[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

Brussels, 23.11.2005

SEC(2005) 1481

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT

Annex to the ECHO Annual Report 2004 {COM(2005) 580 final}

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Country-by-country overview of DG ECHO’s humanitarian operations 4

1.1. Horn of Africa and Eastern Africa 4

1.2. Southern Africa 7

1.3. Central Africa/Great Lakes 11

1.4. West Africa 16

1.5. Caribbean/Pacific/Indian Ocean 21

1.6. Balkans 24

1.7. Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Southern Caucasus, Central Asia, including Mongolia 24

1.8. Mediterranean and Middle East 30

1.9. Asia 33

1.10. Central and South America 48

2. Horizontal issues 53

2.1. Contractual relations with partners – FPA 53

2.2. Relations with major humanitarian partners and non–EU donors 53

2.3. Relations with other Community institutions 54

2.4. Strategic planning, policy management tools and information systems 54

2.5. Relations Adressing cross-cutting issues in line with DG ECHO’s aid strategy for 2004 : LRRD, children and disaster preparedness 55

2.6. Thematic funding 56

2.7. Training and studies 57

2.8. Communication and information 57

2.9. Budgetary and human resources, audit and evaluation 58

3. Tables 60

3.1. DG ECHO budget 1993 - 2004 (€) 60

3.2. DG ECHO contracts 1998-2004 61

3.3. Financial decisions for EC Humanitarian aid by source of Finance 62

3.4. Geographical distribution of financial decisions 2000 - 2004 63

3.5. Funding decisions for humanitarian aid in 2004 64

3.6. Distribution of Contracts by Partner category 66

3.7. ECHO Contracts by Category and Nationality of Partners 2004 67

4. List of acronyms 69

COUNTRY-BY-COUNTRY OVERVIEW OF DG ECHO’S HUMANITARIAN OPERATIONS

Horn of Africa and Eastern Africa

Eritrea

Humanitarian needs:

Eritrea is chronically food insecure, and there is growing concern about what appears to be a sustained chronic reduction in ground water levels. Natural hazards such as drought are compounded by man-made problems, for example the continued conscription for much of the population, and constraints on access to baseline data. The major drought which affected the Horn of Africa in 2002/3 has compounded the already high vulnerability of much of the population. The effect of this on food production and water availability resulted in pockets of acute humanitarian need with malnutrition, water-borne disease and even population displacements, the consequences of which were still being felt during 2004.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In response DG ECHO allocated €1 million which provided clean water for 150 000 people, and 155 000 head of livestock. In addition, and as part of a wider nutritional surveillance project, nutritional assistance was provided for over 15 400 people, most of them children, in Anseba, Debub, Gash Barka and the north and south Red Sea zones.

LRRD:

The main areas where LRRD is needed are national level analysis and response to the issues of receding ground water levels, and food security and nutrition monitoring. No real progress could be made in 2004, due to the continuing difficult governance environment.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

1 000 000 | 999 153 | 667 374 |

Ethiopia

Humanitarian needs:

In a context of chronic food supply problems and malnutrition, the predominant humanitarian need in 2004 was to respond to the continuing impact of the major drought which commenced in 2003. The acute needs which emerged as a result of the drought, initially alleviated by the arrival of rain, were then aggravated by a malaria epidemic which raged among the drought-weakened population when the rains finally came. As pastoralists rely on their livestock for their main sources of nutrition, through milk, and as food aid is therefore a less suitable response for them, humanitarian needs extended to ensure a herd of healthy livestock.

Ongoing ethnic conflicts in turn exacerbated the situation, which was further compounded by signs towards the end of the year that the drought was even worsening in the Afar region.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

At the beginning of the year, DG ECHO allocated €1 million, which was subsequently reduced to €498 580 with the arrival of rain in one of the affected areas, to provide emergency water supplies to more than 10 000 people and their livestock. As the malaria epidemic took hold, drought conditions continued in certain areas and large-scale population resettlements were undertaken by the Government. DG ECHO allocated a further €6.5 million to provide medical assistance plus essential water and nutrition supplies. Up to one million victims of resettlement, drought and malaria, mainly in the Amhara, Somali, Southern Nations and Oromiya regions of Ethiopia, were helped through DG ECHO programmes in 2003.

In response to the needs arising from ethnic conflicts, in late 2003 DG ECHO provided funding for continued support to the ICRC to ensure that detainees, displaced persons and pastoralists affected by the conflicts received the protection assistance provided for by the Geneva Convention.

LRRD:

Ethiopia was considered a priority case by the LRRD/DPP inter-service group. However, only limited LRRD has been implemented in the field, in the form of including follow-on funding to DG ECHO operations as one of the criteria for the selection of NGO projects co-financed by the EuropeAid Cooperation Office.

Decision | Contracts | Payments |

6 998 000 | 5 804 399 | 3 735 526 |

Kenya

DG ECHO took exceptional action in Kenya in 2004 in order to alleviate the effects of a drought in the north of the country. €3.850 million was made available to provide medical, nutrition and water assistance to between 450 000 and 600 000 beneficiaries, mainly pastoralists and their livestock. These operations will continue into 2005.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

3 850 000 | 3 850 000 | 650 000 |

Somalia

Humanitarian needs:

Somalia continued to suffer from the effects of 13 years of ongoing civil war, anarchy and warlordism. This was compounded by extreme weather conditions such as the fourth successive year of drought on the Sool plateau. This created a general level of chronic severe need requiring a humanitarian response, together with high vulnerability to acute humanitarian needs as coping mechanisms were eroded by further fighting, displacement, drought or flood. The main areas of humanitarian need continue to be for health services, water and sanitation and food security support.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

Despite continued problems, largely due to insecurity, DG ECHO has been able to encourage and support a growing number of quality partners to address the extensive humanitarian needs. Funding in 2004 totalled €9.15 million, under two decisions, one granting €8 million, the other €1.15 million. Operations focused on the populous central and southern area, including Mogadishu, and on the key sectors of health, water and sanitation and livestock (given the high proportion of pastoralists).

This funding provided health and nutrition assistance to over 750 000 beneficiaries; while 70 000 were provided with clean water and improved sanitation facilities and 500 000 received emergency food security support. This included more than 650 000 head of livestock vaccinated and/or treated for parasites, and the doubling of the harvests for 8 000 people in bordering communities.

LRRD:

Close coordination continued in 2004, including the sharing of all DG ECHO proposals with the EC Somalia Unit. At programme level this cooperation has resulted in commitments to LRRD both in DG ECHO decisions and in DG Development’s 5th Rehabilitation Plan.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

9 150 000 | 9 150 000 | 5 955 204 |

Sudan

Humanitarian needs:

The optimism about resolution of the protracted civil conflict between the North and the South with the potential signature of a comprehensive peace agreement by the end of the year turned into growing concern as the situation became complicated by the conflict in the Greater Darfur Region. As access to Darfur was gradually granted, the worrying humanitarian situation unveiled led the United Nations to declare Darfur as the greatest humanitarian crisis in the world with thousands of deaths, over one million uprooted and two thirds of the population badly affected by the conflict.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In addition to the €20 million initially programmed for 2004, a further €71 million was granted in order to assist the population of the Greater Darfur Region. Many of the projects will run well into 2005. The main objective in 2004 was to help Sudan to save and protect lives among the most vulnerable and needy populations through integrated emergency assistance. In addition, the support provided by DG ECHO aimed at stabilising the conditions of people and communities with severely strained coping mechanisms and, whenever possible, contributing to a gradual recovery by enhancing self-reliance. The main sectors supported were health and nutrition, water and environmental sanitation, emergency preparedness and response, household food security and operational support and special mandates.

DG ECHO continued to cover the whole territory, taking a neutral approach and according to needs, in strict compliance with internationally recognised humanitarian principles. Operations funded by DG ECHO directly benefited an estimated 2 million Sudanese, while the number of Sudanese indirectly benefiting could be two or three times that figure.

LRRD:

DG ECHO continued to show its commitment to advocacy of humanitarian principles and its efforts to liaise with other Commission departments and donors in order to take appropriate, complementary action. Despite the suspension of formal cooperation with Sudan under the Cotonou Agreement since 1990, a number of other European Commission financial instruments are active. This allowed limited linkage with the budget line for food security and the Humanitarian Plus Programme in a number of sectors, such as food security and water and sanitation.

The recent signature of a comprehensive peace agreement and the related potential progressive resumption of formal cooperation and development assistance could increase the scope for effective LRRD. For Darfur, the key to any continuum/contiguum is to find a solution to the protection and security issue to stop the displacement of populations and allow them to return safely. DG ECHO will provide humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese population in need, affected by the conflict and natural disasters, as long as the humanitarian indicators remain alarming. The hope is that, with peace in the different regions of Sudan and a more stable situation, rehabilitation and sustainable development assistance will gradually be able to take over and build upon the relief work provided for decades.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

91 000 000 | 72 290 795 | 42 715 505 |

Southern Africa

Angola

Humanitarian needs:

Between the ceasefire in April 2002 and the end of 2004, more than 3 800 000 war-affected people resettled or returned to their areas of origin, up to 70% of them without any form of assistance from the local authorities or humanitarian organisations, and to areas where the minimum conditions required for resettlement are not in place. This issue was the major challenge facing humanitarian partners in 2004, and with the recognition in mid-2004 that the country had passed into the transitional phase, it also became one of the major objectives of medium and longer-term funding.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

The objective for Angola during 2004 was gradually to phase down DG ECHO’s operations in order to withdraw from the country in 2005. This involved more limited funding for action to open up and establish minimum conditions for resettlement in the remaining and most isolated pockets of emergency, whilst at the same time assisting and advising partners in securing longer-term funding for their continued intervention.

In 2004 the Commission adopted two humanitarian aid decisions making available total funding of €8.8 million: the Global Plan (March, €8 million) and an ad hoc decision (€800 000) to support emergency food security and nutrition operations to offset the effects of the maize harvest failure in the southern Central Highlands, due to excessive rainfall. The funds were allocated to support primary health and nutrition, emergency agricultural inputs (20%) and access (logistics and humanitarian demining). A further €3 million was made available from Zambia (€2 million) and Namibia (€1 million) to support transport and logistics for the repatriation of 30 000 Angolan refugees from those two countries. In all, almost 1 500 000 people, mainly women and children, benefited from action funded by DG ECHO.

LRRD:

The key issue for the link between relief and post-conflict reconstruction assistance is to provide vulnerable groups in the resettlement areas with the minimum conditions and services to ensure their survival and anchor them in their communities, as a starting point for more durable solutions. The LRRD process entered a very intense phase during 2004, in order to prepare as smoothly as possible for a transition from emergency to longer-term development funding in this post-conflict situation. Considerable progress was made.

Regular inter-service meetings in Brussels were mirrored in Luanda, where the LRRD Task Force met regularly and continued almost daily cooperation and information-sharing, and during the year several DG ECHO operations were handed over to European Development Fund (EDF) transitional funding. Furthermore, several of DG ECHO’s partners working in the food security sector received longer-term funding from the budget line for food security, DG ECHO’s demining partners all received considerable funding from the EDF (envelope B), and, once contracts have been signed, a further €15 million EDF programme will support vulnerable, war-affected populations in launching small economic activities, while a €20 million contribution is also being made to the World Bank/Social Support Fund for the rehabilitation of small health, water/sanitation and education infrastructure. An inter-service LRRD mission took place in November/December, during which the policy linkage and follow-through was confirmed. Various meetings with NGOs, Member States, Government and United Nations (UN) representatives confirmed DG ECHO’s assessment that the time for emergency humanitarian assistance had passed.

Decision | Contracts | Payments |

8 800 000 | 8 499 853 | 6 026 788 |

Lesotho & Swaziland

Humanitarian needs:

The current crisis in Lesotho is also attributed to poverty, food insecurity and the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which has built up slowly over the years. Poverty has increased significantly due to the restructuring of the mining sector in South Africa and the reduced demand for unskilled labour. Mine remittances have significantly declined. The continuing decline in household food security stemming from erratic weather patterns and a decrease in arable land has worsened livelihoods. The death of thousands of productive members of society as a result of HIV/AIDS has compounded the impact of poverty on children and youths.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

The total amount granted by the 2004 decision was €2 million (covering the period from June 2004 until May 2005). The objective of the decision was to provide basic assistance to vulnerable populations in Lesotho and Swaziland. An estimated 50 000 individuals benefited from emergency aid funded by DG ECHO. Assistance was targeted on orphans, other vulnerable children and households headed by a single parent and elderly persons.

LRRD:

The nature of the projects funded by DG ECHO is moving gradually from relief to a more suitable rehabilitation mode. DG ECHO will focus on supporting appropriate food security operations that could help to reduce the beneficiaries’ extreme vulnerability. All projects supported by DG ECHO will have to include a strong preventive and palliative component to combat HIV/AIDS.

Decision | Contracts | Payments |

2 000 000 | 1 835 908 | 1 258 727 |

Malawi

Humanitarian needs:

The humanitarian needs in Malawi in 2004 were in the sectors of food security and health/malnutrition. Although the global acute malnutrition rate was contained (it stabilised at below 5%), chronic malnutrition for under-5s remained high (50-65%) and HIV/AIDS prevalence was still 20-25%.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

DG ECHO's objectives for Malawi in 2004 were to consolidate its previous achievements in the sectors of food security and health/malnutrition and to implement a planned withdrawal by July. These objectives were fully met with the aid of two partners: Action against Hunger and Concern Worldwide. DG ECHO continued to support Nutritional Rehabilitation Units (NRUs) and the expansion of Community Therapeutic Care (CTC) for malnourished children with no access to NRUs. More than 8 000 severely malnourished under-5s received therapeutic feeding in 48 NRUs in all regions of Malawi. Training in health and detection/treatment of acute malnutrition was provided for the staff of 48 NRUs, for 2 400 carers and for 214 surveillance staff in the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Food Security. In the CTC operation DG ECHO supported local production of "ready-to-use therapeutic food" based on peanuts. This decentralised community-based programme provided treatment for over 3 000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, over 9 800 moderately malnourished children and over 1 100 moderately malnourished pregnant and breastfeeding women. Extremely vulnerable families (2 500 households) affected by HIV/AIDS were assisted by a food security operation, and advances were made in research into the nutritional care of HIV-infected children, including improvements to a manual on using nutrition to stay healthy, while infected with HIV. The independent monitoring of nutrition and food security in Malawi was stepped up.

LRRD:

DG ECHO achieved its goal of withdrawing from Malawi by July 2004, after an effective programme worth €5.4 million (2002-4) and having prepared an exit strategy. Relief will be linked to development by the following means:

- Malawi's Multi-Annual Food Security Programme 2004-7 (€45 million) includes an allocation of €9.7 million to "Nutritional Support" (component 5).- Under the National Indicative Programme for the 9th EDF (envelope B), a "Sustainable Nutrition Rehabilitation Project" costing €6.5 million was begun in 2004, building on the achievements of DG ECHO projects initiated during the hunger crisis, thus linking relief, rehabilitation and development.

Namibia

Apart from the €1 million funding in support of the repatriation of Angolan refugees (see above), in 2004 DG ECHO once again provided essential relief items and essential medicines to alleviate the impact of flooding on 12 000 vulnerable families in the Caprivi region.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

1 000 000 | 1 000 000 | 800 000 |

Zambia

In 2004 a €2 million funding decision was adopted to support the repatriation of Angolan refugees (see above).

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

2 000 000 | 2 000 000 | 0 |

Zimbabwe

Humanitarian needs:

Zimbabwe is still facing major concerns due to the prevailing socio-economic crisis and the further declining political situation, including lack of respect for democratic principles and human rights. This situation is aggravated and undermined by an increasingly high HIV prevalence and infection rate, a failed land reform programme, and a dramatic decline in the delivery of basic social services. Life expectancy in Zimbabwe has been reduced by 20 years to 35 years, from 55 in 1970. Whereas the recent drought and the Government’s desperately managed “fast-track” land reform programme, which destroyed the commercial farming industry, are important factors influencing the current state of the country, these only serve to highlight the cumulative effects of an already existent protracted, multi-dimensional humanitarian crisis which the UN has identified as a result of a “triple threat” of food insecurity, poor governance and HIV. These factors are dramatically spreading the levels of community impoverishment and vulnerability.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

DG ECHO’s strategy focused on reducing the levels of vulnerability of rural households by improving their food security, access to water and sanitation facilities. DG ECHO is also supporting preventive and palliative action to assist households affected by HIV/AIDS, orphans and other vulnerable children.

The 2004 Global Plan for Zimbabwe supported food security (44%), water, sanitation and nutrition (50%), assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and coordination (5%) and technical support (1%). DG ECHO’s action in 2004 directly benefited over 235 000 children through direct support to orphans and vulnerable children, 43 000 individuals through targeted distribution of food, 53 000 children in therapeutic or supplementary feeding programmes and 10 000 displaced people. Close to 995 000 persons were aided with agricultural inputs and more than 400 000 benefited from water and sanitation projects.

LRRD:

It is not possible to implement an LRRD strategy in Zimbabwe due to the suspension of the Commission’s development aid. Despite this, DG ECHO is closely coordinating and cooperating with other EC budget lines, notably for food aid and food security. During 2005 the emergency agricultural operations supported by DG ECHO will link up with EC-funded food security recovery programmes, which are considered more appropriate because of their approach and timeframe. A total of €6 million was allocated from the EC food security line under the 2004 budget. An additional €9 million will be allocated in 2005 under a two-year “Multiannual Programme”.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

15 000 000 | 14 195 955 | 9 529 098.36 |

Central Africa/Great Lakes

Burundi

Humanitarian needs:

Burundi continued to face multiple humanitarian needs in 2004, resulting from 10 years of civil war, food insecurity, inadequate health provision and large internally displaced and returning refugee populations. These needs were concentrated in the food, water, sanitation, shelter, protection, health and nutrition sectors.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

DG ECHO’s objectives were to respond to emergency and post-emergency needs of vulnerable population groups (especially children) and to continue making progress towards rehabilitation and development. These objectives were met by two funding decisions taken in 2004: a Global Plan of €15 million and a decision granting €3.99 million under Envelope B of the 9th EDF. The main target populations for assistance were displaced persons, refugees and returnees, who generally lived in areas close to the frontiers.

The main sectors supported by the Global Plan decision were food/nutrition (33%), health (28%), water/sanitation (19%) and emergency relief supplies (6%). Improved security and access made it possible to meet and, in some cases, exceed the objectives. This relative improvement also facilitated increased use of development funds, with further increases recommended by the mid-term review of the National Indicative Programme under the 9th EDF. The second decision specifically targeted refugees and returnees, triggered by the massacre or wounding of over 250 Congolese refugees (out of a total of 18 000) at Gatumba camp in August. UNHCR also registered more than 70 000 Burundian repatriations from Tanzania in 2004, to which an unknown number of unregistered returns must be added. Additional strain was placed on already sparse resources. DG ECHO maintained a technical assistance capacity in the field, and monitoring operations included a joint EU-US mission.

LRRD:

Burundi was chosen as a pilot country for LRRD in 2003, and some progress was made in 2004 in the water/sanitation, food security and health sectors. However, a complete hand-over of DG ECHO’s programmes was not possible in 2004.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

18 990 000 | 16 348 300 | 10 839 017 |

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Humanitarian needs:

The Congo crisis has been DG ECHO’s largest programme in Africa since 2001 and has consistently ranked among the top three in the world. The DRC crisis is a chronic, complex emergency arising from cumulative mismanagement and abuse compounded by seven years of conflict. An estimated 3.5 million people are now displaced. Reduced access to food in conflict-affected areas has created widespread food insecurity and pockets of acute malnutrition.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

By definition in DRC DG ECHO focuses on the most vulnerable, but children under five years of age are specifically targeted by nutrition programmes and the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Programme (MCH/EPI). Assistance to women in difficulty will be stepped up with the vertical integration of sexual and reproductive health components, including a special programme to assist victims of sexual violence in conflict areas.

The overall objectives for DRC for 2004 were to contain within emergency thresholds morbidity and mortality attributable to common diseases and malnutrition and to promote stabilisation and resettlement in areas emerging from conflict. Geographically, the focus was on the Greater Kivu and Ituri regions (still in, or just emerging from, conflict) and on the former frontline areas which were beginning to stabilise. Specific objectives concerned activities in the fields of (1) healthcare (54%); (2) nutrition and food security (22%); (3) Special mandates (4%); and (4) technical assistance (2%).

In 2004 the Commission adopted a €40 000 000 Global Plan (GP) for DRC. Thanks to the improved security in most areas and the dedication of partners, the main objectives were largely met. In terms of results, figures confirm DG ECHO’s achievements in providing accessibility to affordable health care: the number of healthcare beneficiaries (5.9 million people, against a target of 4.7) shows that user fees have been set at an appropriate level at which they constitute no economic obstacle to access. The lower than expected number of health zones covered (49 against 53 planned) is, in fact, an indication of a relatively successful LRRD policy which has led to a number of these zones obtaining support from an increasing number of development donors. Other, more sophisticated morbidity and mortality indicators have shown marked progress, with trends returning towards the averages for sub-Saharan Africa, thereby indicating that quality of care and drug supplies have also improved.

Although targets for nutrition were over-estimated, the indicators for acute malnutrition in accessible populations show a distinct downward trend. In the food and nutrition sector, DG ECHO provided assistance to some 16 000 severely malnourished children in therapeutic feeding centres, 53 511 moderately malnourished children and 830 488 beneficiaries of emergency food rations, seeds and tools. Last but not least, 428 km of road were also rehabilitated. In the Good Humanitarian Donorship initiative DRC has been a pilot country, with DG ECHO and OCHA working together to launch a more comprehensive, coherent and useful 2005 Common Humanitarian Appeal (CHAP) for DRC. DG ECHO also maintained a team of four experts in the field, thereby allowing more accurate and timely assessments, improved and more responsive evaluations and, above all, closer coordination between partners.

LRRD:

Thanks to the political and security improvements in DRC an increasing number of development donors have been able to re-engage, including the EU's 9th EDF. In particular, the non-programmed aid provided in envelope B was mobilised to take over resettlement and rehabilitation activities that had been started by DG ECHO in North Kivu and Ituri during the period of instability. DG ECHO also participated in the mid-term review process which allocated additional funds to envelope B for similar LRRD activities. Certain health zones that were being assisted by DG ECHO funds are now being supported by the EU's programmed aid for the health sector or other donors such as the World Bank. This process not only allowed DG ECHO to concentrate its resources on the most unstable areas where emergency conditions persist but also to safeguard the investments and hard-earned gains that had already been made.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

40 000 000 | 39 283 836 | 25 881 583 |

Congo Brazzaville

Humanitarian needs:

Following the conclusion of a peace agreement in March 2003 for the Pool conflict, the displaced slowly began to return. Assistance to these people focused on healthcare and protection and further needs with regard to the rehabilitation of homes and social infrastructure and the relaunch of agricultural production.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In 2004 the Commission adopted one humanitarian aid decision granting financing totalling €2 000 000 to the Republic of the Congo, from envelope B of the 9th EDF. The objective was to provide assistance to vulnerable populations in the Pool region where a peace accord had finally been signed. Projects supported by DG ECHO were able to re-introduce a basic primary health care system for some 70 000 people and assisted with the reconstruction of 2 551 homes, 15 water supplies and the relaunch of agricultural production through rehabilitation of 64 km of feeder roads and distribution of 1 200 agricultural family kits.

LRRD:

DG ECHO’s operations were put together in close collaboration with the EC delegation in Brazzaville, with a view to handing the DG ECHO operation in the Pool region over to the national health programme and micro-project funded under the 9th EDF in the course of 2005.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

2 000 000 | 1 970 000 | 666 554 |

Central African Republic

Humanitarian needs:

The north-western parts of the country were badly affected by political crisis and conflict. Social and administrative services had collapsed, essential infrastructure was destroyed or looted, and healthcare and other key personnel had fled. Protection and access to basic healthcare were the overriding humanitarian priorities.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In 2004 the Commission adopted one financing decision for CAR, granting humanitarian aid totalling €470 000, using envelope B of the 9th EDF. The overall objective was to assist vulnerable people directly affected by the political crisis and conflict. Funding was provided for basic healthcare to the estimated population of 400 000 from the two “red zone” Prefectures of Ouham and Ouham Pendé. In terms of results, this operation succeeded in increasing healthcare utilisation rates from around 0.1 new contacts per person per year to between 0.6 and 1.2 in the targeted areas.

LRRD:

The DG ECHO programme was designed in close collaboration with the EC delegation and preliminary discussions were held with bilateral development donors (KFW) with a view to preparing the ground for continued assistance after the crisis.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

470 000 | 470 000 | 376 000 |

Tanzania

Humanitarian needs:

Tanzania continues to host the largest refugee population on the African continent. The refugees are almost entirely dependent on humanitarian aid for survival. At the beginning of 2004 there were 476 240 refugees from Burundi and DRC (most Rwandese having returned) living in 13 camps in Western Tanzania under UNHCR protection. This refugee population decreased by approximately 75 000 during 2004, partly due to Burundian repatriation and partly due to a tougher government response to asylum-seekers, including some cases of forced return. Despite continued attempts to enforce peace agreements, most refugees were unable to return home. However, Tanzanian law precludes self-reliance and integration, so humanitarian needs include food, water, shelter, protection and health care.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

DG ECHO’s main aim was to continue the support it had provided for several years to this refugee “Care and maintenance” operation. It had become a protracted crisis, and DG ECHO’s objectives included active monitoring of the humanitarian situation, which no longer ranked as a top priority for many donors. The objectives of DG ECHO’s Tanzania Global Plan 2004 were met. An amount of EUR 15 million was allocated to the refugee programme, via UNHCR, UNICEF and Spanish Red Cross. Programmes were supported in the sectors of water, sanitation, logistics, health, nutrition, shelter, protection and education. Over 400,000 refugees benefited from this intervention, and DG ECHO continued to be UNHCR’s key donor for the Tanzania refugee programme. Extra support was given to children and vulnerable people, such as elderly, disabled and single-parent families. Attention was paid to gender-related problems, via the Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Programme. Reproductive health services continued to receive support, with programmes for the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV running in every camp. DG ECHO maintained a technical assistance capacity in the field, playing the role of active donor, monitoring operations and upholding standards. The general and Under-5 mortality rates remained below 1/1000 per month and vaccination coverage was over 98%. In April 2004 there was a rapid response to a cholera outbreak, avoiding deaths.

LRRD:

This has been partially addressed by EDF expenditure in three areas: the Special Programme for Refugee-Affected Areas (SPRAA, EUR 2 million, 2001-7), Article 73 Cotonou support for the longer-term camp sectors of education, environment, health and water/sanitation (EUR 2 million, 2002-4) and the transfer of food aid to the EC Food Security Budget Line, administered by DG AIDCO (since the end of 2003). However, the withdrawal of DG ECHO from the refugee programme is unlikely, unless large-scale repatriation occurs.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

14,900,000 | 14,800,000 | 11,840,000 |

West Africa

Epidemics and regional response in West Africa:

Humanitarian needs:

Epidemics are acute emergencies that can produce high excess mortality in a short time span. West Africa is one of the regions with the highest prevalence of epidemics in the world, with meningitis, cholera, yellow fever and measles the main killers. Viral hemorrhagic fevers, shigellosis and hepatitis outbreaks also occur and in 2004 West Africa suffered a major polio control failure which led to an explosion in polio cases, which affected 12 countries by the end of 2004 compared with only a few cases in two countries in 2003. Between January and August 2004 the WHO recorded 15 887 cases of epidemic meningitis, 119 cases of yellow fever and 16 865 cases of cholera. It is essential to respond to large-scale outbreaks already causing high mortality rates, but also to smaller ones before they become large, as an early, small, comparatively cheap and fast reaction can often effectively contain and control the epidemic. However, locally raised financial contributions in the early stages of an epidemic are usually too little or too late, with the result that the outbreak can develop into a major disaster.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

The objective of the operations funded by DG ECHO was to reduce the mortality, morbidity and transmission of the epidemic diseases initially by early, qualified and rapid assessment in order to assist in adopting timely decisions for health measures and priority funding. This will be followed by the provision of effective medicines to the people worst affected, prevention of additional cases and control of potential expansion through immunisation, awareness campaigns and water and sanitation measures. Meningitis response was supported in Burkina Faso. Cholera was unusually highly prevalent and widespread, an indicator of generally poor sanitation in West Africa. DG ECHO supported cholera response in several African capitals: N’Djamena, Conakry and Freetown. Other funding for epidemic mitigation included responses to yellow fever in Burkina Faso, to hepatitis E in Chad and to a measles epidemic suspected to be highly lethal in Niger. No external support was required to deal with the cholera outbreaks in Mali, Niger and Senegal. The cholera epidemic in Togo qualified for EU support as part of an ongoing health project, without support from DG ECHO. Cholera trends were followed but no action was specifically funded in Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Ghana, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. Additional funding was granted to the WHO for rapid assessment of epidemics. Lassa fever was managed with alternative funds in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria. The polio explosion during 2004 prompted a massive international reaction to which DG ECHO contributed with resources from the Coastal West Africa Global Plan for Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone.

At regional level, DG ECHO’s objective was also to strengthen emergency operations and project support, which are not country-based but regional. With the conflict extending beyond national boundaries and emergency response being implemented by humanitarian organisations in the four countries of Coastal West Africa (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire), it is essential to support regional programmes capitalising on a common strategy and synergies stemming from implementation of the same activities in various countries. In this regard, the WFP's regional air transport service for humanitarian personnel and small cargo received support from DG ECHO. Movements of large numbers of people across national borders are another reason for implementing regional programmes. In this regard, DG ECHO contributed towards a regional protection programme for children, including assistance to ex-combatant children. Repatriation of uprooted populations to their places of origin was also supported by DG ECHO.

LRRD

During 2004 epidemics remained on a relatively small scale (the expected major meningitis outbreak did not materialise). Consequently, the epidemic decision was enough without requiring further funding from envelope B. DG ECHO is coordinating with, and assisting, longer-term initiatives to reinforce the local response capacity. This led to a West Africa plan to strengthen local epidemic response capacity for which three years of EU funding is expected. Reports were given on the experience gained from epidemic response projects at the West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO/OOAS) meeting to plan for regional epidemic response.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

1 000 000 | 999 124 | 605 954 |

(within Global Plan for Coastal West Africa) | 898 000 | 638 400 |

Chad

Humanitarian needs:

The civil conflict in the Darfur region, which started in 2003, led to an influx of more than 200 000 refugees to Eastern Chad. The Chadian regions of Ouaddaï and Biltine, where the refugee caseload is now installed in more than 10 camps, are very arid and remote. Weather conditions are extreme, with a very hot dry season and a long rainy season. Basic infrastructure is in such poor condition that a large part of the region remains isolated for several months once the rainy season sets in. Availability of water and food as well as shelter and land to cultivate are very limited both for refugees and for the local populations. Tensions have appeared between the two groups because of this situation.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In 2004 DG ECHO provided support to various partner organisations to deliver an integrated relief package covering more than 200 000 Sudanese refugees in Eastern Chad. This assistance worth €12 million consisted mainly of basic services - such as health care, nutritional and supplementary feeding and drinking water - construction of sanitation facilities, distribution of shelter and other household items and activities aimed at protecting the refugees. DG ECHO made a significant contribution to reducing the vulnerability of the refugee families and to improving standards of living, safety and protection for the majority of the refugees.

LRRD

The LRRD process is more of a “contiguum” in Eastern Chad. Development programmes targeted on the local population must be implemented in parallel to humanitarian programmes for the benefit of the refugee population. DG ECHO has been working in cooperation with the EC Delegation and other development agencies to adapt the development strategies in Eastern Chad which is hosting the Sudanese refugee caseload. This region has been very much forgotten in terms of development. As a result, the living conditions of the local population happen to be worse than those of the refugees.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

12 000 000 | 11 615 890 | 6 632 833 |

Côte d’Ivoire

Humanitarian needs:

The humanitarian situation in Côte d’Ivoire remains very fragile. The country continues to be divided between loyalist security forces in the South and the ‘forces nouvelles’ (coalition of three ex-rebel groups) in the North. Several attempts have been made to solve the crisis, but the parties concerned seem to lack good will. The disarmament process has not yet started. There are still approximately 550 000 displaced people and 75 000 refugees, mainly Liberian, in the country.

Persistent tensions in the North and the West have resulted in a dilapidated health care system and a large proportion of the public services continue to be disrupted by the conflict. The division of the country, violence, population displacements and problems with access to land have contributed to an increase in malnutrition levels as well as to an increased need for assistance with protection of the vulnerable population. The humanitarian situation in Côte d’Ivoire suffered a setback with the resumption of violent conflict in November 2004. Health services further deteriorated and access to public services has become even more limited. The ethnic component of the crisis is becoming increasingly important. Children and women are at risk of being more exposed to involvement with the fighting forces. Moreover, more than 16 000 Ivorians and nationals of other countries fled to neighbouring countries. The security environment for civilians, foreigners and humanitarian staff became quite tense following these events. The political crisis has an impact not only on the humanitarian situation in Côte d’Ivoire, but also on the sub-region.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

DG ECHO’s objective in 2004 was to continue to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations affected by the conflict in Côte d’Ivoire. To this end, funds totalling €5 million were made available for humanitarian aid projects in Côte d’Ivoire within the Global Plan for Coastal West Africa 2004. With these funds DG ECHO was able to finance health care, nutrition, protection and humanitarian coordination projects. Health care facilities funded by DG ECHO in the North and the West gave the most vulnerable population access to basic health care and compensated for the lack of public services. DG ECHO also helped to address the serious increase in malnutrition in the Western part of the country by funding additional activities to address moderate and severe malnutrition and to stimulate agricultural production. Particular attention was paid to the protection of displaced people, in particular nationals of other countries, and to children associated with fighting forces. The target area for action was the Western and Northern part of Côte d’Ivoire in particular. Approximately 1.2 million benefited from the measures funded by DG ECHO in 2004.

LRRD:

Some of the health, water and sanitation as well as food security measures financed by DG ECHO during the initial emergency phase were continued in a broader and more sustainable manner in the context of aid programmes managed by the EC Delegation in Abidjan in 2004 (9th EDF, envelope B).

Decisions (Coastal West Africa 2004) | Contracts | Payments |

5 000 000 | 4 973 842 | 3 046 567 |

Guinea

Humanitarian needs:

In 2004 the humanitarian needs identified in Guinea mainly concerned Liberians and Ivorians in refugee camps located in the prefecture of Nzérékoré in the Forestière region. Delivery of basic services, such as health, food, drinking water and sanitation, had to continue in and around the refugee camps. Relief assistance to the refugee camps in the prefecture of Kissidougou was further reduced and finally ended in line with the reduction in the refugee population (due to the repatriation of Sierra Leonean refugees) and the level of basic services provided in the remaining camps.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

The objective of DG ECHO was to support both the assistance to refugees remaining in camps for whom the main areas of activity were health, water, sanitation and repatriation to Sierra Leone (ended June 2004) and to Liberia. The last of these processes was launched by UNHCR in October 2004 and will be continue over 3 years. In 2004, €2.65 million were committed to Guinea under the Regional Global Plan.

LRRD:

No EC LRRD programmes targeting areas where refugees are present in Guinea have yet been launched. DG ECHO and the EC Delegation in Conakry have drafted an LRRD programme for the Forestière region. This is still under discussion in the EC.

Decisions (Coastal West Africa Global plan including Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia) | Contracts (Guinea) | Payments |

18 000 000 | 2 714 719 | 1 781 775 |

Liberia

Humanitarian needs:

The humanitarian situation in Liberia remains critical. During the last 14 years of civil war, about 340 000 people fled to neighbouring countries while a further 464 000 became internally displaced. 262 000 have been registered at official camps around Monrovia, while the rest live in unofficial squatter camps or lodge with friends and family. In the countryside the scope of the humanitarian crises is vast, years of fighting having totally devastated some regions. Large parts of the population have no access to basic services such as health care, clean water, sanitation and education. Governmental structures are almost non-existent. Lack of food is a major concern. Acute malnutrition and mortality rates are significant both amongst IDPs and the local population.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In the summer of 2003 the outbreak of violence unleashed a large-scale humanitarian crisis. Following the deployment of peacekeepers and the signing of a peace agreement, a decision granting €8 million of emergency aid was adopted to address the needs of vulnerable people in accessible areas. These operations were partly implemented during the first half of 2004. On top of these, a total of €8.6 million was allocated from the 2004 Global Plan to address the needs of vulnerable people in areas of great insecurity. This contribution has had a significant impact in the form of providing access to primary health care, nutrition centres and secondary health care with support going to 7 out of the 10 main referral hospitals currently running in the country, water and sanitation facilities, protection and distribution of food to more than half of the IDPs and to thousands amongst the local population.

As the security situation improved people started returning spontaneously to their areas of origin to which humanitarian organisations were gradually gaining access at the same time. From September 2004 an additional €4.3 million from the 9th EDF (envelope B) was made available to meet some of the new humanitarian needs stemming from this changing situation. DG ECHO provided significant assistance to 50 000 returnees - distribution of non-food items (NFI) and general assistance- and helped to restore access to basic services (health and water and sanitation) in some of the major areas completely devastated or abandoned by years of conflict to which the population was returning. DG ECHO has been fully engaged in the Liberian crisis and thanks to its strong network of professional partners has been able to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs and to contribute actively to the stabilisation process. In June 2004 a second technical assistant (TA) was appointed to the DG ECHO Office that was opened in Monrovia in October 2003.

LRRD:

The humanitarian situation in Liberia in 2004 still required emergency humanitarian operations. The LRRD process will be initiated at a later stage, probably during 2006, but is already clearly mentioned in the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) to be adopted in early 2005. However, coordination is taking place with the other EU instruments, particularly with the local community development programmes, in order to develop complementary aspects.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

12 928 157 (*) | 12 978 013 | 8 526 283 |

* €8 628 157 within GP for Coastal West Africa and €4 300 000 from EDF fund decision

Sierra Leone

Humanitarian needs:

Despite the consolidation of peace and a major improvement in the security situation throughout the country, Sierra Leone continues to rank at the bottom end of UNDP’s Human Development Index. However, the problems that face the country now are more of a structural than a humanitarian nature and have to be addressed by longer-term funding instruments. In 2004 some humanitarian programmes had to continue to maintain the link with rehabilitation and development programmes.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In 2004 the successful implementation of the LRRD programme allowed DG ECHO to complete the phasing-out of its financial assistance by the end of the year. With the objective of synchronisation with the start of rehabilitation operations, DG ECHO maintained some assistance for vulnerable populations until December. It contributed €800 000 to operations targeting Liberian refugees and vulnerable Sierra Leoneans. The main areas of activity were health, water and sanitation. DG ECHO’s Sierra Leone office closed in January 2005.

LRRD:

After two years of preparation, most of the activities funded by DG ECHO have been handed over to rehabilitation programmes funded by EUROPEAIDEUROPEAID. A decision was taken granting €25 million (over three years) for LRRD funded from the EDF. A new financial decision granting €6.5 million in support of the health sector has also been approved and is now being implemented. Sierra Leone has been chosen as a pilot case for LRRD by the LRRD/DPP inter-service group. The LRRD process has been made possible by the relative stability enjoyed in the country, the commitment shown by the EC Delegation and the availability of the required dedicated human resources.

Decisions (Coastal West Africa Global plan including Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Liberia) | Contracts (Sierra Leone) | Payments |

18 000 000 | 805 264 | 587 385 |

Caribbean/Pacific/Indian Ocean

Haiti

Humanitarian needs:

In February 2004 the long lasting socio-political crisis in Haiti was exacerbated by an armed rebellion leading to the departure of President Aristide. The interruption of economic activity in large parts of the country and the quasi-collapse of social services stretched the capacities of the impoverished parts of the population to the limit and beyond. Furthermore, in the course of 2004 two major floods led to heavy loss of life and caused extensive damage, temporary displacement of people and need for humanitarian assistance.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

DG ECHO provided substantial assistance (a total of €12.6 million including flood relief) in support of the populations hardest hit by the complete erosion of basic services and by natural disaster. One particular concern was the health sector, especially the lack of access of a large part of the population to health care. A total of more than 3 million people benefited from programmes funded by DG ECHO.

LRRD:

The livelihoods of a large part of the population in Haiti remain fragile. However, the Haiti crisis cannot be solved by humanitarian aid but requires massive reconstruction efforts, including quick impact programmes in favour of the neediest members of the population. With the EC Delegation now in a position to use substantial funds from the EDF (a total of €95 million from envelope B) DG ECHO is planning to phase out its emergency programme in 2005, but will remain involved in disaster preparedness (DIPECHO).

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

11 197 000 | 10 949 181 | 8 213 902 |

Dipecho Caribbean

Humanitarian needs:

The Caribbean region is vulnerable to a wide variety of natural disasters, ranging from unpredictable events, such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, to cyclical phenomena, notably the annual hurricane season between June and November. The small island states of the eastern Caribbean are particularly at risk because of their location, directly on the inbound path of Atlantic hurricanes, because of the limited response capacity of each island alone, and due to their narrowly-based economies. In recent years, the Caribbean has been hit by devastating natural disasters which left their mark on a region rendered vulnerable by demographic pressures and, in some instances, entrenched poverty.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In 2004 DG ECHO’s fourth DIPECHO Action Plan for the Caribbean was completed whilst at the same time a fifth Action Plan was initiated. With funding under a decision dating back to 2003 DG ECHO’s partners completed their DIPECHO projects covered by the fourth Action Plan. The majority of them, implemented by NGOs and the Red Cross, were directed towards improving disaster awareness and disaster response at local and community level. Vulnerable populations in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia as well as St Vincent and the Grenadines benefited from these programmes. In Cuba three new projects costing €500,000 were launched in July 2003, as part of the 4th Action Plan for the Caribbean. These projects are mainly to improve the early warning systems for extreme hydro-meteorological events in 14 municipalities in six provinces. An evaluation of this DIPECHO plan identified new priorities and the new plan will be published in March 2005.

LRRD:

DG ECHO cooperated with DG Development and EUROPEAIDEUROPEAID on a number of initiatives, for example on complementary funding of weather radar components or DG Development taking over funding of the Caribbean Disaster and Emergency Response Agency (CDERA). Nevertheless, further efforts are necessary to mainstream disaster preparedness more systematically in development programmes.

Caribbean – Natural Disasters response (Other than Haiti )

Humanitarian needs:

In autumn 2004 a series of hurricanes (Frances, Ivan, Jeanne) swept through the Caribbean region wreaking widespread devastation. Grenada, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas were hit particularly hard. The island of Cuba was also badly hit in August and September 2004 by hurricanes Charley and Ivan. Those two successive hurricanes (Charley - category 5 - and Ivan - category 3) severely affected 3 780 000 persons in three different regions of the island, representing 35% of the total population.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

To cover crucial short-term needs DG ECHO provided emergency funding for Haiti (€4 million), Grenada (€3 million), Jamaica (€1.2 million), the Dominican Republic (€600 000), the Bahamas (€480 000) and Cuba (€1 million). The funds focused on the distribution of food, water and non-food items, the rehabilitation of water systems, access to health care, roof repair and agricultural recovery.

LRRD:

In the countries worst hit by the hurricanes, i.e. Grenada and Haiti, DG ECHO and DEV/AIDCO coordinated the use of funds from envelope B.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

8 280 000 | 5 422 914 | 4 249 038 |

Madagascar

Humanitarian needs:

The humanitarian needs in Madagascar were for emergency assistance after Cyclone Gafilo shook the island in March 2004.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

DG ECHO’s objective was to provide immediate relief for victims of the cyclone and of the floods in its wake. This was achieved by deploying DG ECHO’s rapid response expert, who arrived the day after the cyclone. An emergency decision granting €2 million was taken and operations by five NGOs to re-establish access and to provide assistance in the water, sanitation, health, nutrition, food security and shelter sectors were funded.

LRRD:

DG ECHO has no permanent presence in Madagascar and therefore withdrew as soon as the emergency operations finished at the end of September, reverting to a monitoring role. However, some of the operations funded by DG ECHO provided preparedness for future disasters, in the form of both training and equipment.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

2 000 000 | 1 962 223 | 1 404 190 |

ECHO Flight

ECHO Flight continued to provide humanitarian air transport capacity in the Horn of Africa and neighbouring regions (currently Somalia, Kenya, and DRC). In 2004 a new operator was selected by an open international call for tenders and took over the ECHO Flight service as from 1 May. The implementation of a peace agreement in DRC opened up access to areas in need of humanitarian assistance. In response to the increased needs for air transport in DRC, ECHO Flight positioned an extra aircraft in Mbuji Mayi and extended its network inside the country.

ECHO Flight also secured Garissa as a new base for cross-border operations. This has greatly facilitated flights into central and southern Somalia which had been compromised when Mandera became unavailable as an airfield for international departures and arrivals. In 2004 ECHO Flight carried 20 598 passengers, 5 538 tonnes of humanitarian cargo and 5 418 mail parcels to five destinations in Kenya, 18 in Somalia and 32 in DRC.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

9 000 000 | 529 726 | 423 779 |

Balkans

DG ECHO completed its exit from the Balkans in 2003 and its last operation (provision of heating fuel for IDPs and refugees in Serbia for the winter of 2003-2004) came to an end in spring 2004.

Eastern Europe, Russian Federation, Southern Caucasus, Central Asia, including Mongolia

Northern Caucasus

Humanitarian needs:

The protracted and forgotten humanitarian crisis in the Northern Caucasus remained one of DG ECHO’s operational priorities in 2004, with funding totalling €28.5 million allocated to the victims of the conflict in Chechnya in three tranches (€16.5 million in May, €10 million in October and €2 million in December). Hopes for an improvement in the political situation were shattered by the assassination of pro-Moscow President Akhmad Kadyrov in May as well as the distinct spill over of the conflict into other republics of the Northern Caucasus, notably Ingushetia and North Ossetia, culminating in the tragic hostage-taking at the school in Beslan. In Chechnya proper, fighting went on and the rebel side stepped up its operations against the federal and Chechen pro-Moscow forces in the second half of the year. A series of attacks were launched in Grozny and other villages over the year. As the conflict continued, no improvements were achieved in the humanitarian situation in Chechnya; in some respects it even deteriorated and needs remained enormous (food, non-food, water and sanitation, free access to health and medicine, education, psycho-social assistance and protection). In Ingushetia, the number of IDPs decreased dramatically during the year, from 66 000 to 35 000 essentially due to the closure of the remaining tented camps and of several spontaneous settlements. Some 20 000 persons are estimated to have returned to Chechnya from Ingushetia.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements:

In order to meet these needs, DG ECHO continued to provide support in all sectors (food, non-food, medical, water/sanitation, protection, shelter, education and psychosocial, mine-awareness and vocational training). It remained the main donor in the region. €26.5 million had originally been earmarked, but DG ECHO allocated a further €2 million at the end of the year in order to prevent a break in the WFP food pipeline, after some commitments by the US were cancelled. In 2004 DG ECHO financed operations implemented by 24 different partners; 40 operations were completed and 42 new agreements were launched, five of them with partners from the new Member States.

IDPs and vulnerable people were provided with medical care in Chechnya, Daghestan and Ingushetia. The main area of activity remained food distribution: basic food aid was provided to 390 000 IDPs and vulnerable members of the population in Chechnya, Ingushetia and Daghestan. Specific food was distributed to 1 500 children between 6 and 24 months old in Ingushetia and Southern Chechnya and daily hot meals to 80 000 primary school children in Chechnya. Approximately 800 rooms were rehabilitated or built in Ingushetia and 7 000 IDPs received aid for maintenance of their room. Essential relief items were distributed to 90 000 IDPs and vulnerable residents in Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan (hygiene and bedding items plus fire wood) and to some 20 000 IDP children in Ingushetia and Chechnya (children's clothing). Up to 9 000 young IDPs in Ingushetia and young residents and IDPs in Chechnya benefited from psycho-social support, aid to improve their skills and vocational activities.

Water and sanitation conditions were enhanced in Ingushetia and access to potable water was ensured for the residents of Grozny (90 000) with special emphasis on schools and health facilities. In Ingushetia and Chechnya 100 000 people (mainly children) received mine-awareness training. In the educational sector DG ECHO financed the distribution of 25 000 school- books and contributed to the operation of Child Friendly Spaces and primary schools attended by approximately 3 000 children in Chechnya and Ingushetia. It also funded the basic rehabilitation of seven schools in Chechnya. In addition, throughout the Northern Caucasus protection activities funded by DG ECHO, notably legal counselling, were provided for IDPs, returnees and residents.

However, working conditions for humanitarian staff remained very difficult, with the same opaque system of access permits to Chechnya, regular entry restrictions for international staff and very high insecurity. Partners continued to work through a remote control system, clearly limiting the presence of their expatriate staff in Chechnya. In addition, for security reasons, a number of districts in Chechnya received no, or very little, humanitarian aid. This is the case in the mountainous south, where only food aid is distributed but no other programmes, not even medical, are running. However, access to parts of the republic improved, which allowed projects (on school meals and primary health care) to be extended to a number of new districts.

DG ECHO continued, through other departments of the European Commission, to address the issue of access and security with the Russian authorities, but no progress was made in spite of the official request by the authorities to see DG ECHO funding more projects in Chechnya proper. All year round, the EC also continued to advocate the protection of IDPs and respect of the voluntary return principle. However, the mobilisation of the international community was not able to prevent the closure of the remaining camps in Ingushetia. At least this process has been less brutal than before and better coordinated with the international community, which tried to find alternative solutions for the IDPs. However, this has not allowed all IDPs who would have wanted to stay in Ingushetia to do so, and many of them have had to return to Chechnya in search of another solution.

In spite of the needs of some 10 000 IDPs in Daghestan, international aid has been scarce there but 2004 started to see more interest on the part of the international community, thanks largely to DG ECHO’s advocacy work. DG ECHO alerted its partners to the needs there, notably in terms of protection and education, and UNHCR and UNICEF consequently decided to play an active role in this republic as well.

As in 2003, DG ECHO failed to receive authorisation to open a sub-office in Ingushetia from the Russian authorities, in spite of repeated EC/EU requests. However, DG ECHO maintained a regular presence of its staff in Ingushetia, in particular thanks to rented private accommodation in Nazran, and was able to visit Chechnya more often thanks to an increase in the number of missions organised by the United Nations Security Coordinator (UNSECOORD), at least until May and then from September on.

LRRD:

Three decisions granting a total of €28.5 M were adopted to continue the support for the most vulnerable populations. Some projects are still being implemented, others have been completed. There have been regular discussions with DG External Relations about the possibility of other support measures (TACIS) in the North Caucasus. Further to discussions at the November 2004 Summit at The Hague, a field assessment mission was planned for early 2005. Several sectors where there could be a fruitful LRRD were considered[1] for implementation under the 2005 TACIS budget (education, health, income-generation). In the past, such measures had not been possible mainly for security reasons, and the new programme should be contingent upon the removal of constraints to aid delivery in addition to security guarantees.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

28 500 000 | 25 828 740 | 17 096 992 |

Southern Caucasus (Georgia)

Humanitarian needs

In Georgia, particularly in the West (Samegrelo and Abkhazia), a region badly affected by the unresolved conflict in Abkhazia, groups of extremely vulnerable people (usually the elderly, especially women) still could not even manage to cater for their basic food needs. 2004 brought no improvement to their situation. The Rose Revolution and the coming to power of a new, reform-minded government has not had time to bear fruit and will not necessarily be able to answer the needs of the most vulnerable groups. In addition to food needs, DG ECHO’s missions identified other forgotten shelter and health needs.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

DG ECHO exceptionally increased its funding in 2004 to €4 million, in order to be able to cover urgent unmet needs. DG ECHO continued to concentrate its funding on Western Georgia, including Abkhazia, and on food security, providing some 20 000 people in Abkhazia and some 40 000 in Samegrelo with basic food and supporting WFP’s food-for-work activities. In addition to food security, DG ECHO provided support for the rehabilitation of a number of collective centres for IDPs and of five schools in Tbilissi, as well as to a mother-and-child health programme in Samegrelo. No funding was allocated to Armenia or Azerbaijan but DG ECHO continued to monitor the situation, in particular in consultation with the UNHCR and the WFP.

LRRD

DG ECHO supported the targeted vulnerable population with two operations under the 2002 decision, which came to an end in November 2003. A new decision was adopted in August 2003 in order to continue and increase the support to the most vulnerable. Three food security operations are being implemented. Regarding LRRD, at present there are no development activities in Abkhazia. No donors are supporting rehabilitation or reconstruction projects. DG ECHO is liaising closely with other EC departments and other donors (United States and Switzerland) to encourage them to engage in activities as a potential follow-up to DG ECHO’s operations, especially in Samegrelo.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

4 000 000 | 3 650 000 | 2 740 000 |

Mongolia

Humanitarian needs

Mongolia suffered a series of consecutive winter disasters (“dzuds”) from 2000 to 2003, which resulted in urgent food and non-food needs for the most vulnerable herders who lost their cattle and therefore their main source of income. After a relatively milder winter in 2003/2004, the main needs identified were no longer direct food aid, except for the very most vulnerable children in the capital, but small-scale agricultural activities instead.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

In order to help the most vulnerable herders or ex-herders cope with the consequences of past winter disasters and be better prepared for future winters, DG ECHO allocated €1 million for Mongolia. This allowed a start to be made on two agricultural projects placing strong emphasis on disaster preparedness, as well as targeted nutritional support for malnourished children in the outskirts of Ulaan Baatar.

LRRD

DG ECHO is liaising with other EC departments to ensure a coherent European Commission approach in Mongolia. DG External Relations budget for Mongolia is limited, but the priority for the years ahead will be to support the World Bank's poverty-reduction credit scheme and to target rural communities. This should provide a means of supporting more agricultural projects and of linking DG ECHO’s relief to agricultural and rural development. Most of the leading donors are currently focusing on poverty-reduction and some will specifically target the poorest slum-dwellers in Ulaanbaatar. However, results will not be achieved until the medium term. As for disaster preparedness, the Government of Mongolia has started some limited measures to support herders.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

1 000 000 | 800 000 | 400 000 |

Tajikistan

Humanitarian needs

2004 marked the first year of a three-year phase-out of DG ECHO’s activities in Tajikistan as the humanitarian situation continues to improve and other schemes run by the European Commission and other international donors start to take hold. However, the lasting effects of the 1999-2001 drought, mostly visible in the form of high poverty levels, still prevent proper access to food for over one-quarter of the population. Infant malnutrition remains alarmingly high, with continuing unacceptable levels of chronic malnutrition (over 30% of the under-5 population) and of children at risk of developing acute malnutrition. The current situation remains precarious. Over half the population still lack access to clean drinking water, while the government remains unable to provide sufficient basic medical supplies to cope with the high incidence of diseases. The continuing poor capacity to cope with natural disasters was demonstrated in July 2004, when heavy flooding in the Varzob district caused substantial damage to infrastructure and contaminated water supplies to the country’s capital, Dushanbe.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

2004 saw the conclusion of the 2003 Global Plan for Tajikistan and the launch of an ad hoc decision for 2004 in March. This decision, granting €8 million over 12 months, represents a 25% reduction in funding from 2003, in line with DG ECHO’s phase-down strategy. All 17 grant agreements under the 2003 Global Plan were implemented effectively with no significant problems. Some 40 000 people (including 20 000 malnourished children) received food aid, whilst 40 000 rural households benefited from short-term food security projects. Access to clean drinking water was improved for 280 000 people, and the whole population benefited from improved access to primary health care.

The 2004 decision had three specific objectives. The first was to help meet immediate basic food needs, wherever possible while simultaneously enhancing food security for the most vulnerable households. The second aim was to reduce morbidity and mortality by enhancing access to primary health care, ensuring an effective response to outbreaks of infectious diseases and promoting community health awareness. Finally, access to drinking water and sanitation facilities was to be increased while simultaneously promoting safe use of water in order to reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases. Every region of the country was covered, but with the emphasis on Khatlon province in the south-west, the region worst affected by the drought. Under the 2004 ad hoc decision, grant agreements were signed with 14 partners. Following the July flooding, an emergency decision granting €350 000 was put into action to provide emergency assistance in the water, sanitation and health sectors, and to support mechanisms for coordinating disaster response. Four grant agreements were signed to meet these needs. The outbreak of water-borne diseases feared following the flooding was averted.

LRRD

2004 saw other Commission funding instruments take hold in Tajikistan, notably through the Food Security Programme, including funding to NGOs and TACIS track 3 (poverty alleviation). DG ECHO continued to liaise closely with the Tajik government, other donors, NGOs and the United Nations, as well as other European Commission departments, to see how longer-term instruments could best build upon the output from activities funded by DG ECHO. The inter-service group considered the LRRD process in Tajikistan a most successful experience.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

8 350 000 | 8 095 689 | 5 934 155 |

DIPECHO (Central Asia)

Humanitarian needs:

Exposure to natural disasters combined with poor response capacities continue to pose high risks to the populations of Central Asia, most notably in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Among these countries, Tajikistan is by far the poorest and most vulnerable with a succession of disasters, some small, others large (avalanches, mudslides, floods, earthquakes), affecting thousands of people every year. This was clearly demonstrated in 2004 following severe flooding in and around Dushanbe, effectively cutting fresh water supplies to the capital and calling for an emergency response from DG ECHO worth €350 000. Albeit to a lesser extent, the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan also suffer from exposure to natural hazards and have poor response mechanisms.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

In May 2004 DG ECHO launched its second regional Disaster Preparedness Action Plan for Central Asia. Ten DIPECHO projects in Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan received funding totalling €2.5 million. Vulnerable populations benefited from the 2003 and 2004 Action Plans through awareness-raising and preparedness projects such as the creation of local disaster management plans and early warning systems, training and equipping rapid response, search, medical and rescue teams, improving radio communications and strengthening coordination mechanisms. Small-scale mitigation activities, such as barriers against mudslides, avalanches, floods and rockfalls, complement these activities. Under the 2004 Action Plan, partners continued to implement their operations in a smooth and coordinated manner, having gained considerable experience under the first Action Plan.

LRRD

Disaster preparedness is an important part of DG ECHO’s strategy in the Central Asia region, particularly in Tajikistan, as the phase-out of DG ECHO’s humanitarian activities continues throughout 2005 and 2006. Disaster preparedness has a significant role to play in supporting the LRRD process in Tajikistan. DG ECHO is continuing to work on raising awareness of natural disaster risk management issues within DG External Relations and EuropeAid. However, more needs to be done to integrate disaster preparedness and prevention into programming and development policies.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

2 500 000 | 2 469 715 | 1 534 857 |

Mediterranean and Middle East

Algeria – Sahrawi refugees

Humanitarian needs

Sahrawi refugees live in the desert in South West Algeria. Some of them have been there since 1975. The Sahrawi refugees are victims of a forgotten crisis necessitating the constant attention of the international community, and DG ECHO in particular, for their many needs. DG ECHO projects have already started to improve the provision of running water (Smara camp). Basic food items and a varied diet need to be guaranteed on a continuous basis. Hygiene conditions need to be improved. Medicines must be supplied and stocks need to be replenished. It is also important to provide new trucks for the transport and distribution of aid in the camps so that the goods can be delivered in satisfactory conditions. Ways of monitoring operations more closely were explored and a study was conducted on solving the transport problem. In addition to classic humanitarian aid, DG ECHO is encouraging self-support projects.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

Funding decisions adopted in December 2003 (€ 5.14 million) and July 2004 (€ 8 million) in favour of the Sahrawi refugees will make it possible to provide more than 20 000 tonnes of basic food. The replenishment of security stocks financed by DG ECHO since 2001 will mean that the bottom line of 2 100 kcal per person per month, recommended by the WHO, will be reached. Due to the limited transport capacity DG ECHO could not deliver fresh products that were supposed to be bought at the regional market. Other donors have, however, partly covered these needs. The rehabilitation of the poultry farm, intended to provide eggs and help supply fresh products, was not yet finished at the end of 2004. Over this period, the projects to ensure direct access to drinking water for 39 000 refugees in the Smara camp were still running. Enough medicines were delivered to fulfil the needs identified up till the end of 2005.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

8 000 000 | 7 820 000 | 6 190 000 |

Morocco

The primary emergency aid decision granting €975 000 for the victims of the d’Al Hoceima earthquake in February 2004 responded to the most urgent needs for drinking water, hygiene kits, medical first aid and temporary shelter. Because of the ambitious reconstruction programme put in place by the Moroccan authorities, no second funding decision is deemed necessary.

Occupied Palestinian Territories (West Bank and Gaza Strip), Lebanon, Jordan and Syria

Humanitarian needs

No progress was made on implementing the “road map” in 2004, which was the fourth consecutive year of conflict in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The underlying cause of the deteriorating humanitarian situation remained unchanged: restrictions on access and the freedom of movement. Over 700 checkpoints, road blocks and movement restrictions imposed by Israel remained in place. Israel kept the Gaza Strip completely closed and continued to demolish houses and to build a barrier inside the West Bank which, in July, the International Court of Justice ruled illegal. The humanitarian cost of the occupation was again borne by the international community. Israel’s plan for unilateral disengagement from Gaza, scheduled by the end of 2005, dominated the political debate during 2004 until the death of Yassir Arafat in November.

47% of the 3.8 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip lived on less than €2 per day, 16% in deep poverty (a quarter of the Gaza population). 70% of the population was food insecure or in danger of becoming so. Scarcity of and access to potable water in the West Bank remained a major concern. Demand for blood transfusions soared by 178% and infant mortality has crept up over the last four years. Bacterial contamination of piped water has increased by 39% in some areas. 48% of Palestinian children reported personal experience of conflict-related violence or have witnessed violence against a member of their family, while the number of patients receiving mental health treatment has climbed by 38% since 2000. At the end of the year the UN launched a $302 million appeal to cover the anticipated humanitarian needs for 2005. As in previous years, vulnerable Palestinians in Jordan, Syria and, particularly, Lebanon were also indirectly affected.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

DG ECHO made available €37.35 million - including €7.9 million in response to the $305 million UN appeal for 2004 - for humanitarian operations benefiting Palestinians in the occupied territories as well as in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Funds were allocated with the adoption of four funding decisions in March, May, August and December. This increase over the initial indicative allocation of €35 million was required in order to respond to unforeseen needs generated by demolitions of homes in the Gaza Strip. The bulk of the funds (€29.31 million) went to operations in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, while €5.14 million and €0.55 million was spent in Lebanon and Jordan respectively – including measures in favour of some 1 500 refugees from the Iraq war. Some 37 UN, NGO and Red Cross implementing partners were selected. In the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, some 850 000 people were provided with food and 175 000 with water and sanitation assistance. Some 50 000 individuals were provided with temporary job opportunities, indirectly benefiting around 300 000 people. Means of transport were provided so that health personnel could reach adversely affected communities, medicines were distributed and at least 80 000 people received health and psychosocial support. Protection activities run by the ICRC were funded and support was given for closer NGO coordination. Some 20 000 people whose homes were demolished in the Gaza Strip received emergency relief or temporary accommodation. In Lebanon the Palestinian Red Crescent Society was provided with medicines and medical supplies to cover 50% of its annual requirements. Services to disabled persons, the elderly and children were funded, as well as water and sanitation measures benefiting some 60 000 refugees from Palestine in both official camps and unofficial gatherings. Protection activities, in particular for unidentified refugees. were also supported. More than 4 000 Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria benefited from shelter rehabilitation. Assistance was also provided to refugees from Iraq housed in camps in Jordan and in no-man’s land between Jordan and Iraq.

LRRD

The overall political context, as well as the lack of a country strategy paper, means that currently LRRD is not an option for the occupied Palestinian territories. However, full coordination was ensured with more development-oriented instruments managed by other European Commission departments, particularly in the food and health sectors. Consistency and complementarity with operations in favour of Palestinian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria funded under other budget lines were also ensured.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

37 350 000 | 26 771 349 | 18 530 645 |

Yemen

Humanitarian needs

Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the world with large pockets of forgotten humanitarian needs. At a rate of 3.5%, Yemen's population is growing faster than the country can provide for. Food security remains precarious. Malnutrition stands at 33%. Less than 69% of the population have access to potable water. This rate is as low as 32% in rural areas, where less than 25% of the population has access to health services. Child mortality before the age of 5 is nearly 10%. Malaria afflicts 15% of the population and kills 15 000 a year. Pockets of high vulnerability exist, in particular among remote and rural populations, marginalised ethnic communities, women and children. Throughout 2004, an influx of some 150 refugees a day kept on swelling the ranks of the 70 000 refugees already present, mainly from the Horn of Africa. Unofficial figures are much higher.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

A decision adopted in December 2003 mobilised €2 million to finance humanitarian activities throughout 2004. The main objective of these operations was to improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations, focusing on basic human needs for access to potable water and to primary healthcare. Two complete water supply networks along with 50 wells and 17 health units, six health centres, three referral hospitals and one maternal and child health (MCH) centre were rehabilitated or constructed. In a country with a fertility rate of 6.2, women and their children received particular attention and education through better and closer access to neonatal care. These measures are reaching out to 148 000 beneficiaries living in remote rural regions that receive less support from other donors. A training component was systematically introduced in all operations to maximise sustainability and capacity-building. DG ECHO only supported operations actively committed to community involvement and ownership.

In December 2004 a new financial decision granting €2.53 million was adopted which again places strong emphasis on water and sanitation. Child protection, as well as activities in support of vulnerable populations such as the Akdham communities and the ongoing influx of refugees, will also be funded. With a view to developing a comprehensive strategy for Yemen, a DG ECHO needs assessment mission in October 2004 concluded that Yemen remains a country with forgotten needs and with pockets of high vulnerability including in particular women, children and ethnic groups who continue to depend on targeted assistance and protection. DG ECHO funding remained necessary, appropriate and timely to address continuing and new humanitarian needs, to focus on the priority sectors of health and water and sanitation, to support refugees, to provide protection (for children), to strengthen rehabilitation, to include disaster preparedness and, finally, to promote LRRD.

LRRD

DG ECHO has been seeking to foster an effective LRRD process in Yemen. To this end, it has identified synergies effectively with key agencies such as UNICEF and UNHCR. Optimal coordination with DG External Relations and EuropeAid instruments, in particular through the European Commission Delegation in Amman and now also in Sana'a, should maximise the impact of the budget commitments. Sectors where LRRD has firm prospects are health, including training and family planning, water management and disaster preparedness.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

2 530 000 | 1 308 596 | 0 |

Asia

Afghanistan (including Pakistan and Iran)

Humanitarian needs

A number of factors helped to alleviate the high levels of suffering of previous years and to reduce somewhat the level of humanitarian needs in 2004. In particular, the drought that had afflicted much of the country for the previous four years came to an end, thus reducing food insecurity; and increasing levels of longer-term international assistance came on stream, focused on building up the capacity of the government to deliver key public services, including health. Afghanistan is a generally dry country, especially in the south, and water supply and sanitation systems were seriously damaged during the long civil war. Drinking water quality is a serious problem, creating a need to focus on the rehabilitation of damaged water supply structures and the construction of new ones, together with hygiene education. The main constraint on the delivery of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan is lack of access on account of the security situation. The insecurity stems partly from inter-factional fighting (which prevents access) and partly from the specific targeting of humanitarian agencies by certain groups. Following the killing of a number of expatriate MSF (Médecins sans frontières) staff in Badghis in the summer, partners had to interrupt some of their activities and were forced to administer projects by “remote control” for a while.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

DG ECHO’s strategy for 2004 was based on maintaining the sustainability of the return of refugees and IDPs, enabling them to reintegrate successfully in their new areas and thus preventing further displacements; aiding victims of the drought in the south of the country; funding protection activities for vulnerable population groups; and supporting the delivery of humanitarian operations through an NGO security office and subsidised humanitarian flights. The priority sectors for DG ECHO were livelihood security, improved water and sanitation, irrigation, shelter and legal protection. The activities funded in these sectors included cash-for-work schemes, the rehabilitation of damaged irrigation and sanitation structures, the construction of shelters, legal protection and some targeting of specific health needs.

DG ECHO funded €35 million of humanitarian aid in Afghanistan through a global plan designed to cover the whole year. An initial allocation was made in February, with about €5 million kept in reserve for later in the year in the hope of being able to operate in the south west of the country, which has received virtually no funding because of the poor security situation. Projects were supported taking into account the following factors: the possibilities for hand-over to DG External Relations and EuropeAid; gender issues, in the heavily male-dominated Afghan society; the safety and security of aid workers; the need to contribute to capacity-building by working with local NGOs; and the opportunity for cooperation with the national government. In relation to this latter point, DG ECHO was fully involved in the government-led Consultative Group process, whilst insisting on the political independence and neutrality of humanitarian aid.

LRRD

Close coordination is maintained on LRRD matters between DG ECHO and DG External Relations and EuropeAid, with a view to ensuring the mutual compatibility of their programmes and a handover wherever possible. DG ECHO has phased out of mine clearance activities and has been progressively withdrawing from the health sector. Participation in the Consultative Group process, where all major donors are present, is of great value in helping to identify handover opportunities.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

35 160 000 | 34 644 230 | 21 084 000 |

Bangladesh

Humanitarian needs

Bangladesh is one of the poorest countries in the world, with 75% of its people dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Since it is mostly an alluvial plain with several large rivers, torrential rains between July and September cause flooding each year which affects a large proportion of the population. The 2004 monsoon floods were particularly severe and hit 5 million people directly, with a further 5 million likely to be affected by post-flood problems. With land at a premium in this densely populated country, land disputes led to an outbreak of inter-ethnic violence in the Chittagong hill tracts, next to the Burmese border, which left over 400 families in nine villages homeless and with no access to basic services, shelter or a livelihood.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

DG ECHO funded rehabilitation in the Chittagong hill tracts to stabilise the area. An emergency decision covering Bangladesh and the Indian states of Bihar and Assam responded to the July 2004 monsoon floods. A second decision was taken following further floods after the very heavy monsoon rains in September 2004. This was aimed at post-flood recovery and rehabilitation for those worst affected, particularly migrant farmers who rely on seasonal work which disappears when crops are destroyed.

DG ECHO and DG External Relations desk officers in Brussels are coordinating their activities with the aim of ensuring a follow-up when the current series of funding agreements comes to an end.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

5 762 000 | 5 657 028 | 3 809 622 |

Burma/Myanmar

Humanitarian needs

Since 1962 Burma has been ruled by a military dictatorship. Forced village relocations and ongoing armed resistance by ethnic minorities have led to an exodus of 160 000 refugees in recent years, of whom 140 000 are in Thailand and 20 000 in Bangladesh. In the border states and divisions adjoining Thailand there are also an estimated 525 000 IDPs, 75 000 of whom live in relocation sites under the control of the government, with the other 450 000 in hiding or in temporary shelters. Burma’s position in the health and water and sanitation sectors is abysmal. The under-five mortality rate is 108 per 1 000 live births and over 35% of the under-fives are underweight. The main causes of premature death are malaria, HIV/AIDS (between 500 000 and 1 million people are estimated to be HIV positive), acute respiratory infections and diarrhoeal diseases (only 66% of rural populations have access to safe water and 57% to safe sanitation). Because of the political situation, in October 2004 the Council further tightened the EU common position and the Regulation renewing sanctions against Burma. Under the revised EU common position non-humanitarian programmes remain suspended, with certain exceptions. Since other countries are reluctant to become involved, the official development assistance per capita is only around €2/person.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

In 2004 DG ECHO’s activities in Burma were based on three main sectors: health (including nutrition), water and sanitation and protection. In the health sector activities continued to focus on malaria control programmes, since malaria is the largest single cause of death among children under five: over 150 000 people were treated for malaria through projects funded by DG ECHO. In the water and sanitation sector the aim was to improve access to drinking water and to reduce the level of water-borne diseases, such as diarrhoea, and chronic malnutrition. This was complemented by targeted nutrition programmes which treated over 2 900 severely malnourished children and women. DG ECHO also funded activities to protect civilians and prisoners through the work of the ICRC.

DG ECHO gave priority to the highly vulnerable border groups, notably those living in remote rural areas on the borders with Bangladesh, India, China and Thailand, those lacking access to basic social services or those discriminated against by the central authorities on ethnic grounds (Mon and Karen minorities opposed to the military junta) or religious grounds (the Muslim Rakhine in Northern Rakhine State). In 2004 DG ECHO took two funding decisions for Burma/Myanmar granting a total of €8.17 million. These cleared the way to provide health services to over 380 000 people, with another 70 000 obtaining improved water and sanitation facilities and 48 200 detainees benefiting from ICRC protection.

LRRD

Given the current EU common position, LRRD cannot be applied in Burma/Myanmar, but good coordination exists with the budget line for uprooted peoples to complement these activities and avoid duplication.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

8 070 000 | 4 790 000 | 1 832 500 |

Cambodia

Humanitarian needs

Cambodia has the highest rate of infant and child mortality in South East Asia, which has led the WHO to describe the situation as a child survival crisis. Lack of access to safe water is one of the factors contributing to an infant mortality rate of 98 per 1 000 live births and an under-five mortality of 124 per 1 000 live births. The regions where most of the population is indigenous (Mondolkiri and Rotanokiri) and those which were under Khmer control until 1999 (Oddar Meanchey and Pailin) are particularly vulnerable.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

DG ECHO supported UNICEF’s immunisation campaigns that vaccinated 60 000 children. In addition, 300 000 children received adequate doses of vitamin A and were de-wormed with mebendazole. These activities aimed to reduce mortality, morbidity and malnutrition rates and were backed up by awareness sessions on key health practices for pregnant women and nursing mothers. An early diagnosis and treatment system for malaria was put in place, covering the entire population at risk in the Pailin province. Other health projects included support for basic public health services and community health education in Stung Treng, Oddar Meanchey, in Rotanokiri and Mondolkiri.

57 000 people were given improved access to safe water and sanitation in the provinces of Kampong Cham, Oddar Meanchey, Stung Treng, Kampong Thom and Mondolkiri. Projects included the construction and rehabilitation of ponds and wells, the construction of family latrines, the distribution of water storage recipients and filters, and training in hygiene practices. These activities were supplemented by small-scale food security projects in Oddar Meanchey and by mine clearance and mine risk education campaigns in the same province and in Pailin.

LRRD

During 2004 DG ECHO continued its phase-out from Cambodia. At the end of the year DG ECHO finished its support to health projects in Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri, Oddar Meachey and Pailin, where development programmes have now taken over. Anti-mine operations are now limited to the activities accompanying water and sanitation projects in Pailin and Oddar Meanchay. In Oddar Meachey food security projects are now handled by medium term programmes.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

3 500 000 | 3 500 000 | 2 403 883 |

China

Humanitarian needs

Despite economic growth of 9.5% in 2004, large proportions of the population remain vulnerable to natural disasters. Hundreds of millions are affected by floods and other disasters every year which exceed the self-help capacity of the country and which require humanitarian aid. Generally the areas in which DG ECHO’s partners work receive no aid from Chinese agencies. Since May 2004 southern China has been repeatedly hit by floods, flash floods and landslides, with 14 million people affected and 95 000 homes destroyed. The provinces of Chongqing, Guanxhi and Hunan have been worst hit.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

DG ECHO responded with water and sanitation projects implemented through the IFRC and its local counterpart, the Chinese Red Cross. A project targeting 59 000 people was launched in December 2004. Projects launched in 2003 also helped more than 70 000 people in southern China.

LRRD

Apart from close coordination with the Chinese authorities, the EC Delegation and DG External Relations, no particular linking is necessary, as DG ECHO continues to limit its activities to occasional operations for limited periods.

Decisions | Contracts | Payments |

2 000 000 | 1 995 565 | 1 599 652 |

East Timor

Humanitarian needs

A series of nutritional assessments carried out during 2004 showed a prevalence of acute malnutrition ranging from 12% to 18% in most of the rural areas of Timor-Leste – this is above the emergency thresholds. In addition, an assessment funded by DG ECHO in the west of the country showed that vaccination coverage, including measles vaccination, is well below international standards.

Humanitarian objectives and achievements

DG ECHO focused on addressing nutritional needs through an integrated response, including nutritional care for acutely malnourished children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, and distribution of food, seeds and fertilizers. 110 000 people in the western districts of the country benefited. The plan is to extend the operation to the centre and east of the country in 2005, together with a catch-up vaccination campaign.

LRRD

The short-term humanitarian response to the nutritional crisis in East Timor needs to be followed up by long-term measures to