Examining developments in the world security environment for the year 1998, this annual study explores three main areas; security and conflicts; military spending and armaments, and non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament.

"Although in 1998 there were fewer major armed conflicts than in 1989, world security has not made significant progress since the cold war ended. New concerns are generated by different factors both of an internal and of an international nature. On the one hand, some states, unable to provide basic governance and protection for

This report describes the ethical dilemmas and operational challenges faced by the World Food Programme and its partners in ensuring food assistance to those in need in complex emergencies.

Highlighting the need to combine operational capabilities with careful, continuous analysis and political sensitivity, the report identifies aspects of policy, procedures and practice to which WFP should give further in-depth consideration and attention.

The report is based on previous evaluation reports, field visits and information provided by a large number of WFP

1. Over the past decade, the mandate of aid has been extended significantly. The end of the Cold War brought about far-reaching political changes that culminated in a great rise in civil wars, especially in Africa and the former Soviet Union, as well as a willingness by the international community to promote democratic and peaceful change in those same regions. Thirty years of exploitation, poverty, dictatorship and mismanagement, however - usually with active backing from the same international community, in the name of Cold War politics - has left many

This Guidance is aimed at those involved in the commissioning, design and management of evaluations of humanitarian assistance programmes principally within donor organisations but is also likely to be of use to UN agencies, NGOs and other organisations involved in the provision of humanitarian assistance.

This annual report for 1999-2000 documents humanitarian emergencies arising from major natural disasters and manmade causes, including armed conflict and repressive government policies, as well as sudden economic emergencies and major technological occurrences. Projecting future trends in aid and assistance, topics include:

- Global overview
- Emergencies caused primarily by conflict and government repression
- Potential emergencies
- Humanitarian emergencies caused by natural disasters
- Humanitarian response
- Financing humanitarian assistance

This report examines the protection situation for refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons and minorities in Kosovo, as well as safeguards for the rights of those who have not yet returned. In addition, the role of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees within the overall structure of the UN Interim Administration in Kosovo is assessed.

The product of a mission to Kosovo from 29 July to 2 August 1999, the report builds on the work of a previous mission to Albania in June 1999, assessing the protection needs and problems of the 400,000 Kosovar Albanian refugees in Kosovo.