UNHCR Global Appeal 1999 - Follow-up to the CIS Conference

Introduction

The CIS Conference was designed to promote a comprehensive approach to managing the problems of refugees, displaced persons and returnees in the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). UNHCR promotes dialogue and cooperation with and among concerned Governments, inter-governmental organizations and non-governmental organizations with the aim of finding durable solutions to the displacement problems in the countries of the CIS. UNHCR also supports UNHCR-NGO cooperation, research and data collection, and public and mass information activities to prevent further involuntary movements and promote return and integration of refugees and displaced persons.

Annual Steering Group Meeting

The 1999 annual meeting of the Steering Group, which is charged with the follow-up to the Conference, will be organized by UNHCR, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, to evaluate the progress made in the implementation of the Programme of Action and to coordinate further activities. In 1999, UNHCR plans to organize parallel discussions on substantial issues of concern to government and NGO representatives.

UNHCR will also continue to coordinate NGO participation and accreditation to the annual meetings of the Steering Group and cover travel costs for some participating NGOs from CIS countries.

The Programme of Action

UNHCR Headquarters will continue to coordinate activities internally and externally to strengthen the implementation of the Programme of Action. This will involve capacity-building of governmental and non-governmental sectors, mainstreaming activities into country programmes, and avoiding duplication of efforts with other partners. UNHCR and IOM will also organize an annual review and planning meeting for UNHCR field offices in the CIS.

Experts Group Meetings

During 1999, UNHCR is planning to convene Expert Group Meetings on issues of regional concern. A planned inter-agency meeting will address the subject of the Meskhetian Turks.

NGO Capacity-Building

To promote cooperation with NGOs, UNHCR will prepare a catalogue of NGO capacity-building resources and other materials for use by field offices and international and local NGO partners.

A series of workshops, organized in cooperation with the International NGO Training and Research Centre (INTRAC), developed practical tools for UNHCR field offices and NGOs to use when planning country strategies or building NGO capacities. A document defining and describing these tools will be published in English and Russian.

A study visit for NGOs eligible for the European Union's Technical Assistance Programme for the CIS (TACIS) will be organized in cooperation with the European Council of Refugees and Exiles (ECRE). The NGOs will visit Brussels, where potential beneficiaries of the TACIS Programme will be trained and introduced to the Programme's objectives, application and programme management requirements, and an overview of the work of the European Union in the CIS.

NGO Legislation

UNHCR seeks funding for follow-up at the national level of the sub-regional conferences of NGO legislation organized in 1998 in cooperation with the Council of Europe, the International Centre on Not-for-Profit Law and the Open Society Institute. The Council of Europe's Multilateral Meeting of the Demo-Droit Programme will review the conclusions and recommendations of the 1998 sub-regional conferences and decide on further action at national and international levels. UNHCR also requests funds to support those Governments and NGOs that have indicated an interest in reviewing and developing appropriate NGO legislation.

Dialogue and Information

Providing information - through up-dates, information notes, briefings and consultations with Governments, inter-governmental organizations and NGOs - is key to maintaining the momentum of the CIS Conference. In cooperation with the IOM and OSCE, UNHCR will continue to produce a quarterly bulletin, CISCONF News, in English and Russian. To promote networking among international and local NGOs and other entities, UNHCR has prepared and will maintain a database of NGOs assisting refugees and other displaced persons in the CIS countries. An updated version of the book, UNHCR's Partners in Europe, will be prepared in English and Russian as part of UNHCR's European Series.

Budget US$

* Includes costs for protection, monitoring and coordination.