorously pursue initiatives launched in 1994 to further encourage and promote voluntary repatriation of the remaining Malian refugees in the Niger, Mauritania, Algeria and other asylum countries. As part of its promotion efforts towards voluntary repatriation, UNHCR has embarked on an information campaign to sensitize refugees on the ongoing improvement of the situation in their country. In this regard, pre-return visits by refugee delegations to their regions of origin will continue to be jointly organized by UNHCR and the Government of Mali. The repatriation operation has been particularly successful in Mauritania where, through a combination of organized and spontaneous movements, some 36,000 refugees returned home, leaving a residual caseload of 6,738 as of beginning May 1997.

18. With a view to expediting the return and reintegration of the repatriants, UNHCR has reinforced its presence in Mali while stepping up its rehabilitation projects in critical sectors such as water.

(c) Repatriation and reintegration of refugees from the Niger

19. Following the signing of two tripartite agreements in March 1996 between Algeria, the Niger and UNHCR on one hand, and Burkina Faso, the Niger and UNHCR on the other, which serve as the framework for the return of some 10,000 refugees from Algeria and 500 from Burkina Faso, UNHCR has taken major steps towards promoting voluntary repatriation. These included the strengthening of its presence in Niamey in October 1996, and the fielding of two missions to Algeria and the Niger. Goals of the mission were to encourage refugees to return, and to develop with the Government of the Niger modalities for the implementation of reintegration activities in returnee areas, particularly in the sectors of water, health and education. These activities will be carried out within the framework of existing rehabilitation and development projects implemented by other agencies.

20. The funding requirements for both the Malian and the Niger repatriation operations for 1997 are the subject of an appeal for some $ 17.6 million to be launched in May 1997.

(d) Repatriation of Sierra Leonean Refugees

21. Following parliamentary and presidential elections in February and March 1996 respectively, Sierra Leone achieved the transition to multi-party democracy. This brightened prospects for durable peace for the country. In another positive development, a Peace Agreement was concluded between the newly elected civilian Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on 30 November 1996, bringing the six year old civil war to an end.

22. The Government of Sierra Leone requested UNHCR to assist in the repatriation of some 375,000 Sierra Leonean refugees, 250,000 of whom had sought asylum in Guinea, 120,000 in Liberia and 4,000 in Gambia. In response, UNHCR fielded an assessment mission to Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in January 1997, as a result of which UNHCR adopted a phased approach for the repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees. Taking into account logistical as well as possible security concerns, it was foreseen that 60,000 refugees would have repatriated from Monrovia, Gambia, Guinea and elsewhere by the end of June 1997, while 60,000 additional refugees would have repatriated from other parts of Liberia and Guinea by the end of November 1997. If conditions of stability and security continue, some 120,000 refugees are expected to return by the end of February 1998. Furthermore, it is estimated that some 120,000 Sierra Leoneans will opt to return spontaneously, leaving a residual caseload of 15,000 persons.

23. In order to respond effectively to this requirement, four new Offices (one Sub-Office in Kenema and three Field Offices in Bo, Segbwema and Zimmi) were opened in Sierra Leone in 1997.

24. From the beginning of February to 30 April 1997, only 1,397 Sierra Leonean refugees had returned, mainly from Monrovia, with UNHCR assistance. The June 1997 target of 60,000 set in the operations plan is, therefore, not likely to be reached. The delay in the implementation of the repatriation plan is mainly due to the severe deterioration of security which has been the result of the unstable political situation in Sierra Leone. In the meantime, some 16,000 spontaneous returnees from Guinea and Liberia have been reported in recent weeks.

25. UNHCR's financial requirements of over $ 17 million for the operation form part of the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal on Sierra Leone launched in early April 1997.

C. Country Reviews

1. Benin

(a) Beneficiaries

26. As at 1 January 1997, Benin hosted a refugee population of 5,960 persons, comprising 4,690 Togolese, 666 Nigerians, 336 Chadians, 166 Rwandans, 42 Cameroonians, 29 Burundians, 27 Zairians and four refugees of various origins. In comparison with the 23,800 refugees registered at 1 January 1996, this figure reflects a significant decrease mainly due to the UNHCR-assisted voluntary repatriation of 11,400 Togolese refugees. Children under the age of 18 account for 38 per cent of the population, whereas women represent 50 per cent.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

27. The overall situation in Benin has generally remained the same over the last four months. The voluntary repatriation of Togolese refugees has continued with success. However, more asylum-seekers from the Great Lakes region and from Nigeria have arrived during the reporting period.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

28. UNHCR assistance programmes in Benin are being implemented by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in cooperation with the Benin Red Cross (responsible for food distribution and the running of the health programme), Caritas-Benin (responsible for the distribution of food and domestic items and for the management of education and income-generation micro-projects) and Coordination Nationale pour l'Assistance au Réfugiés Togolais (CNART), representing the Government of Benin, (in charge of the coordination of the assistance programmes). The Ministry of the Interior is responsible for the integration of disabled refugees, the promotion of the principles of international protection and the distribution of new refugee cards.

(d) Budget

29. The care and maintenance project in Benin, under which the Ogoni refugees from Nigeria are being assisted, has to be re-adjusted to take into account the new arrivals, mainly from Nigeria and Rwanda, as well as the discontinuation of WFP food assistance. The premises of the Come transit camp hosting 632 Ogoni refugees are scheduled to be transferred back to the Government and refugees will have to be relocated in the course of 1997.

(e) Post situation

30. As at 1 January 1998, the status of the office in Cotonou will change from Branch Office to Liaison Office. Consequently, the post of the Representative will be discontinued by 31 December 1997, together with the Field Officer and Administrative Officer posts, leaving a staffing complement of six as of January 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

31. Particular attention is being given to women through income-generation projects. Psycho-social support is being provided to Ogoni and Rwandan children who have been traumatized by the effects of war.

(g) Oversight reports

32. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

2. Burkina Faso

(a) Beneficiaries

33. As at 31 March 1997, UNHCR assisted some 24,149 refugees in Burkina Faso, the majority of whom are from Mali (22,855) and the Niger (402) and are settled in rural areas. The remaining 892 refugees are of various nationalities and reside in urban centres. It is estimated that 47 per cent of the refugees are female, while 7 per cent are children under five years of age.

34. From 1 January to 31 March 1997, 5,898 Malian refugees repatriated either spontaneously (2,923) or under UNHCR auspices (2,975).

(b) Recent developments and objectives

35. The voluntary repatriation of Malian refugees remains UNHCR's main objective in Burkina Faso for 1997 and 1998. In cooperation with the national authorities, UNHCR has carried out public awareness campaigns to inform Malian refugees about the possibilities for repatriation. Meetings of the Tripartite Committee (Burkina Faso/Mali/UNHCR) have been held in Ouagadougou and Bamako since 1995, followed by sensitization campaigns led by the Malian delegation in the refugee sites to encourage voluntary repatriation.

36. With regard to the refugees from the Niger, a Tripartite Agreement was signed in March 1996 between Burkina Faso, Niger and UNHCR. A meeting of the Tripartite Committee was also organized in May 1997, and it is hoped that the voluntary repatriation of this group will take place during the second half of 1997.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

37. UNHCR's main implementing partner in Burkina Faso is the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA). The WFP provides food assistance, and other agencies are involved in the provision of care and maintenance assistance, namely Médecins sans Frontières (MSF)-Luxembourg for the health sector, the Catholic Relief Service (CRS/CATHWELL) for distribution of food and non-food items, the Centre Regional pour l'eau potable et l'Assainissement (CREPA) and the Christian Relief and Development Organisation (CREDO) for assistance to urban refugees.

(d) Budget

38. The 1997 and 1998 General Programmes budgets have been reduced to take account of the anticipated repatriation movements. Small care and maintenance projects will mostly cover the needs of urban refugees and the remaining needy Malian refugees.

(e) Post situation

39. Taking advantage of the prospects for voluntary repatriation of the majority of refugees in Burkina Faso, it is proposed to discontinue ten posts in the Sub-Office in Dori by the end of 1997 or, at the latest, by the end of March 1998. The discontinuation of eight posts in Ouagadougou is envisaged for the end of June 1998, and UNHCR's presence in Burkina Faso will thus be gradually phased out, with the Branch Office becoming a Liaison Office.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

40. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on meeting the needs of refugee women and children, especially in the health and education sectors. Income-generation projects will also continue to be implemented in favour of refugee women.

(g) Oversight reports

41. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

3. Cameroon

(a) Beneficiaries

42. As at 1 January 1997, there were some 46,400 refugees in Cameroon, including 44,570 Chadians, 650 Rwandans, 255 Sudanese, 237 Burundians, 187 Liberians and 500 refugees of other origins. A total of 4,460 refugees received regular assistance from UNHCR.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

43. Over 700 Chadian refugees were repatriated during the last quarter of 1996, and a further 300 are due to return home by the end of May 1997. In the meantime, the adoption of a bill to create the National Commission of Eligibility has been postponed until after the parliamentary elections scheduled for June 1997.

44. An increase in the numbers of Liberian and Rwandan asylum-seekers has been witnessed during 1996. UNHCR will continue to provide assistance to some needy refugees as recommended by a recent mission carried out by a rural economist. It is however foreseen that these activities will gradually be reduced as the planned transfer of UNHCR activities to UNDP is implemented. The repatriation of Chadian refugees will continue to be the main objective during 1997 and 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

45. UNHCR's programmes in Cameroon have been entrusted to the National Red Cross, responsible for the implementation of the assistance project for Chadian refugees at Poli Faro, and the Organisation Canadienne pour le secours et l'assistance (OCSD), responsible for the implementation of the assistance project for urban refugees.

(d) Budget

46. The revised 1997 and the initial 1998 General Programmes budgets have been increased by some forty per cent as compared to the initial 1997 budgets to cater for the increased caseload.

(e) Post situation

47. A second post of Driver was created in 1997, bringing the current staffing level to seven posts for 1 January 1997 and 1998 respectively.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

48. The Liaison Office will continue to encourage the active participation of women in community-based initiatives within the framework of the existing assistance programme.

(g) Oversight reports

49. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

4. Central African Republic

(a) Beneficiaries

50. As at 1 January 1997, the Central African Republic (CAR) hosted 36,600 refugees. Of this population, 35,700 refugees are being assisted by UNHCR, including 30,700 Sudanese, 4,830 Chadians, 80 Burundians, 60 Rwandans and 30 refugees of other origins. In spite of the volatile and precarious security situation prevailing in Bangui, the refugee population increased by eight per cent as compared to the 1996 figure. Most of the new arrivals were Sudanese (3,931). Out of the total refugee population, children under five years of age represent 17 per cent of the caseload, and women refugees 44 per cent.

(b) Recent development and objectives

51. During 1996, three consecutive mutinies followed by the evacuation of UNHCR international staff members and the temporary closure of the office negatively affected the implementation of programmes.

52. The holding of presidential elections in Chad during 1996 did not result in as many returns as expected. During 1996, some 500 Sudanese and 300 Chadians refugees repatriated with UNHCR assistance. In addition, some 410 refugees departed spontaneously, including 330 Chadians and 50 Rwandans.

53. As at end-April, the much feared large-scale spill-over of refugees from Zaire did not materialize and in total, some 470 Rwandans and Zairians crossed into the Central African Republic, most of whom have not requested refugee status.

54. Following the recommendations of a consultant from UNHCR's Programme and Technical Support Section (PTSS), arrangements are underway to transfer Sudanese refugees from the Mboki camp to a new site designated by the Government.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

55. The implementation of assistance programmes is entrusted to the Commission Nationale pour les Réfugiés (CNR), responsible for protection, education and community services for Chadian and Sudanese refugees, the Organisation Canadienne pour la solidarité et le développement (OCSD), responsible for assistance projects for Chadian refugees (food distribution, health/nutrition and agriculture) and for the logistics of the entire programme in the Central African Republic, and Africare, responsible for the implementation of the health, agriculture and water sectors for the Sudanese refugee assistance project.

(d) Budget

56. An increase of the 1997 appropriation for care and maintenance was met through an allocation from the Programme Reserve to cover the additional costs of the transfer of Sudanese refugees in Mboki, an overpopulated camp, to a new village, in accordance with the recommendations made by the recent technical mission.

(e) Post situation

57. The staffing level of 26 posts will be maintained throughout 1997 and 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children environment)

58. The needs of women and children are taken into account particularly in the planning and implementation of the ongoing care and maintenance programme. The selection of beneficiaries of income-generation activities is an area where priority is given to refugee women.

(g) Oversight reports

59. The recommendations of the 1995 Inspection and Evaluation Service mission to Bangui are being implemented. The mission recommended strategies for a phase-down of UNHCR activities, including a reassessment of food requirements at Mboki in cooperation with the World Food Programme (WFP). Given the return of many Chadians and the prospects for future voluntary repatriation to Chad, an assessment mission to Chad was recommended. It was also suggested that the draft contingency plan for a possible refugee influx from the Sudan be updated as a preparedness measure. In this connection, a contingency plan was prepared and two follow-up missions from Headquarters took place to southern Chad and to Mboki respectively.

5. Chad

(a) Beneficiaries

60. As at 1 January 1997, there were 110 refugees in Chad, 91 of whom were Sudanese; 19 were of other nationalities. Of these refugees, 67 were assisted by UNHCR.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

61. The presidential elections held in 1996 did not result in the return of as many Chadian refugees as expected.

62. Twenty new asylum-seekers, mainly Sudanese, have been accepted in Chad. Efforts aimed at establishing a National Refugee Commission continue. During 1997, UNHCR will pursue its assistance to needy refugees through the UNDP Office in N'Djamena.

63. A mission by a PTSS expert to the south of Chad during December 1996/January 1997 has resulted in the drawing up of a multi-year reintegration project to be funded by the European Union under the Lomé III Agreement.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

64. The assistance programme for refugees in Chad is administered by UNDP on UNHCR's behalf. Secours Catholic pour le Development (SECADEV) is the main implementing partner for refugee assistance.

(d) Budget

65. The care and maintenance budget for 1997 and 1998 is being maintained at the level of the initial 1997 budget.

66. In the meantime, and following the establishment of a project on behalf of returnees in accordance with the recommendations of a technical expert, funds have been made available to implement the first phase of the reintegration programme for Chadian returnees. Discussions are well advanced with the European Union for the funding of this project, under the Lomé III Agreement, which will be implemented in three phases. UNHCR has made an initial allocation towards this project from the 1997 Voluntary Repatriation Fund.

(e) Post situation

67. UNHCR is represented by UNDP in Chad.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

68. The needs of women and children are taken into account particularly in the planning and implementation of the ongoing repatriation programme. The selection of beneficiaries of income-generation activities is an area where priority is given to refugee women.

(g) Oversight reports

69. In compliance with a UNHCR Inspection and Evaluation Service recommendation following a mission to the Central African Republic in December in 1995, a technical mission was undertaken to examine the status of reintegration of returnees, and to develop planning for future return.

6. The Congo

(a) Beneficiaries

70. As at 1 January 1997, there were a total of 20,500 refugees in the Congo, including 20,200 Angolans. Some 5,300 refugees were assisted by UNHCR.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

71. During the latter part of 1996, over 1,000 Zairians of Rwandan (Tutsi) origin crossed to Brazzaville fearing retaliation from the local population as a result of the fighting in eastern Zaire. Of this group, 887 persons opted for repatriation to Rwanda, whereas the remaining 154 persons opted to be resettled elsewhere. The entire group had been receiving assistance from the Congolese Red Cross.

72. A contingency plan was prepared by UNHCR Kinshasa to respond to a possible influx of refugees from Kinshasa to Brazzaville as a result of the prevailing situation. It is anticipated that, some 14,000 Rwandans of Hutu origin will have arrived in the Congo by the end of May 1997. The influx continues and is being monitored.

73. With regard to the transfer of Angolan refugees from the overpopulated camp of Komi to Kondi Mbaka, an agricultural site with sufficient land and water has now been established. Repatriation to Cabinda will continue to be promoted.

74. The plan to relocate urban refugees to a rural setting in order to allow them to attain self-sufficiency did not meet with the support of the population concerned.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

75. The Congolese Red Cross assists urban refugees in Brazzaville, notably in the sectors of health and education. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the main implementing agency in Pointe Noire for all assistance activities.

(d) Budget

76. The revised 1997 and initial 1998 General Programmes budgets will be maintained at approximately the same levels as the initial 1997 budget. Budgetary requirements for the recent influx of Rwandans have been met under the Special Programmes for the Great Lakes region.

(e) Post situation

77. The staffing level (eight posts) for 1997 and 1998 remains unchanged from 1996.

(f) Oversight reports

78. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

7. Côte d'Ivoire

(a) Beneficiaries

79. As at 1 January 1997, the estimated refugee population in Côte d'Ivoire was 328,000, including some 327,000 Liberians. In mid-March 1997, a census conducted by the Government, in coordination with UNHCR, revealed that the total registered and assisted refugee population has dropped to 160,758, comprising some 160,000 Liberians, 350 Sierra Leoneans and 408 of various other nationalities. The difference between the present refugee figure and the previous one is attributable to factors such as spontaneous returns to Liberia following the improvement in the security situation in the country. Moreover, the fact that the registration exercise was not linked to relief assistance seems to have discouraged some refugees from registering. Also, an estimated 50,000 unregistered persons in urban areas such as Man, Abidjan, Bouaké, Daloa and San Pedro were not taken into account.

(b) Recent development and objectives

80. The phasing-out of the general food distribution to Liberian refugees, which began in early 1996, was completed in January 1997. Currently, only targeted food distribution in favour of school feeding programmes and Liberian vulnerable refugees is being undertaken by the World Food Programme (WFP), the European Union and NGOs.

81. Following the dissolution of armed factions and the restoration of relative security in Liberia, spontaneous returns to Liberia have been observed. In the light of this positive development, as well as the forthcoming general elections, UNHCR and the Government of Côte d'Ivoire signed a bilateral agreement on 7 April 1997 for the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees in Côte d'Ivoire. Pending the implementation of a large-scale repatriation operation, a pilot project has been established to facilitate the return of some 20,000 Liberians who wish to participate in the forthcoming general elections in Liberia.

82. Concurrently, and with the support of UNHCR, a group of refugee leaders embarked on a tour of the main areas of return, initially to assess the situation prevailing in those areas in order to report to their compatriots in asylum countries. The refugee leaders have thus been able to confirm the notable improvement achieved in the security situation while realizing the vast level of destruction to community infrastructure.

83. Pending the large-scale repatriation operation, UNHCR will continue, during 1997 and 1998, to provide assistance to refugees through its multi-sectoral care and maintenance project by reinforcing agricultural production and social services as well as education and income-generating activities.

84. In order to improve the implementation of the programme, UNHCR's implementing partners have been encouraged to transfer and delegate more authority to their field representatives. Equally, some activities related to UNHCR's programme management and monitoring have been decentralized to the sub-office level.

85. Following the Peace Agreement signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front in Abidjan on 30 November 1996, preparations are being made for the repatriation of some 350 registered Sierra Leonean refugees residing in Danané.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

86. During 1997, the Government of Côte d'Ivoire assigned responsibility for refugee matters to the Ministry of Interior and National Integration, while maintaining the National Coordination Committee for assistance to Liberian refugees. This committee acts on behalf of the Government and is party to all agreements signed by UNHCR with implementing partners.

87. The implementation of UNHCR's programmes in Côte d'Ivoire has been entrusted to the following partners: the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA), which is responsible for the implementation of primary school education and school feeding programmes for Liberian refugees, the Agence Nationale d'Appui au Développement (ANADER), which is implementing all activities related to agriculture for Liberian refugees and the Direction de l'Hydraulique, which is responsible for the implementation of water sector activities for Liberian refugees. Several other agencies, such as the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), International Rescue Committee (IRC), Caritas and Africare, are implementing vocational training, income-generation, health and medical activities for Liberian refugees.

88. Food assistance for the school feeding programme and vulnerable refugees is provided by WFP and the European Union through their implementing partners, the Ivorian Red Cross and Action Internationale Contre la Faim (AICF).

(d) Budget

89. The revised 1997 General Programmes budget is higher than the initial level set in 1996. The results of the registration may, however, allow for some budget reductions. A further reduction is proposed for the 1998 budget due to the consolidation of the programme and possible large-scale repatriation. An allocation was made from the 1997 Voluntary Repatriation Fund to cover the costs of the pilot project for the return of Liberian refugees.

(e) Post situation

90. The number of posts was increased during 1997 due to the opening of new offices in Toulépleu and Guiglo and the regularization of locally recruited staff previously employed under a project.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

91. UNHCR's multi-sectorial project benefits all refugees including women and children. Special attention and services have been provided for children's needs through primary education and school feeding programmes. Assistance provided to women includes income-generating activities funded by UNHCR.

92. The environment, particularly the deforestation in refugee affected areas in Tabou, has been a matter of concern for the Government of Côte d'Ivoire and UNHCR. In order to provide support for the rehabilitation of the "zones d'accueil", a $ 500,000 multi-sectorial project funded by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) will be implemented as from mid-1997. The project will boost sustainable environmental management practices in refugee hosting areas by implementing forestry activities and energy supply in the Tabou and Guiglo areas. In the Tabou area, the project will cover the rehabilitation of over 1,350 acres of forest devastated by the presence of refugees and will provide an alternative energy supply (5,500 ovens/adapted stoves) for family use.

(g) Oversight reports

93. During March 1997, United Nations external auditors reviewed the accounts of UNHCR's Office and its implementing partners in Côte d'Ivoire. The findings are still awaited.

8. Zaire²

94. Developments concerning Rwandan and Burundian refugees in Zaire are covered in the document on the Great Lakes region. (EC/47/SC/CRP.37).

(a) Beneficiaries

95. In addition to Rwandan and Burundian refugees, Zaire hosted a refugee population of 222,185 persons as at 1 January 1997, comprising 108,284 Angolans, 96,529 Sudanese, 17,289 Ugandans and 83 other refugees of various nationalities.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

96. The outbreak of the armed conflict between the Government troops and the Alliance des forces démocratiques pour la libération du Congo-Zaïre (AFDL) forces in November 1996 was the major development in Haut-Zaire. As a result, UNHCR activities were temporarily halted, but were then resumed in April 1997.

97. For 1997 and 1998, UNHCR will continue to provide care and maintenance assistance to Angolan refugees. At the same time, preparatory activities towards repatriation will be pursued.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

98. UNHCR's multi-sectoral care and maintenance project for Sudanese and Ugandan refugees in Haut-Zaire is implemented by Medical and Environmental Development with Air Assistance (MEDAIR) and the Diocese in Mahagi (a local church). The Mines Advisory Group (MAG), a United Kingdom-based NGO, and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) are currently implementing their respective programmes in Zaire, within the framework of the Angolan repatriation.

(d) Budget

99. The revised 1997 General Programmes budget has been increased in view of additional costs resulting from the change in office premises in Kinshasa, the repair of such premises in Aru and the post creations described below. The latter also resulted in the proposed 1998 General Programmes budget being slightly higher than the initial 1997 budget.

(e) Post situation

100. Seven General Service posts were created as at 1 January 1997. The staffing level of 99 posts (excluding posts funded under the Burundi/Rwanda Emergency Operation) is being maintained for 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

101. Special activities relating to refugee women and children are an integral part of the Regional Office's workplan for 1997 and 1998.

(g) Oversight reports

102. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

9. Gabon

(a) Beneficiaries

103. As at 1 January 1997, there were some 800 refugees in Gabon, including 148 Chadians, 127 Mauritanians, 118 refugees from Equatorial Guinea, 109 Angolans, 72 Rwandans and 51 Burundians. UNHCR provided assistance to some 380 refugees, with the remainder being self-sufficient.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

104. The bill introduced in March 1996 by the Government of Gabon for the establishment of a National Commission for Refugee Affairs and the creation of a National Commission of Eligibility has not yet been adopted by the Parliament. Gabon will therefore continue to depend entirely on the UNHCR Regional Office in Kinshasa for eligibility determination.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

105. As in previous years, UNHCR's programmes are being implemented through UNDP, based on a Letter of Understanding between the UNHCR Regional Office in Kinshasa and the UNDP office in Libreville.

(d) Budget

106. Budgetary requirements for 1998 are maintained at 1997 levels based on the assumption that the caseload will remain stable.

(e) Post situation

107. UNHCR is represented by UNDP. Staff from UNHCR's Regional Office in Kinshasa periodically travel on mission to Gabon.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

108. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on meeting the needs of refugee women and children, especially in the health and education sectors. Income-generation projects will continue to be implemented in favour of refugee women.

(g) Oversight reports

109. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

10. Gambia

(a) Beneficiaries

110. As at 1 January 1997, Gambia hosted 6,924 refugees, including 4,263 Sierra Leoneans, 2,490 Senegalese and 155 Liberians. Some 18 per cent of the total refugee population were estimated to be children under five years of age. Female refugees constituted 62 per cent of all refugees. During 1996, some 200 Sierra Leonean refugees were repatriated with UNHCR assistance.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

111. As a result of the efforts made by UNHCR over four years to facilitate local integration, the Senegalese refugees living in Kitty Camp are now self sufficient. Assistance to this camp has therefore been phased out. Promotion of voluntary repatriation of 4,000 Sierra Leonean and 150 Liberian refugees remains the main objective for 1997 and 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

112. As in previous years, UNDP coordinates all activities on behalf of UNHCR. The Government of Gambia, through the Department of Immigration and the National Intelligence Agency, will continue to assist in the registration and screening of refugees in Gambia. The Gambian Red Cross is responsible for the logistics, water, sanitation, health, shelter and legal assistance sectors. The Anglican Mission Development Ministries (AMDM) is implementing community development, education and agricultural activities.

(d) Budget

113. In view of positive developments in Sierra Leone, it is expected that the majority of Sierra Leoneans will opt for voluntary repatriation by the end of 1997, in anticipation of which a decreased budget is proposed for 1998.

(e) Post situation

114. The UNHCR office in Gambia is directly supervised by the UNHCR Regional Office in Dakar and is administered by UNDP Gambia.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

115. Refugee women's groups have been assisted through the provision of items for income-generation activities. Children are assisted to attend primary schools.

(g) Oversight reports

116. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

11. Ghana

(a) Beneficiaries

117. As at 1 January 1997, Ghana hosted some 35,600 refugees, including 15,200 Liberians and 20,300 Togolese, almost all of whom (35,500) were assisted by UNHCR. Some 40 per cent of the refugees are women, and 22 per cent are children under five years of age.

(b) Recent development and objectives

118. Compared to 1996 figures, the overall refugee population in Ghana has decreased significantly, mainly due to the implementation of the Togolese voluntary repatriation operation. During 1996, some 47,000 Togolese repatriated with UNHCR assistance.

119. The Togolese repatriation operation will be extended until the end of December 1997. It is expected that the number of Togolese refugees in Ghana after 1997 may not exceed 5,000. The Government of Ghana and UNHCR may therefore be in the position to conduct new eligibility interviews, following which identity cards will be issued to bona fide refugees. They will continue to be encouraged to intensify their participation in self-help schemes such as crop production and other income-generating activities.

120. Since the cease-fire and disarmament of Liberian armed factions have been completed, a plan for an organized voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees in Ghana has now been developed by UNHCR to assist those refugees who may wish to repatriate. During the first phase of this plan, approximately 3,000 registered Liberian refugees will be assisted to return to Liberia in time for the forthcoming general elections. During the second phase, to be implemented as the situation evolves, promotion of large-scale repatriation will be organized in order to encourage and assist the remaining 13,000 refugees to repatriate under the auspices of UNHCR.

121. For urban refugees, vulnerable groups and unaccompanied minors, UNHCR will continue to provide the required assistance under its care and maintenance project.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

122. Since 1996, the National Refugee Board is UNHCR's official Government counterpart in Ghana. All planning of refugee assistance programmes is undertaken with its involvement. Within this institution, the Ministry of Health is responsible for the health of Togolese vulnerable refugees at Klikor camp. The National Mobilisation Planning and the Assemblies of God Development and Relief Services (AGDRS) will provide limited basic assistance to the decreasing Togolese refugee caseload.

123. The National Catholic Secretariat (NCS), AGDRS, the Christian Council of Ghana and the Ghanaian Red Cross Society are responsible for project implementation for the residual Liberian refugee caseload.

(d) Budget

124. During 1997, the needs for Togolese voluntary repatriation are covered by funds resourced from an appeal launched in April 1996, while the ongoing assistance for the local settlement of Togolese refugees and the care and maintenance assistance for Liberian refugees are covered under General Programmes. An allocation was made from the 1997 Voluntary Repatriation Fund to cover the costs of the pilot project for the return of Liberian refugees. UNHCR will shortly launch an appeal to fund the repatriation operation of Liberian refugees from neighbouring countries, including Ghana.

(e) Post situation

125. The successful Togolese repatriation programme has resulted in a decrease in the workload of the Field Offices in Denu and Ho. As a result, the Field Office in Ho was closed at the end of 1996, and eight posts were discontinued in 1997. It is expected that additional posts could be discontinued in 1998 should the repatriation of Liberian refugees take place. Furthermore, the closure of the Field Office in Denu is being considered for the end of 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

126. Special projects aimed at assisting women and children have been given priority. To this end, market-oriented production programmes, for example small-scale trade and dress-making, as well as other programmes for the special needs of women and children, concentrated on developing health centres, special skills training and health education sessions. These activities will be further reinforced. A People-Oriented-Planning workshop was held in June 1996 for UNHCR and implementing partner staff to ensure a more gender-sensitive and gender-responsive approach to programme planning.

(g) Oversight reports

127. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

12. Guinea

(a) Beneficiaries

128. At 1 January 1997, Guinea hosted some 664,000 refugees, including 420,000 Liberians and 249,000 Sierra Leoneans.

(b) Recent development and objectives

129. Following the signing of a Peace Agreement between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front, some 5,000 Sierra Leonean refugees in Forecariah have registered for repatriation to the Kambia areas by June 1997. It is expected that all Sierra Leonean refugees in the Forecariah area will be repatriated before the end of 1997. The return of the majority of refugees to Sierra Leone will largely depend on the improvement in security, particularly in the Kailahun district. A Plan of Action for the repatriation has been finalized and an appeal was launched in early April 1997 to fund the repatriation and reintegration of Sierra Leonean refugees mainly from Guinea and Liberia.

130. The implementation of the Abuja Accord and the return of relative security and stability in Liberia may lead to a large-scale repatriation of Liberian refugees now in Guinea. A plan of operations is being finalized.

131. The World Food Programme (WFP) has discontinued food assistance to all refugees in Guinea in 1997, with the exception of targeted feeding programmes in favour of vulnerable groups and school feeding programmes.

132. Pending the return of Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees, UNHCR will continue to provide assistance to those groups under a care and maintenance project. During 1997, the Government of Guinea, in coordination with UNHCR, will undertake a general census of all refugees in Guinea, and provide bona fide refugees with identity cards.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

133. There are more than twenty international and local NGOs involved in various activities such as health, education, food distribution, registration, community development, income-generating activities, logistics and transport and legal assistance/protection.

134. The implementation of UNHCR's programmes in Guinea has been entrusted to the following partners: GTZ is responsible for the delivery of food (provided by WFP) and non-food items and for the implementation of school feeding programmes, Action Contre la Faim (ACF) is responsible for the implementation of the health sector in the Macenta areas, and the American Refugee Committee (ARC) is responsible for the implementation of income-generating activities.

135. In addition, there are several local agencies such as Service Chrétien d'Animation pour le Développement des Oeuvres Sociales (SECADOS), Programme d'Appui aux Initiatives de Base (PAIB) and the Guinean Red Cross which are responsible for the implementation of income-generating activities and community services, in particular for vulnerable groups.

(d) Budget

136. The revised 1997 General Programmes budget has been increased in order to meet additional requirements for the planned registration, income-generating and school feeding activities. Furthermore, two additional posts were created at the regional level (registration, health). An allocation was made from the 1997 Voluntary Repatriation Fund to cover the costs of the pilot project for the return of Liberian refugees. The proposed 1998 General Programmes budget takes into account the possible repatriation of Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees.

(e) Post situation

137. Following the review of UNHCR operations in Guinea in November 1996, some additional posts were created for the Field Office in Macenta and in order to strengthen programme monitoring and support services for the region in the health and refugee registration sectors.

(f) Implementation of policy (women, children, environment)

138. The presence of refugees in Guinea has caused environmental degradation in the forest region, in particular in the Macenta and Nzérékoré areas, thereby creating considerable concern for both the Government of Guinea and UNHCR. In order to rehabilitate the area, a multi-year reforestation project based on environmental management practises and funded by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) will be implemented in 1997.

139. Efforts are being made to create women refugee committees in all the major refugee settlements. These committees will be trained in food management and distribution. A People-Oriented-Planning workshop is planned for Guinea in September 1997 in order to ensure more gender-sensitive and geneder-responsive programming. UNHCR is also supporting and financing some income-generation projects for women and children.

(g) Oversight reports

140. An internal audit mission was carried out in September and October 1996. The recommendations made by the mission, which centred around the need to improve programme management and monitoring, are being implemented. In addition, an external audit has reviewed the accounts of UNHCR's Office and its implementing partners in February and March 1997. The findings of that mission are still awaited.

13. Guinea Bissau

(a) Beneficiaries

141. As at 1 January 1997, Guinea Bissau hosted some 15,400 refugees, including approximately 15,000 Senegalese, 120 Liberians and 281 Sierra Leoneans. UNHCR provided direct assistance to some 580 refugees. Of the total refugee population, 52 per cent are women and 12 per cent are children below five years of age.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

142. In view of the lack of progress in peace negotiations between the Senegalese Government and the Casamance rebels, UNHCR has not been able to organize a voluntary repatriation operation as planned. Due to the reluctance of the refugees integrated among the local population, with whom they share similar ethnic origins, UNHCR's efforts to facilitate local integration through transfer to new sites have met with little success. At the end of 1996, only 550 Senegalese refugees had been settled at the Jolmete site. The development of agricultural activities and the transfer of 1,000 refugees through more sensitization campaigns remain the principal objectives for 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

143. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responsible for the implementation of the transfer and settlement of refugees, as well as food distribution and crop production assistance.

(d) Budget

144. The budget for care and maintenance has been decreased in view of the transfer of refugees from the border to the settlements further inland (that is, only refugees in the new camp will be assisted).

(e) Post situation

145. One local post was created in 1997 in order to regularize a post which was previously funded under a project. The initial 1998 staffing level remains unchanged as compared to 1997.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

146. Under the care and maintenance project, particular attention will be given to refugee women and children with regard to health and education.

(g) Oversight reports

147. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

14. Liberia

(a) Beneficiaries

148. As at 1 January 1997, Liberia hosted an estimated 120,000, mainly Sierra Leonean, refugees. Some 30,000 refugees in Monrovia have been receiving regular assistance from UNHCR and other agencies. Some 1,300 Sierra Leonean refugees repatriated with UNHCR assistance during 1996.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

149. By the end of January 1997, the security situation in Liberia had considerably improved following the successful disarmament and demobilization exercises, enabling UNHCR to re-establish access to refugees located outside Monrovia. A Peace Agreement was signed between the Government of Sierra Leone and the Revolutionary United Front in late November 1996. Subsequently, the voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees started in early February 1997. As at 9 May 1997, a total of 1,837 Sierra Leonean refugees have repatriated from Liberia with UNHCR assistance. Simultaneously, UNHCR will endeavour to enhance the voluntary repatriation operation of Liberian refugees in 1997 and 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

150. The Liberian Refugee, Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) is the Government arm responsible for the overall coordination of refugee and returnee activities. Basic care and maintenance assistance is being delivered by UNHCR through its implementing partners. This includes agricultural activities through Sustainable Development Promoters (SDP), health services through Medical Emergency Relief Co-operative International (MERCI), vocational training programmes through Don Bosco Rehabilitation, camp management through Liberians United to Save Humanity (LUSH), primary and secondary education through the Lutheran World Federation/World Service (LWF/WS) as well as an assistance programme to unaccompanied minors through Children Assistance Programme (CAP). GTZ has been identified as a possible implementing agency to manage UNHCR's transport and logistics operations. The Special Emergency Life Food (SELF) continues to be involved in the Liberian repatriation and returnee programme.

(d) Budget

151. The initial 1997 General Programmes budget was revised downwards to the level of 1996 obligations as a result of the limited access to Sierra Leonean refugees in Liberia, especially those located outside Monrovia. The revised 1997 General Programmes budget level will be maintained at approximately the same level for 1998. Meanwhile, there is a significant increase in the proposed 1998 Special Programmes budgets due to the two planned voluntary repatriation operations of Liberians and Sierra Leoneans.

(e) Post situation

152. At the beginning of 1997, a total of 37 posts (mostly in field locations), which were created in 1996 mainly for the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees, were discontinued. However, as the repatriation gains momentum, some essential posts may need to be reinstated.

(f) Implementing of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

153. Seventy-five Sierra Leonean unaccompanied minors, whose orphanage in Monrovia was attacked at the height of the April/May 1996 crisis, were assisted by UNHCR to return to Sierra Leone in June 1996. UNHCR is currently assisting a group of 40 Sierra Leonean unaccompanied minors at Bo-Waterside in Cape Mount County. The assistance programme, which was initiated in February 1997, is being implemented by Children's Assistance Programme (CAP). Efforts are being made to facilitate tracing of their parents and relatives, and family reunification, in consultation with UNHCR in Sierra Leone.

(g) Oversight reports

154. In early 1997, the status of implementation of recommendations made by an inspection mission to Liberia of June 1996 was reviewed. Eleven out of 27 recommendations for better project management are being implemented. Some recommendations could not yet be implemented as a result of the overall insecurity in Liberia following the events of April 1996. However, UNHCR will continue to pursue the implementation of the recommendations as reflected in its objectives for 1997 and 1998.

155. The United Nations Board of Auditors examined the 1995 and 1996 care and maintenance projects in Liberia and made observations regarding reports and project amendment procedures for which replies are being compiled.

15. Mali

(a) Beneficiaries

156. As at 1 January 1997, 18,216 refugees were registered in Mali, of whom 16,764 were from Mauritania, 890 from Sierra Leone, 357 from Liberia and 205 from various other countries such as Burundi, Rwanda, Zaire, Cameroon, Chad, Togo and Nigeria. Most of the Mauritanian refugees are living in rural areas of the Kayes region, and it is estimated that 49 per cent of the refugee population are women and some 18 per cent are children under five years of age.

157. By the end of 1996, some 94,500 Malians had returned home, 35,000 of whom had been repatriated under UNHCR auspices and 59,500 of whom returned spontaneously.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

158. Peace and security have continued to improve in northern Mali, with the ongoing implementation of the "Pacte National" and the sustained efforts by the Malian authorities for national reconciliation. The promulgation of an Amnesty Law by the President in March 1997 symbolized the end of several years of hostilities.

159. UNHCR will thus further develop and strengthen its reintegration programme in Mali during 1997 and 1998. Particular emphasis will be put on the rehabilitation of a community-based infrastructure, mainly in the water sector, but also in health and education. In addition, the returnees will be provided by WFP with a three-month food ration, and will also receive non-food items.

160. With regard to the Mauritanian refugee caseload, UNHCR's care and maintenance assistance has continued with particular emphasis on the agriculture and income-generation sectors. UNHCR will promote their voluntary repatriation during 1997, while assistance will be gradually phased out and discontinued by 31 December 1997.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

161. The care and maintenance programme in favour of Mauritanian refugees is being implemented by Centre Canadien D'Etudes et de Cooperation Internationale (CECI) in 1997 and will continue to receive the support of WFP and the European Union.

162. The AAVNU ("Association des Anciens Volontaires des Nations-Unies") will continue to implement the assistance to urban refugees and asylum-seekers in 1997.

163. Most of the implementing partners for voluntary repatriation are international NGOs and include the following: Association de Cooperation et de Recherche pour le Développement (ACORD), Action contre le Faim (ACF), AFRICARE, Agence des Musulmans d'Afrique (AMA), Aide Medicale Internationale (AMI), Centre Canadien d'Etude et de Cooperation Internationale (CECI), EQUILIBRE, GTZ, GUAMINA, Organisation Internationale de Secours Islamique (Arabie Saoudite) (OISI), Croix Rouge Malienne (IFRCRCS/CRM) and World Vision International (WVI). UNHCR Field Offices will continue to monitor activities in close cooperation with the Branch Office in Bamako.

(d) Budget

164. UNHCR has significantly strengthened its presence in Mali since 1996 in order to better monitor its reintegration activities in favour of returnees. As a result, there has been an increase in the budget allocation for 1997 and 1998.

(e) Post situation

165. During 1997, a further three international and 18 local posts were created, and it is planned to create several additional posts in 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

166. With the assistance of the main implementing partners, specific attention will continue to be given to children's primary education and to the implementation of income-generation projects in favour of women refugees and returnees. A People-Oriented-Planning training workshop was organized in October 1996 to ensure more gender-sensitive and gender-responsive programming for refugee women.

(g) Oversight reports

167. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

16. Mauritania

(a) Beneficiaries

168. According to official figures, there were 15,900 Malian refugees in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania as at 1 January 1997. It is estimated that 60 per cent of the refugee population are women, and 24 per cent are children under five years of age. During 1996, some 18,515 Malian refugees were repatriated with UNHCR assistance. Some 3,000 refugees have registered for voluntary repatriation during 1997.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

169. From September 1996 to March 1997, there was a significant increase in the number of Malian refugees who repatriated. As a result of this positive development, it was decided, with the authorities and all parties concerned, that assistance to Malian refugees in Mauritania will be discontinued and that the M'berra refugee camp will be closed by the end of June 1997.

170. The "Programme Spécial d'insertion rapide" (PSIR) in favour of Mauritanian returnees from Senegal and Mali has continued satisfactorily. By the end of March 1997, it was estimated that up to 20,000 spontaneous returnees from Senegal and Mali had arrived in Mauritania. This programme will thus be continued in 1997 and the first half of 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

171. Projects in favour of Malian refugees in Mauritania are implemented by various governmental and non-governmental agencies, namely the "Commissariat à la Sécurité Alimentaire" for food distribution, the Provincial administration of Hodh El Charghi for the primary education and agriculture sectors, and ATLAS Logistique (ATLAS), for transport and logistics, water and sanitation, as well as the distribution of non-food items. WFP provides basic food.

172. For the PSIR, UNHCR provides support to the Mauritanian Red Cross, the Ministry of Interior, NGOs such as CARITAS, Pharmaciens Sans Frontières, as well as to some technical services in the Mauritanian administration.

(d) Budget

173. The current 1997 budget will be reviewed taking into consideration the discontinuation of the assistance to Malian refugees by mid-1997. A small care and maintenance project will cover the assistance needs of the remaining refugees during 1998.

(e) Post situation

174. Several posts will be discontinued in Bassikounou and Nouackchott on 31 July 1997 as a result of the discontinuation of the activities in favour of Malian refugees.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

175. Priority will continue to be given to the identification of Quick Impact Projects benefiting women and children in the implementation of the PSIR. The implementation of an environmental rehabilitation programme is also envisaged after the closure of the M'berra camp.

(g) Oversight reports

176. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

17. The Niger

(a) Beneficiaries

177. As at 1 January 1997, the total refugee population in the Niger was estimated at some 25,800 persons, including 24,000 Malians and 1,608 Chadians. Some 64 per cent of the refugees are estimated to be women, while nine per cent are children under five years of age. It is also estimated that some 1,000 Malian refugees spontaneously repatriated during 1996.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

178. The voluntary repatriation of Malian refugees remains UNHCR's main objective for 1997 and 1998. In this respect, a Tripartite Agreement was signed in December 1996 between the Niger, Mali and UNHCR. A meeting of the Tripartite Committee also took place in Bamako in April 1997. It is expected that the repatriation of Malian refugees from the Niger will be completed during 1998.

179. UNHCR will also promote the voluntary return and reintegration of refugees from the Niger living in surrounding countries. To this end, UNHCR's rehabilitation and reintegration activities in the Niger will be carried out within the framework of existing rehabilitation and development projects implemented by other agencies, with particular emphasis on the rehabilitation of water systems.

180. In view of the above objectives, UNHCR will examine the possibilities of strengthening its presence in the Niger in 1997 and 1998, taking into account the recommendations of a recent UNHCR Headquarters technical mission to the Niger.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

181. UNHCR's multi-sectorial care and maintenance projects in the Niger will continue to be implemented by the National Red Cross and CARITAS. Since November 1996, UNHCR has started strengthening its monitoring capability in the Niger by sending one international Senior Programme Officer on mission to Niamey to supplement and supervise the National Programme Officer there.

(d) Budget

182. The initial budget requirements under Special Programmes for 1997 and 1998 have been increased in order to fully cover both the needs of the returnees and the reintegration of refugees of the Niger from Burkina Faso and Algeria, as well as the repatriation of Malian refugees.

(e) Post situation

183. The strengthening of UNHCR's presence in Niger will be met through international staff missions rather than the creation of posts. Hence, no post creations are envisaged for 1997 and 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

184. Particular attention will be given to the health and education needs of women and children among refugees and returnees.

(g) Oversight reports

185. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

18. Nigeria

(a) Beneficiaries

186. As at 1 January 1997, there were 8,486 refugees in Nigeria, of whom 5,278 were Liberians, 1,416 were Chadians, 1,307 were Cameroonians and 485 of other nationalities. Over 6,000 of these refugees are assisted.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

187. In August 1996, President Sani Abacha was elected as the new Chairman of ECOWAS, which has maintained a proactive role in conflict-resolution activities in the sub-region, especially in Liberia.

188. During 1997 and 1998, UNHCR will pursue durable solutions, especially for Liberians, Chadians and Cameroonians, through voluntary repatriation, given the positive political developments in these countries.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

189. The National Commission for Refugees (NCFR) is responsible for refugee eligibility. The Nigerian Red Cross is undertaking food distribution and health care. The Catholic Justice, Development and Peace Commission is implementing special activities for female refugees and primary education. The Ijebu-North local government, where 4,664 Liberian refugees are residing, is responsible for the accommodation, water, sanitation and agriculture sectors.

(d) Budget

190. The 1997 General Programmes budgets, which were initially projected based on the assumption of a decreased number of beneficiaries as a result of the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees, were revised upwards to a level similar to that of the 1996 expenditures. The 1998 proposed budgets for General Programmes are slightly lower than the revised 1997 appropriation. Meanwhile, the 1997 and 1998 budgets for the Special Programme have been determined on the basis of improved prospects for the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees.

(e) Post situation

191. During the course of 1997, five posts are expected to be discontinued. However, in anticipation of the possible voluntary repatriation operation of Liberian refugees, two of these posts may need to be maintained until the end of December 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

192. In Nigeria at least 47 per cent of the assisted caseload are women, while 18 per cent are children under five years of age.

193. The Catholic Justice, Development and Peace Commission is in charge of a Home Economics Centre which provides refugee women with vocational training in areas such as fashion design, cookery and interior decoration. The Commission is also implementing an adult literacy programme for refugee women which was established by UNHCR during the 1995 International Year of the Woman.

194. Furthermore, refugee women are benefiting from training at a secretarial school established with assistance from the Government of Netherlands.

(g) Oversight reports

195. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

19. Senegal

(a) Beneficiaries

196. As at 1 January 1997, the refugee population in Senegal was estimated at 65,044 persons, including 64,030 refugees from Mauritania who are settled in northern Senegal. There were also urban refugees of various nationalities, mostly Rwandans (317) and Liberians (267). During the reporting period, 1,907 refugees had returned to their respective countries of origin. These consisted mainly of 1,455 Mauritanians who returned spontaneously, 91 Sierra Leoneans (of whom 41 were assisted by UNHCR) and 361 from elsewhere.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

197. The improvement in bilateral relations between Mauritania and Senegal culminated in mutual visits by the two Heads of State in 1996. It is hoped that this positive development will pave the way for the voluntary repatriation of the Mauritanian refugees, which remains the major objective for 1997 and 1998. In the meantime, UNHCR's local settlement assistance will be gradually reduced and should be phased out by the end of 1998. UNHCR will also continue to ensure adequate protection to refugees and asylum-seekers through sustained support to national status determination bodies of the countries covered by the Regional Office in West Africa (Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, the Niger and Cap Verde).

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

198. The main UNHCR implementing partners in Senegal are the Commission Nationale d'Eligibilité and the Office Africain pour le Développement et la Coopération (OFADEC) in charge of agricultural activities for Mauritanian refugees. In addition, Association de Développement (DIAPANTE) is responsible for training activities.

199. The Government of Senegal has assigned responsibilities for refugees and internally displaced persons to the Commission d'Assistance aux Réfugiés et Personnes déplacées, which is the UNHCR Regional Office counterpart in Senegal.

(d) Budget

200. There is a slight decrease in the proposed 1998 General Programmes budget mainly due to a reduction of the number of refugees from Mauritania and a gradual phasing out of assistance activities.

(e) Post situation

201. As a result of the ongoing voluntary repatriation of Mauritanian refugees, two posts will be discontinued at the end of 1997 in the Sub-Office in Saint Louis, the status of which will be changed to Field Office, and which is due to be closed by the end of 1998. One international and two local posts will be discontinued in Dakar due to the reduction in programme activities.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

202. Special activities relating to women and children refugees are an integral part of the Regional Office's workplan for 1997 and 1998.

(g) Oversight reports

203. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

20. Sierra Leone

(a) Beneficiaries

204. As at 1 January 1997, there were 13,532 refugees in Sierra Leone, of whom 11,790 (11,779 Liberians and 11 of other nationalities) are being assisted by UNHCR. In Sierra Leone, 52 per cent of the assisted caseload are women while 24 per cent are children under the age of five. Within the framework of the repatriation operation, a total of 1,397 Sierra Leonean refugees, mainly from Liberia, have, as at 30 April 1997, returned under the return assistance programme which commenced in early February 1997.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

205. A democratically elected Government was established in Sierra Leone in March 1996. The Government, with the support of the international community, continued peace negotiations with the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). Consequently, an Agreement was concluded between the Government of Sierra Leone and the RUF in late November 1996, thereby paving the way for the return of Sierra Leonean refugees.

206. The number of the refugees benefiting from UNHCR assistance significantly increased from 4,671 (as at 1 January 1996) to 11,790 (as at 1 January 1997). This is partly due to the fact that the improved security situation in Sierra Leone enabled UNHCR to expand its assistance to Liberian refugees outside Freetown, mainly in Kenema, where refugees had been cut off from UNHCR assistance for the past six years. More Liberians arrived in Sierra Leone as a result of the deteriorating security situation in Liberia in early April 1996.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

207. The Ministry for Reintegration, Resettlement and Rehabilitation is the Government body responsible for refugee matters. CAUSE Canada, was replaced by Concern Worldwide in January 1997 as UNHCR's implementing partner in Jui camp. The Sierra Leonean Red Cross Society (SLRCS) and Council of Churches Sierra Leone (CCSL) have assisted UNHCR in implementing programmes for refugees and returnees in the east and north-east of the country. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is implementing assistance programmes in the south. Kenema Diocesan Development is taking care of distribution of food to refugees in Kenema.

208. Voluntary repatriation activities of Sierra Leonean refugees are being coordinated by KDDO in Kenema and Zimmi, Concern Worldwide in Freetown and Segbwema, CCSL in Bo, and Action Aid in Kambia. Arrangements are being finalized with GTZ for the implementation of the logistics sector.

(d) Budget

209. The initial 1997 General Programmes budget was revised upwards in order to cover the needs resulting from the increased number of beneficiaries. The proposed 1998 General Programmes budgets will be lower than the revised 1997 budgets due to the foreseen voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees and the resulting reduction in the caseload. Requirements of over $ 17 million for the repatriation and reintegration programme are part of the United Nations consolidated appeal launched in April 1997. An allocation was made from the 1997 Voluntary Repatriation Fund to cover the costs of the pilot project for the return of Liberian refugees.

(e) Post situation

210. In order to respond effectively to the planned repatriation, four new Offices (one Sub-Office in Kenema and three Field Offices in Bo, Segbwema and Zimmi) were opened in Sierra Leone during 1997 and 49 posts were created under Special Programmes in order to increase UNHCR's capacity to undertake this repatriation.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

211. A programme aimed at assisting refugee women and, more particularly, single mothers through income-generating activities in order to enhance self-sufficiency has been developed. Small business loans will be granted to successful graduates in setting up their businesses.

212. With regard to the voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees, tracing forms have been distributed to UNHCR Offices in Guinea and Liberia for the registration of unaccompanied minors. Data on unaccompanied minors will be incorporated into the national tracing network.

(g) Oversight reports

213. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

21. Togo

(a) Beneficiaries

214. As at 1 January 1997, Togo hosted a total of 12,590 refugees, including 12,285 Ghanaians, 190 Rwandans and 50 Nigerians (mainly Ogonis).

215. Based on statistics from Benin and Ghana, 58,000 Togolese refugees returned home with UNHCR assistance during 1996. Since 1995, an estimated number of 285,000 Togolese have returned, mostly spontaneously. Some 3,000 refugees have registered for repatriation during 1997, and the reintegration programme will be pursued throughout the year.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

216. The reintegration will continue for old and new returnees with special focus on the education and health sectors.

217. The programme of assistance to Ghanaian refugees has been converted from care and maintenance to local settlement as the Government of Togo is in favour of the local integration of these refugees.

218. By the end of 1997, the status of the Office of the Chief of Mission will be changed to a Liaison Office.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

219. The Organisation de la Charité pour un Développement Intégral (OCDI) and the Togolese Red Cross are implementing the local settlement programme for Ghanaian refugees. The reintegration programme has been entrusted to WHO, GTZ, and Organization de la Charité pour un développement integrée (OCDI), a local NGO, in coordination with the Government of Togo through the "Bureau de Coordination Nationale".

(d) Budgets

220. A total of $ 1.1 million has been allocated in 1997 to cover expenditure for the reintegration of Togolese refugees ($ 583,700), local settlement for Ghanaian refugees ($ 324,000), care and maintenance for the urban caseload ($ 132,400) and professional education ($ 34,100).

(e) Post situation

221. Seven posts will be discontinued at the end of 1997 due to the phasing out of the reintegration programme for Togolese refugees. A further two international posts (Programme Officer and Administrative Officer) will be discontinued by the end of August 1998. A National Officer post will replace the discontinued posts to ensure smooth closure of the reintegration project and for the monitoring of the local settlement programme for the Ghanaian refugees as well as for that of the urban refugees.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

222. The implementation of social services for local settlement, returnee reintegration and care and maintenance involves training and income-generating activities, organization of community centres and women's groups and the assessment of vulnerable populations for appropriate programme design.

223. Forty-three per cent of the Ghanaian refugees are children from 5 to 18 years of age and 55 per cent are women. These vulnerable groups have been given special attention in local settlement activities undertaken by OCDI in education for children and through women's groups comprising local and refugee women.

224. For the returnee reintegration project, 93 per cent of the 2,000 persons who have received loans are women, comprising 1,110 beneficiaries from the returnee population and 980 from the receiving population.

225. More than a third of the reintegration budget for Togolese returnees since 1996 has been disbursed for education, an important sector due to the large number of returnees of school age.

(g) Oversight reports

226. No reports were initiated during the period under review.

III. EASTERN AFRICA AND THE HORN OF AFRICA

A. Sub-regional overview

227. UNHCR's principal objective in the sub-region remains voluntary repatriation.

228. The repatriation of Ethiopians from Kenya is underway and should be completed by mid-year. From the Sudan, the repatriation of the remaining Ethiopian caseload will recommence at the end of May, with the operation due to terminate at the end of 1997.

229. The return of Eritreans from the Sudan has been plagued by obstacles. At the end of 1996, the Government of the Sudan dropped all preconditions for the resumption of repatriation. The Government of Eritrea, however, has now requested that further and fuller data be collected on all candidates, as a prelude to repatriation. Furthermore, the Government of Eritrea decided, in early May, to expel all 231 UNHCR international staff. It is thus almost inevitable that repatriation will be further delayed. As the circumstances which prompted this unprecedented expulsion of UNHCR staff are not clear, it is impossible, at this juncture, to comment further.

230. A pilot repatriation programme for 10,000 Somalis from camps in Ethiopia to northwestern Somalia has commenced. As of March 1997, some 3,000 had returned. However, the beginning of this organized movement and other positive factors have encouraged a spontaneous return from the same camps. UNHCR staff are thus actively evaluating the potential to encourage and facilitate further spontaneous return.

231. In the rest of Somalia, voluntary return has been extremely limited in comparison to previous years (150,000 returnees from Kenya for the period 1993 to 1996). The explanation seems to be less the willingness of the refugees to return than a decline of aid levels to that country and the consequent additional difficulties of reintegration experienced or anticipated by returnees. The new approach to programming and fund raising adopted by the United Nations collectively is one attempt to address this issue.

232. At the end of November 1996, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) met at summit level to endorse and launch their programme of "revitalization". A division of political and humanitarian affairs will spearhead IGAD's activities in the fields of conflict prevention and humanitarian affairs which are new to this organization. The resolution of refugee/returnee issues is a major priority for the revised IGAD, and UNHCR will extend its full cooperation for initiatives taken. A memorandum of understanding to provide the framework for this cooperation is ready for signature.

233. Various activities are being carried out throughout the sub-region to implement the UNHCR policies and guidelines on women, children and the environment in order to mainstream refugee women and children and environmental concerns in UNHCR's protection and assistance programmes. Special attention in programme planning is paid to areas such as protection, access to food, access to appropriate health care, education, self-reliance through skills-training, income-generation participation, decision-making in camp management and other related activities.

234. Training workshops will be held in the People-Oriented-Planning throughout the sub-region to ensure more gender-sensitive and gender-responsive programme planning. In order to promote durable solutions, active support is being given to refugee and displaced women's local initiatives in peace-building activities such as peace education and conflict-resolution. Efforts are underway to record and mainstream women's peace-building activities for refugee women in the Sudan and Somalia. The participation of refugee women in camp management committees and food management and distribution is being enhanced. Priority will be given to the protection and assistance of unaccompanied minors, and the issue of child soldiers and adolescents.

235. In January and February 1997, UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service undertook an inspection of UNHCR operations in the Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and northwestern Somalia. A major focus of the inspection was to examine UNHCR's existing operational strategy in the offices concerned, and to make recommendations to the High Commissioner for enhancing the achievement of durable solutions for the various caseloads. One of the Inspector's main recommendations, in accordance with the Project Delphi principles, was the adoption of a "situation" approach to the Somali, Eritrean, Ethiopian and Sudanese refugee caseloads to ensure that a consistent and sustained effort is made for each. Parallel recommendations were made for decentralizing the operational response to the respective points of delivery, which, in the cases of Ethiopia and the Sudan, will have important implications for staffing levels for both UNHCR and its governmental implementing partners. Where prospects for repatriation appear positive, recommendations were made for camp consolidation, progressive phase-down of UNHCR and agency staff in countries of asylum and corresponding reinforcement of staff in countries of origin. The Inspector also examined UNHCR's existing links with major regional bodies, notably the OAU, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and IGAD, and fully endorsed efforts currently being made by the Director of Operations to enhance liaison with these bodies.

B. Country Reviews

1. Djibouti

(a) Beneficiaries

236. As at 1 January 1997, Djibouti hosted a refugee population of 25,100 persons, comprising some 23,000 Somalis and 2,050 Ethiopians, along with some Sudanese, Burundi, Rwandan and Yemeni urban refugees. The majority (21,000) of the Somali refugees reside in the three refugee camps of Assamo, Ali Adde and Holl Holl. Of the total caseload, an estimated 54 per cent are women.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

237. UNHCR's overall objective for 1997 and 1998 remains the promotion of voluntary repatriation of the majority of the refugees living in Djibouti. In the meantime, UNHCR will seek the improvement of Djibouti's asylum policy towards genuine refugees as opposed to economic migrants. In the camps, the Office will seek to streamline assistance and introduce required improvements in living conditions.

238. Beyond April 1996, no organized repatriation of either the Somali or Ethiopian refugees took place. With regards to the Somali refugees, it is expected that the pilot repatriation exercise which commenced from the camps in Ethiopia in February 1997 will eventually be a determining factor in encouraging the repatriation of those living in Djibouti.

239. The refugee statistics were adjusted upwards from 22,000 in June 1996 to 25,103 in March 1997 to include an estimated 3,000 Somali urban refugees carrying attestations issued by the Branch Office during the 1991 to 1994 period, and who recently started to approach the Office for assistance. A full registration exercise for the camp population was, however, undertaken in March 1997. The loading of the data is on-going, and results are expected shortly. The information gathered from the registration exercise will be used to obtain a more accurate demographic profile of the caseload and to refine the care and maintenance programme. Furthermore, useful information for repatriation planning is expected to be made available, while accurate statistics will enable the cancellation of any surplus ration cards.

240. The number of Ethiopian asylum-seekers, mainly members of the Oromo ethnic group, continued to increase during 1996. Thus, after having decreased to some 700 persons after the last organized repatriation in April 1996, as of March 1997, there were an estimated 2,072 Ethiopian refugees in Djibouti with an average rate of arrival of 50 to 75 persons per month.

241. With regard to the presence in Djibouti of some 18,000 returnees from, Ethiopia, referred to in last year's report to the Standing Committee (EC/46/SC/CRP.35), the Branch Office is awaiting reliable statistics and plans from the Bureau for the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Social Integration of Refugees in the war-affected areas, which was established by the Government of Djibouti to coordinate assistance to the war-torn northern part of the country. The results reached by the joint Djiboutian-Ethiopian mission to the Afar region of Ethiopia, which took place in the last quarter of 1996, were inconclusive.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

242. The Government's Office National d'Assistance aux Réfugiés et Sinistrés (ONARS) is the main implementing partner in Djibouti. The Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) covers the health sector and UNESCO is responsible for educational activities. Community services in Djibouti-Ville will continue to be provided through the Eglise Protestante et Evangelistique du Djibouti (EPED). An agreement has been signed between UNHCR and CARITAS Djibouti to implement a UNHCR-funded small credit project for urban refugee women during 1997.

(d) Budget

243. The 1997 General Programmes budget indicates slight increases. The additional needs for newly arrived Oromo asylum-seekers from Ethiopia have been met by a realignment of the approved budgets. Provision is made under Special Programmes for the voluntary repatriation of up to 1,000 Somali refugees in 1998.

(e) Post situation

244. Two posts will be discontinued in the course of 1997 while one post of Finance Clerk is proposed for extension into 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

245. Assistance to some 1,500 urban refugees targets, in particular, women at risk and single female heads of family. In addition to the ongoing project implemented by the Eglise Protestante et Evangelistique de Djibouti, income-generating and micro-credit projects will be established for selected urban refugee women, with the assistance of CARITAS as a new implementing partner. Efforts will be continued to promote family reunion. Improvement of the water supply in the camps during 1997 will benefit women and children in particular.

2. Eritrea

(a) Beneficiaries

246. The largest group of beneficiaries is made up of the returnee population from the Sudan. There has been no organized repatriation movements of Eritreans during 1996 due to misunderstandings between the Governments of the Sudan and of Eritrea, and a lack of mutually agreed modalities for resumption of the operation. The ongoing reintegration programme benefits the 25,000 returnees from the pilot project which ended in mid-1995. The programme also benefits a substantial number of the 127,000 spontaneous returnees. It is expected that during 1997 and 1998 up to 170,000 Eritrean refugees living in camps and urban centres in the Sudan may return under the Phase I repatriation/reintegration programme.

247. As at 1 January 1997, UNHCR assisted some 2,100 refugees in Eritrea. The main countries of origin include Somalia (1,982), the Sudan (123) and Burundi. Forty-four per cent of the refugees are women and 18 per cent are under five years of age. By end of April 1997, the number of Somali asylum-seekers had increased to over 2,800 and is steadily rising. All of them are being assisted.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

248. The steep 43 per cent increase in the number of Somali asylum-seekers has stretched the existing facilities in the Harsile camp in Assab to the limit, and has necessitated an increase in the relevant budgetary allocation.

249. The primary objective with regard to this caseload will be the strengthening of eligibility determination procedures, and the continued provision of care and maintenance services in the camp. Voluntary repatriation is being pursued and encouraged to areas of Somalia where there is peace and stability.

250. The Government of the Sudan lifted its preconditions for the resumption of organized voluntary repatriation. However, the organized repatriation of Eritreans from the Sudan remains stalled. A tripartite technical committee meeting at the working level was planned for January to make final arrangements, but the Eritrean Government declined to participate. Instead, new demands were made for a complete demographic profile of the entire potential returnee population before any movement could begin. While such demands could be considered as legitimate, they contradicted earlier agreements and practice according to which the pilot repatriation of some 25,000 persons had been successfully completed in mid-1995.

251. UNHCR will continue its endeavours to resume the voluntary repatriation from the Sudan. It is foreseen to receive and reintegrate 75,000 returnees during the remainder of 1997, which could still be possible. Failing this, spontaneous returns are likely to take place considering that, since 1991, the cause for the flight of the Eritreans has largely ceased to exist. This is supported by statistical evidence kept and released by the Government of Eritrea showing that, between 1991 and 1996, a total of 155,940 Eritreans have returned from asylum abroad, of whom 127,000 were from the Sudan.

252. The 2,500 Eritrean refugees remaining in Yemen who are seeking help to repatriate, will be assisted to return home during 1997.

253. In May 1997, the Government of Eritrea took the decision to expel all UNHCR international staff, giving them 48 hour's notice to leave. At the same time, the Government requested that UNHCR send a new team. UNHCR is currently reviewing the situation.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

254. The Government of Eritrea continues its policy of national implementation. In practical terms, all foreign supported programmes are implemented directly by Government agencies. The Ministry of Interior's Refugees Section continues to be the sole implementing partner for all refugee affairs. As regards the repatriation and reintegration activities, the Eritrean Relief and Refugee Commission (ERREC) is not only UNHCR's sole implementing partner, but is also responsible for the overall coordination of the implementation of the returnee programme working, working with various line ministries as executing agencies.

(d) Budget

255. Due to the unprecedented surge in the number of refugees, the 1997 and 1998 care and maintenance budgets are being revised upwards. On the other hand, the Special Programmes budget for repatriation and reintegration has been reduced by 15 per cent.

(e) Post situation

256. Six posts were created in 1997, and no change in the staffing level is foreseen for 1998. A post of national officer is being redeployed from Tesseney to Asmara.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

257. The delivery of services, in particular to refugee women, has improved since Social Services Officers are operating in the camps. Due to lack of a space to install self-help activities, projects were limited to a single income-generating project. In Harsile camp for Somali refugees in Assab, the construction of a feeding/community centre has been completed, and this project will be extended so that more women will benefit. To enable women to take part in these activities, a communal child care system will be put in place. People-Oriented-Planning training was carried out in December 1996 to ensure more gender-sensitive and gender-responsive programme planning for staff and implementing partners.

3. Ethiopia

(a) Beneficiaries

258. As at 1 January 1997, there were some 390,500 assisted refugees in Ethiopia, comprising 287,761 Somalis, 75,743 Sudanese, 18,000 Djiboutian, 8,678 Kenyan and 346 urban refugees of various nationalities. The total refugee population in Ethiopia is nearly 50 per cent female.

259. The repatriation and reintegration of Ethiopian refugees from countries of asylum continued during 1996. A total of 27,907 refugees returned with UNHCR assistance from the Sudan (22,806), Djibouti (4,077), Kenya (704), Yemen (200) and other countries (120).

(b) Recent developments and objectives

260. Throughout 1996, northwestern Somalia witnessed remarkable political stability. This situation enhanced prospects for the start of the long-awaited voluntary repatriation of refugees from eastern Ethiopia. In August 1996, as part of an information campaign, UNHCR organized the visit of a group of village leaders and elders from refugee camps to northwestern Somalia where they held meetings with officials and other elders and leaders in the region, and travelled to a number of areas considered safe enough to enable refugees to repatriate. The elders were impressed by the peace and stability prevailing in the identified areas and felt that refugees could indeed return safely. In light of the positive development UNHCR encouraged a rapid start of the repatriation. After some delays, mainly due to logistical constraints, the repatriation started on 18 February 1997. As of 31 March 1997, some 3,000 Somali refugees had repatriated.

261. The programme objective for Somali, Djiboutian and Kenyan refugees remains the consolidation and rationalization of care and maintenance assistance while encouraging every opportunity for voluntary repatriation. For Sudanese refugees, the programme objective remains that of facilitating partial self-sufficiency. It may be noted also that, due to military activity in the Kurmuk area of the Sudan, some 8,000 Sudanese have sought refuge in Ethiopia and are now assisted at a new camp at Sherkole in Assosa.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

262. The main UNHCR implementing partner in Ethiopia is the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA), a unit within the Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority. UNHCR, in consultation with ARRA, will continue to liaise and cooperate with technical government institutions in sectors such as health, education, agriculture, water and road construction, at both central and regional levels. Following the recent drought in eastern Ethiopia, in which refugees and the local population were equally afflicted, it has become necessary for UNHCR to develop a direct working relationship with the regional water bureau in order to comprehensively address issues of water on a long-term basis. A sub-agreement has since been signed between UNHCR and the water bureau.

263. Besides ARRA, UNHCR has implementing arrangements with a number of national and international NGOs. National NGOs include the Ethiopian Relief Society (ERO), the Relief Society of Tigray (REST), the Oromo Self-Help Organisation (OSHO), the National Committee on Traditional Practices (NCTPE), the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre-Ethiopia (OICE), and the Development and Inter-Church Aid Commission of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church (DICAC). International NGOs include CARE International, Rädda Barnen, Handicap International, Save the Children (UK), the Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), the Society for International Ministries (SIM), Refugee Care Netherlands (ZOA) and the World University Service (UK).

264. Basic food requirements for refugee and returnee programmes are being supplied by the World Food Programme (WFP) for all of 1997.

(d) Budget

265. The initial 1997 General Programmes budget was based on the assumption that the pilot repatriation of 10,000 Somali refugees would be completed at the end of 1996 and that, in 1997, the operation would begin with the repatriation of some 100,000 refugees. This objective has not been fully met for a number of complex operational reasons. The pilot repatriation of 10,000 refugees did not start in 1996 and, although the actual repatriation movement started on 18 February 1997, it has been proceeding very slowly. In the meantime, the eight refugee camps hosting Somali refugees lack basic facilities and need urgent attention. This consideration has been reflected in the revised 1997 budget.

266. The repatriation of Ethiopian refugees from the Sudan, scheduled for completion at the beginning of 1997, has been delayed. The closure of Humera Field Office, scheduled for 31 March 1997, has therefore been postponed to June 1997. This additional cost will also result in an increase in the 1997 budget.

267. The influx of Sudanese refugees into Assosa in late 1996 has resulted in the establishment of a new refugee camp at Sherkole. A Field Office is being established.

(e) Post situation

268. The planned closure of Humera Field Office on 31 March 1997, which would have resulted in the discontinuation of a number of posts, has now been rescheduled to June 1997. Due to lack of significant reduction in the number of refugees in the country, and also because of the new influx of Sudanese refugees in Assosa, the post of Assistant Representative (Programme), discontinued in June 1996, is being considered for reinstatement. Thus, since June 1996, no posts have been discontinued in Ethiopia.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

269. The Regional Advisor for Refugee Women, appointed in 1996, has enhanced the range of activities on behalf of refugee women. Following the report of the Centre for Research in the Epidemiology of Disasters at the Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, UNHCR engaged two local health consultants to design and implement strategies for the reinforcement of reproductive health activities in the camps of western Ethiopia. Three People-Oriented-Planning workshops were held in Ethiopia in December 1996 in Addis Ababa, Jimma and Jijiga to ensure a more gender-responsive and gender-sensitive programme planning. A joint protection and community services workshop will be held in Addis Ababa in June 1997 to ensure that all the policies and guidelines on behalf of refugee women and children will be more systematically implemented. Income-generation activities are being developed to assist refugee women.

270. A baseline energy survey conducted at Aisha camp in March 1997 was completed and a report circulated. The main findings are that refugee families use firewood (75 per cent), charcoal (5 per cent) or a combination of both (20 per cent) for cooking. A solar cooking project is to be implemented at Aisha.

271. UNHCR is presently implementing an inter-agency project to promote sustainable environmental management practices in refugee-impacted areas. Ethiopia is one of the countries where an environmental review will be conducted.

4. Kenya and the Cross-Border Operations from Kenya to Somalia

(a) Beneficiaries

272. As at 1 January 1997, there were some 170,000 refugees in eleven UNHCR assisted camps in Kenya. Among them were 131,300 Somalis, 33,400 Sudanese, 4,500 Ethiopians and 330 Ugandans. It is estimated that 47 per cent of the refugee population are women and 16 per cent are under five years of age. In addition, Government statistics show more than 100,000 unregistered and therefore non-assisted urban refugees.

273. Between 1 January 1996 and 31 December 1996, 1,454 refugees repatriated with UNHCR assistance to their home areas. Among them were 1,010 Somalis, 352 Ethiopians, 45 Sudanese and 46 Ugandans. During 1996, the voluntary repatriation movement to Somalia suffered a set back as a result of the unsettled political situation, renewed clan disputes and drought in the middle and lower Juba regions.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

274. The Government of Kenya has established a refugee eligibility panel and a refugee bill is under discussion in the Parliament. In the meantime, a strict refugee policy has been implemented. In March 1997, some 150 illegal Rwandans and Zairians were arrested. UNHCR was requested to identify those of concern to the Office and to transport them to designated refugee camps. The Government has also discouraged Somali asylum-seekers from entering its territory and has tightened its policy on allowing asylum-seekers and refugees to return to Kenya as their first country of asylum.

275. During 1996, 3,000 Somali Benadirs from Swaleh Nguru camp were resettled to the United States. Furthermore, the resettlement of some 4,000 Bravanese (Somali) from Hatimy camp is considered as a priority. The interview and screening exercise is expected to be complete in June 1997. During February and March 1997, UNHCR succeeded in relocating a residual caseload of 5,600 screened out as non-ethnic Benadirs from the Swaleh Nguru camp to the Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

276. By the end of March 1997, some 2,264 Ethiopians were assisted in returning to their home areas in the Gedo and Jijiga regions of Ethiopia.

277. Severe drought and food shortages in Somalia during the first months of 1997 led to 5,000 new Somali arrivals in the Dadaab camps. UNHCR, with the assistance of other United Nations agencies and implementing partners, is exploring the possibility of assisting these persons in their country of origin as they have indicated their willingness to return to Somalia should food assistance be provided. The Cross-Border Operations (CBOs) team in Somalia has been implementing some 80 Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) in major areas of return.

278. During 1996, a joint WFP/UNHCR food assessment mission was undertaken. This mission appraised the data and findings of the nutritional and household food economy survey jointly commissioned by WFP and UNHCR. This survey was carried out by Save the Children Fund/UK in the Dadaab and Kakuma camps during August and September 1996. As a result of this mission, WFP agreed to re-supply blended food in cooked form to all students in Kakuma camp.

279. The January 1997 nutritional survey results from the Dadaab camps showed a significant deterioration in the nutritional status of the refugee population. Global malnutrition of more than 20 per cent (less than 80 per cent WFH or oedema) and an increase in the mortality rate of children under 5 years old approaching 5 per 10,000 per day was estimated. UNHCR, with the assistance of MSF/Belgium, initiated an emergency feeding programme to the target population pending the supply of blended food by WFP.

280. The overall objectives of the country programme for 1997 and 1998 are to maintain the favourable health and nutritional status for the refugees achieved during prior years, to consolidate project activities, thereby reducing the number of implementing partners, to streamline activities, avoid duplication and to continue the process of closure and consolidation of camps initiated in 1994. All camps in the coastal province will be closed by the end of 1997.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

281. The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage of Kenya is UNHCR's government implementing partner. The Branch Office has 14 other implementing partners, including UNICEF, CARE, IFRC, LWF, IRC and MSF/Belgium, who are implementing multi-sectoral care and maintenance programmes. Under the CBOs, a number of international and national NGOs are functioning as operational partners in the areas of return to implement QIPs.

(d) Budget

282. The total allocation made during 1996 under the Kenya and Cross-Border Operations was $ 29.7 million. The initial budgetary estimate under the 1997 General Programmes was $ 17.3 million, based on the assumption that more than 35,000 Somalis would return to their home areas. However, due to the unsettled political situation and civil unrest in most of the Gedo and lower Juba valley regions, less than 2,000 Somalis could return home. The 1997 General Programmes budget was therefore revised upwards by some $ 2 million. The total allocation for 1997 for the Kenya and Cross-Border Operations is $ 29 million. The initial allocation proposed for 1998 amounts to some $ 26.4 million, of which $ 16.4 million is under General Programmes and $ 10 million under Special Programmes.

(e) Post situation

283. In view of the ongoing efforts to streamline the Kenya and Cross-Border Operations, the staffing situation in Kenya is currently being reviewed. At this stage, a reduction of twelve posts is foreseen for 1 January 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

284. Joint efforts made during 1996 in collaboration with WFP to encourage the participation of refugee women in the standardized family head food distribution system has proven to be effective. Similarly, continued efforts will be made to address the needs of refugee children, in particular a large number of Sudanese minors in Kakuma camp, by promoting general education and skill enhancement activities. Two People-Oriented-Planning workshops were held in Kakuma and Dadaab in 1996 and three more are planned for 1997 for Nairobi, Kakuma and Dadaab to ensure more gender-sensitive and gender-responsive programme planning. A comprehensive programme is being planned to involve women in the food management and distribution process. The Kenya Women Victims of Violence project has been largely successful in protecting refugee women from sexual violence. The project has been mainstreamed into the regular programme and this project is being promoted as "best practice" for the protection of refugee women from sexual violence.

285. The environmental rehabilitation and management activities in the refugee affected areas will continue. These include the production and dissemination of improved wood saving stoves and energy saving cooking methods, uses of solar cookers and reforestation. The geographical information mapping system is also being used.

5. Somalia (northwestern)

(a) Beneficiaries

286. As at 1 January 1997, there were some 600 assisted Ethiopian refugees in Hargeisa, of whom about 66 per cent were men, mainly former military personnel of the previous Ethiopian regime.

287. In addition, some 400,000 Somali refugees are estimated to have returned spontaneously since 1991. During 1997 and 1998, it is expected that a further 138,900 Somalis will return through UNHCR-sponsored repatriation from Ethiopia (100,000), Kenya (35,000), Djibouti (1,000), Yemen (2,500) and Libya (400).

(b) Recent developments and objectives

288. The pilot voluntary repatriation programme from the camps in eastern Ethiopia commenced in February 1997. Some 3,000 persons have returned and another 7,000 are expected to follow when convoy movements resume on 15 May 1997. The general perception is one of continuing peace and security in the North-West. This follows the recent re-election of the out-going central administration in Hargeisa and the agreement to combine the militia and security forces of the opposing sides. In addition, there have been reports of increased spontaneous returns of refugees from camps in the Aware area of eastern Ethiopia to the areas of southern Hargeisa.

289. The objectives in 1997 and 1998 include the voluntary repatriation of the Ethiopian caseload, as well as the continuation of the programme for the reception, rehabilitation and reintegration of Somali returnees from Ethiopia. In respect of the latter set of activities, QIPs will continue to be implemented in the main sectors of water, health and education, to reinforce as well as to rehabilitate the infrastructure. Agricultural and livestock projects will be pursued to promote food security, in addition to income-generating activities. As de-mining remains a major concern in some of the existing and targeted returnee areas, attention will be paid to sensitizing donors and agencies to the needs in this area. Mine-awareness campaigns and training will be undertaken. Individual assistance will also be provided in the form of shelter material and farm and hand tools to promote economic reintegration. The administration will also be assisted with training and workshops to enhance capacity-building efforts.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

290. The Ministry of Resettlement, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (MRRR) is UNHCR's main counterpart and implementing partner. In addition, other institutions, elders, regional authorities, United Nations agencies as well as international and local NGOs participate in the programme. During 1997 and 1998, enhanced inter-agency cooperation will be a priority in implementation arrangements. WFP will continue to supply basic food for the vulnerable groups amongst the returnee and displaced populations and will implement a food-for-work programme.

(d) Budget

291. It is expected that some 400 of the Ethiopian refugees will opt for voluntary repatriation in 1997 and 1998. Consequently, the General Programmes allocation for 1998 will be reduced by one third. With regard to Special Programmes, in view of the increased chances for organized voluntary repatriation and the expected opening of two field operational bases in Las Anod and Abdikadir, the budget will be increased by about 40 per cent, the bulk of which is devoted to operational expenses.

(e) Post situation

292. Two additional posts are being created during 1997, and two new operational bases will be opened in Las Anod and Abdikadir in 1998. It is planned to have a staffing complement of three international posts (Senior Repatriation, Field Officer, Repatriation Officer and International Secretary), one national Programme Officer and eighteen General Service posts. In addition, it is proposed to obtain the services of three United Nations Volunteers to assist in field monitoring, project design and technical services.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

293. Assistance to individual returnees will target the particularly vulnerable and needy. In this respect, a mission from PTSS has recently been fielded to Hargeisa to help in the proper design and identification of the social networks and the target groups.

294. A People-Oriented-Planning workshop is planned for September 1997 for staff and implementing partners to ensure more gender-sensitive and gender-responsive programme planning. Women's committees are being set up in each village to identify priorities for action. Given the seriousness of health risks with regard to HIV/AIDS, joint activities between WHO/UNAIDS and UNHCR are contemplated for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. An awareness and sensitization campaign is being conducted with regard to female genital mutilation. Income-generation activities targeting the poorer women and their families are being developed.

295. With respect to the environment, the Office will participate in de-mining activities to make the environment free for the pursuit of economic and other activities benefiting families.

6. The Sudan

(a) Beneficiaries

296. As at 1 January 1997, UNHCR assisted 152,874 refugees and almost 600 returnees in the Sudan. The main countries of origin include Eritrea (132,907), Ethiopia (15,467), Chad (4,400) and Somalia (100). It is estimated that 51 per cent of the Eritrean refugee population are women and eight per cent are children under five years of age. The number of unassisted refugees is estimated at 261,700, based on the 1993 National Census in the Sudan. They comprise Eritreans (216,100), Ethiopians (36,000) and others such as Ugandans and Zairians (9,600).

297. Between 1 January and 31 December 1996,22,981 refugees repatriated to Ethiopia, of whom 14,000 were assisted by UNHCR. Following the deterioration of the security situation in northern Uganda, some 50,000 Sudanese have recently returned to their homelands in southern Sudan. Modalities to provide assistance to this group are being studied.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

298. The official refugee population in the camps was reduced by 53 per cent following the joint registration exercise conducted during March and April 1996. A total of 518 Sudanese returnees were received in Khartoum from Mboki in the Central African Republic. They were assisted with cash as well as in-kind reintegration packages including a six month food ration. As part of UNHCR's contribution to the refugee affected area (RAA) projects, six water pumps were donated to Gedaref State National Water Corporation. Likewise, assorted medical equipment and supplies for the state hospitals were donated to the Ministry of Health Offices in the Red Sea, Gedaref and Kassala States. Upon completion of major rehabilitation works by UNHCR, the Safawa water system was handed over to the National Water Corporation. The Tawawa water system will be handed over after the repatriation and relocation of the refugees remaining in the camp. Following a review and recommendation by an independent consultant, the agriculture sector was also handed over to the Commissioner for Refugees (COR).

299. As concerns voluntary repatriation, progress was made with regard to the Ethiopian caseload during 1996. However, the stalemate continues for the repatriation of the Eritrean caseload, despite the Government of the Sudan's decision to lift all preconditions for the resumption of movement. The Government of Eritrea has recently asked for a complete demographic profile of the entire potential returnee population, for planning purposes, before discussion of any movement could resume.

300. The primary objective in the Sudan for 1997 and 1998 will be to continue focusing on the promotion and implementation of the voluntary repatriation programmes. In this regard, it is planned to complete the repatriation of Ethiopian refugees by the end of 1997. Thereafter, a cut-off date for further assistance to Ethiopians will be decided.

301. UNHCR will continue its endeavours to ensure the resumption of voluntary repatriation to Eritrea. Assisted repatriation of some 75,000 Eritreans is planned for the second part of 1997 and should still be possible, subject to the Government of Eritrea's readiness. Failing this, UNHCR would consider continuing to encourage and facilitate spontaneous returns, taking into account that the cause for the flight of the Eritreans has largely ceased to exist since 1991, following Eritrean independence. This is supported by the statistics kept and released by the Government of Eritrea which show that, apart from some 25,000 assisted returns under a pilot programme during 1994 and 1995, approximately 127,000 spontaneous returns from the Sudan have taken place since May 1991.

302. The feasibility of the repatriation of 4,400 Chadian refugees in Asernei camp in western Sudan will be assessed and their status determined during 1997.

303. The urban refugees, the majority of whom are of Eritrean and Ethiopian origin, will be informed of their opportunity for repatriation, and any future protection and assistance would be subject to status determination after the official cut-off date.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

304. The Commissioner for Refugees (COR) continues to be UNHCR's main implementing partner. In addition, eleven international and local NGOs implement various components of the assistance programme such as health care, education, community development and environment projects.

305. The World Food Programme (WFP) will continue to be responsible for the resourcing and transportation of food to the refugee camps in the Sudan.

(d) Budget

306. There is no significant change between the initial and the revised 1997 General Programmes budget. The proposed 1998 budget is six per cent lower than the 1997 revised appropriation. The Special Programmes proposals are also seven per cent lower than in the previous year.

(e) Post situation

307. Thirteen posts will be discontinued by the end of 1997, and two international and three national staff posts will be cut by the end of 1998. However, the creation of five national staff posts is being proposed to regularize project staff in Sub-Office Port Sudan.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

308. Pilot projects will be initiated to provide sanitary supplies, income-generation activities and skills-training for women in areas that might enhance opportunities for self-reliance in both countries of asylum and of origin. Maternal and child health care form part of the comprehensive preventive and curative health care programme. Provision is made to ensure that refugee children enrolled in UNHCR-supported schools have access to instruction materials and other related supplies.

309. In addition to the ongoing environmental projects, UNHCR will initiate small model projects which are intended to demonstrate the appropriate approach to environmental problems in the areas affected by the long presence of the refugees. Refugee women residing in those areas will be the target of training aimed at improving cooking practices and raising awareness of environmental issues. A local task force comprising UNHCR, implementing partners, government departments, and international organizations and NGOs will be established to coordinate environmental activities in the refugee affected areas.

7. Uganda

(a) Beneficiaries

310. As at 1 January 1997, Uganda hosted some 265,000 refugees, comprising 224,000 Sudanese, 28,000 Zairians and 11,200 Rwandans who are all living in rural settlements and transit centres. Some 500 refugees of various nationalities, but mainly Somalis, live in urban areas. Women represent some 65 per cent of the population and the average refugee family size is 3.5 persons, with some ten per cent female or single-headed households. Fourteen per cent of the total refugee population are under five years of age. The majority of the refugees are from a rural background and many are subsistence farmers.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

311. For most of 1996, the refugee programme in northern Uganda was plagued by the escalation of insurgencies and attacks on refugee settlements, resulting in the loss of refugee lives and property. The insecurity has also hindered the planned implementation of local settlement activities, particularly in the delivery of relief assistance, establishment of basic services and infrastructure, and consequently halting transfer of refugees from transit and reception centres to settlements. The overall insecurity in northern Uganda has delayed the prospect for gradual self-reliance, hence requiring continuation of basic care and maintenance assistance.

312. In July 1996, there was a horrendous attack by rebels on the Achol-pii settlement in Kitgum district which left 104 refugees dead. Similarly, in October 1996, the UNHCR staff residential compound in Pakelle was attacked and several vehicles and communication equipment were destroyed. UNHCR and NGO staff were temporarily evacuated. The physical safety of UNHCR and implementing partner staff, as well as of refugees, was imperilled on a number of occasions in northern Uganda. Presently, the United Nations security phases three and four are in place in Pakelle and Moyo/Arua districts respectively.

313. Since March 1997, up to 50,000 Sudanese refugees from the West Nile region have spontaneously returned to areas believed to be controlled by rebels in south Sudan. Some 30,000 refugees have left the designated settlements and are now displaced within northern Uganda, while some are encamped along the Sudan-Uganda border. Continued insecurity and lack of food in northern Uganda have contributed to the movement of refugees from the settlements. UNHCR is planning to undertake a verification and registration exercise to establish the actual number of beneficiaries. Although the situation remains too fluid for long-term planning, UNHCR has initiated a review of the assistance programme in order to determine the future direction of the programme for the remaining refugees.

314. In the east Moyo district, some 100,000 refugees remain in the designated camps. Given the relatively improved security in recent months, a focus will continue on the development of settlements and the transfer of refugees from transit camps.

315. With the escalation of civil strife in eastern Zaire, some 16,000 persons entered southwestern Uganda in October 1996. Two transit centres (Kisoro and Matanda) were opened. Reportedly, more than half of this group have since returned to their places of origin in rebel controlled areas in Zaire.

316. Due to the proximity of the transit centres to the border, the Government has requested UNHCR to transfer the remaining refugees to a former settlement (Kyangwali in Hoima district) where they will be assisted to attain gradual self-reliance.

317. Voluntary repatriation will be pursued during 1997 for some 12,500 refugees from Zaire, known as the old caseload, residing in Kyaka. The earlier attempts for repatriation were not successful due to the eruption of new conflicts in their places of origin. In the meantime, ongoing assistance to this group will be phased down in June 1997.

318. The Rwandans of Hutu ethnicity (7,000) who fled to Uganda in 1994 are assisted in the Oruchinga settlement. Another group of some 6,000 Rwandans of the same ethnicity arrived from Tanzanian camps in December 1996. Several hundred of the latter group recently repatriated voluntarily to Rwanda.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

319. The Ministry of Local Government is responsible for the overall coordination of all refugee related activities. There are twenty international, regional and local implementing partners. In view of the ongoing review of assistance programmes in West Moyo district, implementation arrangements will be adjusted accordingly. UNHCR has signed a separate Memorandum of Understanding with other United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, UNEP, UNFPA and WFP, and joint projects have been initiated for the refugees and local populations in Uganda.

(d) Budget

320. There is no change in the General Programmes budget at this stage. However, in view of the recent spontaneous return of Sudanese refugees and the ongoing programme review, funding requirements may need to be adjusted accordingly.

(e) Post situation

321. A total of 18 posts were created effective January 1997, the majority of which are for field office locations, including the newly created Field Office in Kitgum. The post creations are to regularize functions earlier covered by project staff.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

322. During 1996, based on an assessment of women's needs, sanitary cloth was distributed to refugee women in Uganda. Special emphasis has been given to enhance women's participation in the decision-making process by involving them in various settlement committees (for example food distribution, community development and social services). Projects have also been initiated to increase activities in women's education and reproductive health. Funds have been allocated from the General Initiative Fund for women to benefit from a year-long peace education and conflict-resolution training. A joint WFP/UNHCR workshop on gender issues and refugee women's participation in food management and distribution was held for UNHCR and implementing partner staff in Uganda in November 1996.

323. In coordination with UNICEF, NGOs and the Government, a national network of agencies has been established to deal with unaccompanied minors and children in difficult circumstances, as well as to promote information sharing and to ensure children's welfare. All unaccompanied minors are documented for tracing purposes.

324. Despite the insecurity in the north, nurseries have been established, seedlings raised and woodlots planted. The seedling purchase scheme has resulted in the setting up of independent nurseries. In East Moyo alone, 140 independent nurseries have generated employment for 836 women and 1,282 men, from whom 2.7 million seedlings were purchased. Some 700,000 seedlings have been planted on 584 acres, bringing the total area of woodlots to 1,989 acres. In West Moyo district, some 336,000 seedlings were distributed to refugees, nationals, schools, and community woodlots. However, insecurity prevented follow-up on survival rates. The demand exceeded the supply, reflecting an awareness among both communities on reforestation. Refugees and local populations also encouraged to use fuel-saving clay stoves. Some 5,000 such stoves have been built and distributed. Some 2,400 families in Ogujebe transit centre were also given grass free of charge to introduce them to the grass-burning cooker and to encourage its use.

(Note: Tabular Annexes I & II not included in this online version. See your nearest UN Depository Library.)

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1 Events in Sierra Leone have evolved negatively since the closing date for this report (30 April 1997). Information on UNHCR's response to these events will be provided in an oral update when this report is introduced to the Standing Committee.

2 Because of the time-frame for preparation of this document, the designation 'Zaire' is used throughout the text.