ICC Humanitarian Update

24 September 2000

SUMMARY

Ethiopian forces withdrew from Omhajer allowing for returns. However, preliminary reports indicate there has been substantial damage inflicted on the town. Assessments of immediate assistance are necessary. The rains are almost over. Having started late it was hoped that they would continue late but this has not been the case and it is estimated that in Northern Red Sea sub-zones the crops are a complete failure. (Detailed information is expected soon from the MoA.) Education remains a challenge with the onset of the new academic year and needs not only in IDP camps but also other war-affected areas.

POPULATION MOVEMENTS

Repatriation from Sudan

Repatriation of Eritrean refugees in Sudan continues on a weekly basis (Thursdays). The total number of returns under the repatriation programme stands at 24,065. In the past two weeks a total of 18 families (40 persons) were repatriated. Demographic data reveals that 42% of returnees are adults (15% male, 27% female) and the remainder are children 40% aged 5-17 years and 17% children under five. (The ratio of males and females among children in both age groups is equal.)

IDPs

Since the last ICC Update and the announcement that there are 22 IDP camps in Eritrea, this has been revised upwards to 25. The change has come about due to a re-evaluation of the return movements. In essence, many of the returns are Eritreans who were IDPs and living in camps prior to 12 May 2000. In Gash-Barka a number of camps were evacuated during the third offensive, four have subsequently been re-inhabited in the Guluj sub-zone; Gergef (2,387 individuals), Guluj (2,026), Sabunait (206) and Tebeldia (1,488). IDPs originally from Omhajer have recently returned to these camps as they are unable to return to their homes. However, with the news that Ethiopian troops have withdrawn from Omhajer, they may begin to return home, but assistance will be necessary given the high level of destruction in the area.

In addition to the above four camps being re-recognised, one has emptied (hence the total of 25 IDP camps). In the last two weeks the 4,000 residents of Meleboor camp (Forto sub-zone) have returned home. IDPs were mainly from Gogne and Haikota.

Zula camp has been slated to be moved for a number of weeks now. As the camp residents have shown a preference to remain in the camp the plan has been shelved. Nonetheless, access and delivery of services remain major concerns.

According to the camp administrator Alba camp has grown to 19,314 persons with an additional 10-12,000 IPDs living outside the camp in surrounding areas. Two weeks ago the total number of camp residents was 14,976. The increase does not represent new IDPs but rather the increasing trend for IDPs to move into this well organised camp so as to receive assistance. On Saturday 23 September, the monthly food distribution for September took place with a full food basket.

Some 3,000 IDPs living in the Technical School in Harena camp have been provided with tents so as to vacate school buildings by 22 September in preparation of the new academic year. Harena camp is divided into four sites and the tents will be dispersed among these sites. The camp clinic and therapeutic feeding station has been permitted to occupy one of the school buildings. Harena remains a seriously overcrowded site (25,393) and more IDPs are expected (150 according to recent arrivals). There is the presence of Shigellosis in the camp and the need for vector control, combined with the close proximity of living, this raises fears of the spread of disease.

Given the degree of population movements in Eritrea recently, particularly returns, ERREC has been re-assessing the situation. It is estimated that some 600,000 persons have returned to their places of origin. These tend to be people who became IDPs for the first time during the recent conflict, people who have been able to return home as Ethiopian troops have withdrawn from Eritrean territory. An additional 50,000 Eritrean refugees of the recent conflict have returned from Sudan (either spontaneously or through organised repatriation). There are also 212,885 IDPs in camps and an estimated further 100,000 IDPs scattered in the country (including in host families). Since October to December is the major assessment period in Eritrea (following the end of the rains and the need to prepare annual appeals) further details are expected.

As noted in previous ICC Updates, agencies are encouraged not to neglect beneficiaries outside the IDP camps, including returnees as well as hosting communities where needs exist and are greater than those in camps. InterSoS is starting work in four villages around Deda camp; Deda village itself, Mebred, Sesowe & Zaare. These villages, which have been affected by the presence of the camp, (the valley now hosts IDPs and has not been farmed, the water source is overstretched and the school is overcrowded) were identified by ERREC. Other such areas have been identified and are in need of support.

UNMEE DEPLOYS

The first five UNMEE Military Observers (MILOBs) were deployed in Asseb on 23 September. A further five MILOBS were deployed in Menda (Ethiopia) at the same time. There are now almost 60 MILOBs in the two countries and some 40 still to arrive to take the total to 100, 50 on either side of the border. One round of MILOB training has taken place and a second will take place once all MILOBs have arrived. UNMEE plan to deploy all MILOBs by mid October.

HALO Trust is the INGO tasked with surveying the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) and adjacent areas along the border for landmines and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) in preparation for the deployment of UN peacekeepers. The TSZ has to be defined before HALO Trust can start work. In the meantime, HALO Trust is surveying main routes and surrounding areas.

HALO Trust note the danger of unmarked mine fields (particularly old minefields) and the presence of UXO including sub-munitions (cluster bombs) dropped during the recent conflict, mainly in the Gash-Barka zone. You are reminded of the golden rule relating to mines and UXO – ‘if you didn’t drop it don’t pick it up’. If you think you see mines or UXO you should immediately report the location to the local police, military or civil administration and complete a HALO Trust report form. Forms are available from HALO Trust (18 40 78, halo@gemel.com.er) or the ICC.

ANNUAL NEEDS ASSESSMENTS

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and ERREC have started preparing for the Annual Needs Assessments. Like last year, the intention is to organize a comprehensive assessment exercise among both war- and drought-affected populations in Eritrea. The assessment exercise will be conducted between the end of October and the beginning of December. The main purpose is to obtain accurate data on the nature and scope of the humanitarian needs among affected populations leading to strategic and sectoral planning for 2001 and the compilation of humanitarian appeals. Building on last year's experience, it is proposed that this year's field assessments will be conducted by multi-sectoral assessment teams comprised of key partners and stakeholders in the humanitarian community.

2001 Appeal

The UN County Team (UNCT) will launch the first UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Eritrea next year. Such UN Appeals are traditionally launched together in November of each year. For Eritrea (and Ethiopia) this is too early to have assessed the planting season, food security and therefore needs in the next year, hence the UN Consolidated Appeals for Eritrea will be launched in 2001 with a preliminary document will be included in the November general launch of Appeals.

In 2000, the UNCTA was launched for $48.7 million, revised in July to $87.4 due to the additional war-related needs. $14.7 million was received against the original appeal up to the end of June 2000. As of 31 July 2000, $45.3 million had been received against the revised appeal (52%). In addition, $18 million was requested for Eritrea in the Regional Drought Appeal. As of 31 July 2000, $9.1 million has been received. Since that time a number of pledges have been made, to both the drought and revised appeals, including the first to OCHA and FAO for 2000. Financial tracking will be updated at the end of September 2000.

VISIT OF SGSE ON DROUGHT

During a visit to the region, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Drought in the Horn of Africa, Ms. Catherine Bertini, was briefed in Nairobi on the latest developments in relation to the drought in Eritrea. On that occasion, Ms Bertini expressed her gratitude for the substantial contributions to WFP' food assistance programme for drought-affected areas in Eritrea, but also reiterated that vital UN humanitarian programmes in the non-food sector in drought-affected areas of Eritrea have been impeded due to the limited donor response thus far.

SECTORAL WORKING GROUPS (SWG)

Education

The Ministry of Education is updating its information kit to reflect the current situation and follow up the rapid education needs assessment in Gash-Barka and Debub conducted in July 2000. The assessment estimated the financial requirement for the resumption of disrupted schooling amounts to $3.75 million for the academic year 2000-1 for a total of 210,000 school children in the war-affected areas. As yet, support to the education sector has not been as sizeable as other sectors.

Food

ERREC has signed a contract with a local commercial transport company for the transportation of food from the four main ERREC warehouses in Asmara, Dekamhare, Keren and Masawa to distribution points. The contract avails ERREC of 130 trucks which will complement limited ERREC trucks and facilitate increased distributions in September. As noted previously, the basic food pipeline is stable through to the end of 2000.

Health

The type of Shigellosis present in a number of camps has been identified. The disease is being controlled, however, it is resistant to most antibiotics and the cost of the specific drugs which can treat it (Nalidigsic acid and Nitrofrotine) are expensive.

The Nutrition Unit of the MoH gave nutritional survey results using weight for height measurements (WFH) of children under 5 in Una Watot and Deda camps. In Una Watot 3% of children were moderately malnourished and in Deda nearly 6% were moderately malnourished and 1.3% severely malnourished. The MoH reported on a similar nutrition survey in the drought-affected Anseba conducted at the end of August. 12% of children under 5 were found to be moderately malnourished and a further 1% severely malnourished. The three sub-zones surveyed were Hagaz, Habero and Geleb. The situation was worst in Hagaz (17% malnutrition rate) and Habero (16%). (Moderate malnutrition 70-79% WFH, severe malnutrition is less than 70% WFH.) ICRC has also concluded a nutritional survey in Anseba. ICRC is preparing a three-month intervention based on the data.

Micro-Credit/Grants

Two brainstorming meetings have been held to discuss micro-credit and grants. There are a few initiatives currently involved in micro credit including ACORD, ECDF and NUEW. Currently, there is no national policy relating to micro-credit although the Ministry of Finance is developing one. Therefore, it is advisable in the meantime for agencies interested in credit to work with existing programmes. The next meeting will be 5 October, 08.30 at UNDP and fortnightly after that.

Mine Action

The second mine action meeting was held on 14.09.00, chaired by the Mine Action Co-ordination Centre (MACC). Mines awareness was discussed as a major issue given the number of returns presently. In recent weeks, 20,000 people, mainly school children, have been trained by the Eritrean Demining Programme through a UNHCR/UNICEF programme in Tessanei. MACC plan to bring a mine awareness trainer to Eritrea to help strengthen mines awareness programmes. UNICEF remains the lead UN agency in mines awareness programmes.

There is no consolidated data on the extent of mine dangers in Eritrea. The MACC database (IMSMA) will rectify this. However, it should be noted that the social and economic impact of mines is more important than the actual number of mines. The SWG also noted that there is no mine victim data, but there is one local victim support NGO in Eritrea – the Landmine Survivors Network (lsn_erit@gemel.com.er). WHO also traditionally has victim support programmes.

A number of NGOs have expressed interest in mine action programmes including, InterSoS, Danish Church Aid and Care International. Also, UNDP has funding for mine clearance of old mine fields.

Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI)

Distribution of shelter and NFI under the prioritised distribution plan developed by ERREC and UNHCR in August has been completed in Debub with the exception of 3,500 shelter pieces, which will be distributed by UNHCR. A similar distribution is ongoing and near completion in Gash-Barka. The assessment, prioritisation and distribution process has been successful, aided by the fact that the donor response has picked up significantly in recent weeks. Nonetheless, it has been noted that there is currently a need to reassess not only shelter and NFI in the pipeline but also those under negotiation with donors to ensure that the recent distribution and current needs are taken into account. Shelter no longer appears to be a major concern (except for school tents in a number of camps), the need for blankets is much less than previously, but kitchen sets and clothes are still required. (ERREC has a kitchen set content list.)

Water and Sanitation (WatSan)

Ongoing WatSan programmes are progressing and there are no major concerns in the SWG. In Alba, 33 hygeine promoters have been trained and it is hoped that this will reduce the incidence of Shigellosis.

NGO NEWS

A new local NGO has applied to ERREC for registration, the Eritrean Islamic Relief Association (EIRA). EIRA is a member of the Eritrean Inter-Religious Emergency Committee (EIREC). The EIREC was formed immediately after the current conflict , consists of EIRA, the Catholic Church, the Evangelical Church, the Orthodox Church and works closely with ERREC.

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) has approved $100,000 to support an Oxfam Canada project for a public heath and WatSan programme. The money will be channelled through Oxfam GB. Oxfam Canada visited Eritrea in August 2000.

Trocaire, an Irish NGO, completed a fact-finding mission in Eritrea on 15.09.00. Trocaire is interested to work through the Caritas International Support Team (CIST) in Eritrea.

Refugees International is returning to Eritrea in October for the month. An advocacy group based in the USA, Refugees International were in Eritrea until August 2000.

OTHER NEWS

The ICC has begun field operations. A Field Liaison Unit (FLU) is being established in conjunction with ERREC with one OCHA staff member and four Eritrean Field Liaison Assistants funded by UNICEF. The FLU will enable the ICC to collect primary data at the field level, thereby increasing information flows and further facilitating the humanitarian response in Eritrea. The FLU will be active during upcoming weeks in the country-wide assessment process.

Adi Keshi Camp Profile

Population – in excess of 37,000 with IDPs from 21 local administrative areas in Upper Gash – Awgaro, Tokombiya and Lalai Gash. There are still arrivals from the occupied parts of Lalai Gash. (Note Maleboor has recently emptied with the population returning to the unoccupied areas of Lalai Gash.) Oxfam is providing water and are replacing a broken water pump. 1 water pump needs be replaced. WFP have erected a rubhall (temporary storage facility) in the camp for food. SCF run two dry supplementary feeding stations for malnourished children. For the last two weeks they have been screening children and there have been 40 moderate cases in that time. SCF also provide health education and supplementary foods to pregnant and nursing mothers. There are cases of bloody diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections in the camp, severe cases are sent to the hospital in Barentu. The tent clinics are suffering from a shortage of drugs including Oral Rehydration Solutions. The camp did have school tents but these were destroyed during severe winds in August. In interviews with ICC staff, camp residents showed faith in the arrival of the peacekeepers and the withdrawal of Ethiopian forces, therefore allowing them to return, noting it is preferable to return home and start from scratch again rather than languishing in a camp. Mines awareness training will be important for IDPs returning to previously occupied areas such as Lalai Gash.

Information and Co-ordination Centre (ICC)

Contact People

Yemane Tekleyohannes, ERREC

Tanya Power-Stevens, OCHA

Tel. 18 51 54 / 18 20 84

Fax. 18 26 44

e-mail: icc@gemel.com.er

ICC, a joint ERREC/UN venture to facilitate the humanitarian intervention in Eritrea.

Figures by ERREC