1. Status of Return
From November 2004 to date, a total of 240,245 IDPs have received their return assistance representing a total of 46,240 families.

2. Field Movement

Figures and Categories	Type of Assistance
43,426 Facilitated by IOM from the 8 November 2004 through 17 March 2005	These IDPs received transport assistance from IOM to thetransit or distribution center closer to their area of return plus secondary transport allowance, plus 2 months initial WFP food rations and non food items
45,279 Returned on their own and also linked to the International Organization of Migration (IOM) facilitated IDPs movement above.	These IDPs received their return assistance, secondary transport allowance, food and non food items through one member of the family while others traveled to their communities of return.
151,540 Accelerated movement phase of the return beginning the 11 of March 2005 through November 18 2005.	This category of IDPs received their primary and secondary transport assistance along with the two months food ration from WFP and NFIs from UNHCR through the agencies implementing partners in the camp.
20,670 Total Vulnerable IDPs moved by IOM	These vulnerable IDP groups were transported to the nearest drop-off point to their destination and provided with secondary transportation allowance, food and non-food items.
240,245 This figure represents IDPs assisted to resettle to their respective communities.	These IDPs have received all their return assistance from the humanitarian community.

3. Movement in Montserrado, Bong and Margibi County IDP Camps

Distribution of resettlement assistance continues for IDPs in Brown's Town IDP Camp. Those IDPs who have received their food are eagerly awaiting their NFIs and cash. Distribution of assistance package was completed at 15th Gate IDP Camp during the reporting period. The Liberian Refugee Repatriation Resettlement Committee (LRRRC) and the camp leadership have begun the environmental clean-up and demolition of huts in the Camp. During the reporting period WFP has completed deregistration of IDPs in Children Homes and Civil Compound IDP Camps. WFP commenced and

completed deregistration for accelerated movement in Bernard's Curve and Freeman Reserve and sensitized IDPs regarding the return process.

Distribution of resettlement assistance has ended at the Morris Farm IDP Camp and IDPs have begun leaving for their areas of return. Resettlement cards are being distributed in Catholic Compound IDP Camp. Registration of vulnerable IDPs at Wilson IDP Camp has been completed. A committee has been established to oversee hut demolition and environmental clean-up within Wilson Camp. LRRRC, NRC and the IDP Unit have agreed to provide a token ($1 US) for each hut that is demolished and cleaned after the departure of IDPs from Wilson Camp. Distribution of food for the accelerated movement commenced in Blamacee IDP Camp during the reporting period.

IDPs from Ricks and Plumkor IDP Camps are receiving their NFI, food and cash payment for the accelerated movement process. There are still backlog cases awaiting travel allowance and food distribution. At Ricks IDP Camp there are issues regarding lost tickets and names claimed to be deleted from the WFP feeding log. Until these issues are resolved by WFP, NRC indicated that they will not provide the transport allowances. At Siegbeh and Sinje-3 IDP Camps there are still some IDPs that are waiting for cash payment.

IOM has continued registration of vulnerable IDPs in Salala IDP Camp in Bong County. As of 18th of November, IOM has registered 2,271 vulnerable IDPs comprising of 303 families.

4. Protection Issues within Montserrado, Bong and Margibi IDP Camps

Health conditions within the camps remain poor as a result of the heavy rains during the rainy season and the absence of health centers and sanitation facilities. MERLIN, who is the health provider in Soul Clinic IDP Camp, has informed the IDP Unit that the clinic in the camp will be closed down from 30th of November due to lack of funding. This issue has been brought to the attention of the IDP Consultative Forum and efforts are being made to determine how to solve the problem. Children under 5 years of age are being given a polio vaccination in Blamacee, Wilson, Jah Tondo, VOA-I and Perry Town IDP Camps.

5. Camp Watch Teams (CWT and LNP), Soul Clinic

In order to increase and co-ordinate security resources during distribution of return assistance, IDP Leaders will select new members for the Camp Watch Team. Screening will be conducted by LNP and OXFAM. LNP will do the training and OXFAM will distribute flash lights, batteries and whistles.

6. Movement of Vulnerable IDPs by IOM

During the reporting period, registration and transport of vulnerable IDPs continued by the International Organization of Migration (IOM). As of 18 November 2005, IOM has registered a total of 27,880 vulnerable IDPs and transported 20,670 to their area of returns.

7. General Situation -- Western Region

The warning signals relating to food security and lack of agricultural activities are increasing. It is very likely that the region will experience food shortages beginning around February. The reasons are; a) WFP scaling-down of feeding programmes (food for work, school feeding); b) lack of agricultural activities and programmes; c) the second food ration will be exhausted; and lack of interest among the communities for agricultural programmes.

The Western Region is known for a large agricultural output; however, the situation is very different now. Before the war, Lofa and Nimba regions were capable of providing enough to provide food for the other regions, and an established trade was conducted between the counties -- this is not the case presently. The Lofa and Nimba regions will continue to experience the heaviest influx of IDPs and other returnees in the coming months and it is unlikely that the regions will be able to meet even their own needs.

Child Protection

The Ballah K. Davis Orphanage in Suehn Mecca District, Bomi County was visited and interviews and reviews were conducted at the facility. The facility is pending accreditation by the government. The major concern voiced by the manager and the children was feeding, lack of clean water and insufficient sanitation. The facility currently houses 79 children between 3 and 17 years of age, there are a total of 51 girls. This is the first of a number of such assessments, which will take place over the next few weeks.

Shelter

The shelter construction project initiated by NRC is ongoing. It is anticipated that the construction of the projected number of shelters would be completed within the three counties (40 each in Gbarpolu and GC Mount and 320 in Bomi) by the end of the year.

SGBV / Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Awareness

The continuation of the SGBV awareness activities was limited to Tubmanburg during the week due to the two meetings held by the stakeholders in observance of the 16 days of activism. Nevertheless, IRC reported three cases of domestic violence that were reported to their office. According to IRC, the GBV Program Manager reported that in Tubmanburg one of the cases is at the Police Station, while the other case will be settled "at home."

On November 16, the Bomi County Police Commander reported 3 rape cases by two unknown men in Gabela Town within Tubmanburg City. The men were suspected to be carrying knives and pistols. An investigation is in progress and the police are searching for the suspects. Health care has been provided and Protection will follow-up on the case to ensure that the girls receive counseling.

The awareness activities which were initiated at the beginning of the month by YES (a local NGO) continue. Plans have been put in place to discuss with AHA the last quarter implementation of HIV/AIDS activities by YES through its community outreach activities. On November 14, an HIV/AIDS counselor training began in Suehn Mecca District. The training involved agencies operating within Bomi County. YES Inc. was selected by the Ministry of Health HIV Focal person to participate in the training.

A discrepancy, however, exists between the expectations created by these types of workshops and the reality in the communities. LNP and the Judicial often claim "incentives" to investigate and prosecute cases regarding SGBV, or as reported in some instances, they receive bribes to drop cases. There are no facilities to test for HIV/AIDS except in Monrovia and condoms are very hard to come by. These realities undermine the community service efforts and the credibility of humanitarian actors working in this sector.

Judicial

The formal opening of the November term of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court took place this week. The following was highlighted by the judge and others present; a) there is a lack of legal practitioners and b) land disputes were highlighted as there seems to be an increase in such cases. The land commissioner and surveyors elaborated on the issue. The court maintained that these cases must be brought before the judge to be settled in order to ensure the legality of titles and claims to avoid future disputes.

NRC monitors reported a land dispute between Kanga and Golodee citizens. Kanga citizens are claiming 4 lots of land in the area between the towns. One case is presently in court awaiting a ruling but the situation is causing increased tension between the communities. A follow-up mission will be conducted to assess the situation.

Food Security

The combination of insufficient agro/food security programmes and the lack of sustainable agricultural activities in the Western Region are of concern.

IDP Unit 19/11/05