Update on regional developments in Central, East and West Africa

EC/48/SC/CRP.24

UPDATE ON REGIONAL DEVELOPMENTS IN CENTRAL, EAST AND WEST AFRICA

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 a description of relevant Special Programmes and individual country reviews. Relevant budget, post and statistical tables and selected maps are included as annexes.

II. WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA

A. Sub-regional overview

2. The period under review has brought positive developments, particularly with respect to Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali and Niger. Indeed, the final implementation of the Abuja Peace Accord in Liberia led to elections in July 1997, disarmament and the establishment of state institutions, thus creating conditions for the promotion of repatriation. At the time of reporting, some 36,000 Liberian refugees have returned home through facilitated or organized repatriation, while a further 100,000 have registered for, and are awaiting, repatriation. Although funding constraints constitute a major handicap, efforts are being made to sustain the process and bring it to a conclusion by mid-1999.

3. In Sierra Leone, the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) troops under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mandate were able to remove the Armed Forces Ruling Council/Revolutionary United Front (AFRC/RUF) junta in February 1998 and reinstate President Kabbah in March. However, at the time of reporting, ECOMOG troops are still confronting resistance by the AFRC/RUF remnants in Kono, Koindu and Kailahun in eastern Sierra Leone, with the civilian population pushed into exile in Liberia (55,000 in Vahun) and Guinea (180,000 in the Faranah area). UNHCR is nevertheless re-establishing its presence in the country and is updating its plans to resume repatriation to Sierra Leone once basic security conditions are met throughout the country. In the meantime, civil servants and professionals amongst Sierra Leonean refugees are being assisted to return, mainly to Freetown.

4. A further positive development in West Africa is the successfull ongoing repatriation of refugees mainly of Tuareg origin to Mali and the Niger. It remains crucial, however, that development agencies and bilateral donors target northern parts of Mali and the Niger to consolidate the socio-economic activities essential for durable peace and reconciliation in those countries.

5. The perspectives for West Africa could become promising for peace, repatriation and reintegration of refugees should the democratic process and rule of law be consolidated in Liberia and Sierra Leone in 1998 and beyond. Stabilization would encourage adequate funding for both repatriation reintegration and reconstruction phases. The post-conflict reintegration and reconstruction challenges in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Mali and Niger offer the opportunity to ensure an effective interface between humanitarian, development and sustainable peace initiatives.

6. As far as Central Africa is concerned, the continuous outflow of Rwandan refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to countries such as the Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, Benin, Togo and Senegal have recently necessitated complex screening and eligibility procedures designed to separate genuine refugees from those falling under the exclusion clauses. In Central Africa, the exigencies of drawing legal consequences from this process has raised difficult questions such as the fate of the excluded.

7. Women and children remain the major concern in the formulation of both protection and assistance activities in the region. A Regional Policy Officer (children refugees) post has been created to cover West Africa, including Ghana, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. While the post is based in Abidjan, the Monrovia office has requested that attention be focused first in Liberia to further the activities of the joint UNICEF/UNHCR Liberian Children's Initiative. This initiative aims to aid the reintegration of returnees, internally displaced persons and other war-affected children and adolescents into their home communities through a multifaceted approach, including support to educational facilities, child tracing, income-generation and child rights awareness.

B. Special Programmes

Repatriation and reintegration of Malian refugees

8. As at the time of reporting, the repatriation of Malian refugees is nearly completed. More than 130,000 refugees repatriated to Mali under the auspices of UNHCR. Repatriation ended in June 1997 from Mauritania and in December 1997 from Burkina Faso. Most of the 10,000, mainly nomadic, Malian refugees in the Niger have also decided to return home and will be provided with an assistance package. This operation, as well as the repatriation from Algeria, where only a handful of persons are awaiting the last repatriation convoy, is due to be completed by the end of May 1998.

9. The reintegration programme, aimed at peace consolidation and conflict prevention, is being implemented as planned with an emphasis on the water sector. Should resources be available and security permit, UNHCR will continue its activities in northern Mali until the end of 1998. However, serious funding constraints may lead to a possible premature withdrawal of UNHCR. Furthermore, UNHCR has been the target of banditry, which is an issue of concern.

10. While phasing out, UNHCR endeavours to ensure that projects developed for refugees and destitute receiving populations are handed over to development agencies under the overall coordination of the Malian authorities.

Repatriation and reintegration of refugees from the Niger

11. The repatriation of 402 refugees from Burkina Faso to the Niger took place in August 1997, while the first convoy from Algeria was organized in March 1998. At the time of reporting, some 2,500 refugees had returned from Algeria. Major efforts have been made in the preparation of returnee sites prior to the return movement. Each site has been equipped with water, health and education facilities.

12. As is the case in Mali, the Niger programme faces serious funding constraints and has been hampered by targeted acts of banditry. UNHCR is planning to withdraw its international presence at the end of June 1998 as a multi-year rehabilitation programme commences. This programme will be monitored by national staff operating under the supervision of the UNHCR Regional Office in Dakar, Senegal.

Voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees

13. The major development in the West Africa region since last year's report to the Standing Committee has been the holding of free, fair and transparent general elections in Liberia in July 1997. This positive development and its effect on the security as well as social and political situation in the country allowed UNHCR to move from facilitation to promotion of organized large-scale voluntary repatriation.

14. Subsequently, a regional coordination structure to enhance a coherent, efficient and effective implementation of the operation was set up. A detailed action plan for the repatriation and reintegration was finalized and actual organized movements under the promotion phase started in December 1997. Two Sub-Offices and three Field Offices were opened to strengthen UNHCR's project monitoring and protection capacity in Liberia. Bilateral agreements were concluded between the respective Governments of the countries of asylum and UNHCR, as well as between Liberia and UNHCR. The Declaration on the Rights and Security of Liberian returnees was reaffirmed by the newly elected Government of Liberia, thus guaranteeing that returning refugees will be fully protected by Liberian law. UNHCR has developed an information campaign in close coordination with Governments concerned, fielding sensitization missions to countries of asylum. Community-based reintegration projects have been initiated in the main counties of return.

15. A total of 11,000 refugees were assisted to repatriate under the facilitation phase from May to November 1997 and, at the time of reporting and since the start of the promotion phase in December 1997, 25,000 additional refugees have returned under UNHCR auspices. A further 100,000 Liberian refugees have registered for voluntary repatriation in various countries in the sub-region.

16. The long awaited return from Guinea to Liberia finally commenced on 30 March 1998 following the reopening, by the Government of Guinea, of the Liberia-Guinea border closed since December 1997 as a result of several security incidents along that border.

17. The funding requirements for the Liberian repatriation operation for 1998 amount to $ 39.7 million. It is planned that the majority of Liberian refugees will have returned by the end of 1998. In 1999, UNHCR will therefore mainly focus on reintegration activities in close cooperation with development agencies.

Repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees

18. UNHCR efforts, initiated in early 1997, to repatriate Sierra Leonean refugees from neighbouring countries were shattered on 25 May 1997 when a group of government soldiers toppled the democratically elected Government of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah with assistance from members of the RUF. United Nations international staff, including UNHCR, were evacuated to Guinea. The repatriation operation was suspended. UNHCR national staff remained in Freetown, providing protection and limited material assistance to some 8,000 Liberian refugees mainly located in Freetown.

19. Following the military intervention launched by ECOMOG troops in February 1998, President Kabbah was reinstated on 10 March 1998. The security situation has vastly improved in Freetown and some major cities in the interior of the country but, at the time of reporting, remains very volatile in the diamond rich towns of Kono, Koindu and Kailahun in the east. Since early April, some international staff of United Nations agencies, including UNHCR, have returned to Freetown. In late March, President Kabbah formally launched the United Nations Flash Appeal for Humanitarian Assistance to Sierra Leone in the presence of United Nations agencies. The appeal seeks $ 11.2 million to meet immediate humanitarian needs in Sierra Leone. One of the priority areas is the repatriation of Liberian refugees.

20. Should the security situation improve inside Sierra Leone, UNHCR could promote the large-scale return of refugees. Until such time, the return of urban refugees from Conakry and some other cities in the sub-region to Freetown is being facilitated. At the time of reporting, some 6,500 Sierra Leonean refugees have been assisted to repatriate under this scheme.

21. UNHCR has enjoyed excellent relations with other United Nations agencies, particularly with WFP as well as major regional bodies, notably the ECOWAS.

C. Country reviews

1. Benin

(a) Beneficiaries

22. As at 1 January 1998, Benin hosted a refugee population of 2,918 persons comprising 1,300 Togolese, 934 Nigerians, 302 Rwandans, 189 Chadians, 69 citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 48 Cameroonians, 38 Burundians, 18 Congolese and twenty refugees of various other nationalities. The decrease as compared to the January 1997 figure is mainly due to the UNHCR assisted voluntary return of 3,369 Togolese refugees. Forty-three per cent of the refugees are female, while children under the age of five account for 8.5 per cent of the population.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

23. The overall situation in Benin has not seen major changes during the period under review. The voluntary repatriation of the remaining Togolese refugees has continued and was officially completed in September 1997. Several hundred asylum-seekers, mainly from the Great Lakes region of Africa and Nigeria, have arrived in Benin during the period under review.

24. The Government, in close cooperation with UNHCR, is considering the possibility of receiving refugees from countries of asylum where, for various reasons, they cannot remain. Feasibility studies are being undertaken jointly with the relevant national and local authorities.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

25. UNHCR assistance programmes in Benin are implemented by the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, in cooperation with the Benin Red Cross, Caritas-Benin, the Centre Panafricain de Prospective Sociale and the Coordination Nationale pour l'Assistance au Réfugiés (CNAR), representing the Government.

(d) Budget

26. The care and maintenance project in Benin, under which Togolese and Nigerian refugees are being assisted, was increased in May 1998 to take into account new asylum-seekers, mainly from Nigeria and Rwanda, and the construction of the Kpomassé centre. The premises of the Come reception centre, hosting 892 Ogoni refugees, are scheduled to be transferred back to the Government and the refugees will have to be relocated to the Kpomassé Centre in the course of 1998.

(e) Post situation

27. As at 1 January 1998, the status of the office in Cotonou was changed from Branch Office to Liaison Office and the number of posts was reduced to eight.

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

28. Particular attention is being paid to women through income-generation projects. During 1997, 87 refugee women benefited from micro-credits, vocational training and assistance in their search for employment with a view to promoting self-reliance. During 1998 and 1999, UNHCR will continue to encourage micro-credit schemes and income-generation projects targeting approximately 300 refugee women of various nationalities.

29. Refugee children's needs continue to be addressed, inter alia, by providing access to health care, supplementary feeding for under five, protection to unaccompanied minors, which includes placement in foster families, family tracing and reunification.

(g) Oversight reports

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

2. Burkina Faso

(a) Beneficiaries

31. As at 1 January 1998, there were some 1,800 asylum-seekers in Burkina Faso, of whom 91 are assisted by UNHCR. Most of these refugees came from West and Central Africa (Chad, Togo, Liberia, etc.) and the Great Lakes region of Africa, mainly from Rwanda. Some six per cent of the refugees are under the age of five, 23 per cent were female.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

32. The major achievement recorded in Burkina Faso is the successful completion, in December 1997, of the operation which brought back to their country of origin some 19,090 Malian and 402 Nigerian refugees.

33. The Government, in close cooperation with UNHCR, is considering the possibility of receiving 100 refugees a year from countries of asylum where, for various reasons, they cannot remain. Feasibility studies are being undertaken jointly with the relevant national and local authorities.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

34. The main implementing partner dealing with refugees in Burkina Faso is the Government authority in charge of refugee affairs, the Commission Nationale pour les Réfugiés (CONAREF). An environmental project has been entrusted to the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) while the Christian Relief and Development Organisation (CREDO) provides individual assistance to urban refugees.

(d) Budget

35. Since the repatriation project was terminated in December 1997, the 1998 budgets have decreased significantly. Limited care and maintenance projects are implemented to cover the basic needs of the urban refugees as well the rehabilitation of refugee-affected areas.

(e) Post situation

36. As a result of the successful completion of the repatriation operation, the Field Office in Dori was closed in February 1998 and the number of posts at the Branch Office will be reduced considerably as of July 1998. In 1999, the Branch Office will be brought to the level of a Liaison Office manned by national staff and operating under the supervision of the UNHCR Regional Office in Dakar.

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

37. A rehabilitation programme is being implemented in the region of Dori where the environment has been affected by the presence, until the end of 1997, of thousands of refugees. The completion of this programme is foreseen for the end of June 1998.

38. As regards urban refugees, priority is given to refugee women with particular attention being paid to single women heads of household. All refugee children also receive particular attention and are encouraged to enrol in public schools.

(g) Oversight reports

39. An audit mission took place in 1997. Pertinent recommendations are being implemented.

3. Cameroon

(a) Beneficiaries

40. As at 1 January 1998, there were some 47,060 refugees in Cameroon, including 44,103 Chadians, 1,227 Rwandans, 332 Burundians, 230 Congolese (of the Republic of Congo), 182 citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 167 Liberians, 144 Sudanese, 100 Equatorial Guineans and 572 refugees of other origins. A total of 6,007 refugees received regular assistance from UNHCR. Some 16 per cent of the population are children under five and 43 per cent are female.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

41. Some 660 Chadian, 28 Liberian, seven Rwandan and seven refugees of other nationalities were repatriated during 1997. Meanwhile, from February to April 1998, some 250 Chadian asylum-seekers arrived in Cameroon. The local integration of Chadian refugees and the repatriation of Liberians, Rwandans, Congolese and refugees of other nationalities will continue during 1998 and 1999.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

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

(d) Budget

43. The revised 1998 General Programmes budget has been slightly increased as compared to 1997 expenditures in order to cover the basic needs of the new caseload and to facilitate repatriation requests.

(e) Post situation

44. A post of Assistant Protection Officer will be discontinued at the end of June 1998.

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

45. In order to promote local integration and self-reliance, UNHCR in Yaoundé is implementing a micro-credit scheme and income-generating activities targeting urban refugee women of different nationalities. In addition, 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

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

4. Central African Republic

(a) Beneficiaries

47. As at 1 January 1998, the Central African Republic hosted 38,571 refugees. Of this population, 37,121 are being assisted by UNHCR, including 32,241 Sudanese, 3,341 Chadians, 1,292 Rwandans, 127 citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 100 Burundians and 20 refugees of other nationalities.

48. During 1997, most of the new arrivals were from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (2,060), Rwanda (1,520) and the Sudan (1,355). Of the total refugee population, children under five years of age represent 18.3 per cent whereas 42.7 per cent are female.

(b) Recent development and objectives

49. After seven months of unrest, peace and order were re-established in 1997 as a result of the intervention of the Inter-African Mission to Monitor the Implementation of Bangui Agreements (MISAB) which has contributed significantly in stabilizing the situation in the country.

50. The much feared large-scale refugee influx from the Democratic Republic of the Congo did not materialize. However, as noted above, some 1,520 Rwandans and some 2,060 citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo arrived in the Central African Republic during 1997.

51. The unfortunate incident which resulted in two police officers losing their lives at the hands of four Rwandan asylum-seekers has negatively affected the situation of Rwandan nationals in the country. On 19 March 1998, the Government formally requested the departure of all Rwandan refugees presently residing in the Central African Republic. While a limited number of Rwandan asylum-seekers have been accepted for resettlement, a durable solution is still being sought for the rest of the group, with the exception of those excluded during the screening operation, conducted in September and October 1997.

52. An influx of some 3,500 Chadian asylum-seekers was reported in March 1998. The Government's decision on their settlement is pending. Meanwhile, they are living in villages of the Paoua Sous-préfecture.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

53. The Commission Nationale pour les Réfugiés (CNR) is responsible for protection, education and community services activities for Chadian and Sudanese refugees. The Organisation Canadienne pour la Solidarité et le Développement (OCSD) is entrusted with assistance projects for Chadian refugees (food distribution, health/nutrition and agriculture) as well as logistics for the entire programme. Africare is responsible for the implementation of the health, agriculture and water sectors for the Sudanese refugee assistance project.

(d) Budget

54. The 1998 budget was slightly increased as compared to the level of 1997 expenditures in order to cover the needs resulting from the increased number of beneficiaries and to reinforce local integration activities. The initial budget for 1999 is expected to be lower than the revised 1998 budget in view of positive developments related to local integration.

(e) Post situation

55. The current staffing level of 26 posts will be maintained throughout 1998 and 1999.

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

56. The needs of women and children are taken into account in the planning and implementation of the ongoing care and maintenance programme, particularly in areas of income-generation and reforestation.

(g) Oversight reports

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

5. Chad

(a) Beneficiaries

58. As at 1 January 1998, there were some 300 refugees in Chad, most of whom are assisted by UNHCR. They include nationals of the Sudan, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Nigeria. The proportion of children under the age of five is approximately 8 per cent.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

59. During the period under review, some 283 Chadian refugees returned voluntarily from the Niger while another 659 returned from Cameroon. The renewal of fighting in the Logone region may compromise the continuation of the movement. However, on 6 May 1998, the Government of Chad signed an agreement with the Forces Armées pour la République Fédérale (FARF) rebel movement. UNHCR is closely monitoring the implementation of the agreement in order to assess the possibilities of resuming voluntary repatriation operations.

60. An influx of 8,500 Sudanese asylum-seekers (Massalits and Arabs Maharies) was reported in April 1998. Efforts are being made, in close coordination with the National Refugee Commission, to identify and assist mainly the vulnerable. During 1998, UNHCR will pursue its local settlement programme and the assistance to needy refugees through the UNDP Office in N'Djamena.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

61. Assistance programmes for refugees in Chad are administered by UNDP on UNHCR's behalf. Secours Catholique pour le Développement (SECADEV) is the main implementing partner for refugee assistance.

(d) Budget

62. The current 1998 budget was substantially decreased as compared to 1997 expenditures as a result of the anticipated reduction of beneficiaries through repatriation. However, an increase of some $ 300,000 is required to cover initial emergency assistance for the recent influx of Sudanese asylum-seekers.

(e) Post situation

63. UNHCR is represented by UNDP in Chad. Three national staff are assigned on a permanent basis to UNHCR's activities.

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

64. In the selection of beneficiaries of income-generating activities, priority is given to refugee women, mainly single heads of household. Taking into consideration that ten per cent of the population are children, particular support will be provided to education programmes during 1998 and 1999.

(g) Oversight reports

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

6. Côte d'Ivoire

(a) Beneficiaries

66. As at 1 January 1998, the refugee population in Côte d'Ivoire stood at some 210,000, including 157,000 registered Liberians living in the zone d'accueil near the Ivorian-Liberian border, 50,000 Liberians living in urban areas outside the zone d'accueil, 1,089 registered Sierra Leoneans in Danané, as well as refugees of various other nationalities (Rwandans, Burundians, Ghanaians, Vietnamese, Cambodians, among others), most of whom reside in Abidjan. Some 15 per cent of the urban refugees are under the age of five, while 51 per cent are female.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

67. Given the positive developments following the July 1997 presidential and parliamentary elections in Liberia and after repatriating some 290 Liberian refugees under the facilitation phase, the Branch Office in Abidjan embarked on a large-scale repatriation operation of Liberian refugees in December 1997. An information campaign was launched on 15 December 1997, together with the Ivorian Government, to inform refugees of the modalities of voluntary repatriation. So far, some 25,000 have registered in the zone d'accueil and already approximately 8,800 have been repatriated under the auspices of UNHCR since the start of the large-scale repatriation operation. A significant number of refugees are also reported to have returned spontaneously.

68. The repatriation of Liberian refugees constitutes one of UNHCR's major objectives in Côte d'Ivoire in 1998. It is anticipated that, by the end of the year, 60 per cent of the Liberian refugees will have repatriated either with UNHCR's assistance or spontaneously. Accordingly, the care and maintenance project will be scaled down.

69. As a result of the political events which occurred in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo in 1997, the number of asylum-seekers travelling from these two countries in Côte d'Ivoire has increased significantly. The group comprises not only nationals of the two countries but also Rwandans and Burundians. An assistance programme has been established in early 1998 for this caseload.

70. On 24 February 1998, the Ivorian Parliament passed a bill authorizing the Head of State to ratify the OAU Convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

71. The Ministry of Interior and National Integration has been entrusted with refugee matters. The National Coordination Committee for Assistance to Liberian Refugees acts on behalf of the Ministry and is a party to all agreements signed by UNHCR with implementing partners.

72. The implementation of UNHCR's programmes in Côte d'Ivoire is undertaken by the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA), responsible for primary school education and school feeding programmes for Liberian refugees, the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ), in cooperation with the Agence Nationale d'Appui au Développement (ANADER), implementing all activities related to agriculture for Liberian refugees, and the Direction de l'Hydraulique taking care of water activities for Liberian refugees. The International Rescue Committee (IRC), Caritas and GTZ are implementing vocational training, income-generation, health or medical activities for Liberian refugees. An agreement has recently been concluded with the Ivorian Red Cross which is supported by the International Federation of the Red Cross. It will manage transit centres as well as the distribution of food and non-food items for the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees.

73. Religious institutions such as Catholic Missions, the Jesuit Refugee Service (USA) (JRS) and the International Catholic Child Bureau (BICE), and international NGOs such as CELIM Milano, Save the Children Fund and the Spanish Movement for Peace, Democracy and Freedom also render assistance to the refugees. Private Liberian associations, such as DUJAR, support social, cultural and educational activities.

(d) Budget

74. The 1998 care and maintenance budget is lower than in 1997, mainly as a result of the reduction in the number of Liberian refugees following the census which took place in Côte d'Ivoire in March 1997 and the anticipated return of Liberian refugees. Other programmes cover the repatriation of Liberian refugees, assistance to urban refugees, scholarships for refugee students and the rehabilitation of the refugee hosting area. In anticipation of the further reduction in the number of refugees as a result of the ongoing repatriation programme, overall assistance programmes in Côte d'Ivoire will be scaled down substantially in 1999.

(e) Post situation

75. On the assumption that, by the end of 1998, 60 per cent of Liberian refugees will have returned home, it is planned that three field offices located in Guiglo, Toulepleu and Grabo will be closed as of 1 January 1999. Meanwhile, the current staffing level in Côte d'Ivoire will be maintained throughout 1998, including a coordination structure in Abidjan which was established in October 1997 to enhance the regional coordination of the Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugee situations.

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

76. Special attention and services are provided for children through primary education and school feeding programmes. Assistance provided to women includes income-generating activities funded by UNHCR. A post of Regional Policy Officer (Children) covering six countries in the sub-region was established in Abidjan to further enhance UNHCR's activities on behalf of children and adolescents.

77. The environment, particularly the deforestation in refugee-affected areas in Tabou, has been a matter of major concern for the Government of Côte d'Ivoire and UNHCR. In order to provide support for the rehabilitation of the zone d'accueil, a four-year multi-sectorial project of $ 1.3 million funded by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) has been implemented since mid-1997. The project intends to strengthen sustainable environmental management practices in refugee hosting areas through forestry activities and energy supply in the Prefectures of Tabou, Guiglo, Toulepleu and Danané. 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

78. The report of an internal audit which took place in October 1997 is being awaited. A final follow-up status report was issued in early January 1998 with regard to recommendations made by an inspection mission which took place to Côte d'Ivoire in December 1995. In this report, the Inspection and Evaluation Service has expressed its satisfaction with the level of compliance with the recommendations made.

7. Democratic Republic of the Congo

79. Developments concerning Rwandan and Burundi refugees in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are covered in the document on the Great Lakes region of Africa while the document concerning the Southern Africa operation reports on the Angolan caseload.

(a) Beneficiaries

80. Besides Rwandan, Burundi and Angolan refugees, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at the end of 1997, also hosted refugees of various other nationalities, including 61,000 Sudanese, 44,000 Ugandans and 20,000 nationals of the Republic of Congo. It is estimated that some 35,000 Sudanese refugees may have left the country as a result of the insecurity that prevailed in 1997. It should also be noted that the UNHCR Regional Office in Kinshasa oversees protection and assistance for a few urban refugees still residing in the Republic of Congo.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

81. As a result of the end of the fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UNHCR activities in the northern part of the country resumed in April 1997. Local integration will continue to be the main objective for Sudanese refugees. Meanwhile, in May 1998, the repatriation of some 624 Ugandan refugees was completed successfully.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

82. UNHCR's multi-sectoral care and maintenance assistance for Sudanese and Ugandan refugees in Upper-Congo is implemented by Medical and Environmental Development with Air Assistance (MEDAIR), the Diocese in Mahagi and the Diocese of Dungu. However, at the end of March 1998, MEDAIR communicated its decision to suspend its partnership with UNHCR.

(d) Budget

83. The revised 1998 General Programmes budget was decreased as compared to the initial budget to take into account the reduction in the number of beneficiaries. However, in 1999, major investments are planned to support local integration and the budget will therefore need to be increased as compared to 1998 levels.

(e) Post situation

84. The number of posts in the Sub-Office in Aru will be maintained at current levels throughout 1998 and 1999.

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

85. Special activities relating to refugee women and children are an integral part of the Office's workplan for 1997 and 1998. An extensive and well-organized primary school programme is managed by local parishes in Aba and Dungu and refugee children have access to primary education. Reforestation projects have also been initiated for all former refugee sites and their surrounding areas.

(g) Oversight reports

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

8. Gabon

(a) Beneficiaries

87. As at 1 January 1998, there were some 860 refugees in Gabon, including 150 Chadians, 130 Mauritanians, 110 Angolans, 78 Rwandans and 50 Burundians. UNHCR provided assistance to over 300 refugees. The proportion of under fives is estimated at nine per cent, whereas 32 per cent of the refugees are female.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

88. In August 1997, the Government of Gabon refouled some 1,200 Rwandan nationals who were seeking asylum following the outbreak of the civil war in the Republic of Congo where they had arrived from the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Government's decision was presented as rendered necessary by overriding state security interests.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

89. 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

90. Total expenditure for 1997 was $ 178,300 and the current budget for 1998 is $ 187,100. Budgetary requirements for 1999 are expected to decrease slightly as compared to 1998 as a result of the successful implementation of local integration activities.

(e) Post situation

91. UNHCR is represented by UNDP. In addition, staff from UNHCR's Regional Office in Kinshasa periodically travel on mission to Gabon.

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

92. 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

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

9. Gambia

(a) Beneficiaries

94. The current refugee situation in the Gambia can be described as fluid and has varied, during the period under review, depending on the security situation in Casamance. As at 1 January 1998, the Gambia hosted 7,300 refugees, including 5,400 Sierra Leoneans, 1,750 Senegalese and 150 urban refugees of various nationalities, including Liberian, Somali and Ethiopian citizens. Some 18 per cent of the total refugee population was estimated to be children under five years of age, while female refugees constituted 46 per cent. More recently, in May 1998, some 1,200 refugees arrived from Senegal.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

95. Since mid-August 1997, two major developments led to a change in the refugee situation in the Gambia, namely the resumption of fighting in Casamance and the coup d'état in Sierra Leone. As a result of the latter, the repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees was suspended and a new influx occurred. Since the return of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in March 1998, a reverse in this trend has been witnessed. At the time of reporting, over 150 refugees have returned voluntarily and spontaneously to Sierra Leone, while refugees from rural areas, where insecurity still prevails, have not yet indicated a willingness to return home. Promotion of voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leonean and Liberian refugees remains the main objective in 1998 and 1999. Over 4,000 Sierra Leonean refugees, of whom 2,000 have already registered, have expressed their desire to repatriate voluntarily to their country of origin.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

96. As in previous years, UNDP coordinates refugee assistance on behalf of UNHCR. The Government of the Gambia, through the Department of Immigration and the National Intelligence Agency, will continue to assist in the registration and screening of refugees. The Gambian Red Cross is responsible for logistics and health in the camps for Senegalese refugees for the first quarter of the year while the Gambia Food Nutrition Association will take over responsibility thereafter. The Anglican Mission Development Ministries (AMDM) is responsible for the implementation of logistics, water, health, shelter, education, crop production, livestock and income-generating activities in the Basse camp for Sierra Leoneans refugees.

(d) Budget

97. The current 1998 budget was prepared prior to recent events in Sierra Leone and Senegal and did not take into account the needs of the new arrivals. A revision of the project with an appropriate budget covering the needs of the entire refugee population in the Gambia is being prepared. However, in view of positive developments taking place in Sierra Leone, it is expected that the majority of Sierra Leoneans will opt for voluntary repatriation by the end of 1998, in anticipation of which a decreased budget will be proposed for 1999.

(e) Post situation

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

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

99. Refugee women's groups have been assisted through the provision of items for education, vocational training and income-generation activities. In 1997, a total of 38 refugee women were enrolled in vocational training schools teaching typing and home economics. Children receive assistance to attend primary schools.

(g) Oversight reports

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

10. Ghana

(a) Beneficiaries

101. As at 1 January 1998, Ghana hosted some 23,000 refugees, including 17,000 Liberians, 5,000 Togolese and 600 Sierra Leoneans. Some 45 per cent of the refugees are female and eight per cent are children under five years of age.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

102. The voluntary repatriation of Togolese refugees, which started in early 1996, officially came to an end on 30 September 1997. Over 70,000 refugees were assisted by UNHCR to return home. Subsequently, the Klikor camp was closed in late November 1997. However, some 5,000 Togolese refugees remain in Ghana, mainly in the Volta Region, and have chosen not to repatriate. With the exception of some 350 refugees who were transferred to the Sanzule camp in late 1997, no material assistance is provided by UNHCR to this group. The Government and UNHCR are considering the possibility of conducting new eligibility interviews of the remaining Togolese individual cases.

103. Since the disarmament and demobilization was completed in Liberia in early February 1997, UNHCR developed a plan for the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees in Ghana. Some 600 refugees were assisted by UNHCR to return home during the facilitation phase of the voluntary repatriation.

104. During the second phase of promotion, some 2,200 persons have been repatriated under the auspices of UNHCR as at the time of reporting. It is expected that the majority of Liberian refugees will be repatriated by the end of 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

105. The National Refugee Board is UNHCR's Government counterpart in Ghana. All planning of refugee assistance programmes is therefore undertaken in collaboration with this body. The National Catholic Secretariat (NCS), the Assemblies of God Development and Relief Services (AGDRS), the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG), the Ghanaian Red Cross Society (GRCS) and the National Mobilization Programme (NMP) are responsible for the implementation of various sectors of UNHCR's assistance programmes in Ghana.

(d) Budget

106. The 1997 financial requirements for the voluntary repatriation of Togolese refugees were covered through the Special Programme funded by an appeal launched in 1996.1998 funding requirements for the repatriation of Liberian refugees in Ghana have been included in UNHCR's appeal launched in April 1998. The ongoing care and maintenance programme for Liberian and other refugees is covered under General Programmes. In the light of the envisaged phase-out of UNHCR activities in Ghana in 1999, overall programme budgets will be reduced.

(e) Post situation

107. The successful Togolese repatriation programme led to the closure of the Field Office in Ho in 1996, and the Field Office in Denu will be closed by the end of June 1998. Furthermore, a number of posts in the Branch Office in Accra are to be discontinued as of 30 June 1998. With the expected repatriation of Liberian refugees, additional posts will be discontinued during the course of 1999.

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

108. Special projects have been developed to assist women and children, which include small-scale income-generating and family unification activities. The refugees also undergo training in community development activities, including environmental education.

(g) Oversight reports

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

11. Guinea

(a) Beneficiaries

110. As at 1 January 1998, Guinea hosted some 435,000 refugees, including 243,000 Liberians and 192,000 Sierra Leoneans. Some 53 per cent of the refugee population is female while 14 per cent are children under five years of age. As a result of the continuous fighting in Sierra Leone, over 180,000 Sierra Leonean refugees have recently arrived in Guinea.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

111. The repatriation of Liberian refugees will continue to be one of the major objectives in Guinea in 1998. Over 9,000 were assisted by UNHCR to return home under the facilitation phase. The launching of the large-scale organized repatriation scheduled from Guinea in December 1997 was delayed due to the closure of the Guinean border with Liberia as a result of several security incidents along the border. However, this long awaited return finally commenced on 30 March 1998 following the reopening of the border. Since then, some 4,300 refugees have been repatriated in convoys.

112. The planning figure for the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees up to the end of 1998 is 113,000. A small percentage of the refugees will be assisted with transportation while the majority will only receive a repatriation assistance package. By the end of 1999, it is expected that most Liberian refugees will have returned.

113. During the period under review, Guinea has twice experienced large influxes of Sierra Leonean refugees. The first such influx of over 50,000 persons took place following the coup d'état in Sierra Leone in late May 1997, and the second one of over 180,000 persons is currently being witnessed into Faranah. UNHCR has deployed three Emergency Officers and two Danish Refugee Council staff members to Guinea in order to assist in dealing with the current influx.

114. It is, however, expected that the removal from power of the military junta in Freetown by ECOMOG forces in February 1998 and the reinstatement of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah will eventually lead to sustainable peace and stability in the country. At the time of reporting, some 6,500 Sierra Leonean refugees in Conakry have been assisted to return to Freetown by UNHCR since March 1998. For the majority of the refugees who come from the eastern districts of Sierra Leone, where fighting is still continuing between the ECOMOG forces and remnants of the ousted junta, the prospects for voluntary repatriation are still uncertain.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

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

116. The GTZ is responsible for the delivery of food assistance, non-food items, the implementation of school feeding programmes and the logistics of the Liberian repatriation operation. 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.

117. In addition, there are several national agencies, such as the Service Chrétien d'Animation pour le Développement des Oeuvres Sociales (SECADOS), the 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 for vulnerable groups.

(d) Budget

118. The 1998 General Programmes budget in Guinea has been reduced as a result of the decrease in the number of refugees following the registration exercise of June 1997. While the ongoing repatriation of Liberian refugees will result in further budgetary reductions in 1999, the overall General Programmes budget in 1999 may need to be maintained at the same level as 1998 in view of the recent influx of Sierra Leonean refugees whose needs are currently being met through the existing care and maintenance programme.

(e) Post situation

119. The current staffing level in Guinea (107 posts) will be maintained in 1998. A staffing review is planned during the course of 1998 to define the staffing level for 1999.

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

120. The protection of the environment and the rehabilitation of refugee-affected areas are two important components of UNHCR activities in Guinea. In this respect, areas most affected by refugees will be identified in 1998 and 1999. Efforts will be made to build up the capacity of government counterparts, such as the Forestry Department, and the use of fuel-efficient cooking devices will be promoted, as will swamp rice cultivation.

121. A number of special projects benefiting refugee women, children, and adolescents, initiated in 1996 and 1997, will continue to be implemented in 1998 and 1999. Family tracing for unaccompanied children will be carried out, as will various skills training activities for women and adolescents both in camps and in urban areas. Other activities include income-generating programmes specially targeted at youth and refugee women. The active participation of women in camp management is encouraged. In 1998 and 1999, programmes focusing on education for peace, reconciliation and conflict resolution as well as education focusing on reproductive health, will be initiated. Furthermore, the mainstreaming of policies regarding refugee children and women into the existing programmes will be actively pursued.

(g) Oversight reports

122. Measures were taken to implement recommendations made by the board of auditors with regard to project planning and implementation and procurement.

12. Guinea Bissau

(a) Beneficiaries

123. During a registration exercise in February 1998, some 5,600 refugees were registered, including 5,000 Senegalese, 403 Sierra Leoneans, 209 Liberians and 28 persons of various other nationalities. UNHCR provided direct assistance to Senegalese refugees residing on the site of Jolmète. Of the total refugee population, 52 per cent is female and 12 per cent are children below five years of age.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

124. As a result of the current status of the peace negotiations between the Senegalese Government and the Casamance rebels, new influxes have been reported. Most refugees have been able to integrate and reach some degree of self-sufficiency in villages along the border. The two Governments concerned did, however, decide in late 1997 to relocate all refugees away from the border in order to ensure the civilian nature of refugee settlements. The development of agricultural activities and the transfer of 3,000 refugees to a new site away from the border remain the main objectives for 1998 and 1999. Other refugees resist the transfer, arguing that they have locally integrated.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

125. 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 activities.

(d) Budget

126. The 1998 and 1999 budgetary allocations will be higher than in 1997 due to the need to transfer refugees away from the border and in order to assist new arrivals.

(e) Post situation

127. The 1998 staffing level remains unchanged as compared to 1997 (eight posts).

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

128. Under the care and maintenance project, particular attention will be paid to refugee women and children with regard to health and education. Agricultural activities, particularly gardening, will benefit refugee women.

(g) Oversight reports

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

13. Liberia

(a) Beneficiaries

130. As at 1 January 1998, Liberia hosted an estimated 127,000 refugees, the majority of whom are Sierra Leoneans. Recently, some 55,000 Sierra Leonean new arrivals have crossed the border into Vahun, Lofa County, bringing the total number of refugees in Liberia to an estimated 182,000. It is also estimated that 16 per cent of the refugees are under the age of five, while 54 per cent are female.

131. The repatriation operation of Liberian refugees has been in progress since May 1997. At the time of reporting, some 36,000 Liberian refugees have been assisted to return home. It has also been reported that over 100,000 Liberian refugees have repatriated spontaneously.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

132. By the end of January 1997, the security situation in Liberia had considerably improved following the successful disarmament and demobilization exercises, thus enabling UNHCR to re-establish access to refugees located outside Monrovia. Furthermore, given the positive political developments in Sierra Leone in late 1996, the voluntary repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees started in early February 1997. However, the operation was suspended following the coup d'état in Sierra Leone in late May 1997. Some 10,000 Sierra Leonean new arrivals fled to Liberia. To accommodate them, a new camp was established in Sinje in July 1997.

133. Following the general election which took place in July 1997, the positive political developments and the improvement in the security situation allowed UNHCR to move from the facilitation phase of Liberian repatriation to the promotion phase. As part of activities for the large-scale repatriation operation, UNHCR has initiated some 80 reintegration projects in main areas of return, benefiting not only returnees but also other war-affected populations such as internally displaced persons.

134. As noted above, some 55,000 Sierra Leoneans have arrived in Vahun, Lofa Country as a result of the actions carried out by remnants of the AFRC forces. This influx started in mid-February 1998 and tapered off by mid-April, with an average arrival rate of some 5,000 persons per day at its peak. Given the security concerns resulting from the closeness of Vahun to the border (some eight kilometres) and its extremely difficult access, especially during rainy season which is at the time of reporting imminent, the new arrivals are being relocated to a new site identified near Kolahun since late April. At the time of reporting, a total of 5,458 refugees have been relocated.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

135. The Liberian Refugee, Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC) is the Government authority responsible for the overall coordination of refugee and returnee activities. The assistance programme for Sierra Leonean refugees is being undertaken by UNHCR through some ten implementing partners such as Sustainable Development Promoters (SDP) for agricultural activities, Medical Emergency Relief Cooperative International (MERCI) for health services, Don Bosco Rehabilitation for vocational training, Liberians United to Save Humanity (LUSH) for camp management and the Lutheran World Federation/World Services (LWF/WS) for primary and secondary education.

136. For the repatriation and reintegration programme for returning Liberian refugees, implementing partners include Initiative pour une Afrique solidaire (IAS) for health activities, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and IRC for education assistance, Action Contre la Faim (ACF) for the water sector and GTZ for transport and logistics operations as well as reintegration activities.

(d) Budget

137. The initial 1998 General Programmes budgets have been revised upwards as a result of the access to Sierra Leonean refugees outside Monrovia and its surroundings as well as the new influx of Sierra Leonean refugees. In order to meet the urgent needs of the new arrivals, an emergency assistance programme was established with $ 2 million allocated from the 1998 Emergency Fund. The 1998 financial requirements for the repatriation operation of Liberian refugees stand at $ 39.7 million.

(e) Post situation

138. UNHCR has established a presence in the main areas of return by opening two Sub-Offices in Gbarnga and Voinjama as well as three Field Offices in Vahun, Zwedru and Harper. Over forty posts were created to monitor the repatriation and reintegration programmes of Liberian refugees. Although additional posts are required in 1998 to further strengthen the monitoring capacity, the current funding constraints faced by the operation do not allow UNHCR to respond to these needs

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

139. UNHCR is currently assisting a group of 35 Sierra Leonean unaccompanied minors in Sinje and its surroundings. The assistance programme, which was initiated in February 1997, is being implemented by Family Empowerment. Efforts are being made to facilitate tracing of their parents and relatives, and family reunification, in consultation with UNHCR in Sierra Leone.

140. The war has severely affected Liberian children and adolescents. Projects have been developed in order to address the particular reintegration needs of this group in the main areas of return. Activities include education, recreation, protection of unaccompanied children, a livelihood programme for education and at-risk adolescents, and the protection and promotion of child rights. Funding permitting, UNHCR will launch these special initiatives in close coordination with UNICEF.

141. A training project specifically designed for Liberian returnee women is also planned. The training will include tie and dye, sewing, pastry cooking, soap-making, food preservation and basic agricultural techniques.

(g) Oversight reports

142. The report of the Board of Auditors to the General Assembly for the period ended 31 December 1997 referred, inter alia, to Liberia. Recommendations were made with regard to project planning, implementation and evaluation and procurement. Measures to implement these recommendations have been taken. Furthermore, a final report, issued in January 1998, on the implementation of recommendations made by an inspection mission in December 1995 described the level of implementation of the recommendations as satisfactory.

14. Mali

(a) Beneficiaries

143. As at 1 January 1998, some 123,600 Malian refugees had repatriated, mostly from Algeria (48,000) and Mauritania (43,000). Some 11,000 Mauritanian refugees reside in the Kayes region, of whom 12 per cent are children under five and 33 per cent are female, while there are over 1,000, mainly Sierra Leonean and Liberian asylum-seekers in Bamako.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

144. The repatriation of Malian refugees was completed in June 1997 from Mauritania and in December 1997 from Burkina Faso. Returnee movements will continue from Algeria and the Niger until the end of May 1998.

145. Most of the Mauritanian refugees have expressed their wish to repatriate, with some facilitation from UNHCR in Mali, and provided they obtain the necessary administrative clearance from Mauritania. Once back in Mauritania, they may benefit from the UNHCR community based reintegration programme.

146. Liberian refugees have been offered assistance from UNHCR to repatriate. A few of them have returned so far. Prior to the change of circumstances in their country of origin, refugees from Liberia and Sierra Leone were encouraged to return to their first country of asylum, most often Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

147. The care and maintenance programme in favour of Mauritanian refugees is being implemented by the Centre Canadien d'Etudes et de Coopération Internationale (CECI). Assistance to urban refugees and asylum-seekers is provided through the Association des Anciens Volontaires des Nations-Unies (AAVNU). The repatriation and rehabilitation programme for Malian returnees is implemented by the Association de Coopération et de Recherche pour le Développement (ACORD), Action contre la faim (ACF), Africare, the Agence des Musulmans d'Afrique (AMA), CECI, GTZ, the Malian Red Cross, the "Organisation Internationale du Secours Islamique" and World Vision.

(d) Budget

148. In view of the winding up of the repatriation programme and the planned phasing-out at the end of the year, the 1998 regional appeal for Mali and Niger was reduced to $ 10.8 million as compared to the 1997 appeal of $ 17.6 million. Urban refugees are assisted in 1998 under a small care and maintenance project due to be reduced in 1999.

(e) Post situation

149. While UNHCR's presence is being temporarily reinforced in the Kayes region which hosts Mauritanian refugees, the staffing level in northern Mali is being reduced. The Field Office in Léré was closed in March 1998, the number of posts in the Sub-Office in Timbuktu will be reduced in June and all field offices will be closed by the end of 1998. A reduced team will remain in Bamako in 1999.

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

150. UNHCR and its partners give priority to micro-projects primarily benefiting women. Important investments made in the water and environmental protection sectors receive constant attention.

(g) Oversight reports

151. A global evaluation of the Malian repatriation programme is being initiated at the time of reporting. Its objective will be to draw lessons from this operation in the specific context of repatriating refugees of nomadic origin in a desert and semi-desert environment.

15. Mauritania (excluding Sahrawi refugees)

(a) Beneficiaries

152. The repatriation of some 43,000 Malian refugees was successfully completed in June 1997, and the spontaneous repatriation of Mauritanian refugees from Senegal and Mali continues to date; more than 30,000 returnees have benefited from the "Programme Special d'Insertion Rapide" (PSIR) since its inception in June 1996.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

153. All Malian refugees were repatriated by June 1997 and a rehabilitation programme has been set up in the south-east region of Hodh el Charghi.

154. While the PSIR has been very successful as a reintegration tool with some 200 projects implemented since its inception in June 1996, it has not yet yielded the expected result as a pull factor for Mauritanian refugees. Consequently, the programme, initially foreseen to terminate in May 1998, will be extended until the end of the year.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

155. The PSIR is supervised by UNHCR, in close cooperation with the Mauritanian Red Crescent, and is implemented by NGOs (Caritas, Pharmaciens Sans Frontières, the Lutheran World Federation) and the technical services of the Mauritanian administration. When the community has the technical expertise to undertake a project, preference is given to implementation by the beneficiaries themselves. The rehabilitation programme in the Hodh el Charghi region is implemented by the local Governorate, in cooperation with WFP and the National Food Security Commission.

(d) Budget

156. As a result of the completion of the Malian repatriation programme in June 1997, significant savings were made in the second semester of 1997 and current budget requirements are limited to the PSIR. Expenditures under 1997 Special Programmes amounted to $ 1.4 million and are expected to be approximately the same in 1998.

(e) Post situation

157. The field office in Bassikounou was closed at the beginning of July 1997. However, some staff were redeployed within the country to reinforce the implementation of the PSIR.

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

158. Micro-projects implemented under the PSIR give special attention to womens needs. So far, 18 women cooperatives have been funded by UNHCR for more than 5,000 beneficiaries. Furthermore, 18 schools have been built or rehabilitated for the benefit of children from all communities.

(g) Oversight reports

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

16. The Niger

(a) Beneficiaries

160. As of end-May 1998, 2,908 refugees from the Niger have been repatriated under the auspices of UNHCR (2,506 from Algeria and 402 from Burkina Faso). Out of an estimated 15,000 refugees, some 7,000 Malian refugees are living in the region of Tillabéry, 229 Chadian refugees are settled in the region of Gouré, and 211 urban refugees of 17 nationalities are registered in Niamey.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

161. The repatriation of Nigerian refugees from Algeria, as well as from Mali, is expected to be completed by the end of May 1998, while the repatriation of Chadian refugees could be resumed in July 1998.

162. 3,297 Malian refugees have been repatriated so far, while 3,114 have registered and will return in the coming weeks.

163. A multi-year rehabilitation and reintegration programme for the returnees of the Niger is due to start in June 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

164. The Malian refugee programme is implemented by the Red Cross of Niger and by Caritas. For the repatriation and rehabilitation programme in favour of the returnees from Algeria and Burkina Faso, UNHCR cooperates with the Commission Nationale pour le Rapatriement (CONARAP), Caritas, Cospe, EquiLibre, the Red Cross of the Niger, Talaba, Tilalt and the Dutch Relief and Rehabilitation Agency.

(d) Budget

165. The initial 1997 Special Programme has been extended until June 1998, with no increase in the budget. In addition to the reintegration programme for the returnees, limited funding will be necessary in 1999 for education and care and maintenance activities for urban refugees. Current administrative costs are included in the budget for Senegal.

(e) Post situation

166. UNHCR's international presence in the Niger, currently through staff on mission, will end in June 1998. National staff will remain in Niamey under UNDP's immediate supervision, reporting to the UNHCR Regional Office in Dakar.

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

167. The rehabilitation programme for the returnees of the Niger takes into consideration the specific needs of women and children. Urban refugee women have also benefited from micro-projects aimed at self-sufficiency.

(g) Oversight reports

168. A mission of internal auditors is expected in the Niger in the course of May 1998.

17. Nigeria

(a) Beneficiaries

169. As at 1 January 1998, there were some 9,000 refugees in Nigeria, including 4,900 Liberians, 1,430 Chadians, 1,311 Cameroonians and 800 Sierra Leoneans. Statistics indicate that 48 per cent of UNHCR assisted refugees are female while two per cent are children under five years of age.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

170. Since the commencement of the repatriation of Liberian refugees in 1997, a total of 360 refugees have been assisted to return home.

171. Meanwhile, following the coup d'état in Sierra Leone in late May 1997, about 1,000 Sierra Leonean refugees fled the country into Nigeria, which previously hosted only 18 Sierra Leonean refugees. The repatriation of these refugees will be promoted if and when conditions permit.

172. There will be a comprehensive screening of the urban refugees and long stayers during 1998 and 1999. Only those found to be of concern to UNHCR will be granted refugee status and be entitled to assistance.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

173. The National Commission for Refugees is responsible for refugee eligibility determination. The Nigerian Red Cross is providing health care and distributes relief items. The Justice, Peace and Development Commission is implementing special activities for female refugees and primary education. The local Government in Ijebu-North, where a refugee camp for 4,500 Liberians and Sierra Leoneans is located, has responsibility for the water, sanitation and agricultural sectors, and general camp management.

174. The Government of Nigeria has agreed to provide an aircraft, at no cost to UNHCR, for the repatriation of those Liberian refugees opting to return home.

(d) Budget

175. The 1998 General Programmes budgets are lower than in 1997, mainly due to the planned voluntary repatriation of Liberians. The 1999 General Programmes budgets will be maintained at the level of 1998, since some investments are foreseen to build the capacity of the Government and NGOs as part of efforts to eventually scale down and hand over UNHCR activities.

(e) Post situation

176. In 1999, a post of a Protection Officer (JPO) will be created in order to enable the Branch Office in Lagos to undertake its planned capacity-building activities prior to the eventual transfer of UNHCR's activities to the Government and NGO partners.

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

177. A considerable number of women benefited from income-generation activities during 1997. In 1998, an agreement was concluded with a Nigerian NGO to ensure that the interests and rights of Liberian refugee women and their children, whose fathers are Nigerians, are preserved when they repatriate to Liberia. Problems relating to the custody of these children are arising at the time of the decision to return.

178. The Oru Camp, hosting Liberian and Sierra Leonean refugees, and its surrounding areas will be given special attention in terms of the environment through tree planting and sanitation activities after the repatriation of the refugees.

(g) Oversight reports

179. There were no oversight reports during the reporting period. However, implementation of the 1996 recommendations by the Inspection and Evaluation Service is in progress. The downsizing of the staffing level has been implemented as proposed. Steps to move the office to Abuja, as well as the transfer of activities from UNHCR to the Government and NGOs, are being undertaken.

18. Senegal

(a) Beneficiaries

180. As at 1 January 1998, the refugee population in Senegal was estimated at some 57,200 persons, including 56,000 refugees from Mauritania who are settled in northern Senegal. There were also urban refugees of various nationalities, mostly Rwandans (300), Liberians (260) and Sierra Leoneans (200). In the context of the evaluation of the repatriation process, a verification of the number of remaining refugees is underway. Initial estimates indicate that some 30,000 Mauritanian refugees remain, as some 25,000 Mauritanians returned spontaneously to their country of origin. It is estimated that 53 per cent of the refugees are female, while 6 per cent are children under five years.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

181. UNHCR will continue to facilitate the voluntary repatriation of Mauritanian refugees and, by the end of 1998, UNHCR's local settlement assistance will be phased out. UNHCR will also continue to ensure the adequate protection of refugees and asylum-seekers through sustained support to the national status determination bodies of the countries covered by the Regional Office in West Africa (Senegal, Gambia, Guinea Bissau, the Niger and Cape Verde).

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

182. The main 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. Furthermore, the Association de Développement (DIAPANTE) is responsible for training activities, while CARITAS is in charge of education projects. The Government of Senegal has assigned responsibilities for refugees and internally displaced persons to the Commission d'Assistance aux Réfugiés et Personnes déplacées.

(d) Budget

183. Due to the consolidation of the programme and a reduction in the number of refugees from Mauritania, the 1998 General Programmes budgets have been reduced as compared to 1997. It is expected that the 1999 budgets will be further reduced mainly due to the possible large-scale repatriation of refugees from Mauritania and a phasing out of assistance activities.

(e) Post situation

184. As a result of the ongoing voluntary repatriation of Mauritanian refugees, the field office in Saint Louis will be closed by the end of 1998 and one international as well as four local posts will be discontinued. With the end of repatriation operations in Burkina Faso, the Niger, Mali and Mauritania, UNHCR activities in these countries will once again fall under the responsibility of the Regional Office in Dakar.

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

185. Special activities relating to refugee women and children are an integral part of the Regional Office's workplan for 1998 and 1999. Attention will be paid to rural women refugees and an income-generating project is being successfully implemented in the north of the country. Since 1997, 984 refugee women have received funds to initiate small businesses. The rate of reimbursement is 100 per cent and it is expected that this activity will be self-managed by the end of 1998. Some 1,000 refugee children who were attending refugee schools will be integrated into the national education system as of July 1998.

(g) Oversight reports

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

19. Sierra Leone

(a) Beneficiaries

187. Prior to the coup d'état in May 1997, there were some 13,500 refugees in Sierra Leone. Since then, however, UNHCR has been unable to access some refugees, especially those located outside Freetown, as a result of the insecurity prevailing in the country. Since the "liberation" of Freetown in February 1998, refugees have started to re-emerge. As of April 1998, 3,500 Liberian refugees have been registered in Freetown, of whom 1,044 were located in the Waterloo camp. Outside of Freetown, 2,041 and 3,830 refugees have been registered in Kenema and Bo respectively. Updated statistics on women and children are not available due to the prevailing security situation as a result of the coup d'état in May 1997.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

188. The coup that toppled President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah in late May 1997 resulted in a complete breakdown of law and order. In early February 1998, ECOMOG forces launched an offensive which eventually led to the reinstatement of President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in March 1998. With the subsequent return of international staff to Freetown, UNHCR is focusing on emergency assistance and the voluntary repatriation of Liberian refugees. At the time of reporting, some 450 Liberian refugees have expressed their willingness to return home. UNHCR could promote the return of Sierra Leonean refugees, should the security situation improve.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

189. Following the return of President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah to Freetown in early March 1998, the Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (MRRR), which prior to the coup was previously responsible for refugee matters, was dissolved. A Special Commission attached to the President's Office has instead been created to deal with refugee, internally displaced persons, and repatriation and resettlement issues. Concern Worldwide is UNHCR's implementing partner in Sierra Leone.

(d) Budget

190. Following the 1997 coup d'état, almost all UNHCR activities in Sierra Leone were suspended and the budgets for General and Special Programmes were reduced. With the resumption of activities in 1998, budgets for assistance programmes will need to be revised upwards.

(e) Post situation

191. The coup d'état in Sierra Leone resulted in the closure of the four new offices established in Kenema, Bo, Segbwema and Zimmi during 1997. Furthermore, UNHCR's staffing level in Sierra Leone was reviewed and reduced. All 49 posts created under the Special Programme for the Sierra Leonean repatriation, as well as several posts which had existed under General Programmes for assistance to Liberian refugees, were discontinued. Given recent developments, however, UNHCR will now reinforce its presence in Freetown.

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

192. Due to the suspension of most activities in 1997, no specific activities have been carried out for women or children, nor the environment.

(g) Oversight reports

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

20. Togo

(a) Beneficiaries

194. As at 1 January 1998, Togo hosted a total of 12,700 refugees, including 12,300 Ghanaians, 200 Rwandans, 40 Nigerians, 35 Burundi and 120 persons of other nationalities. Some 15.7 per cent of the refugees are children under five years. Some 54 per cent are female.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

195. The voluntary repatriation of Togolese refugees, which started in early 1996, officially came to an end on 30 September 1997. In total, some 50,000 Togolese returned from Ghana and some 34,000 from Benin.

196. The programme of assistance to Ghanaian refugees has been significantly reduced in keeping with the phasing out of UNHCR activities scheduled for 1999, when refugees are expected to attain self-sufficiency.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

197. The Organisation de la Charité pour un Développement Intégré (OCDI) and the Coordination Nationale d'Assistance aux Réfugiés (CNAR-TOGO) are implementing the local settlement programme for Ghanaian refugees.

(d) Budgets

198. Total expenditure for 1997 was $ 1,597,700 and a total of $ 809,800 has been allocated in 1998 to cover expenditure for the local settlement of Ghanaian refugees, as well as the cost of some posts previously funded under Special Programmes. It is expected that the 1999 budget will be further reduced in view of the phasing out of assistance to Ghanaian refugees.

(e) Post situation

199. Seven posts were discontinued as a result of the reduction in activities related to the returnees from Ghana and Benin. By the end of August 1998, the status of the Office of the Chargé de Mission will be redesignated as a Liaison Office. As a result, one international and one national post will be discontinued.

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

200. During 1998, seven women's groups will receive agricultural tools and benefit from specific health care assistance. The implementation of social services activities will continue during 1998, mainly to promote enhanced refugee participation in assistance programmes.

(g) Oversight reports

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

III. EASTERN AFRICA AND THE HORN OF AFRICA

A. Sub-regional overview

202. In the East and Horn of Africa sub-region, the refugee situation remains complex with long standing refugee caseloads. Despite the promising peace agreement of April 1997, Sudan's civil war continued unabated. The Governments of Ethiopia and Uganda have to deal with various armed opposition groups pursuing various goals. In the case of Uganda, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) carried out indiscriminate attacks on both the local and refugee populations in the northern part of the country. In Somalia, peace initiatives sponsored by various Governments to bring about national reconciliation have not yet borne the expected fruits.

203. Despite the preoccupying situation in some countries of the Horn of Africa, progress was achieved in repatriation to regions enjoying sustainable peace. The repatriation of Somali refugees from the refugee camps in Ethiopia to the northwestern part of their country has, since its resumption in December 1997, been very successfully carried out. In the case of Ethiopian refugees remaining in the Sudan, an agreement was reached by all parties concerned to complete the organized repatriation, which commenced in 1993, by the end of May 1998. The Eritrean Government has given its consent to begin preparatory activities for the repatriation of Eritrean refugees in the Sudan. It is planned that the organized movements will resume after the rainy season in 1998.

204. Against this background, UNHCR will work decisively towards phasing out assistance to protracted refugee caseloads by actively promoting voluntary repatriation where the initial reason for the flight no longer exists. UNHCR will also pursue vigorously the reintegration processes it has initiated in the countries of origin while ensuring that in countries of asylum proper hand-over is made of equipment and other materials that would be of benefit to the local population.

205. On the basis of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development's (IGAD) expansion of its mandate in 1996 into the field of conflict prevention, management and resolution, and humanitarian affairs, UNHCR and IGAD signed a memorandum of understanding on 19 June 1997, which defined areas of cooperation and the modalities for the implementation of such cooperation, thereby strengthening UNHCR's links with this agency. In this regard, a workshop on emergency preparedness will be held for the IGAD Secretariat. As a member of the IGAD Partners Forum (IPF), UNHCR has participated in meetings organized by this forum.

206. Following the appointment of Regional Officers for Refugee Women and for Refugee Children, training workshops in People-Oriented Planning have continued to be held 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. The participation of refugee women in camp management committees, and food management and distribution is being enhanced. Priority will also be given to the protection and assistance of unaccompanied minors, and to the issue of child soldiers.

207. A review of UNHCR's assistance to older refugees was carried out in the fall of 1997. The evaluation team travelled extensively to field locations and case studies were prepared on a number of countries, including the Sudan. The resulting report provides lessons learnt and offers recommendations on policy options to address the specific problems of elderly refugees.

208. The main findings of the Sudan case study relate to the phenomenon of negative social selection observed in refugee camps. Many older refugees have become poorer as a result of the loss from departure or death of younger wage earners. The report offered a number of country-specific recommendations, such as the creation of community services structures in the camp to monitor the condition of the elderly, enhancing monitoring procedures and tools, and ensuring that all elderly are receiving supplementary feeding.

209. Further to an inspection mission to the Horn of Africa in early 1997 and in accordance with the procedures established for assessing compliance with inspection recommendations, a follow-up report was prepared by the Director of Operations for Central, East and West Africa in February 1998. The Inspector noted with particular satisfaction the promptness with which some of the recommendations regarding northwest Somalia had been implemented, notably the designation of the Representative in Nairobi as focal point for Somali refugees, the filling of long-vacant posts in Hargeisa, and a number of administrative measures introduced to improve living and working conditions of staff members assigned there. Efforts to scale down the size of the governmental partner in Djibouti have also proven successful, but progress on the same issue in Ethiopia has been less satisfactory. Nevertheless, the Regional Liaison Office in Addis Ababa and the main governmental counterpart, the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA), hold regular meetings on programme issues, and improvements in implementation and reporting have taken place. In the Sudan, the Branch Office in Khartoum has adopted a policy of decentralization of implementation of the assistance programme and agreements have been concluded with line ministries of State Governments in various sectors.

B. Special Programmes

210. The organized repatriation of Somali refugees from camps in Ethiopia to northwest Somalia, which started in February 1997, is continuing. As of April 1998, over 28,000 refugees have returned to their country of origin under UNHCR auspices. In 1998, 60,000 refugees are expected to repatriate from Ethiopia to northwest Somalia.

211. In addition to returns from Ethiopia, some 500 refugees repatriated from the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, 400 from Yemen, 300 from Kenya and 100 from Djibouti. In March 1998, over 700 refugees were repatriated through an airlift operation from the Dadaab camp in Kenya to Bossaso in north-east Somalia. In order to continue with the momentum created following the new approach to programming and fund raising adopted by the United Nations collectively, another United Nations Consolidated Appeal for Somalia was issued on 31 March 1998. This was followed by UNHCR's own complementary appeal issued on 3 April 1998, totalling $ 24 million.

C. Country Reviews

1. Djibouti

(a) Beneficiaries

212. As at 1 January 1998, Djibouti hosted a refugee population of 23,590 persons, comprising 21,546 Somalis, 2,000 Ethiopians and a small number of Sudanese, Burundi, Rwandan, as well as Yemeni urban refugees. The majority of the Somali refugees (some 20,350) reside in the two refugee camps of Ali-Adde and Holl-Holl. Of the total refugee population, an estimated 54 per cent is female and five per cent are children under the age of five.

213. The number of Ethiopian refugees and asylum-seekers in Djibouti has remained at around 2,000. While some 500 Ethiopians applied for asylum during 1997, many of whom are members of the Oromo ethnic group sympathetic to the Oromo Liberation Front, some 150 Ethiopian refugees benefited from voluntary repatriation and resettlement to third countries.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

214. UNHCR's overall objective for 1998 and 1999 remains the promotion of voluntary repatriation of the majority of the refugees living in Djibouti. In the meantime, UNHCR will continue to advocate for the improvement of Djibouti's asylum policy towards genuine refugees. In the camps, the Office will seek to streamline assistance and introduce required improvements in living conditions.

215. No UNHCR organized voluntary repatriation of either the Somali or Ethiopian refugees took place in 1997. In October 1997, however, the authorities in northwest Somalia sent a delegation to Djibouti to discuss the modalities for repatriation. A tentative framework of understanding was signed to this effect. Following this development, coupled with the pilot repatriation exercise which commenced from the camps in Ethiopia in February 1997, it is expected that the repatriation of some Somali refugees living in Djibouti will be possible.

216. In conjunction with the consolidation of the three refugee camps into two and the subsequent closure of Assamo camp in April 1998, the registration exercise carried out in March 1997 helped refine UNHCR's care and maintenance programme.

217. The exact number of Djibouti refugees who have spontaneously returned from Ethiopia has not been determined. However, the population figure of Afar refugees in Ethiopia was further reduced to 3,000 in March 1998 by the Ethiopian authorities responsible for refugee matters. In response to a request of the Government of Djibouti through its Bureau for the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Social Integration of Refugees, a United Nations inter-agency team, including UNHCR and led by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), conducted a needs assessment mission to the war-torn northern part of the country. UNHCR is presently examining possible areas of intervention which will aim at consolidating the spontaneous return of refugees.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

218. 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 de Djibouti (EPED), and CARITAS Djibouti implements a UNHCR-funded small credit project for urban refugee women.

(d) Budget

219. The expenditure for General and Special Programmes in 1997 was $ 3.05 million, while 1998 budgets total $ 2.6 million, including the costs to transfer some 5,000 Somali refugees from the Assamo refugee camp to either the Ali-Adde or the Holl-Holl refugee camps. These costs have been offset by savings on overhead costs following the closure of Assamo. The additional needs for newly arrived Oromo asylum-seekers from Ethiopia will continue to be met through a realignment of approved budgets. Provisions under Special Programmes for the voluntary repatriation of up to 1,000 Somali refugees in 1998 have also been made.

(e) Post situation

220. The staffing level in Djibouti will remain at 27 posts in 1998.

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

221. Assistance to some 2,000 urban refugees, particularly women at risk and single female heads of family, will be provided. In addition to the ongoing project implemented by EPED, 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. Improvements to the water supply in the camps during 1998 will benefit women and children in particular.

2. Eritrea

(a) Beneficiaries

222. As at 1 January 1998, UNHCR assisted 2,494 Somali and 112 Sudanese refugees. Of the caseload, 49 per cent are female and 20 per cent are children under five. By end of March 1998, the number of Somali asylum-seekers had increased to 2,605. It is planned to repatriate some 50,000 Eritrean refugees during 1998 and 1999 from the Sudan.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

223. The stalemate in the resumption of repatriation of Eritrean refugees continued during 1997. The Eritrean Government declined to participate in a planned technical level meeting with UNHCR and the Government of Sudan and, in May 1997, decided to request the departure of all UNHCR international staff. Consequently, activities related to the preparation for repatriation and reintegration were suspended. The spontaneous returns that could have resulted from the impasse organized repatriation did not occur due to increased insecurity in border areas during the period under review.

224. In response to a request made by the Eritrean Government for UNHCR to provide detailed statistical information on eventual returnees for planning purposes, a data collection exercise in the Sudan was conducted and has been completed. A Headquarters mission led by the Director of the Bureau for Central, East and West Africa travelled to Asmara and met with the authorities in early May 1998. The mission also handed over the initial data received from the Sudan. It has been agreed by the Eritrean authorities that the repatriation movement would resume after the end of the rainy season in September 1998. It is also foreseen that some 2,500 Eritrean refugees in Yemen will be repatriated.

225. The political and security situation in parts of southern Somalia, from where the majority of Somali refugees in Eritrea originate, remained unstable during the period under review. Nevertheless, some 700 refugees have expressed their wish to repatriate and have obtained the consent of the Eritrean Government.

226. Besides the search for durable solutions for refugees in Eritrea and the repatriation of Eritrean refugees, another of UNHCR's objectives will be to ensure the participation of the Office as an observer in the Eligibility Commission.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

227. The Government of Eritrea maintains a policy of ensuring that all foreign funded programmes are implemented directly by Government agencies. The Office of the Refugee Affairs in the Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for implementing the programme for refugees. As for repatriation and reintegration programmes, the Eritrean Relief and Refugee Commission (ERREC) is responsible for the overall coordination of the implementation of the returnee programme, working with various line ministries as executing agencies.

(d) Budget

228. The 1997 Special Programmes expenditure and the revised 1998 budgets are well below the original allocations due to the suspension of the repatriation operation. The 1999 Special Programmes budget will be reviewed during the course of 1998, once the modalities for resumption of the movement have been finalized. The 1998 General Programmes allocation is slightly higher than in 1997, in order to cater for the needs of new arrivals from Somalia.

(e) Post situation

229. Following the departure of all international staff in May 1997, these posts were left vacant. One international and 15 national posts were discontinued during 1997, leaving a current post level of 34.

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

230. Refugee women have been involved in the planning and implementation of different programmes such as food distribution, skills training, income-generating activities and supplementary feeding. Those women who received training are producing quality products that are being sold through an outlet shop in Assab town and are in high demand. Women are provided with ready-made sanitary napkins.

231. Refugee children enrolled in primary school have adequate access to instruction materials and school supplies. All children are covered by immunization, and supplementary and therapeutic feeding.

232. A project is being formulated to minimize environmental degradation in Harsile camp in Assab which hosts Somali refugees. The whole community is involved in tree planting.

(g) Oversight reports

233. The Inspection and Evaluation Service undertook a review of the operation in Eritrea in early 1997. A recommendation concerning the redeployment of staff in the event of a continuation of the stalemate in the repatriation process has been implemented. Other recommendations pertaining to project management and staff welfare will be implemented once the office becomes fully operational again.

3. Ethiopia

(a) Beneficiaries

234. As at 1 January 1998, there were some 323,000 assisted refugees in Ethiopia, comprising 249,000 Somalis (which includes 8,000 in Dollo and 205 in the urban centres), 56,900 Sudanese (including 231 in the urban centres), 8,000 Djiboutians (this population figure was revised downwards to 3,000 in March 1998 as per Ethiopian Government estimates), 8,700 Kenyans and 700 urban refugees of various nationalities. The total refugee population in Ethiopia is nearly 50 per cent female, and 13 per cent of the Somali and 23.6 per cent of the Sudanese refugees are children below five. Of the urban refugees, 14 per cent are children under five.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

235. Throughout 1997 and the first half of 1998, northwest Somalia continued to witness remarkable political stability. As a result, and as reported to the Standing Committee last year, the repatriation of Somali refugees from Ethiopia to northwest Somalia commenced on 18 February 1997. By 31 December, 1997, the number of refugees who had repatriated with UNHCR assistance reached 11,251 and an additional 6,894 refugees returned during the first four months of 1998. This brings the total number repatriated since February 1997 to 28,145. It is expected that this number will reach 60,000 by the end of 1998.

236. The programme objective for Somali, Djibouti and Kenyan refugees remains the consolidation and rationalization of care and maintenance assistance while encouraging refugees to take advantage of every opportunity voluntary repatriate. For Sudanese refugees, the programme objective remains to facilitate partial self-sufficiency in food production. It may also be noted that, due to continuing conflict in southern Sudan, the new camp at Sherkole in Assosa now accommodates nearly 20,000 Sudanese refugees.

237. The repatriation and reintegration of Ethiopian refugees from various countries of asylum continued during 1997 and 1998. In 1997, 7,500 Ethiopian refugees were repatriated from the Sudan and benefited from reintegration assistance. In January 1998, a further 1,465 refugees were repatriated. This organized voluntary repatriation is continuing and, following a decision of the tripartite committee meeting held in Geneva in October 1997, the UNHCR organized repatriation from the Sudan should end by 31 May 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

238. The main UNHCR implementing partner in Ethiopia is the ARRA, a unit within the Security, Immigration and Refugee Affairs Authority. UNHCR, in consultation with ARRA, will continue to liaise and cooperate with government institutions in sectors such as health, education, agriculture and water and road construction, at both the central and regional levels. Following the recent drought in eastern Ethiopia, in which refugees and the local population were equally afflicted, it became 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. An agreement has since been signed between UNHCR and the government authority in charge of water.

239. 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 Industrialization 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). Basic food requirements for refugee and returnee programmes are being supplied by WFP.

(d) Budget

240. The 1997 programme budgets covered the pilot voluntary repatriation phase for some 10,000 Somali refugees, which started on 18 February 1997. This phase was completed in July 1997 following the repatriation of 10,125 refugees. The second, enhanced, phase started in December 1997 and continued into 1998. By the end of April, over 17,000 refugees had benefited from the operation. Total programme budgets for 1998 stand at $ 28.4 million and initial 1999 budgets will take into account the enhanced repatriation which is expected to result in over 60,000 and 90,000 refugees being repatriated in 1998 and 1999 respectively.

241. The repatriation of Ethiopian refugees from the Sudan continued in 1997. Due to operational difficulties, the completion of the repatriation has now been scheduled for the end of May 1998. The closure of Humera field office, originally scheduled for 31 March 1997, has thus been postponed to June 1998. The additional cost will result in an increase in the 1998 budget.

242. The influx of Sudanese refugees into Assosa in late 1996 and 1997 resulted in the establishment of the Assosa field office, which covers assistance activities at the Sherkole refugee camp. As at the end of April 1998, the camp was hosting nearly 20,000 refugees and considerable resources were required to develop its facilities.

(e) Post situation

243. As noted above, due to the continuation of the repatriation operation from the Sudan, the planned closure of Humera field office, which would have resulted in the discontinuation of a number of posts, has been delayed until June 1998.

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

244. The appointment of Regional Officers for Refugee Women (in 1996) and Refugee Children (in 1998) have enhanced the range of activities on behalf of refugee women, children and adolescents. A number of activities have been implemented since 1997, including the establishment of nine community centres for Somali refugees. These centres are managed by camp-based refugee women and implement income-generating projects, skills training and literacy programmes. Refugee women are now increasingly participating in camp activities, especially in food distribution and management. Training and retraining of traditional birth attendants (TBAs), promotion of the elimination of harmful traditional practices, promotion of a girl-friendly school environment through the provision of sanitary supplies for young girls and women, and the holding of two workshops in Gambella on reproductive health were among some of the main activities undertaken in 1997 in favour of children and women refugees. In addition, UNHCR conducted a People-Oriented Planning workshop and a workshop on Women and Peace-Making Initiatives in November 1997.

245. Following a baseline energy survey conducted at Aisha camp in March 1997, a solar cooking project was implemented at the camp. It is planned that additional energy saving activities will be introduced in other refugee camps.

246. 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 was conducted in 1997. Other environment related activities have continued to be developed, especially following the engagement of two local consultants based in Addis Ababa.

4. Kenya

(a) Beneficiaries

247. As at 1 January 1998, the total registered refugee population in the five UNHCR camps in Kenya stood at some 180,000 (Ifo (38,900), Hagadera (45,150), Dagaheley (41,000) in Garrisa District, Kakuma (52,600) in the North West Province, and Jomvu (3,200) in the Coastal Province). Approximately 17 per cent of the total refugee population is estimated to be children below five, whereas 48 per cent is female.

248. Somalis are the largest refugee population (174,000), followed by Sudanese (37,000), Ethiopians (8,500), Rwandans (5,700) and Ugandans (5,500). In addition, the Government of Kenya claims that some 100,000 "free livers" outside UNHCR camps are refugees.

(b) Recent development and objectives

249. The eastern part of Kenya was severely affected by an untimely and unusually heavy rainfall and flooding starting in mid-October 1997 that had a devastating effect on the physical infrastructure of Dadaab, which hosts 125,000 refugees. For almost three months, Dadaab was cut off by road from other parts of Kenya. Between November 1997 and the end of April 1998, WFP and UNHCR airlifted food and non-food items to the camps in Dadaab. Many refugees had to be relocated from flood affected areas to higher land.

250. During 1997, out of the four remaining smaller coastal camps, three (Hatimy, Swaleh Nguru and St. Anns) were closed. Prior to this closure, 18,300 refugees who preferred to move to the Dadaab or Kakuma camps rather than return to their home areas were relocated. The last remaining coastal camp (Jomvu) is, at the time of reporting, due for closure in May 1998.

251. During 1997, UNHCR assisted 3,300 refugees to return to their home countries, including 2,400 Ethiopians and 280 Somalis. In addition, 6,926 refugees were resettled in third countries.

252. During 1998, some 8,000 Rwandans and Burundi need to have their status determined and UNHCR is in the process of enhancing its capacity to conduct determination interviews.

253. The security situation in Dadaab camp, a matter of great concern in the past, further deteriorated after the flooding. In spite of commendable efforts being made by the government security forces, the incidents of criminal offences against the refugee women and their properties are increasing.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

254. Since 1996, the Branch Office in Kenya has been pursuing a policy of appointing a single implementing partner or lead agency for each camp location, with the aim of achieving enhanced efficiency in programme delivery. By the end of December 1997, the number of implementing partners had been reduced to twelve.

255. The Ministry of Home Affairs and National Heritage of Kenya is UNHCR's Government implementing partner. Other important implementing partners are UNICEF, CARE, IRC, Lutheran World Federation (LWF), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), MSF (Belgium) and GTZ.

(d) Budget

256. Budgetary levels have not been reduced as expected since Somali refugees have not been able to return to their home areas due to the unsettled political conditions and fragile security situation in that country. The absence of gainful employment opportunities in Somalia further contributed to discourage Somalis from returning to their home areas. It was also anticipated that the residual caseload of Somalis in the coastal camps would repatriate; they instead opted for relocation to the Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

257. Furthermore, a limited but steady influx from southern Sudan continuously increases the population in the Kakuma camp. The deteriorating security situation, particularly in the Dadaab areas, and continuous rifts between Turkana, the original inhabitants in Kakuma, and the refugees were added reasons not to reduce the funding level, so as not to jeopardize the welfare of refugees.

(e) Post situation

258. In late 1997, five posts in Mombasa were extended to 31 March 1998. The relevant costs were, however, offset by the discontinuation of three other posts in Kenya during the course of 1998, thereby also leading to a reduction in the number of workyears. Furthermore, a staffing review undertaken by the Inspection and Evaluation Service in May 1998 concluded that, with the streamlining of programmes, additional professional and national posts would need to be discontinued in 1998.

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

259. As there are no prospects for local integration in Kenya, efforts are being made to maintain acceptable levels of health and nutrition for the camp population. Meanwhile, opportunities for self-reliance activities are continuously pursued in the care and maintenance programme.

260. Refugee women are encouraged to participate in activities that directly contribute to their individual development and to their families' welfare. The participation of refugee women in food distribution is one means of this. Other examples include efforts to encourage refugee women in the skills enhancement training programme and to undertake small scale income-generating activities. Many refugee women have learned new skills, such as tailoring, farming and English language comprehension, as well as initiating income-generating activities to attain self-sufficiency.

261. Significant efforts have also been made to promote educational activities such as adult literacy and vocational training programmes. In the regular school curriculum for the refugee children and unaccompanied minors, environmental and peace education have been introduced. Arrangements have also been made to provide midday feeding for children that attend school.

262. During 1997, along with the ongoing Refugee Energy Conservation, Utilisation and Education Project (RESCUE), other smaller innovative environmental projects/activities were introduced in order to reduce damage to the refugee hosting areas. Significant progress was made in the diffusion and adoption of energy saving stoves, solar cookers and efficient methods of cooking food. Similarly, the Geographical Information System (GIS) for the monitoring and rehabilitation of environmental activities was introduced in the refugee-affected areas.

(g) Oversight reports

263. During 1997, external auditors visited the Branch Office in Nairobi and its field offices. Among the main issues highlighted were the need for implementing partners to maintain separate interest bearing accounts, ensuring the timely submissions of reports by implementing partners, improvement of project monitoring methods and assessment of refugees needs. The observations were taken due note of and are now being implemented.

264. A staffing review was conducted in early May 1998 by the Inspection and Evaluation Service. While recognizing the central role played by the Nairobi Office with regard to operations in Somalia, the Great Lakes region of Africa and as a Regional Support Centre, it proposed some post reductions which are still under discussion at the time of reporting.

5. Somalia

(a) Beneficiaries

265. As at 1 January 1998, there were 620 assisted Ethiopian refugees in Hargeisa, northwest Somalia, of whom approximately 58 per cent were male, mainly former military personnel. In addition, over 400,000 Somali nationals, including refugees who have returned since 1991, internally displaced persons as well as local populations, continue to benefit from community-based reintegration projects.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

266. Although the original plan for 1997 was to repatriate some 139,000 Somali refugees from various countries of asylum, this target figure was later revised to 50,400. In the end, only some 12,000 refugees repatriated with UNHCR assistance, of whom over 11,000 were from Ethiopia.

267. During 1998, it is planned to repatriate over 76,500 refugees as follows: 1,000 from Djibouti, 60,000 from Ethiopia, 10,000 from Kenya, 5,000 from Yemen, and 500 from the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Depending on the success of the operation in 1998, it is expected that a similar number of refugees will repatriate during 1999.

268. The pilot voluntary repatriation programme from the camps in eastern Ethiopia commenced in February 1997. By 31 December 1997, some 11,000 Somalis had repatriated to northwest Somalia under UNHCR auspices. The operation continued in 1998 and, by mid-April, 16,894 refugees had repatriated. Repatriation from Kenya to Somalia has encountered some difficulties due to the security situation in a number of potential returnee areas. Nonetheless, in March 1998, 781 Somali refugees were successfully airlifted from Dadaab camp in Kenya to Bossaso. The general perception is one of continuing peace and security in some areas in Somalia, particularly in the northern parts of the country.

269. Objectives in 1998 and 1999 include the continued reception and reintegration of Somali returnees from Ethiopia, Kenya, Yemen, Djibouti and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. This includes implementation of quick impact projects in the sectors of water, health and education, and the reinforcing and rehabilitation of infrastructure. Agricultural and livestock projects will be pursued to promote food security, in addition to income-generating activities. These activities are articulated in the Consolidated United Nations Inter-Agency Appeal for Somalia launched on 31 March 1998. UNHCR's requirements, which are further elaborated in its own complementary appeal issued on 3 April 1998, amount to $ 24 million. 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, agricultural and hand tools in order to promote economic reintegration. Where feasible and resources permitting, assistance will be provided to local administrative institutions to strengthen their capacity to cope with the returnees.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

270. Considering the strong clan-based situation in Somalia, efforts will be made to work closely with the local elders and the local and regional administrations of each area where UNHCR is able to operate. In addition, other institutions such as United Nations agencies, through the UNCT, and international and local NGOs will participate in the programme. During 1998 and 1999, 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 as well as displaced populations and will implement a food-for-work programme.

(d) Budget

271. The 1998 and 1999 budgets have been reviewed to take account of the continuing repatriation operation and the reintegration and care and maintenance activities. It is expected that some of the Ethiopian refugees in either Hargeisa or Qorioley will opt for voluntary repatriation in the course of 1998 and 1999. Consequently, although the number of refugees who may opt for repatriation is not known, the General Programmes allocation for 1998 for northwest Somalia and the Cross-Border Operation from Kenya may be revised downwards to account for the decrease in the caseload. With regard to Special Programmes, in view of the increased number of returnees from Ethiopia and Kenya, the budget for 1998, particularly for the office in northwest Somalia, which expects many returnees from Ethiopia, was revised upwards to meet the operational needs of the programme. In order to reduce administrative costs, the field office in Boroma is will be closed by July 1998. Monitoring of programme activities will be carried out from Hargeisa.

(e) Post situation

272. The arrival in Hargeisa, in early 1998, of several UNHCR staff members, and the secondment by Rädda Barnen of a Community Services Officer for the first six months of 1998, have greatly strengthened programme delivery. It is envisaged that five UNV specialists in water/construction, agriculture/crop production, livestock, income-generation and social services will be recruited in 1998. In view of enhanced repatriation operation from Ethiopia continuing into 1999, it is expected that the size and level of staffing will not alter substantially. The Cross-Border Operation based in Nairobi will, as in previous years, continue to undertake reintegration activities in north, central and south Somalia through its offices in Bossaso, Kismayo, and Mogadishu.

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

273. Assistance to individual returnees will target the particularly vulnerable and needy. In this respect, an officer seconded to the programme by Rädda Barnen has been working closely with all interested women's groups among returnees, regional authorities in Hargeisa and the UNHCR office in Jijiga to map out strategies and activities for interventions in favour of women and women's groups and returnee children in need of support. Many activities aimed at addressing the needs of returnee women and children will be developed and further refined in 1998 and 1999.

274. A number of workshops in favour of returnees and returnee groups are planned for 1998. In order to identify priorities for action, women's groups are already in place in each village. Given the seriousness of health risks due 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 also being developed.

6. Sudan

(a) Beneficiaries

275. As at 1 January 1998, some 136,000 refugees were assisted by UNHCR, including Eritreans (120,000), Ethiopians (15,000), nationals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (1,000) and Somalia (100). It is estimated that some 51 per cent of the refugees are female and 18 per cent are children under five. The number of non-assisted refugees is estimated at 239,000, based on the 1993 national census in the Sudan. This figure is comprised of Eritreans (195,000), Ethiopians (29,500), Chadians (4,400) and others, such as Ugandans and citizens of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The majority of the latter caseload, residing in the urban centres, is self-sufficient and makes a valuable contribution to the Sudanese labour market, industry and trade.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

276. Between 1 January and 31 December 1997, 7,400 refugees repatriated to Ethiopia. This movement has continued during 1998. All concerned parties have agreed to a cut-off date of 31 May 1998 for the voluntary repatriation of the remaining Ethiopian caseload. The status determination of the remaining caseload will begin after the end of the repatriation. Closure and consolidation of camps, as well as any required relocation, will be carried out simultaneously. Some infrastructure will also be rehabilitated and handed over to local authorities.

277. There was no organized voluntary repatriation of Eritrean refugees during the period under review. Following a request made by the Government of Eritrea, a data collection exercise was conducted among the Eritrean refugees in the Sudan so as to determine the numbers and profile of the potential returnees. This exercise has been completed and the data is expected to assist the Eritrean Government in planning for their reintegration. It is anticipated that some 50,000 refugees will be able to repatriate by the end of 1999. In the meantime, there was a decrease in the Eritrean refugee population in South Tokar of 12,500 persons who are assumed to have repatriated spontaneously as the area was overrun by the rebels in early 1997.

278. Provided that the prevailing conditions in their region of origin permit, an assessment of the readiness of some 4,400 Chadian refugees in western Sudan to repatriate voluntarily is planned. This group had opted to remain during the last major repatriation of Chadians in 1992. Similarly, it is expected that clearance from the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be received during 1998 for the repatriation of a group of some 1,500 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Thereafter, the repatriation of some 2,000 refugees of the Democratic Republic of the Congo residing in Khartoum will be pursued in 1999. The Office will also pursue the repatriation of some 2,000 Ugandans, many of whom reside in the southern part of Sudan.

279. The government refugee authority, the Commissioner for Refugees (COR), has reduced its staffing by 35 per cent (719 posts) during 1996 and eight per cent (116 posts) in 1997. A further reduction of 22 per cent (321 posts) has been agreed and will be implemented in 1998.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

280. COR continues to be UNHCR's main implementing partner. In addition, nine international and local NGOs implement various components of the assistance programme such as health care, education, community development and environmental projects.

(d) Budget

281. The 1998 General Programmes budget was revised downwards by some $ 450,000, as some activities were deferred to 1999.

(e) Post situation

282. Five posts for the UNHCR maintained warehouse in Port Sudan were created as of 1 January 1998. Two other posts in Wad Medani, originally foreseen for discontinuation by the end of 1997, were extended due to the lack of progress in the repatriation operation. However, two international and seven national posts will be discontinued by the end of 1998.

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

283. Four income-generation projects run by refugee women were established in four camps. A group of women were trained in the production of sanitary supplies (sewing of underwear and cotton cloths) which were provided on a pilot basis in four camps. In addition to these activities, women in some of the camps are also involved in environmental projects such as tree planting, seedling production and vegetable gardening. Refugee women in some camps are also enrolled in literacy courses which include topics related to primary health care and reproductive health services.

284. Children under five are covered by immunization, supplementary and therapeutic feeding and growth monitoring. Provisions are made to ensure that the children enrolled in UNHCR supported schools have access to instruction materials and supplies. An awareness of landmines campaign is planned for some of the camps.

285. Reforestation and environmental extension services in the refugee-affected areas continue. During 1997, a total of 1,260 hectares of rain fed plantation and 63 hectares of irrigated plantation were established in eastern Sudan, which amounts to 5,461 hectares rehabilitated to date. Recent efforts focus on extension services and the involvement of refugees and the local communities alike in an environmental management programme which has been introduced in six settlements. Other ongoing activities include a model project to demonstrate the benefits of new approaches with regard to environmental rehabilitation, improving the living conditions of refugee women through environmental conservation and rehabilitation activities, and environment and energy saving activities.

(g) Oversight reports

286. During 1997, UNHCR's operations in the Sudan were reviewed by internal and external auditors. Their recommendations, such as updating and implementing overall strategies, establishing contacts with other concerned government authorities, project management, decentralization of management and reductions in implementing partner staffing, were implemented.

7. Uganda

(a) Beneficiaries

287. As at 1 January 1998, Uganda hosted some 190,000 refugees, including 160,000 Sudanese, 12,000 Rwandans and 14,200 nationals of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the remainder coming from Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. Some 500 refugees from various countries were living in urban areas. Available information indicates that more than 18 per cent of the refugee population consists of children below five years, whereas 50 per cent are female.

b) Recent developments and objectives

288. The particularity of the Ugandan programme is the fact that refugees are systematically transferred from transit camps to settlements where they are allocated land to undertake farming and achieve self-sufficiency. In February 1998, the largest transit camp, Ogujebe, at one stage hosting more than 100,000 refugees, was formally closed after the relocation of all its inhabitants to various settlements. A reforestation programme, "the Global Forest", is now being implemented there.

289. After assessing the quantity of food produced and the production capacity in the refugee settlements, WFP has started to reduce food rations in all the settlements. Through mass information campaigns, the refugees are told that they are expected to produce their own food, since food distribution will be progressively phased out. However, UNHCR will continue to supply necessary agricultural inputs such as high yielding seeds, fertilizer and equipment for ground water irrigation to the refugees until they attain a stage where these types of assistance will no longer be required.

290. Security in northern Uganda is gravely affected by the active presence of LRA rebel movement. During 1997, this group was held responsible for carrying out at least three major attacks in the northern settlements (Rhino and Mevpi). The Government of Uganda has deployed security forces in these areas.

291. More than 10,400 refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who are settled in Kyaka II have registered with UNHCR, seeking voluntary repatriation assistance to return to their home areas in the Kamango enclave. UNHCR Representatives in Kampala and Kinshasa are discussing with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo the conditions of their return.

292. In June 1998, the Government of Uganda plans to submit a refugee bill to Parliament. Once enacted, this bill may serve as a model for other Governments in the region.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

293. The Ministry of Local Government coordinates refugee related activities in Uganda. In addition, UNHCR works with more than twenty international and national implementing partners, including several United Nations agencies such as UNICEF, UNEP, UNFPA, and WFP. Other important implementing partners include OXFAM, CARE International, GTZ, International Aid, the LWF, the Jesuit Refugee Services, the Malteser Hilfsdienst, Action Africa in Need, Action International Contre la Faim and the African Education Fund International.

(d) Budget

294. It is expected that General Programmes budgets in Uganda will continue to be reduced, in particular due to the Government's generosity in providing farm land to refugees, thereby assisting them to attain self-sufficiency. UNHCR's previous contributions for the creation of essential infrastructure such as link roads, schools, hospitals and irrigation canals will, in future, be limited to major repair and maintenance. It is intended that the costs of minor repair and maintenance, and the running costs of the water supply systems, will be covered by the refugees themselves.

(e) Post situation

295. No major changes in staffing are foreseen; the current 1998 level (107 posts) is lower by two posts in comparison to the 1 January 1997 level (109 posts).

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

296. The Branch Office has developed special programmes for specific groups of refugees such as women and children. Priority has been given to enhance the participation of refugee women in skills enhancement and vocational training programmes, as well as adult literacy and income-generating activities. Sanitary pads are distributed to young girls and women.

297. In close cooperation with UNDP, efforts are being made to identify areas of mutual cooperation to enhance the standard of living of refugee women.

298. Training has been provided to implementing partners towards developing their capacity in the tracing of unaccompanied minors. Regional tracing networks with other asylum countries and the countries of origin are in the process of being established.

299. Youth and adolescents are given opportunities to benefit from secondary level education and vocational training programmes, and to initiate income-generating activities.

300. UNHCR has adopted a policy of minimizing the damage to the natural surroundings in the refugee-affected areas and has also been encouraging refugees and the local population to participate in reforestation activities. A conservation awareness campaign entailing the dissemination and use of improved fuel wood saving stoves was also launched.

301. Similarly, a BMZ funded environment programme in northern Uganda is being implemented, the main objective of which is to protect the surroundings of refugees settlements. Reforestation, diffusion and adoption of fuel saving stoves and implementation of environmental awareness raising activities are the core components of this project.

(g) Oversight reports

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

(Note: Mapping and tabular Annexes not included in this online version. See your nearest UN Depository Library.)

---

1 All posts (Professional and General Service), including those projected for less than a full year, but excluding Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) working in the following countries as at 1 January 1998: Burkina Faso (1), Cameroon (1), Ethiopia (6), Ghana (1), Guinea (2), Côte d'Ivoire (1), Kenya (4), Mauritania (1), Senegal (2), Sudan (3) and Uganda (2).