Sfr 325.48 million
The conflict that erupted in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia at the end of March 1999, affecting neighbouring countries particularly Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, has ended, with the episodes of violence against the civilian population on the wane. The vast majority of Albanians who fled Kosovo in recent months are now returning home, and concurrently, large numbers of Serbs, Roma and others have decided to leave for Serbia and Montenegro. Consequently, the region has not stabilized and critical political, social, economic and humanitarian issues have still to be addressed. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation) are committed to continuing a wide range of programmes.
The integrated and regional strategy, devised at the outset of the Balkan crisis last March, remains the foundation of the approach and thus combines the international scope of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement with the experience of local structures, namely the National Societies. The integrated operation will enable the Movement to work both inside Yugoslavia and in neighbouring countries, thereby ensuring that while the international community focuses on events in Kosovo, adequate humanitarian responses are equally available throughout the rest of Yugoslavia, Albania and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
In the Movement's initial appeal, launched on 7 April 1999, the possibility that great changes would occur - in what was a very fluid situation - was anticipated. The transformed environment in the Balkans has led to the decision to present a revised integrated appeal, based on new operating assumptions, and hence the need for more financial resources to take the operation through to the end of 1999. Across the region as a whole countless people are in need of assistance and protection in this immediate post-settlement phase. This revised appeal, covering the period from July to December 1999, considers the needs of returning refugees, those still in exile, the displaced and vulnerable groups whose circumstances have worsened due to the crisis. Particular emphasis will be placed on: visiting prisoners; providing support to the families of persons unaccounted for; carrying out protection activities in favour of the civilian population; delivering emergency assistance to displaced persons, returnees, refugees and the socially vulnerable; offering emergency medical supplies and rehabilitating medical and social institutions; strengthening civil society by supporting local Red Cross structures throughout the region.
The integrated appeal of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in response to the situation in the Balkans, for the period April through December 1999 now amounts to Sfr 325.48 million, of which Sfr 182.48 million is in cash. After taking account of donations already received or firmly pledged in cash, kind and services, a further Sfr 120.28 million is sought.