ACT appeal Zambia: Assistance to refugees - AFZA-21

Attachments

• Download Report (PDF | 141.07 KB)

Appeal Target: US$ 1,996,840
Geneva, 14 January 2002

Dear Colleagues,

The security situation in Angola worsened during 2001 contrary to the International community expectations of an improved security and humanitarian situation. UNITA attacks on civilian communities increased from May, 01 when they attacked the town of Caxito resulting in over 60,000 people being displaced. Subsequent attacks followed and in June they attacked Kwanza Norte province forcing over 25,000 people to flee their homes. In Uige UNITA killed over 100 people and a further attack on a passenger train in August left over 200 dead.

Zambia is hosting the majority of refugees from Angola, currently over 82,100 people. These refugees are settled in three camps, Maheba in the North Western Province of the country (55,534), Mayukwayukwa in the Western Province (24,270) and Ukwimi in the eastern part of the country (2,337). As a result of the continuous influx of new arrivals since September of 2000, the government of Zambia provided more land to the UNHCR for settling the increased number of refugees.

On the invitation of the Zambian government, the Lutheran World Federation / World Service has been partnering the UNHCR in looking after refugees since 1966 when the first refugees from Angola were settled in Mayukwayukwa camp. In 1971 as a lead agency for the UNHCR, LWF/WS opened Maheba camp and in 1986 Ukwimi camp this time for the Mozambican refugees in the eastern part of the country. However, Ukwimi was closed in 1994 when the Mozambican successfully repatriated back to Mozambique but recently reopened to take off the load from Maheba and Mayukwayukwa.

In this appeal, LWF / WS will continue carrying out its duties as the UNHCR lead agency in the three camps of Maheba, Mayukwayukwa, and Ukwimi. The ACT funds would also assist to fill in the UN funding gaps for basic services. The proposal contains the following components:

• Camp management
• Food and Non food items distribution
• Shelter and other Infrastructure
• Water & Sanitation
• Social Services
• Refugee Transportation

Project Completion Date: 31 December 2002

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested (US$)

Please kindly send your contributions to the following ACT bank account:

Account Number - 240-432629.60A (USD)
Account Name: ACT - Action by Churches Together
UBS SA
PO Box 2600
1211 Geneva 2
SWITZERLAND

Please also inform the Finance Officer Jessie Kgoroeadira (direct tel. +4122/791.60.38, e-mail address jkg@act-intl.org) of all pledges/contributions and transfers, including funds sent direct to the implementers, now that the Pledge Form is no longer attached to the Appeal.

We would appreciate being informed of any intent to submit applications for EU, USAID and/or other back donor funding and the subsequent results. We thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.

ACT Web Site address: http://www.act-intl.org

ACT is a worldwide network of churches and related agencies meeting human need through coordinated emergency response.

The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.

I. REQUESTING ACT MEMBER INFORMATION

• Lutheran World Federation - Zambia Christian Refugee Service (LWF/ZCRS)

II. IMPLEMENTING AGENCY AND PARTNER INFORMATION

Upon the request of the government of Zambia, The Lutheran World Federation/Zambia Christian Refugee Service (LWF/ZCRS) has been involved in refugee work since 1966. It has an established track record in rendering emergency relief to refugees, management of refugee settlements and voluntary repatriation of refugees to their countries of origin. It was involved in the establishment and management of Mayukwayukwa refugee settlement in 1966, Meheba refugee settlement from 1971 to 1982, returning to Meheba in 1996, and Ukwimi refugee settlement for Mozambican refugees in 1986. LWF/ZCRS was also involved in the successful repatriation of Mozambican refugees in 1994. It is currently the lead-implementing partner in Mayukwayukwa, Meheba and Ukwimi refugee settlements. LWF/ZCRS is also involved in resettling local Zambians in Ukwimi, Eastern Province, and in community development work in four (4) districts of the Eastern Province.

Assistance will be rendered to beneficiaries of the current emergency in co-operation and partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP). UNHCR has the overall responsibility for providing assistance to refugees and WFP will provide most of the required basic food items. The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) will be responsible for providing land and security. Other partners include the Christian Council of Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zambia (ELC - Zambia), the Young Men's Christian Association of Zambia (YMCA), the Catholic Diocese of Chipata (CDC), Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS), Christian Outreach Relief and Development (CORD), Africa Humanitarian Action (AHA), Association to Aid Refugees (AAR) and Africare. CDC, CCZ and ELC Zambia have not been involved thus far in emergency refugee work in areas where LWF/ZCRS is operating. YMCA, CORD, AAR, JRS, and MSF-France are involved in refugee work in various capacities in Mayukwayukwa and in Meheba.

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMERGENCY SITUATION

Background

A major influx of refugees into Zambia began in October 1999 as a result of the fighting between Angolan Government troops and UNITA. This followed the recapture of UNITA strong holds of Andulo and Bailundo, which resulted in an exodus of refugees from Moxico province bordering Zambia's Western and North-Western Provinces. In response to the influx, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) declared an emergency and appealed to UNHCR, LWF/ZCRS and other partners for a coordinated response and mobilization of resources to assist the newly arrived refugees. LWF/ZCRS signed a letter of mutual intent with UNHCR and GRZ to be involved in the implementation of the emergency response concerning refugees arriving through the border points of Mwinilunga, Zambezi and Chavuma in the North Western Province, and Kalabo, Sinjembela and Lukulu in the Western Province.

The Month of September 2000 saw an unprecedented influx of refugees into North Western Zambia through the border points of Mwinilunga, Lwawu, Jimbe, Zambezi and Chavuma. In the first 3 weeks of the month, nearly 2,000 refugees arrived in Zambia mainly through Zambezi and Chavuma. By the end of October 2000, nearly 15,000 refugees had entered Zambia through Western and North Western Provinces. The peace situation worsened in Angola in August 2001 after about 250 people died in an attack on a train by UNITA. This was not an isolated incident because other attacks had been reported in at least seven other provinces including one on a bus in Cacolo in Central Angola.

The hostilities led to a massive flight of refugees, the majority of who were children (50%) and women (30%). Because of the influx, LWF/ZCRS and UNHCR negotiated for additional land in Mayukwayukwa and Meheba. Most of the influx of October to December 2000 was settled on this land as the construction of roads and the drilling of boreholes opened up the new area for settlement.

LWF/ZCRS is carrying out emergency activities by implementing a programme of local integration of new and old refugees concurrently. This programme was initiated by the combined effort of GRZ, UNHCR and LWF/ZCRS. This was designed to be the most durable solution, given that the war in Angola has no immediate solution.

Local integration focuses on the empowerment of host communities where refugees have settled. For the benefit of refugees and the host communities, it provides services like water and health care. These services contribute towards providing basic human rights needs without creating perpetual dependence on external assistance.

The emergency response activities undertaken by LWF/ZCRS were possible due to ACT funds received in response to the emergency. The funds provided supported the implementation of activities in health, water, sanitation and administration. UNHCR provided funding for supplies, water, sanitation, logistics, and some costs relating to warehouse management, as well as physical inputs such as basic domestic items, and trucks. WFP provided food assistance. GRZ provided assistance through its Ministry of Home Affairs, which provided security both in settlements and during the screening and transportation of refugees, and the Ministry of Defense, which provided security at border points. The Ministries of Lands, Environment and Natural Resources, Agriculture Food and Fisheries and Local Government, also provided services. Other agencies involved in the emergency, included the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which provided transport for the refugees between settlements and initial relief support in the form of boreholes at the reopening of Ukwimi in 2000.

Current Situation

There is an on-going influx of refugees from Angola into Zambia. The current influx is due to the continuing fighting between Angolan forces and UNITA rebels, which intensified in October 2001. The fighting spilt onto Zambian soil in November 2001, resulting in the killing of seven (7) Zambian villagers and the subsequent killing of ten (10) Angolan soldiers by Zambian defense forces.

The areas most affected by fighting in Angola during the last quarter of 2001 are in Cazombo, Luvuei, Lumai and Lumbula Ngu'imbo. The towns of Kandela and Cilenga near the Lilondo border town south of Shang'ombo, in Zambia, was attacked by rebels. This resulted in an influx of refugees into Zambia heading for Nangweshi. Nangweshi is already full to capacity and this is now resulting in an outflow. The outflow in Nangweshi is currently estimated at 3,500 and UNHCR officials have reported that they expect that it might reach 10,000 during the first quarter of 2002. The two towns of Kandela and Cilenga, which the asylum seekers are fleeing from, have an estimated 26,000 inhabitants.

While alternative arrangements are being made, immediate measures are being undertaken by GRZ and UNHCR, in collaboration with implementing partners. All refugees that are entering through Shang'ombo are being relocated Mayukwayukwa.

The new arrivals are at the transit points of Mambolomoka and Shang'ombo. Keeping the new arrivals at these points is a security risk. They are malnourished and suffering from various ailments. This needs to be urgently addressed.

During the last quarter of 2001, fierce fighting was also reported in Uiege town, in the northern Angolan Province of Uige, near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Given the situation in Congo, it is unlikely that the refugees will be relocated to Congo. This meant that Zambia was the only place to which refugees were transported for asylum in 2001, and it will be the same for at least the first quarter of 2002.

The refugees who arrived in the influx of October 1999 to October 2000 urgently need post crisis assistance. The needs include community development, education, water and community health.

LWF/ZCRS has opened up the extensions in the settlements. In Meheba, the new extension known as zone H has been opened and the influx of October 2000 to September 2001 has been settled in the zone. The same extension was done in Mayukwayukwa. Water points have been constructed in these opened up areas but more water points will be required during 2002 to meet the expected shortfall of 65% for the current population, together with the expected influx of not less than 12,000 in Meheba, 8,000 in Mayukwayukwa and 5,000 in Ukwimi.

Description of damages

The movement of the refugees is adversely affecting immunization and other health programmes of GRZambia in areas bordering Angola. The Angolan soldiers have also been looting Zambian villages and killing cattle belonging to Zambian villagers. Four hundred (400) Zambian villagers in areas along the border were displaced during the month of November 2001.

Impact on Human life

The total number of new Angolan refugees in Zambia was estimated at 8,000 in November 2001. More refugees are reported to be moving into Zambia for safety and numbers are likely to swell during the first half of 2002. Destitution among displaced populations is predicted to increase. The refugees have little access to arable land and families survive on basic subsistence. They arrive in Zambia with no food and in poor health. In addition infant mortality is high and malnutrition prevalent.

These conditions, plus the continuing civil war which has cut off much of Angola from humanitarian assistance, contribute to the increased movement of refugees into Zambia. The incoming refugees travel long distances from Cazombo, Luvua, Kalunda and beyond into Zambia. The crowding of refugees at border transit centers prior to their transfer to settlements poses major health and security concerns.

Locations and Organisations Involved in Proposed Response

Assistance will be rendered mainly to Angolan refugees fleeing the fighting in Angola between government and UNITA forces, but needy refugees from other countries will not be excluded. Refugees will be collected from reception centers along the Angolan and Zambian border. They will be taken to the Meheba Refugee Settlement in the North Western Province, Mayukwayukwa in the Western Province and Ukwimi in the Eastern Province, as soon as they are screened. Once in the settlements, the refugees will be provided with shelter, food, clean water, clothing and blankets.

LWF/ZCRS is the main implementing partner and is responsible for refugees in Meheba, Mayukwayukwa and Ukwimi settlements. LWF/ZCRS is responsible for a number of sectors including settlement management, food distribution, community services, education, and health and agricultural/environmental activities. In cooperation and partnership with UNHCR, LWF/ZCRS will transport refugees from border reception centers and transit points to settlements and will distribute basic non-food items that are essential for the refugees. LWF/ZCRS will also distribute food provided by WFP and special food items to vulnerable refugees such as children, pregnant and lactating mothers, the chronically ill and the aged. Other responsibilities will include, among other things, the maintenance of transit centers at the border points of Mwinilunga, Zambezi and Chavuma. LWF/ZCRS will collaborate with the Catholic Missionaries at Kalabo, and Lukulu, for organizing the reception and transportation of the refugees to the settlements, and providing basic supplies such as food, and domestic items. LWF/ZCRS will also provide logistical support for the influx along other border points, namely Lwawu, Jimbe and Kalabo. LWF/ZCRS already has staff working at the border reception centers and also at the settlements.

MSF France, UNICEF and AHA will be responsible for providing basic medical assistance at border reception centers and also at the settlements. UNHCR, together with GRZ, is responsible for coordinating activities. WFP will provide food resources for new refugees for a two-year period and will continue to mobilize food resources and dispatch consignments to Meheba, Ukwimi and Mayukwayukwa.

GRZ administrators and officials are involved in surveillance along the border, and in working with UNHCR and LWF/ZCRS in the overall coordination of activities. The local churches are also involved in providing support to newly arriving refugees. For example the Catholic Mission at Lwawu receives some new arrivals crossing into Zambia.

Emergency Statistics

Refugee populations at settlements:

It is anticipated that Meheba, Mayukwayukwa and Ukwimi will receive 12,000, 8,000 and 5,000 refugees respectively during the last quarter of 2001 and first half of 2002. About 5,000 refugees are anticipated during the last quarter of 2002. The majority of the refugees coming into Zambia are women and children.

The estimates of refugees at border areas in this proposal have been collected from GRZ sources and from the local media. Due to the poor security situation in the affected areas and the nature of the emergency it is not possible at the moment for LWF/ZCRS to compile its own statistics.

Current Security Situation

The civil war between the Angolan government and UNITA continues unabated with both sides launching attacks on each other's strongholds. The Angolan Government is also reported to be continuing its attacks in the central highlands of Huambo, a UNITA stronghold, and at least seven other provinces are also engaged in fierce fighting, with no solution in sight.

As a result of the abduction of 133 Zambian villagers and the subsequent killing of seven of the villagers in November 2001, the Zambian Defense Force has been deployed at strategic Western border positions and transit centers at crossing points. Following the November 2001 abduction of Zambian villagers by Angolan soldiers, the Zambian Defense Force killed ten Angolan soldiers. The high security risk caused by the unexpected large number of new arrivals has necessitated GRZ to request UNHCR and humanitarian organizations to relocate the refugees quickly, to designated refugee settlements.

IV. GOAL & OBJECTIVES

Goal

The goal of the project is the survival of refugees fleeing from conflict areas, the alleviation of their suffering through the provision of basic needs, and the creation of an environment that will enable the refugees to rebuild their lives in the post crisis phase.

Objectives

The objectives of the project are:

• To transport refugees from the border reception centers to the settlements.
• To assist refugees with basic requirements that will enable them to fulfill their basic human rights needs.
• To facilitate the settlement of refugees during the post crisis phase.
• To promote environmental health and HIV/AIDS awareness amongst the refugee population.
• To assist refugees acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to fulfill their basic human rights needs.

Activities:

• Distribution of basic food items
• Transportation of refugees
• Transportation of non-food items
• Provision of shelter and infrastructure
• Site preparation and development
• Provision of water and sanitation
• Provision of environmental and community health services
• Provision of food security and agricultural services
• Provision of community infrastructure and services
• Provision of educational services
• Provision of general project services
• Administration of the project

(in pdf* format)

* Get Adobe Acrobat Viewer (free)