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Iraq: Humanitarian situation report 10 Apr 2003


Internally Displaced People (IDPs)

Projected Humanitarian Needs

3 million people (1 million in the North and 2 million in the Central and Southern regions) could be newly displaced within Iraq, in addition to an estimated 800,000 existing IDPs (700,000 in the North and 100,000 in the Central and South regions).

Of the 2 million IDPs anticipated in the Central and Southern regions, 25% are expected to require shelter assistance in tent camps, 25% will seek shelter in existing structures and 50% will find shelter within their extended family structures.

Present Situation

On 6 April UNOPS carried out a survey the new caseload of IDPs in 428 locations throughout the three northern governorates. Results show that out of 266,018 IDPs identified, 188,924 (71%) are in Dahuk, 50,036 (19%) in Erbil, and 27,058 (10%) in Sulaymaniyah. Throughout the three governorates some 89% of the new IDPs are currently staying in host families, just under 10% in public buildings and around 1% in the open. As security is deteriorating in Dahuk, the number of new IDP is increasing whereas in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah the numbers are decreasing.

According to the HOC, there are no significant numbers of IDPs in areas controlled by the coalition

ICRC attributes the low numbers of IDPs and refugees to the uncertain/volatile security situation around Baghdad and main towns and to the continued availability of drinking water and food.

The uncertainty of developments in northern Iraq, including Turkish military movements and fear of attack from Saddam Hussein, is leading to significant people movements both to and from their homes.

A UNOPS survey revealed that a total of 300,000 IDPs fled their homes throughout the three northern governorates. 90% of those people originate from Erbil governorate, while 5% require assistance. However, the vast majority of IDPs have declined registration.

IDPs fled from Kirkuk to Arbil and Sulaymaniyah governorates, while the movement of the population of Arbil city toward Shaqlawa and Soran is increasing. People have also left Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk cities over the past few days. The largest population movements are in the Dahuk area, where an estimated 85 percent of the city [population 120,000] has moved to villages east of the city. It was estimated that 90 percent of the IDPs were staying with relatives and were not in need of immediate assistance. (21 March 2003)

People are now returning to major urban centres in the North and economic activity is increasing, although this return is slowing down. Increased insecurity in the three northern governorates, however, could lead to further population displacement (30 March 2003).

In Erbil, the deployment of coalition forces has reportedly led to population displacement towards outlying villages (3 April 2003).

5,000 IDPs crossing the Government of Iraq dividing line with the Kurdish controlled Northern governorates have been registered in northern Iraq since 13 March. Checkpoints on the Iraqi side have been closed since 19 March and the number of people crossing has declined.

There are reports of displaced people gathered near the borders with Iran (approximately 22,000) and Syria (numbers unknown). Assessments of both areas will be undertaken by both NGOs and the UN.

Local authorities, the ICRC, UN agencies and NGOs continue to provide assistance to the population in need. Fuel, medicine, drinking water and sanitation services are in shortage.

ICRC reports that population movements in Baghdad have increased, possibly due to the bombardment and the breakdown in the telephone network affecting family communications (3 April 2003).

An estimated 30,000 IDPs are currently hosted by relatives 5 km from the Iran-Iraq border. A further 10,000 IDPs are estimated to have left Baghdad and are in Badre, 10 km from the border. There are also reports of small groups seeking assistance in Umm Qasr, Basrah, Najaf and Nasiriyah.

Response

UN Agencies

The UN Operations & Project Services agency (UNOPS) will coordinate IDP relief in the three northern governorates currently outside Baghdad's control and temporary shelter for IDPs throughout the country. Habitat, the UN housing agency, will coordinate durable shelter assistance for IDPs nationwide.

IOM is taking the lead role in assisting an estimated 3 million IDPs in Iraq in the Centre and South, including the coordination of camp management, registration and return transportation. IOM will coordinate management of assistance to 1 million IDPs not accommodated in extended family structures and will secure Non-Food Items (NFIs) to directly assist 500,000 IDPs. Additional requirements for IDP assistance will be covered by other UN agencies and NGOs.

UNICEF is positioning hygiene supplies and water purification units for 300,000 IDPs.

ICRC/IFRC/National Red Crescent Societies

ICRC has prepositioned supplies for an initial 150,000 IDPs and could increase capacity to cater for up to 500,000 IDPs.

ICRC teams are continuing daily assessment of the living conditions of IDPs in Northern Iraq and emergency assistance is delivered to those in need.

Non Government Organisations

Coalition Forces

While displaced people will be a major issue, planning appears on track. IDPs from urban areas pose the greatest concern. Outflows will be exacerbated by military deployments and conflict in urban areas, which could also lead to difficulties in access. Use of WMDs would also impact dramatically on refugee flows. Some reports indicate that facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan are ill-equipped to cater to the numbers of Iraqis fleeing into the northern governorates. Lack of implementing partners in the South and Centre will be a constraint in responding to IDPs.

Neighbouring countries are assisting agencies in preparing relief activities, including establishing camps, but concerns remain whether countries will open their borders. If projected flows eventuate substantial additional assistance will be required.

Analysis

While displaced people will be a major issue, planning appears on track. IDPs from urban areas pose the greatest concern. Outflows will be exacerbated by military deployments and conflict in urban areas, which could also lead to difficulties in access. Use of WMDs would also impact dramatically on refugee flows. Some reports indicate that facilities in Iraqi Kurdistan are ill-equipped to cater to the numbers of Iraqis fleeing into the northern governorates. Lack of implementing partners in the South and Centre will be a constraint in responding to IDPs.

Refugees and Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

Projected Humanitarian Needs

It is predicted that if conflict is prolonged up to 600,000 refugees could attempt to reach neighbouring countries (UN). UNHCR expects most of the refugees to come from south Iraq as Iraqi Kurds have autonomy in North Iraq protected by U.S. and British forces. It is forecast that about half will go to Iran, and the rest to Turkey, Syria and Jordan (UNHCR).

An estimated 70,000 TCNs were in Iraq before the conflict.

Present Situation

Refugees

No major refugee influx has yet been reported in any of the neighbouring countries. UN agencies working closely with the government counterparts are in a state of readiness should such an influx occur. Reception centres and refugee camps are either already established or in the final stages of preparation.

There is continuing level of uncertainty on possible people movement. Although refugee numbers are low at this time, military activity, including actions in the Kurdish areas of northern Iraq, may lead to further outflows.

Iran: Border currently closed. However, the Iranian Government has agreed to allow the U.N., Red Crescent, Red Cross and other international agencies to use Iranian soil to transfer assistance for up to 200,000 refugees in 10 buffer zone camps immediately inside the northwestern, western and southwestern borders to Iraq. 22,000 Iraqi Kurds have gathered close to the borders of Iran but have not made any attempt to cross (25 March 2003).

The UNHCR is preparing four camp sites in south-western Iran to deal with an expected 60,000 refugees. The Iranian refugee agency has started site preparation at three out of 10 sites each suitable to take up to 20,000 refugees.

The HOC reported that there were 5000 temporarily displaced persons near Zubair in southern Iraq, and the UK military are delivering aid.

There have been no confirmed arrivals. However, would be asylum seekers have been reported at several border areas, UNHCR Iran is monitoring the situation.

BAFIA informed humanitarian partners that Iraqi troops around the town of Khanaqin, which is across Khosravi, are making preparations for possible withdrawal. The town has a population of about 80,000, which could seek refuge in Iran once the troops leave for Baghdad.

Given the status of the current conflict, UNHCR is expecting that any refugee flow from the south of Iraq to Iran will be minimal. However, a flow may still occur from Basra where the conflict continues.

IOM evacuated 144 Sudanese nationals from the Iran - Iraq border, on 31 March.

Jordan: An estimated 6000 Iraqi nationals have returned to Iraq from Jordan with the assistance of the Iraqi Embassy. The UNHCR camp, established to cater for 5,000 refugees, has no Iraqi nationals registered at this time.

Two Iraqis and nine Palestinians have been admitted to Jordan following UNHCR high-level demarches with the Government of Jordan.

Turkey: Agreed to the establishment of camps with Turkish Red Crescent Society, catering for up to 18,000 refugees. No Iraqi nationals have been registered at this time.

Syria: Syria reopened its border on 20 March. Camps have capacity for 60,000 refugees. 14 refugees arrived at El Hol camp.

Many Iraqis continue to cross the border, but are not seeking refugee status. 20 to 30 refugees crossed to Syria 27 March.

In Damascus UNHCR has registered some 1300 Iraqi asylum seekers since 01/01/03, a 200 % increase compared to the same period last year. Large numbers of Iraqis continue to approach UNHCR's Damascus office in Syria seeking temporary protection letters. All had apparently been in Syria for some time, and were approaching UNHCR to register or to update their registration. None were seeking any UNHCR assistance and they appear to be integrated within the local population. The reasons for departure range from fear of war, or of being forced to serve in the military and paramilitary forces, and deteriorating living conditions.

A group of 116 Third Country Nationals (TCNs) fleeing Iraq, mostly Sudanese, arrived at the Syria - Iraq border and will stay in El Heri camp at Abu Kama awaiting repatriation. 60 other Sudanese without travel documents remain on the Iraqi side.

Kuwait: The civilian border crossing is closed except to ICRC.

Saudi Arabia: No influx of refugees has been noted in Saudi Arabia. Third Country Nationals continue to transit Saudi Arabia from Kuwait.

Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

Jordan: Nearly half of the displaced people entering Jordan could be TCNs, including Sudanese, Egyptian, Somali and Asian labourers seeking passage to their home countries through Jordan.

1069 TCNs have transited through the Ruwashed Camp, 872 have returned home, 197 remain in the camp.

Syria: 48 TCNs have transited through Syria, 39 have returned home, 9 remain in the camps.

The UNHCR and IOM have started deploying staff at sites along the Syria-Iraq border which will be equipped with transit areas to receive TCNs and refugees or asylum seekers who cross the border from Iraq. Subsequently IOM will move them to the 12,000-capacity El Hol refugee camp, where TCNs will be supported by IOM and the IFRC in a separate part of the camp.

Response

UN Agencies

UNHCR is planning for a caseload of 600,000 refugees. UNHCR has prepositioned winter kits, including shelter material, for 300,000 people and plans to have supplies for more than 350,000 prepositioned by the end of March/beginning of April. Supplies are being pre-positioned around the region, including Iskenderun, Turkey, Kermanshah, Iran, and Aqaba, Jordan. UNHCR is identifying sites to host refugees and asylum seekers and transit facilities for third country nationals.

IOM anticipates providing return transportation assistance to approximately 500,000 IDPs. IOM is also planning to provide support for transit and return home for up to 70,000 third country nationals (TCNs) fleeing Iraq into neighbouring countries. Most of them are expected to exit via Jordan, and to return to Egypt, Sudan and Eritrea. Responsible for the establishment, care and maintenance of TCN transit facilities in Jordan. Also planning to provide transportation for some 205,000 refugees from border areas to designated camps in neighbouring countries.

ICRC/IFRC/National Red Crescent Societies

The International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent, together with the national Red Crescent societies in the region, have stockpiles for 300,000 displaced people in Iraq's six neighbouring countries. The region's Red Crescent societies have good domestic networks and operational capacity.

Non Government Organisations

Coalition Forces

Analysis

Neighbouring countries are assisting agencies in preparing relief activities, including establishing camps, but concerns remain whether countries will open their borders. If projected flows eventuate substantial additional assistance will be required.

Health

Projected Humanitarian Needs

Up to 5 million people could be at risk of malnutrition, with 1.5 million at high risk (CARE). Measles and diarrhoea are major dangers, particularly if water and sewage works are disrupted and large numbers are forced from their homes.

Present Situation

There are no reports of any infectious disease outbreaks throughout Iraq. Despite an increase workload, hospitals in central and southern Iraq are coping. Water shortage is the major constraint.

WHO reports that in Iraq, more than 600 000 are diabetics and 10% of them are believed to be insulin-dependant. Access to health care and drugs is getting increasingly difficult as stocks currently cannot be replenished.

Emergency health kits are in place to serve 1.5 million people in Iraq and 380,000 in surrounding countries for a three-month period. Additional supplies sufficient to provide for 1.6 million people are in the pipeline. Trauma kits to cover 9,600 hospital operations are in the region or on immediate call. Cholera kits for 19,000 cases are available on call as needed. Large quantities of oral re-hydration salts are pre-positioned. Vaccines, drugs and supplies for emergency reproductive health and drugs for the treatment of chronic diseases are also available in Iraq and in neighbouring countries.

Two convoys have crossed into southern Iraq from Jordan, one an Arab delegation with medical personnel and 70 metric tonnes medical supplies, the other a Jordanian convoy with 60 metric tonnes medicines.

Baghdad: ICRC has reported that hospital resources in Baghdad are stretched to the limit treating continuous inflows of hundreds of casualties (6 April 2003). In Baghdad, most hospitals and water installations are now powered for most of the time by back-up generators. ICRC reports great concern for the short-term medical and water support requirements for hospitals in the southern towns of Baghdad Governorate and in the surgical hospitals of Hilla, Kerbala and Al Anbar. (7 April 2003)

According to ICRC reports, the situation in Baghdad is critical, due to increased fighting in the central areas. Hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of war-wounded. Numerous medical facilities no longer have water and electricity supply. ICRC delivered medical supplies, generators and water to hospitals it was able to reach.(10 April)

Al Nassiriya: In Al Nassiriya all hospitals have closed.

Response

UN Agencies

WHO has prepositioned emergency health kits in Jordan and Iran to support primary health care for 240,000 people for three months and is planning to preposition supplies for up to one million people. WHO is pre-positioning 5 cholera kits to Kuwait for 50,000 beneficiaries.

UNICEF has prepositioned supplies inside Iraq to meet health, nutrition and other emergency needs, including health kits for 1.8 million children and milk and food supplies for hospitals and child care centres. It is preparing to assist 160,000 beneficiaries in neighbouring countries, including refugees. It is also conducting a national polio and measles immunisation campaign for children in Iraq. February's measles inoculation campaign, which targeted children under five, is being expanded to cover those up to the age of 12 - another three million children - by the end of March.

In the northern governorates WHO and UNICEF organised with the local authorities 20 multi-purpose mobile health teams for assessment and immunization outreach. Following shortages of medicine in the area, WHO is speeding up outstanding orders for medical supplies under the OFFP. WHO supplied two months allocation of medicines and medical supplies to 28 health centres in Koya district as part of its normal distribution. Additional supplies of medicines & medical supplies were distributed to emergency hospitals.

ICRC/IFRC/National Red Crescent Societies

ICRC has prepositioned kits for treatment of an initial 7000 war casualties in Iraqi hospitals.

ICRC is pre-positioning cholera kits to Kuwait and Amman.

Non Government Organisations

MSF staff is supporting the 250-bed al-Kindi General Hospital in northeast Baghdad, where emergency injured are treated. Until now, the hospital has been able to cope with the needs. MSF donated surgical equipment, antibiotics, I.V. fluids and an emergency kit for 150 injured.

Coalition Forces

US is prepositioning health, shelter and other supplies for one million people in warehouses in neighbouring countries.

Analysis

Health needs are likely to be critical given current nutrition and health indicators and probable major disruption to health services. Nutrition, primary health and maternal and child health will be key needs. Existing hospital capacity is limited as is availability of medicine and other medical supplies. UNICEF and WHO will be the lead agencies and ICRC’s role will also be critical.

Water and Sanitation

Projected Humanitarian Needs

Iraq suffers from insufficient and contaminated water supplies. Shortages of fuel and power in urban areas are likely to shut down water and sewage treatment plants. Up to half the population could be without access to potable water. Collapse of essential infrastructure aggravated by potential disruption of the food distribution system would increase the threat of epidemics.

Present Situation

WHO has estimated that around 1.5 million people in southern Iraq lack access to clean water.

ICRC received reports of severe shortage of water in Ninewa, Al Anbar, Kerbala, Dhi Qar and Wassit governorates due to power failure, reduction of supply to water treatment plants or hostilities. There have been no reports of water-borne disease outbreaks.

ICRC, UNICEF and coalition forces are distributing water and medical supplies from Kuwait to southern Iraq.

Al Anbar: Anbar province has been without electricity since 29 March, when two major electricity substations were damaged during hostilities. Water supplies have now been re-established (10 April).

Basra: The operation of water treatment facilities in Basra has been disrupted due to failure of the power supply system. WHO has reported an outbreak of diarrhoea in Basra city. Hospitals have had either not enough water or have had to use untreated water (7 April 2003).

ICRC and Iraqi water engineers have managed to partially restart the main water pumping facility serving the city of Basra in southern Iraq.

The ICRC estimates that 50-60 per cent of the city's approximately 1.5 million inhabitants now have access to drinking water. This latest development will also considerably improve the quality of the drinking water available to the people of Basra.

Over the coming days, ICRC engineers, together with the Iraqi technicians, will work on reconnecting the facility to the other three back-up generators using spare parts delivered by ICRC, so that the station can function fully and cover the needs of the city's inhabitants.

British troops began pumping water to southern Iraq on 31 March. The water pipeline from Kuwait into Umm Qasr was extended another 3.5km on 3 April 2003. There is now a limited supply of water and electricity serving Basra.

Back-up generators are providing only a temporary solution. During the next few days, the ICRC hopes to facilitate access for local technicians to repair the high-power voltage lines. (25 March 2003)

Despite improvements in water provision, the ICRC remains concerned about the water and power supply situation in Basra.

Initial testing of the water quality shows high levels of nickel and bacteria. Further tests are needed to establish the contents of chrome and lead. According to ICRC, water facilities are no longer staffed and have been looted.(10 April)

Baghdad: Water systems will be quickly affected due to lack of maintenance of power plants and generators, although fuel for generators is currently still available. Two water treatment plants in Baghdad (Karkh and Saba Nissan) which supply 80 per cent of the city's drinking water are working at 65-70 per cent capacity.

Power supplies to the whole western side of Baghdad have been down since 27 March. ICRC engineers and technicians are seeking to ensure that the city's water treatment plants are powered at least six hours a day by back-up generators.

ICRC reconnected the pumping units and power control system of the water treatment plant serving southern areas of Baghdad, which now operates at 60% of its capacity.

On 29 March a missile hit a factory close to Al Rasheed treatment plant in Baghdad, damaging several buildings inside the plant compound. The ICRC's contractors helped to repair one building housing the back-up generators.

Sewage disposal is poor and represents a major health risk to the population (8 April 2003).

Outside the city, disruption of the power supply from the national electricity grid is affecting water supplies in major towns, including Ramadi, Maymoudiyah and Al Husseinya.

Dahuk: UNOPS is providing 272,100 litres of potable water per day to camps, benefiting a total of 10,884 people.

Response

UN Agencies

UN has stockpiled water and sanitation kits for 300,000 people inside and outside Iraq.

UNICEF in Kuwait is transporting large quantities of water into southern Iraq under private contract.

UNICEF is preparing emergency water supplies for Baghdad. If water distribution collapses completely in Baghdad, UNICEF had pumps and filters to pump water straight from the river Tigris which could help supply around 15 litres each a day (one-twentieth of pre-1990 levels) to the city's inhabitants.

ICRC/IFRC/National Red Crescent Societies

ICRC operates water and sanitation programs in urban areas of Iraq and is continuing these during the conflict.

The ICRC has prepared 1 million plastic water pouches for distribution to hospitals and has prestocked supplies and equipment to maintain urban water and sewage systems. It is also looking at water supply for IDPs.

ICRC teams have visited the main hospitals in Baghdad and continue to monitor key water treatment stations to evaluate the quantity and quality of drinking water supplies. Emergency stocks of drinking water continue to be distributed to poorly supplied suburbs of Baghdad as well as to hospitals and health centres to prepare them for any interruption in the water supply.

Non Government Organisations

CARE is continuing to provide potable water to hospitals and the most vulnerable communities throughout the conflict. It is working with UNDP and WFP to develop a potable water plan for the immediate post conflict period. It has purchased equipment for post-conflict distribution to public health facilities.

Coalition Forces

British military forces are preparing to improve the potable water supplies in Iraq.

A convoy of around 30 US and British military vehicles with emergency water supplies was crossing from Kuwait into Iraq on 26 March heading for Basra.

Analysis

Water and sanitation is a major concern with a highly urbanised population vulnerable from damage to essential infrastructure. CARE and ICRC are well placed to work on potable water supply and should factor heavily in relief activities. Longer term relief and reconstruction costs are likely to be considerable.

Food Security

Projected Humanitarian Needs

Food

Approximately 60% of the population were dependent on government rations for their entire food supply under the U.N. Oil-for-Food program which provided 500,000 tonnes of food every month. Most of the remaining population relied on government rations for a portion of their daily food.

As such, minimising disruption to the OFF program will be critical. The US has acknowledged this and will support efforts to maintain the ration system. Access to and security of warehouse stocks is likely to be an issue during the conflict.

It has been predicted that household food stocks in the central and southern regions will be depleted by 20 April, while stocks in the north will diminish earlier.

UNICEF estimates that more than 2 million Iraqi children will require therapeutic feeding.

Agriculture

Iraq's cereals harvest, mainly wheat and barley, is expected around May/June and FAO officials are very concerned about the impact of a possible war on food production. Barring disruptions to farming caused by conflict, Iraq is expected to have a more or less similar sized crop to 2002 when it produced some 800,000 tonnes of wheat and 600,000 tonnes of barley. Cereal production will be affected by serious shortages of fertilizers, spare parts for agricultural machinery and other agricultural inputs. Lately, Iraq has produced around a quarter of its cereal needs and imported the remainder. (FAO)

Present Situation

Food

The OFF program was suspended on 17 March 2003 due to the withdrawal of all UN personnel from Iraq. The WFP expects at least an 8-10 week break in the OFF pipeline and needs US$300 million a month for deployment of staff and procurement of food.

The Security Council adopted resolution 1472 (2003) on 28 March, by which the Secretary General was given more authority to administer the 'Oil for Food' Programme for a 45-day period in response to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq. The resolution authorises the SG and his representatives to redirect, delay, accelerate or divert shipments of goods, negotiate adjustment or new contracts, utilise funds to ensure the delivery of essential supplies to provide humanitarian relief to the people of Iraq, including refugees.

There are currently USD8.9bn of humanitarian supplies in the program's pipeline, dwarfing any other emergency supplies, and a further USD5bn of contracts have been negotiated but not yet approved.

The United Nations has identified over USD1 billion worth of food and medical supplies that could reach Iraq by mid-May and be distribute by civilians, not the military. The goods were purchased by Iraq from its oil revenues before the war began and administered by the United Nations under the oil-for-food program.

The Iraqi government began on February 10 to distribute rations for June and July to some 12 million people in the centre and south of the country. Rations in the Kurdish region of the north are distributed by the United Nations alone. Food distribution of items procured under the oil for food programme continued in the three northern governorates. WFP is continuing the distribution of the April/May and June/July rations under the oil-for-food program in northern Iraq. WFP staff is monitoring the food distribution to ensure that beneficiaries receive their rations. Beneficiaries enrolled in the nutritional programme also received their supplementary rations. Using the media, the local authorities in the three northern governorates have criticised the UN for not completing food distributions.

Northern Governorates: Sharp price increases for food, vegetables and fuel have been reported throughout the three northern governorates. Non-food items are available at similar prices as before and vegetables are available at reasonable prices, however, the price of bread has almost doubled. In Sulaymaniyah, the price of wheat flour has risen by 90% since commencement of the war.

WFP confirmed that their remaining household food stocks would last between 15 to 25 days (date of report 6 April).

Baghdad: Islamic Relief reports that food, and water supplies are not available in the markets of Baghdad.

Basra: ICRC reports that fresh fruit and vegetables are now available (7 April 2003).

Umm Qasr: UNOCHI has reported the situation in Umm Qasr as stable. The food supply appears to be normal, but there are water and vaccine shortages, which is a situation that pre-dates the war.

Agriculture

FAO reported that the harvesting season in the three northern governorates might be missed due to the crisis.

Response

UN Agencies

WFP has prepositioned food stocks in countries bordering Iraq for 250,000 people for ten weeks, working on an initial anticipated caseload of 900,000. Developing broader planning scenarios covering the needs of up to 9.6 million people, requiring significant financing and procurement. Initial contingency appeal for $23.5 million has so far received pledges of only $11.8 million.

WFP has appointed GOAL as the lead agency for food distribution in the upper and lower south regions.

FAO is ready to help rebuild Iraqi food production and combat the spread of animal diseases after any attack. After previous conflicts, FAO has provided technical assistance to boost food production and prevent the spread of livestock diseases across boundaries.

ICRC/IFRC/National Red Crescent Societies

Non Government Organisations

Coalition Forces

3.5 million daily food rations for civilian distribution (enough to feed no more than 17 per cent of the Iraqi population for perhaps a month after the outbreak of war) are stockpiled and pre-positioned for distribution by US and British forces to provide to meet emergency food needs before the arrival of the WFP and other international and non-governmental agencies.

The US Government has committed an additional 610,000 tonnes of wheat. Part of the wheat in reserve will be exchanged for rice, to vary the Iraqi diet. The Australian Government has committed 100,000 tonnes of wheat.

A seven-truck convoy of Kuwaiti food aid headed north on 26 March for the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.

A British ship carrying 231 tons of food, medicine, blankets and fresh water provided for by the GoK through the Kuwaiti Red Crescent arrived at Umm Qasr on 28 March after British and U.S. minesweepers and Australian Navy divers have cleared a path for it through the northern Gulf.

Analysis

Although there are reports of some stock piles in Iraq, rapid restoration of the OFF program is critical to averting large scale food shortages. WFP and the US have prepositioned some food stocks, although this is unlikely to fully meet needs.

High food prices together with insufficient household food stocks will soon start to have an impact on food security for the most vulnerable.

Overall Relief Planning and Coordination

Projected Humanitarian Needs

Present Situation

ICRC reports that telephone connections to Iraq are deteriorating thus exacerbating the difficulty in gathering reliable information regarding the humanitarian situation.

The scarcity of fuel in Northern Iraq (price increase of 300% in one week) is impacting the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The Coalition reports that military civil affairs teams are conducting assessments in Umm Qasr today. There are plans underway to bring in humanitarian assistance consisting of Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs) and non-food items. The DART team assessment is planned for 26 March but remains to be confirmed. (25 March 2003)

The port facilities in Umm Qasr are operational. However, dredging and de-mining are still to be completed.(10 April)

The US Humanitarian Operations Centre (HOC) in Kuwait has stated that coalition forces intend to open Basra Airport for humanitarian airlifts when security permits (6 April 2003).

The ICRC reported that the first round of visits to POWs has been completed (09 April).

The coalition has banned the use of Thuraya telephones for 'embedded' journalists. The UNSECOORD FSCO in Kuwait has advised humanitarian organisations not to make use of the Thuraya satellite phones, as the satellite signal may be located and misinterpreted by fighting forces and draw fire.

A delegate of the ICRC, Mr Vatche Arslanian, was reportedly killed in Baghdad on 8 April when the vehicles he and other ICRC staff members were travelling in were caught in crossfire. The ICRC has suspended its operations in Baghdad and will assess the situation with a view to deciding its future course of action. In the meantime, ICRC staff based in Erbil and Basra are pursuing their humanitarian activities.(10 April)

The Civil Affairs (CA) Brigade plans to establish three Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Centres (HACC): one within the area of the First Marine Expeditionary Force currently operating in the Baghdad area, one in Nasiriyah and one in Jordan. Once established, these centres are expected to cooperate closely with the US Humanitarian Operations Centre in Kuwait and provide information via a database. CA teams carry cash and are authorized to use it to initiate rapid response projects. CA assessments have not been made available to the humanitarian community.(10 April)

Jordan: The Government of Jordan stated that the borders with Iraq are open for flow of goods. The Jordanian Government is issuing two different security passes for the border crossing point and access to camps. Humanitarian workers must apply for both passes to access the border.

The Amman-Baghdad route is considered unsafe and ICRC is identifying alternative routes to deliver humanitarian supplies.

Kuwait: The civilian border crossing from Kuwait is closed except to ICRC. Government of Kuwait has issued advice (09 April) by which "All International Organisations must follow all procedures necessary to get Humanitarian Aid in to Iraq. GoK must be notified 24 hours in advance to issue approved legal passes. Any late request for an immediate leave will be denied, the requesting agency that attempts to violate or go outside these procedures are responsible for consequences of their own actions."

Turkey: The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has informed that entry of the UN security assessment teams to Iraq from the Harbur border crossing (Silopi) and their re-entry to Turkey is possible. The teams must provide details about identity, travel dates and itinerary as well as a 72-hour notification to the MFA Crisis Management Centre.(10 April)

Iran: Transporters brought to the attention of WFP the fact that the GoI requires Iranian trucks leaving the country to be issued temporary transit number plates. WFP approached BAFIA, which will re-consider this rule to properly respond to the crisis. WFP will follow-up with BAFIA to secure permits for Iranian trucks to enter Iraqi territory.

Following discussions with the Government of Iran, access to the border for humanitarian personnel is now easier, but has to be negotiated in certain areas (e.g. Orumieh). All UN staff will be required to have UN ID cards to cross into Iraq for cross-border operations.

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised a meeting with humanitarian agencies and donors, to discuss cross-border operations. GoI confirmed that UN and NGO personnel, carrying a valid entry visa, have complete freedom of movement within Iran (except for military zones at border areas) and that Iran will do its utmost to cooperate in regards to cross-border access.

Syria: The Government of Syria is expected to coordinate with the Iraqi Ambassador to deliver various humanitarian supplies donated by Arab countries. Only ICRC currently has exemptions for crossborder operations in Syria, but negotiations are ongoing to gain exemptions for all UN agencies as well. (10 April)

Response

UN Agencies

There generally appears to be a good level of UN preparedness and planning is well advanced. UN agencies are positioning themselves in neighbouring countries and OCHA has established a temporary Humanitarian Operations Centre in Larnaca, Cyprus including a Joint Logistics Centre.

Key UN personnel in Iraq, including the Humanitarian Coordinator, have been evacuated to Larnaca. It appears likely however that logistic and field operations will be run primarily out of Amman with overall coordination in Cyprus.

Good coordination systems between UN agencies, and with the Red Cross movement and NGOs have been established.

POW visits will commence today (01/04/03). ICRC is also registering the remaining foreigners and media representatives in Iraq.

ICRC/IFRC/National Red Crescent Societies

Non Government Organisations

There are a large number of NGOs in Jordan. The Jordanian government has instigated an NGO registration system.

Coalition Forces

The US is planning for a number of Disaster Assistance Response (DART) teams to enter Iraq in coordination with military forces to assess humanitarian needs and coordinate US relief efforts.

The US has funded an NGO Preparedness Initiative in Jordan and has indicated its preparedness to play a large role in humanitarian relief efforts.

Umm Qasr: Coalition forces report that the Umm Qasr area is now safe. The coalition forces' Civil Affairs (CA) teams continue to conduct assessment today in the Umm Qasr area. The DART team security component is conducting a security assessment of Umm Qasr today. The DART team may conduct a humanitarian assessment of Um Qasr tomorrow. The UN, however, will conduct independent assessments in accordance with the security evaluation. Any return to Iraq has to be approved by the UNSG.

It will take "several days" for Royal Navy mine hunters to clear a safe path for aid supplies to Umm Qasr. The deep-water port is the best access point for aid.

British soldiers, with advisers from DFID, are ready to begin delivering aid to the 12 distribution points planned in different parts of Iraq under UK control. They already have major supplies, including 10 tankers containing 158,000 litres of water and 75,000 days of rations waiting close to the Kuwaiti border. The water pipeline being built from Kuwait to southern Iraq will be operational by 30 March.

Analysis

The UN system appears generally well prepared and coordinated at present. The UN has received $80 million of the $240 million requested for humanitarian assistance. The US has undertaken to work with the UN and international agencies in delivering humanitarian assistance and has been working with OCHA and other agencies on civil-military cooperation and in developing contingency plans. US-UN coordination may however emerge as an issue post-conflict, given US views on an interim administration.