UNHCR Global Appeal 1999 - North Africa

In the North Africa region the general refugee situation remains stable with no emergencies developing. UNHCR monitors some 30,000 Palestinian refugees residing in the region, mostly in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. Selected vulnerable refugees, including women, children and elderly refugees, are assisted by UNHCR on a case-by-case basis. UNHCR also assisted some 6,300 Malian refugees and 3,260 refugees from the Niger in repatriating to their countries of origin. Once the repatriation programme was completed in 1998, four refugee camps and the UNHCR Field Office in Tamanrasset were closed. In 1999, UNHCR expects to assist the voluntary repatriation of some 2,000 Somali refugees, mostly from the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, to safe areas in their country of origin. Until they are repatriated, UNHCR will continue providing assistance to those living in the region's urban areas.

Algeria

The security situation in Algeria is of continuing concern to UNHCR. Appropriate measures have been taken to ensure the region is prepared in case a large number of Algerians seek asylum in neighbouring countries. While the security situation in Algeria imposes some restrictions on United nations staff and operations, the implementation of UNHCR's programmes is not substantially affected. All United Nations agencies, including UNHCR, have moved to a common office in Algiers.

An estimated 165,000 Saharan refugees live in Algeria. Pending their voluntary repatriation under the United Nations Settlement Plan, UNHCR provides assistance to some 80,000 vulnerable refugees in the four camps in the Tindouf area. Assistance includes income-generating activities for refugee women, education for refugee children, and the provision of supplementary food items (basic food is provided by the World Food Programme), shelter, health care, water supply and transport and logistics.

Coordination

Implementing partners in the region include the Red Crescent Societies, Oxfam and the United Nations Development Programme.

Budget US$

The budget does not include costs at Headquarters.