Update on regional developments in Central Asia, South West Asia, North Africa and the Middle East

EC/47/SC/CRP.6

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S PROGRAMME
STANDING COMMITTEE
6 January 1997

6th Meeting

I. INTRODUCTION

1. This document consists of five parts. Part II gives a Regional Overview, Part III provides information on Regional Special Programmes, Part IV describes the CASWAME consultative process and Part V contains individual Country Reviews. Budgetary and post information, as well as selected operational maps, are provided in the annexes.

II. REGIONAL OVERVIEW

A. South-West Asia

2. During 1996 the Central, Southwest Asia, North Africa and Middle East Region (CASWANAME) witnessed significant population displacements and refugee outflows due to several events; the unresolved civil conflict and the deteriorating security situation in Tajikistan, the continuing inter-factional fighting in Afghanistan and the take over of Kabul by the Taliban faction, and the armed conflict between the two main Kurdish factions in Northern Iraq.

3. The persistent instability in Afghanistan has slowed repatriation movements. During 1996, some 120,000 refugees returned from Pakistan and less than 10,000 repatriated from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The expected repatriation of Afghanistan through Turkmenistan did not materialize due to the reluctance of the refugees to return by route. In late September, a series of Taliban victories in eastern Afghanistan culminated with the take-over of Kabul and the retreat of forces loyal to the former government. Restrictions imposed by the new authorities on employment of women and education for girls have threatened vital relief and reconstruction assistance to Afghanistan. UNHCR continues to maintain an international presence in all regional centres of Afghanistan, including Kabul, and, in coordination with the international community, urge the authorities to lift restrictions based on gender. UNHCR also continues to cooperate with other UN agencies and local authorities to expand opportunities for returnees in Afghanistan through small scale rehabilitation projects and the establishment of micro-credit schemes for income generation.

4. The final months of the year witnessed an influx of some 30,000 persons into the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. Most of these new arrivals were from Kabul and Jalalabad where they faced particular problems and hardship under the Taliban authorities, including a large number of women who could no longer work to support their household. Whereas many of the new arrivals have dispersed among family and friends in Peshawar, some 10,000 persons are being assisted in Nasir Bagh refugee camp.

5. Following the outbreak of factional fighting in Northern Iraq in September 1996, some 65,000 Iraqi Kurds fled to the Islamic Republic of Iran. As a result of the cessation of hostilities with the onset of winter, however, nearly all the refugees returned to Northern Iraq by the end of the year.

B. Central Asian Republics

6. In Tajikistan, after having completed emergency assistance activities for the vast majority of refugees and internally displaced persons, and transferring rehabilitation, reconstruction and in-country protection activities in areas of return to UNDP and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), UNHCR focused its 1996 activities on the prevention of forced population movements through judicial and legal capacity building, institutional support and the promotion of refugee law. As a result of the unresolved civil conflict and deteriorating political, social and economic situation, Tajikistan, however, continued to slide into a generalized humanitarian crisis with the dangerous potential to, once again, create widespread internal displacement and refugee outflows in the region.

7. The newly opened UNHCR Liaison Offices in Turkmenistan, Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the previously established Liaison Office in Uzbekistan, concentrated on activities that would assist respective Governments in establishing policy, legislative and administrative frameworks, and procedures for managing refugee and other forced population movements. This was accomplished through a wide range of activities including providing Governments with comments and advice on draft laws, holding training workshops and seminars on international and refugee law, providing technical and material support to governmental and non-governmental organizations responsible for managing refugee issues, publishing legal codes and texts, promoting ethnic tolerance through education, and establishing legal libraries and resource centres to increase access to legal information and references.

8. During 1997 and 1998, UNHCR will continue to concentrate on the prevention of forced population movements and the creation and development of legal and administrative frameworks for refugee protection and assistance. UNHCR will also continue its promotion of refugee law and efforts to increase awareness of refugee issues, among the general public and government officials in Central Asia, as part of the follow-up to the CIS Conference Programme of Action. At the same time, UNHCR will carry on its voluntary repatriation promotional activities, provision of integrated and appropriate assistance to needy and vulnerable refugees, while endeavouring to increase the capacity of governmental and non-governmental partners to take greater responsibility for refugee protection and assistance, in addition to encouraging self-reliance among the refugees in the region.

C. North Africa

9. In 1996 the North African sub-region did not experience any large scale emergency situations.

10. In Algeria, the United Nations decided to downgrade the level of security from phase IV to phase III. The overall security situation continued to impose restrictions on the movement of United Nations staff which has had a detrimental effect on their ability to work.

11. In the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, strict security measures were enforced by the authorities prior to the anniversary of the revolution. Approximately 200 Palestinians were still present at Salloum on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya/Egyptian border. The UNHCR Regional Office in Cairo has made visits to the area and has provided basic assistance items. Vulnerable cases were provided with medical assistance. Despite logistics difficulties due to sanctions, the voluntary repatriation of refugees from the Horn of Africa in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya continued at a slow but steady pace.

12. Refugees from Mali continued to be repatriated from Algeria and Mauritania as foreseen under the Plan of Action for the Mali/Niger Repatriation Programme. During 1996, some 22,000 refugees repatriated from Mauritania to Mali and some 2,500 from Algeria to Mali.

13. The Special Programme of Rapid Reintegration (PSIR) of Mauritanian returnees from Senegal and Mali, which started in June 1996, proceeded smoothly. UNHCR opened two field offices in Rosso and Kaedi to monitor the returnees. Forty Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) were funded in three of the four sub-regions targeted by the PSIR programme which benefited a combined returnee population of some 10,000 individuals. Returnees continue to arrive as word of the improvements in their villages spreads. National identity papers are being re-issued to returnees, land that was left untouched for a number of years is now being cultivated and whole communities are helping to reconstruct homes that were destroyed. According to the authorities, an estimated 5,000 people have returned since June 1996.

14. A solution to the Western Sahara refugee problem is directly linked to the successful implementation of the United Nations Settlement Plan and UNHCR's role therein. Despite the political obstacles hindering the implementation of the Plan and the current stalemate in this regard, UNHCR remains ready to resume its preparatory work, and to continue to provide protection and assistance, especially to vulnerable groups.

15. In Yemen, the influx of new arrivals from Somalia increased during the first quarter of 1996, mainly as a result of security problems and renewed fighting in Somalia. Most asylum-seekers travelled by boat to Yemen from Bossaso, in North East Somalia, in dangerous conditions due to the prevailing monsoon season. During this period, some 1,000 Somalis arrived, were assisted by UNHCR and were transferred to the Al Gahin camp. In coordination with UNHCR in Somalia, the UNHCR office in Yemen launched an information/awareness campaign to alert potential boat people of the risks of leaving by sea during the monsoon.

D. Middle East

16. During August 1996, the armed conflict between two opposing Kurdish factions resulted in significant population displacements, both within Iraq as well into the Islamic Republic of Iran. The majority of these persons, however, started returning to Iraq in October 1996. As at 1 December 1996, UNHCR had registered 96,000 returnees from the Islamic Republic of Iran. The returnees were provided with relief items by UNHCR.

17. The approximate 200 Palestinians trapped at the border area between Egypt and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya continue to live under precarious conditions. In spite of various contacts and negotiations with all concerned parties, no alternative solutions have yet been found for this group.

III. REGIONAL SPECIAL PROGRAMMES

A. Afghanistan Repatriation

18. The repatriation target for Afghan refugees in 1996 was set at 250,000 persons from Pakistan while the original target figure of 500,000 from the Islamic Republic of Iran was revised downwards to 300,000 during the course of the year.

19. Prior to September 1996, voluntary repatriation from Pakistan showed a steady trend similar to that of 1995. As of September 1996, however, developments in Afghanistan drastically slowed down repatriation movements, particularly from the North West Frontier Province. A total of 120,000 persons voluntarily repatriated to Afghanistan during 1996. Repatriation grants were given to all returnees. Although an agreement with the Pakistan National Logistic Cell was concluded, for practical and security reasons, the transportation arrangement was not utilized for these returnees. In some cases, however, UNHCR provided returnees with additional cash to facilitate their transportation inside Afghanistan. The return of groups was encouraged and those who selected this option received appropriate reintegration packages.

20. Less than 10,000 Afghan refugees decided to repatriate from the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1996. Cash and food assistance was given to these repatriants. The political environment and the absence of social services in their areas of return seemed to be the main reasons why more persons chose not return.

21. A consolidated operation plan to start the repatriation of Afghan refugees from the Islamic Republic of Iran to northern Afghanistan through Turkmenistan was completed by UNHCR in January 1996, and was subsequently approved by the Governments of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. The repatriation operation, however, did not take place because of the absence of interest by the refugees concerned to return home by this route.

22. During 1996, UNHCR continued to provide reintegration assistance to the returnees through the implementation of QIPs put in place by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or the technical departments of the local line ministries. Income generation opportunities were enhanced through the establishment of group-guaranteed schemes in collaboration with the Grameen Trust and SCF.

B. Repatriation to Iraq

23. For 1996, the initial target of assistance for Iraqi Returnees to Northern Iraq from Turkey, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Islamic Republic of Iran was for 15,000 persons. Assistance is targeted at persons who left Iraq as a result of, or in the years before, the 1991 war in the Persian Gulf. Due, however, to the instability in Northern Iraq caused in part by rivalries between local parties, a lower level of implementation was achieved with fewer persons returning. Some 8,000 persons returned in 1996. In addition to these persons, the repatriation project also catered to the needs of some 96,000 persons, who claimed to have returned to Northern Iraq from the Islamic Republic of Iran even though not all of them, despite their claims, were returnees in October and November 1996.

24. The fighting which broke out in September 1996 between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) resulted in the flight of an estimated 65,000 PUK supporters, mostly from the Sulemaniya area, to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Although UNHCR registered 96,000 returnees as of 1 December 1996, it is believed that this number is inflated due to the large number of persons who falsely claimed to be returning refugees. Although UNHCR registered all persons claiming to be returnees, assistance to those persons suspected of falsely presenting themselves was withheld pending verification.

25. The returnees project provides a shelter package and assistance in the form of either livestock, carpentry tools or a farming set. Persons who fled to the Islamic Republic of Iran as a result of recent events and who have returned to Northern Iraq received blankets, utensil sets, and heaters. Food for returnees is provided by the World Food Programme (WFP). The NGO "4Rs" (Relief, Response, Resettlement and Rehabilitation) currently implements the repatriation programme.

C. Western Sahara

26. The Report of the Secretary-General of 5 November 1996 on the situation in Western Sahara was submitted to the Security Council, which adopted resolution 1084, on 27 November 1996, extending the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) for a further period of six months, until 31 May 1997.

27. UNHCR has continued to monitor developments in the region and will continually review and update the repatriation plan drawn up in 1991. Updates in logistical estimates have set the cost of UNHCR's repatriation project at almost $ 50 million.

28. UNHCR has conducted a series of missions to the Territory, Morocco and Algeria, including refugee camps in the Tindouf area. UNHCR has also held discussions with the relevant parties, all of whom pledged their full cooperation and support to the repatriation project.

29. In addition, UNHCR is continuing its assistance programme in the Tindouf region of Algeria for the most vulnerable refugees in the camps. Since July 1996, the UNHCR Field Office in Tindouf has become operational and staff from Algiers and Geneva regularly conduct missions to the camps in the area.

IV. CASWAME CONSULTATIONS

30. The countries of Central and South-West Asia and the Middle East have experienced some of the world's largest and most protracted refugees problems. UNHCR has been closely involved with the respective Governments to provide protection and assistance to the refugees concerned and to find solutions to their plight. In this context and with the aim of identifying comprehensive regional solutions to refugee problems, the High Commissioner decided to explore the possibility of a consultative process to develop common humanitarian strategies for solutions to the existing problems and to prevent future forced population displacements.

31. During the course of 1996, two missions were despatched to the countries of the Central, Southwest Asian and the Middle East (CASWAME) region to consult Governments about the possibility of a regional consultative process to assess the feasibility of launching an initiative to address humanitarian issues of common concern in the region. These efforts have demonstrated the potential for creating a common regional platform to deal with population displacements. Most of the Governments consulted have indicated their support for this initiative and expressed their readiness to participate in the consultations. A first meeting of the CASWAME consultative process will be held in Amman, Jordan, on 12 and 13 March 1997, to provide the Governments concerned with an opportunity to share their views, refine the objectives of the exercise and formulate a work plan for subsequent rounds of talks. Fourteen Governments will be participating in this first meeting.

V. COUNTRY REVIEWS

1. Afghanistan

(a) Beneficiaries

Refugees

32. As at 1 December 1996, Afghanistan hosts a refugee population of 18,800 Tajik refugees, of whom 7,300 are at Sakhi Camp near Mazar-i-Sharif and 11,500 in several spontaneous settlements in Kunduz Province. Six mandated refugees of Iranian and Iraqi origin are also being provided with supplementary assistance pending their resettlement to other countries.

Returnees

33. The number of returns to Afghanistan from Pakistan and the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1996 stands at approximately 130,000 refugees, bringing the total number of returnees to some 3.89 million, the majority of whom received direct assistance from UNHCR.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

34. In August 1996, Jalalabad and the remainder of the eastern areas came under Taliban control. In September 1996, Kabul also fell to the control of the Taliban when the forces of Massoud decided to evacuate from the city rather than fight for it. The present situation in Afghanistan has now been narrowed down to two political-military fronts: the Taliban, which control some two thirds of the country, pitted against the Alliance comprised of forces loyal to Junbush (Dostum), the ousted Kabul government (Rabbani and Massoud), Hesb-I-Islami (Hekmatyar) and Hezbi-Wahdat (Khalili).

35. The United Nations Special Mission, headed by Dr. Norbet Holl, is continuing its efforts to engage the parties in negotiations for a cease-fire and peaceful transfer of power to a coalition or a broad-based transitional authority. Negotiations are presently at a stalemate and the approach of winter will render significant military gains by either side improbable.

36. In view of the present situation in Afghanistan and on-going repatriation, the UNHCR Office of the Chief of Mission in Afghanistan will continue to promote awareness of the basic rights of both Tajik refugees and Afghan returnees through training, seminars and public information activities, making use of local NGOs and legal foundations for this purpose.

Returnees

37. During 1996, UNHCR Afghanistan continued reintegration assistance in returnee impacted communities through the implementation of QIPs. Community participation, priorities in terms of the needs of special groups or areas, sustainability and linkage with rehabilitation efforts of other United Nations agencies and NGOs are given special attention in the recommendations of a recent mid-term review of the programme. The scope of the programme has recently undergone a change by increasing emphasis on providing income generation opportunities through group-guaranteed lending schemes in collaboration with Grameen Trust and Save the Children. Additional emphasis will be placed on working with rural authorities as implementing partners, while providing less and less labour costs which will subsequently need to be provided by the benefiting communities. The assisted transport programme, managed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) out of Herat, will continue, as will the arranging for the reception and overnight housing of returnees from the Islamic Republic of Iran, who decide to return to northern Afghanistan through Turkmenistan.

38. During 1997, the objectives in respect of Tajik refugees in Afghanistan will continue to be both voluntary repatriation and local settlement through the implementation of projects designed to increase self-reliance. Simultaneously, voluntary and organized repatriation of Tajik refugees to their places of origin will continue for those wishing to return.

39. The UNHCR Office of the Chief of Mission in Afghanistan maintains a contingency stock of relief items and has response plans to address potential emergencies arising either from a refugee influx or mass displacement of returnees and local populations in various parts of the country.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

40. During 1997, it is anticipated that UNHCR's involvement in activities to assist returnees will continue at the present rate, although more emphasis will be placed on agreements with larger NGOs and other UN Agencies. For instance, agreements were made with IOM for transport assistance to returnees from the Islamic Republic of Iran, CARE and IRC for rural works in priority zones of eastern Afghanistan, Save the Children and Grameen Trust for group-guaranteed loans, Solidarité Afghanistan for sanitation works in Kabul, UNDP/FAO for poultry production units and UNOPS for emergency road repairs. UNHCR QIPs will be implemented by local NGOs and, to the extent possible, by local authorities as part of UNHCR's capacity building effort.

(d) Budget

41. The 1997 budget for repatriation activities implemented inside Afghanistan will remain at the same level as in 1996. The budget requirements for this programme, as well as for the associated repatriation programmes put in place in Pakistan and in the Islamic Republic of Iran, have been presented in the Afghanistan "United Nations Consolidated Appeal" launched on 3 December 1996.

42. The 1997 budget requirements for activities to accelerate the local settlement of Tajik refugees in northern Afghanistan are similar to the needs during 1996, while the 1997 budget for the repatriation of those Tajik refugees who select this option will be increased in order to give them more incentives and to improve their reintegration prospects.

(e) Post situation

43. During 1996, the generally improved security situation in most areas of Afghanistan has allowed UNHCR to maintain a good momentum in its activities, a stable presence of staff in all sub-offices and the establishment of four additional field units. Two specialist missions were dispatched from headquarters during the year to look into ways of alleviating stress factors and ameliorating health conditions affecting field staff.

44. As of December 1996, the official Afghanistan staffing table reflects 41 UNHCR regular posts comprising 25 international posts (including two United Nations Volunteer Programme (UNV) posts), and 16 UNHCR local staff. The total staffing level of six UNHCR offices in Afghanistan and in Islamabad is 263 posts; 25 international, 16 UNHCR national staff and 222 project staff under contract with the International Assistance Mission.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

45. It is estimated that there are more than 30,000 widows and women heads of household in Kabul. Orphans also pose a serious challenge for the United Nations and the international aid community, especially given the breakdown of government authority. The majority of mine victims are women and children. New domestic rules have limited women's employment and education. Consequently, access to women and children as a priority group is severely limited. UNHCR, however, continues to endeavour at finding innovative and non-controversial ways to reach this important group of beneficiaries.

(g) Oversight reports

46. An audit report on UNHCR's projects in Afghanistan was received in 1996 and a mid-term review of UNHCR activities was undertaken in early 1996. It was recommended that special attention should be paid to community participation, to priorities in terms of the needs of special groups in areas of return, to the sustainability of activities and the linkage with rehabilitation activities of other United Nations agencies and NGOs.

2. Algeria

(a) Beneficiaries

47. As at 31 December 1996, Algeria hosted a refugee population of some 194,000 persons. An estimated 165,000 refugees from Western Sahara are located in four camps in the region of Tindouf, south-west Algeria, and some 15,000 refugees from Mali and 10,000 refugees from Niger are in the southern part of the country. Among the refugees from Mali and Niger, some 5,000 Malians are in two camps in the regions of Tamanrasset and Adrar, and 2,500 refugees from Niger are in two camps in the region of Tamanrasset and Illizi. Determining the number of refugees from Mali and Niger outside the camps is extremely difficult due to their nomadic traditions. Also included in the overall refugee figures are some 4,000 Palestinians and some 80 persons of various nationalities living in urban areas, mainly Algiers. Of the total, some 90,000 refugees are being assisted, including 80,000 Western Saharans considered to be vulnerable cases.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

48. The food situation in the Sahrawi camps in the region of Tindouf, which was a cause of major concern in 1995 and which was partially alleviated at that time through a generous donation from a Government, was no longer a concern in 1996, because WFP was able to implement its programme according to plan. The food situation for refugees from Mali and Niger, however, was a source of major concern throughout 1996 as WFP was not able to implement its programme for those populations. To avoid food shortages, UNHCR undertook three emergency operations to buy food locally, using funds from the Programme Reserve.

49. Following a decision by the implementing partner "Fondation Nationale de Recherche Médicale" (FOREM) to pull out of the programme at the end of June 1996, UNHCR concluded an agreement with the Algerian Red Crescent (CRA) to take over the medical aspects of the programme for refugees from Mali and Niger.

50. UNHCR established a field office in Tindouf in early 1996. In April 1996, UNHCR obtained the authorisation to set up its own communications system which links the office in Algiers with its field offices in Tindouf and Tamanrasset making the office fully operational in July 1996. In November 1996, UNHCR also obtained approval to post an international staff member in Tindouf as Head of its Field Office.

51. The voluntary repatriation programme for refugees from Mali continued throughout 1996. At the end of 1996, 2,883 persons had returned under this programme since its commencement in October 1995. Refugees returning under the auspices of UNHCR are provided with three-months food ration and essential non-food items. Emphasis was also placed on improved coordination, exchange of information and decision-making through the structure provided by the Tripartite Commission (Algeria/Mali/UNHCR), as well as on better coordination with WFP and between UNHCR offices in the countries of asylum and the country of origin. It is anticipated that the camps housing refugees from Mali could close by end 1997.

52. With regard to the voluntary repatriation of refugees from Niger, it was decided, following a meeting of the Tripartite Commission, that the repatriation operation will start by July 1997 to allow for the preparation of reception sites in Niger. All efforts will be made to complete the voluntary repatriation of refugees from Niger by the end of 1997 or in early 1998.

53. Urban refugees continue to benefit from protection and assistance provided by UNHCR and the Algerian Government. As most of the urban refugees are students whose country of asylum is not Algeria, UNHCR's role has been mainly to supplement scholarships granted by Algerian authorities. It should also be noted that, following events in Rwanda and Burundi, Algeria has been extending, on a case by case basis and at UNHCR's request, the residence cards of students who have completed their studies until return to their respective countries of origin is possible. There is also a small number of vulnerable urban cases that receive assistance from UNHCR.

54. UNHCR protection and assistance activities, including care and maintenance, in favour of refugees from Western Sahara, Mali and Niger will continue until the voluntary repatriation operation is completed. The continued voluntary repatriation of refugees from Mali and Niger will be dependent, to a large extent, on the improvement of conditions in their respective countries of origin. To facilitate the process of return and reintegration, in June 1996, UNHCR launched an appeal for funds and established a Plan of Action for refugees from Mali and Niger in Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Algeria and Niger.

55. For urban refugees, UNHCR's protection and educational assistance will continue until they complete their studies and are able to return to their countries of first asylum or countries of origin. Meanwhile, resettlement as a durable solution, will be sought only for a very limited number of urban cases when necessary and appropriate.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

56. CRA works in close cooperation with UNHCR on the implementation of both the programmes for Western Saharan refugees and refugees for Mali and Niger. CRA is also entirely responsible for the transport of food and non-food items to the camps hosting the refugees. In addition, CRA replaced FOREM, as of July 1996, in the implementation of health sector activities for refugees from Mali and Niger."Enfants Réfugiés du Monde" (ERM) assists Western Saharan refugees in the field of infant and mother health care by organizing training sessions.

(d) Budget

57. The revised 1997 budget for care and maintenance of refugees from Mali and Niger shows a substantial increase as it includes six months of basic food for 2,500 refugees from Niger which will not be covered by WFP.

(e) Post situation

58. The post of Senior Field Officer was created, effective 1 January 1997, to increase the monitoring capacity of the Field Office in Tindouf. At the same time, a National Officer post in Tindouf were discontinued.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children and environment)

59. The care and maintenance programme for Western Saharans mainly benefits vulnerable groups composed primarily of women and children. Western Saharan refugee women continue to participate in the social and community activities of the camps, including income-generating activities. UNHCR encourages activities such as knitting, sewing, and gardening by providing refugees with adequate tools and material.

(g) Oversight reports

60. No reports were initiated during the reporting period.

3. Central Asian Republics

(a) Beneficiaries

(i) Kazakstan

61. There are an estimated 14,000 refugees/asylum seekers in Kazakstan, of whom approximately 2,000 are from Afghanistan, 6,000 from Tajikistan and 6,000 from Chechnya (Russian Federation). The exact numbers of refugees/asylum seekers in Kazakstan cannot be established, because the legal and administrative mechanisms for formally determining refugee status and for registering with Government authorities are still pending approval.

(ii) Kyrgyzstan

62. The registered Tajik refugee population in Kyrgyzstan is approximately 15,000, the majority of whom are ethnic Kyrgyz. The Government also estimates that a further 20,000 Tajiks remain unregistered. In addition, there are small numbers of Afghan and Chechnian refugees registered with the Government.

(iii) Tajikistan

63. The total number of refugees/asylum seekers in Tajikistan is some 1,000, the majority of whom are Afghan refugees recognized by the Government in Dushanbe. During 1996, fighting in the Tavildara area and the Garm Valley created a new group of more than 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). Some 23,000 Tajik refugees remain in northern Afghanistan, although 1,304 refugees voluntarily repatriated from Afghanistan to Tajikistan from January to November 1996. Another 330 Tajiks also repatriated from Turkmenistan to Tajikistan during this period.

(iv) Turkmenistan

64. It is estimated that Turkmenistan hosts approximately 20,000 Tajiks and 2,000 Afghans as well as a small number of ethnic Armenians from Azerbaijan. The exact numbers of refugees/asylum seekers in Turkmenistan are not known due to the lack of a formal procedure for registering asylum seekers and determining their refugee status.

(v) Uzbekistan

65. In addition to the 2,819 asylum seekers/refugees registered with UNHCR in Uzbekistan, the Government estimates there are 30,000 Tajik, 8,000 Afghans and a few thousand refugees from other CIS countries such as the Russian Federation (Chechnya), Azerbaijan and Georgia. The Tajik refugees are mainly of Uzbek ethnicity and are living in rural areas with their relatives. The Afghan refugees are largely found in the urban centres such as Tashkent and Samarkand.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

66. In 1996, significant progress was made in Central Asia towards achieving UNHCR's regional strategy and objectives of capacity building and institutional support, despite continued volatility in the region and the reluctance on the part of some Governments to formally recognize the existence of refugees in their countries. UNHCR's preventive activities in Central Asia were in their totality a precursor to the Programme of Action adopted at the CIS Conference in May 1996. Achievements in the region in 1996 included: the provision of advice and guidance on draft laws relating to refugees and related legal issues; assistance to the judiciary and legal communities through conferences, workshops, seminars and the printing of laws, legal codes and legal texts; the promotion of ethnic tolerance in schools; the convening of an emergency management training course for staff from UNHCR, NGOs, government departments, other United Nations agencies and inter-governmental organizations; support for the establishment of resource centres and libraries to provide training courses on refugee and human rights related topics as well as open access to legal information; support to increase the capacity of local NGOs to assist refugees. In a manner which is also consistent with the Programme of Action agreed at the CIS Conference, in 1997 and 1998 UNHCR will continue to focus its resources on activities which will contribute to preventing refugee and other forced population movements in the Central Asian Republics through a variety of means which are described in the paragraphs below.

(i) Kazakstan

67. In 1996, UNHCR's emphasis in Kazakstan was placed on assisting the Kazak Government with the establishment of legislative and administrative framework required to manage refugee matters by providing technical assistance and training to the responsible government departments. UNHCR also supported the dissemination of refugee and international humanitarian law, through workshops, seminars, the creation of international law courses in the university, and the development of a legal information centre. To raise public awareness of refugee issues and to promote ethnic tolerance, UNHCR also provided funds to produce a television series incorporating refugee topics and to UNESCO for the production of short films on ethnic tolerance. These activities will continue and expand in 1997 and 1998.

68. The Kazak Red Crescent Society has provided health care and individual/family support for vulnerable persons of concern to UNHCR in Almaty. The first phase of the assistance project for the local settlement of 1,500 Afghan refugees of Kazak ethnic origin has been completed, but the second phase, a school construction project, has been delayed due to administrative problems.

(ii) Kyrgyzstan

69. The Kyrgyz Republic acceded to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol on 8 October 1996. The Bishkek Centre for Migration Management was established in late 1996 with the joint assistance of UNHCR and IOM. An Inter-departmental Commission on Migrants and Refugees was created during the course of 1996 to review, draft and establish overall national policies on refugees and migrants. UNHCR also provided financial, material and technical support to the Migration Department of the Ministry of Labour to train staff, develop refugee registration systems, establish refugee reception facilities, and assisted in creating a Library Centre for Legal Information in a consortium with other agencies.

70. The Kyrgyz Red Crescent Society provided basic health care to urban refugees and, through a mobile clinic, to refugee and local populations in the Chui and Osh regions. The Migration Department began undertaking small scale job creation and income generating activities for refugees. UNHCR assisted in the creation of local NGO support centres in two areas where refugees benefited from local NGO activities. These efforts will continue in 1997 and 1998. Difficulties in finding a contractor has delayed the construction of a school building for Tajik refugees of Kyrgyz origin in Batkent, Osh. This project may be carried over into 1997. During 1997, UNHCR will also support the Government in improving its emergency preparedness capacity through the provision of training, communications equipment and support for field based emergency simulations.

71. An Ethnic Tolerance Education project was begun in 1996 and will be completed in 1997. Thus far, two story books have been produced in five languages (Kyrgyz, Tajik, Uzbek, Russian and English) together with a Teacher's Guide. Training workshops for teachers on how to use the books to promote ethnic tolerance are now underway. Another eight books are foreseen under the project before it is completed and handed over to the Ministry of Education.

(iii) Tajikistan

72. UNHCR continued to receive and reintegrate Afghan refugees from northern Afghanistan and Turkmenistan during 1996. Although discussions with the Kyrgyz authorities on the possibility of voluntary repatriation of Tajiks in Kyrgyzstan are expected to continue in 1997, actual prospects for repatriation will depend on the situation in Tajikistan. UNHCR completed the final phase of its shelter reconstruction programme in the Khatlon region in the third quarter of 1996. All other reintegration and rehabilitation projects have been handed over to UNDP. A local NGO, Refugee Children and Vulnerable Citizens (RCVC), has taken over the provision of assistance to Afghan refugees in need, with the financial, technical and material support of UNHCR. These activities are expected to continue in 1997 and 1998.

73. As a result of its earlier accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol in 1993, Tajikistan has the most established refugee law and status determination procedures in the region. The Central Refugee Department, which is responsible for managing and administrating refugee protection and assistance, has received and will continue to benefit from support from UNHCR in staff training, printing of forms, registration cards and specialized refugee and legal texts, provision of office equipment, and participation in regional and international conferences on refugees and involuntary displacement. In 1997, efforts will be made, together with IOM, to expand the Central Refugee Department's jurisdiction into a Central Migration Agency so that a comprehensive approach can be taken to all types of population movements.

74. A legal capacity building activity was initiated in 1996, based on the preliminary work done in 1995. The 1996 project activities included providing material assistance to courts, publishing laws and legal codes, establishing a law journal, providing training to judges, lawyers and police on topics such as international law and law enforcement, judicial standards and criminal procedures, and holding conferences to review and revise proposed legal legislation and codes. This project is a major component of UNHCR's activities in Tajikistan and will be extended into 1997 and 1998.

75. Based on the Grameen Bank model successfully implemented in Afghanistan and elsewhere, UNHCR, together with Save the Children Fund (SCF/US), in mid-1996 initiated a micro-credit project in south-west Tajikistan for some 2,700 returned Tajik women refugees, mainly consisting of single female heads of households. When the current project is completed in mid-1997, it is expected to continue and expand with funding from the World Bank.

(iv) Turkmenistan

76. During 1996 and in accordance with UNHCR's regional strategy, UNHCR supported projects at the University of Ashgabat (establishment of a library of International Law) and the Institute for Democracy and Human Rights. UNHCR will continue to offer its support to these institutions as both are expected to become important resource centres for the study of research, promotion and training in refugee and international humanitarian law in the country. UNHCR also provided advice, guidance and comments on five draft laws dealing with refugee and migration matters. It is expected that these laws will be enacted in 1997.

77. Due to the fact that the Operational Unit within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been designated as the government focal point for refugee and other population movement issues, UNHCR has, as part of its capacity building efforts, provided its staff and those of other government departments concerned with refugees with training, and material and financial support. This will continue in 1997.

78. In 1996, UNHCR completed its activities with respect to the local integration of a group of Afghans of Turkmen origin who settled in Mary and Chardzou. These activities included shelter construction and the provision of agricultural equipment. UNHCR also facilitated the voluntary repatriation of 330 Tajiks from Turkmenistan to Tajikistan.

(v) Uzbekistan

79. UNHCR provided both financial and material support in the establishment of a Centre for Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law within the Tashkent Law Institute in 1996. The Centre has served as the venue for a seminar and workshop on Refugee and International Law in September and Legal Drafting in December 1996. The former was undertaken jointly with IOM. Further training workshops and seminars are planned in 1997. In addition to offering courses, the Centre supports research and publishes articles on refugee and international law, human rights and other related areas of law. UNHCR will also assist the Ministry of Justice in printing and distributing laws, legal codes and legal textbooks.

80. Basic health care assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in need was provided in 1996, as was financial support for attendance in local primary and secondary schools. This assistance will continue in 1997, together with the promotion of small scale income generation activities. The UNHCR Field Office in Termez continued to provide logistic support for the voluntary repatriation of Tajik refugees in Afghanistan and Turkmenistan, as well as purchasing fuel and providing storage in support of UNHCR activities in the region.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

81. Due to the lack of established legal and administrative procedures concerning refugees in three of the countries in the region, many of UNHCR's activities in Central Asia involve providing direct technical and material support to government departments and academic institutions. At the same time, UNHCR is assisting local NGOs and government offices/departments to increase their ability to plan their programmes together with UNHCR, to manage their project agreements, funds and property effectively, and to report on their activities to UNHCR in a timely manner. For the provision of specialized staff, agreements with UNV for three volunteers in Tajikistan, Kazakstan and Kyrgyzstan have been established. UNHCR's main governmental and non-governmental implementing partners in Central Asia are as follows:

(i) Kazakstan

Kazak Red Crescent Society - basic health care and individual/family support in Almaty.

(ii) Kyrgyzstan

Ministry of Labour - support to the national Migration Department and small scale income generation activities.

Ministry of Education -implementation of Phase II of the Ethnic Tolerance Project.

Ministry of Emergencies and Civil Defence - support for preparedness activities and contingency planning.

Kyrgyz Red Crescent Society - basic refugee health care in Bishkek and a mobile clinic in Chui and Osh Regions for vulnerable refugees and local populations.

Counterpart Foundation - provision of NGO Support Centres in regions with refugee populations in need of training, technical support and equipment.

Bishkek Migration Management Centre - venue for undertaking training courses, workshops and seminars to improve skills and strengthen structures in refugee and migration management.

(iii) Tajikistan

Refugee Children and Vulnerable Citizens - provision of basic health care and individual/family support for refugees and asylum seekers in need.

Save the Children (US) - management of a micro-credit project for refugee women returnees.

(iv) Turkmenistan

Institute for Democracy and Human Rights - support for workshops and seminars on refugee and international humanitarian law, printing and disseminating laws and legal codes relating to refugees and human rights, and providing training courses on refugee related issues.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - the Operational Unit will be the focal point of UNHCR support for the Government to create and develop an administrative and procedural framework for managing refugees and other population movements.

(v) Uzbekistan

Centre for Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law - the Centre will conduct training courses, workshops and seminars on refugees, human rights and forced population movements. It will also offer courses in international humanitarian law and publish articles on related subjects.

(d) Budget

82. The initial project allocations for 1997 have been revised and broken down into separate project budgets for each Central Asian country. The total Central Asia revised allocation for 1997, however, has not increased over the initial amount. The initial allocation proposed for 1998 has increased over the revised 1997 budget on the expectation that UNHCR's institutional capacity and confidence building activities in the region will expand and grow.

(e) Post situation

83. For 1997, one international post has been created to further implement, develop and manage the legal capacity building activities in Tajikistan. Four National Officer posts have also been created (three programme and one administrative) in order to strengthen the capacity of the Liaison Offices in the region to manage their operational budgets and administrative duties more effectively. An additional nine general service posts were created in 1997. At the same time, three general service posts have been discontinued in 1997, as well as one international post (as at end-1996).

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

84. An extensive study on environmental issues in Central Asia was undertaken by UNHCR in 1996. The study focused on environmentally induced population displacement and on refugees living on contaminated sites. One immediate outcome of the study was a mission, in December 1996, to the Deder Bubu refugee village in Kyrgyzstan by the Minamata Institute of Japan to determine whether the refugees there are suffering from mercury poisoning.

85. As part of its specific policy to concentrate on assistance to refugees in need and vulnerable refugees, UNHCR focused most of this assistance on unaccompanied minors, the elderly and women. Besides providing immediate basic assistance, increased efforts will be put into supporting activities which promote self-reliance through small scale credit and income generation activities.

(g) Oversight reports

86. An internal UNHCR review of its programme in Tajikistan from its inception in 1993 to its phase down at the end of 1995 was undertaken in the first quarter of 1996. It culminated in the production of a comprehensive report on UNHCR's activities in Tajikistan. The report and the activities were reviewed by UNHCR field and Headquarters staff during a one day meeting held in Geneva, which resulted in a "lessons learned" paper on UNHCR's protection and assistance efforts in a country of origin.

87. A UNHCR inspection mission also visited Tajikistan in May 1996 to review the process of transition from relief to development in comparison to similar efforts in Mozambique and Cambodia. The report is being finalized.

4. Cyprus

(a) Beneficiaries

88. As at December 1996, the internally displaced population assisted by UNHCR remained at some 265,000 persons. Sixty urban refugee cases, mostly of Middle East origin, were also provided with protection and assistance.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

89. The final report on the evaluation of the UNHCR bi-communal programme in Cyprus covering the period 1990-1994 was submitted in April 1996 by KPMG, a consulting agency selected to carry out an assessment of the UNHCR assistance programme. The report was shared with the Cyprus Red Cross Society (CRCS), the main implementing partner of the UNHCR programme in Cyprus. Implementation of the report's recommendations has commenced.

90. The Law Commission Office of the Republic of Cyprus, in consultation with UNHCR, prepared a draft of the Cyprus Refugee Law. When finalized, this Bill may have an important impact on UNHCR's future mandate responsibilities in Cyprus. As a part of its efforts, UNHCR organized, in cooperation with the Refugee Council, training on refugee law for one migration officer and one representative from the Law Commissioner's Office. The training included all aspects related to refugees, from the reception of the asylum seekers to the determination of refugee status.

91. During 1997, UNHCR will continue to promote bi-communal projects and activities, and will attempt to enhance greater bi-communal participation through a number of measures related to project planning, funding, reporting, implementing partners and infrastructure.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

92. UNHCR will continue to work in close co-operation with CRCS, which is represented in both communities.

(d) Budget

93. The increase between the initial and revised 1997 care and maintenance project for displaced persons is due to the fact that certain activities in 1996 were not implemented and thus, the relevant funds were carried-over into 1997.

(e) Post situation

94. No creations or discontinuations are envisaged during the reporting period.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

95. A bi-communal nursery was partially supported by UNHCR in the village of Dhernyia. This nursery is intended to provide services for children of both communities.

96. Women's associations have been approached in an effort to convene at the UNHCR office in the protected area a bi-communal meeting of interested women to identify ways and means for these associations to make significant contributions to the improvement of bi-communal relations on the island.

(g) Oversight reports

97. No reports were initiated during the reporting period.

5. Egypt

(a) Beneficiaries

98. As at 1 December 1996, UNHCR assisted 5,807 refugees and 188 elderly stateless persons. The main countries of origin include Somalia (3,491 persons), Sudan (1,448 persons), Yemen (546) and other African countries. It is estimated that 55 per cent of the refugee population is female and 6.5 per cent is under five years of age. Between 1 January and 1 December 1996, some 30 refugees (mostly Somalis and Bosnians) repatriated with UNHCR assistance.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

99. UNHCR continues to monitor and assist approximately 200 Palestinians who have been stranded at Salloum on the Egyptian-Libyan Arab Jamahiriya border since September 1995. The immediate needs of vulnerable cases in this population were addressed through the provision of basic relief items.

100. An organized verification of registered refugees in Egypt was completed during 1996, and a database has been developed which includes all refugees registered with UNHCR since 1988.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

101. Caritas will continue to be the main implementing partner for UNHCR in Egypt for needs assessments, social counselling, material, medical and educational (primary and secondary) assistance as well as vocational training. The Family Planning Association will continue to provide refugee women with basic health education and family planning courses. St. Andrew's Church and All Saint's Cathedral will continue to be responsible for language and computer training courses for a group of refugee children and adults. UNHCR will directly implement projects related to cases of asylum seekers in urgent need of assistance and the provision of assistance to the Palestinians at Salloum.

(d) Budget

102. The increase of the 1997 Annual Programme budget as compared to 1996 is due to the inclusion of public information activities administered by the Regional Office in Cairo.

(e) Post situation

103. The 1997 staffing level remains the same as in 1996.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

104. With the arrival of the Senior Regional Advisor on Refugee Women, efforts to address the situation of refugee women in the region will be better coordinated. In particular, regular legal counselling for women at risk will be organized and income generating activities for single women and female headed families will be implemented.

(g) Oversight reports

105. A 17-day inspection mission to the Middle East was undertaken in March 1996 by UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service. The team inspected the Regional Office in Egypt, offices under its responsibility, and the Branch Offices in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan. One recommendation from the mission, a modified regional structure for the Regional Office in Egypt and for the Persian Gulf countries, is currently under discussion at Headquarters in the context of Project Delphi. Other recommendations included clearer guidelines on protection and assistance activities for particular refugee groups in Egypt and elsewhere in the region, the expansion of external relations activities (including fund raising) particularly in the Persian Gulf region, the need for common registration systems and databases, updating refugee emergency contingency plans and the need for a clear strategy on cooperation with NGOs in the Persian Gulf region. In addition, an assessment of the conditions of service was carried out. As follow-up to these recommendations, a regional meeting on Sudanese refugees is being planned and posts for information systems and fund raising were created. Headquarters' resettlement and public information missions, which were also recommended, have since been undertaken.

6. Islamic Republic of Iran

(a) Beneficiaries

106. As at 1 December 1996, the Islamic Republic of Iran hosted an estimated 1,400,000 Afghan and 580,000 Iraqi refugees, of whom some 21,800 Afghans and 64,400 Iraqis are accommodated in refugee camps administered by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The remaining refugees are scattered throughout several provinces and urban centres. In addition, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran also reports the presence of some 40,000 displaced people of other nationalities (Tajiks, Bosnians, Azeris and others).

107. Approximately 52 per cent of the Afghan refugee population is under the age of 15, and approximately 20 per cent are women. With regard to the Iraqi refugees, children under 18 make up some 40 per cent of the population, and 20 per cent are women.

108. From September 1996 to November 1996, the Islamic Republic of Iran accepted on its territory some 65,000 Iraqi Kurd refugees who fled the factional fighting in Northern Iraq. As at 1 December 1996, an estimated 13,000 of these refugees remain in the Islamic Republic of Iran while repatriation movements are still ongoing.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

109. UNHCR has supported the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran in delivering emergency assistance to some 65,000 Iraqi Kurd refugees who sought refuge in that country in September/October 1996 and has actively pursued and advocated with the Government the relocation of this caseload to safer areas, further from the border.

110. Except for refugees accommodated in camps, the impact of the economic crisis has made living conditions of the general refugee population increasingly difficult and their situation has accordingly become precarious. This is due in part to the withdrawal of health and education subsidies, and to continued steady inflation and restricted access to a job market with few prospects.

111. UNHCR has initiated a number of specific measures to minimize the adverse impact on the welfare of the refugees. Under the health sector, UNHCR has continued its activities through the Medical Referral Units (MRU) scheme in major urban centres to directly assist those refugees in need. A total of 5,464 refugees benefited from the MRU programme from 1 January 1996 to 30 October 1996.

112. During 1996, UNHCR introduced new assistance measures for the education sector to support the efforts of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to ensure that primary and secondary education continues to be extended to documented Afghan refugee children outside of camps. In 1997, UNHCR is studying means to extend its support in the sector of education to Iraqi refugee children outside of camps.

113. Although voluntary repatriation is likely to remain the most preferred durable solution for the refugee population in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the likelihood that a sizable number of refugees will stay requires that UNHCR consider other durable solution options with the relevant government authorities.

114. During 1996, the trend in voluntary repatriation reached its lowest level since 1993. A sizable number of remaining Afghan refugees found themselves with expired documents and efforts are now being undertaken by UNHCR to regularize their situation.

115. As a result of factional in-fighting in Northern Iraq, UNHCR suspended its repatriation operation for Iraqi Kurds from September until the end of November 1996. A solution is yet to be found for the return of Iranian refugees from the Al-Tash camp in Iraq.

116. UNHCR will continue to develop activities in support of national, legal and judicial capacity building that could prove beneficial for the reintegration of returning refugees. UNHCR will carry out protection activities targeted at government officials dealing with refugees. Universities in Tehran have shown an interest in obtaining UNHCR's support towards the establishment of a curriculum of refugee law.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

117. A significant number of projects are implemented by the Bureau for Aliens and Foreign Immigrants Affairs (BAFIA) of the Ministry of Interior, while some specific services are being provided by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Training. The Red Crescent Society is involved in the management of some refugee camps and the distribution of relief items.

118. IOM is responsible for the transport inside the Islamic Republic of Iran of refugees returning to Afghanistan and Iraq.

119. UNHCR continues in it's attempts to further enhance the involvement of both local and international NGOs in the assistance provided to refugees. Médecins sans Frontières (MSF), however, is the only international NGO active in refugee relief in the Islamic Republic of Iran.

(d) Budget

120. The initial 1997 annual programme allocation has been maintained at the same level as the 1996 allocation, due to the stability of the caseload population levels. As a result of the recent emergency influx, however, the overall refugee camp population may increase and thus require an upward revision of the annual programme allocation.

(e) Post situation

121. In view of the decreasing rate of repatriation of Afghan refugees, a total of nine posts in several Field Offices have been proposed for discontinuation by the end of 1996 and during 1997. Given the increase in activities on behalf of Iraqi refugees in the western part of the country, two new posts were created as of 1 January 1997.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

122. Existing UNHCR assistance activities for refugee women in the Islamic Republic of Iran include income generating assistance, family planning and health care training, literacy courses and community based activities in the camps. For children, special emphasis is placed on primary education, libraries, health care and immunization, as well as sports facilities in the camps. During 1997, UNHCR will endeavour to administer, with competent NGOs, a number of revolving funds primarily aimed at developing self-reliance amongst refugee families headed by single women.

(g) Oversight reports

123. An External Audit mission took place from 1 April to 3 May 1996. The resulting report commented, inter alia, on overhead costs and the methodology used in determining the number of refugee beneficiaries.

7. Iraq

(a) Beneficiaries

124. In Iraq, UNHCR assisted 23,762 Iranian refugees of Kurdish origin, 11,650 of Arab origin and 60 of Persian origin. UNHCR also assisted an additional 14,986 Turkish nationals of Kurdish origin residing in Atroush camp and other locations in the Dohuk Governorate in northern Iraq. Furthermore, the UNHCR Field office in Baghdad provided assistance to 580 Eritreans and 683 persons of other origins. A census showing a decrease in the previously estimated population of the Iranian Kurdish refugees housed in Al Tash was undertaken during 1996. Al Tash currently houses 20,080 refugees, whereas the remaining 3,682 Iranian Kurdish refugees live in the Erbil and Sulemaniya Governorates in Northern Iraq. There are also 62,635 Palestinians in Iraq of whom approximately 800 receive UNHCR assistance.

125. In addition to the above caseload, Iraq has hosted some 6,000 stateless persons who were expelled from Kuwait in the aftermath of the 1991 war in the Persian Gulf and who have been assisted under UNHCR's mandate since their arrival in Iraq.

126. 543 persons were resettled from Iraq during 1996. Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden undertook resettlement selection missions to Iraq during the year. UNHCR provides assistance to persons leaving for resettlement from Iraq via Jordan. Some 8,000 persons who fled as a result of the crisis in the Persian Gulf returned to Northern Iraq from the Islamic Republic of Iran during 1996 and received assistance packages from UNHCR.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

127. Political instability in Northern Iraq continues to affect UNHCR's programmes and operations. Factional fighting between the two main political parties in Northern Iraq, the KDP and the PUK, coupled with the intervention of outside powers, resulted in refugee movements both inside Iraq and to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The fighting between the KDP and the PUK resulted in the flight of an estimated 65,000 PUK supporters from Northern Iraq to the Islamic Republic of Iran. In the aftermath of the PUK recapture of the town of Sulemaniya on 13 October 1996, most of those who had fled to the Islamic Republic of Iran returned to Northern Iraq. Although UNHCR registered 96,000 returnees as of 1 December 1996, it has been determined that this number is considerably higher than that of the number of persons who originally sought refuge in the Islamic Republic of Iran due to the large number of persons who falsely claimed to be returnees. Although UNHCR registered all persons claiming to be returnees, assistance to those persons suspected of falsely presenting themselves was withheld pending verification of their status.

128. In November 1996, UNHCR decided to construct a transit site at Muqibla (Dohuk Governorate) to stimulate and assist the voluntary repatriation of the Turkish refugees from Atroush and from urban areas in the Governorate. Efforts to resolve difficulties created by a group of PKK activists in the camp continue to be a main preoccupation.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

129. The UNHCR programme for returnees, mostly from the Islamic Republic of Iran, but also from Turkey and the Syrian Arab Republic, is currently implemented by 4Rs. During 1996, UNHCR's programme for Turkish Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq was implemented by 4Rs, Triangle Dia Consortium (TDC) and Qandil. A local NGO, the Kurdistan Reconstruction Organization, was requested to implement the construction of the Muqibla transit site.

(d) Budget

130. Total requirements under the 1997 Annual Programme have increased as compared to 1996 due to the creation of posts to monitor the assistance programme for returnees and Turkish Kurds in northern Iraq.

(e) Post situation

131. In order to respond to the emerging situation in Northern Iraq, ten additional posts were created. Six of these are international posts which will be outposted to Dohuk, Erbil and Suleimaniya. These posts are needed because of the volatile situation in Northern Iraq which has involved large population movements to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the continuing situation involving Turkish refugees of Kurdish origin in the Dohuk Governorate.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

132. UNHCR activities for women in both the Atroush and Al-Tash camps include carpet weaving, knitting and sewing programmes. A clay and ceramic pottery project for women is being planned for Al-Tash camp. UNHCR's educational activities for children are being increased. Two more primary schools are being constructed in the Al-Tash camp. The schools are supplied by UNHCR with educational materials and sports equipment.

(g) Oversight reports

133. No reports were initiated during the reporting period.

8. Mauritania

(a) Beneficiaries

134. As at December 1996, UNHCR provided protection and assistance to some 16,400 Malian refugees accommodated in the camp of M'Berra in south-eastern Mauritania.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

135. The implementation of rehabilitation programmes and the reinforcement of UNHCR's presence in Northern Mali permitted an acceleration in repatriation activities. During the period of June 1995 to December 1996, UNHCR organized and facilitated the repatriation of 21,866 persons. A total of 29,257 refugees have presently registered for repatriation, of whom some 7,046 are awaiting imminent departure in organized convoys. It is anticipated that this repatriation will be completed in the course of 1997.

136. The implementation of the PSIR for returning Mauritanian refugees from Senegal commenced on 1 June 1996. UNHCR, together with the Mauritanian Red Crescent (CRM), established a presence in Kaedi and Rosso, two locations in the south-east Mauritania, close to the border with Senegal. A number of spontaneous returns were noted, but precise statistics are not yet available. As at end November 1996, 40 QIPs in the fields of education, water, health, agriculture, income generation and house rehabilitation were approved and completed in four regions bordering the Senegal river. An agreement was signed with the Ministry of Interior, Posts and Telecommunications, to support the monitoring of the returning population and to enhance governmental capacity to handle their reintegration.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

137. During 1996, the primary education and agriculture aspects of the care and maintenance project for Malian refugees was implemented by the Governorate of Hodh El Charghi. The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, MSF and Médecins du Monde (as of June 1996) were responsible for health activities in the camps of Bassikounou and M'Berra. ATLAS, a French NGO, was entrusted with the responsibility of transport and logistics, water and sanitation, and the distribution of non-food items to refugees and returnees. Food distribution was the responsibility of the Commissariat à la sécurité alimentaire.

138. The PSIR is implemented in coordination with CRM and the Ministry of Interior, Posts and Telecommunications. In November 1996, UNHCR signed an Agreement with Pharmaciens sans Frontières to cover the health sector of this programme. It is anticipated that other partners will be contracted in the course of 1997 to implement newly identified QIPs.

(d) Budget

139. Due to delay in the repatriation to Mali, commencing only in October 1996, the revised 1997 allocation for care and maintenance was increased to allow for continued assistance to the residual caseload pending their repatriation.

(e) Post situation

140. Two Field/Programme Assistants and two drivers posts were created as of January 1997 to assist in the implementation of the PSIR in Kaedi and Rosso. It is anticipated that a majority of posts will be discontinued by mid-1998 upon completion of UNHCR's programmes in Mauritania.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

141. Among the activities established in relation to the PSIR, priority was given to the identification of QIPs benefiting women and children. With regard to Malian refugees, environmental rehabilitation programmes are planned in 1997 which will follow the closure of the M'Berra camp. Eight DAFI scholarships were awarded to Malian refugees who are registered for the 1996/1997 academic year.

(g) Oversight reports

142. An internal audit of the UNHCR Programme in Mauritania took place in May 1996, which culminated in a set of positive conclusions. A specific problem concerning an NGO responsible for the logistics sector was resolved.

9. Pakistan

(a) Beneficiaries

143. At the end of 1996, there were some 820,000 registered Afghan refugees residing in recognized refugee villages in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), Balochistan and Punjab. As of 30 November 1996, 118,758 persons returned voluntarily to Afghanistan in 1996.

144. During the last quarter of 1996, developments in Afghanistan had significant repercussions on the refugee situation in Pakistan. From September to the end of November 1996, some 9,000 arrivals from Afghanistan were recorded. The movements were a combination of normal seasonal traffic at the border area and of people who faced particular problems and hardship in Kabul and Jalalabad and had thus opted to move across the border. Many of the groups included women who had interrupted higher studies or could no longer work to support their household. There were some 1,300 families (approximately 9,000 persons) who approached UNHCR for assistance at the Nasir Bagh refugee village near Peshawar.

145. In addition to the Afghan group, some 2,600 non-Afghan mandate refugees reside in large urban centres.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

(i) Afghan Refugees

146. Some 9,000 Afghan refugees arrived towards the end of 1996 and were assisted by UNHCR. Immediate relief activities were organized to provide this group with shelter, basic food, health care and proper sanitation. Assistance has been kept to a minimum and the distribution of food is time limited.

147. During 1997, programme activities for Afghan refugees will continue to enhance community participation in the organization and, whenever possible, payment of services (water, health care, education). UNHCR, in collaboration with its implementing partners, will ensure that services will be adequate to cover the population. Continued emphasis will be put on preventive health care and further training of health workers will be provided in order to improve outreach services. The Nutritional Surveillance System, recommended by a joint WFP/UNHCR food assessment mission, will be operational during the first quarter of 1997.

148. A review of the vocational skills and income generating micro-projects was initiated in late 1996 to standardize their implementation and to ensure maximum efficiency, and will be followed by training to improve the technical and monitoring capacities of the implementing partners.

149. The interest in voluntary repatriation significantly decreased after the summer of 1996. The stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan is, of course, a major factor that will determine the number of refugees who will opt to return in 1997. UNHCR will continue to collaborate with NGOs in encouraging group repatriation linked to rehabilitation activities in Afghanistan.

(ii) Non-Afghan refugees

150. During 1997, the focus of the assistance programme for non-Afghan refugees will be modified so as to lessen dependence on assistance and to enhance the self reliance of refugees through the provision of reduced subsistence allowances that will encourage them to engage in vocational skills development and/or income-generation activities. The implementation of these changes will require close monitoring as well as information sharing and counselling of refugees.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

151. The Ministry of States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON), through the Office of the Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees (CCAR) at the national level, and the Office of three Provincial Commissioners for Afghan Refugees (CAR) in the North Western Frontier Province, Balochistan and the Punjab, is the main implementing partner of the UNHCR programme for Afghan refugees. Twenty-seven per cent of the 1996 General Programmes budgets are currently implemented by these government agencies. Nineteen NGOs are implementing approximately 62 per cent of the programme in specific fields such as health, education, water supply, vocational training and income generation. Eleven per cent of the 1996 budgets are administered directly by UNHCR for activities such as the international procurement of relief items, assistance to non-Afghan refugees, and the employment of staff and consultants providing operational support to UNHCR programmes. The provision of food assistance (edible oil for vulnerable persons) is undertaken by WFP.

(d) Budget

152. The revised 1997 budget shows a slight increase as compared to the initial budget, mainly due to the increase in the incentives given to teachers in the schools for Afghan refugees managed by UNHCR/GTZ. Furthermore, at the end of 1996, implementing partners who had previously funded their operations through non-UNHCR contributions have approached UNHCR for financial support, because donors are reducing funding to the refugee programmes in Pakistan in order to give priority to operations in Afghanistan.

(e) Post situation

153. During 1996, the staffing structure of the UNHCR Office in Pakistan was adjusted and streamlined, resulting in the discontinuation of fifteen posts. As of 1 January 1997, the staffing level will total 120, including 92 professional posts, three Junior Professional Officers (JPOs) and 25 project staff (under contract with Rifah). The post situation will again be reviewed in the early part of 1997 in line with a continued rationalization and an optimization of the use of human resources, including reduced staffing under the Rifah arrangement.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

154. The particular situation of Afghan women requires the implementation of gender specific activities, for example female literacy programmes and the provision of edible oil as a means to encourage families to enrol girls in primary schools. In order to facilitate access to medical services, the recruitment of female doctors and health visitors will continue to be actively pursued and will focus initially on safe motherhood practices, family planning and the care and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. With respect to small income-generation projects and skills development, there will be renewed efforts to improve the marketing and entrepreneurship components of these activities, with special consideration for problems faced by women.

155. The main activity in favour of refugee children is the continuation of support for basic education. To that effect, UNHCR will continue funding the running of schools and will ensure that the lack of payment of token contributions to schools does not affect children from poor families. The Nutritional Surveillance System will help ensure the identification of malnourished children.

156. The completion of the UNHCR/World Bank Income Generation Project for the Refugee Affected Areas (IGPRA) has drastically reduced the necessity for activities related to the protection and rehabilitation of natural resources. UNHCR Islamabad, supported by the Office of the Senior Coordinator for Environmental Affairs, is preparing a project proposal that would implement environmental rehabilitation in a selected area and take into account the lessons learned under IGPRA (community involvement, equity, sustainability).

10. Yemen

(a) Beneficiaries

157. As at December 1996, Yemen hosted an estimated 56,000 refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR. Apart from some 5,726 Somalis accommodated in the Al Gahin temporary camp who receive full assistance from UNHCR, there were 25,000 Somalis who are not assisted by UNHCR, 15,500 Somalis of Yemeni origin who have not been naturalized by the Yemeni Government, 2,500 Eritrean refugees scattered on the coast of the Red Sea, and 1,015 Ethiopian and 700 Palestinian refugees.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

158. No major protection problems affected the various refugees and asylum seekers in Yemen in 1996. As a result of the dispute between Yemen and Eritrea nearing peaceful resolution through international arbitration, the tension between the Eritrean refugees and the local population has abated.

159. To further improve the protection situation of refugees in the country, UNHCR and the Government of Yemen have agreed to register and provide identification documents to all refugees in order to protect them against possible harassment.

160. During 1996, UNHCR succeeded in assisting hundreds of refugees to voluntarily repatriate to their home country. These included 52 Ethiopian and 430 Somali refugees.

161. The Government of Yemen modified its position with regard to the allocation of land near Shuqra where the construction of a refugee settlement was planned, and offered an ex-military base in Kharaz instead. The new site will be assessed by a UNHCR technical team before any reconstruction or rehabilitation work is undertaken. In the meantime, refugees will remain at the Al Gahin site. UNHCR's major objective in 1997, however, remains to organize and/or facilitate the voluntary repatriation of the Somali refugees if the conditions in their country of origin so allow. If repatriation numbers increase, there may not be a need to relocate refugees from Al Gahin.

162. UNHCR will also continue to organize the voluntary repatriation of the remaining Ethiopian refugees and some 2,500 Eritrean refugees to their respective countries of origin.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

163. During 1996, UNHCR was assisted by Partners for Development (PAD) and Rädda Barnen in the implementation of the care and maintenance programme for Somali refugees. PAD was responsible for camp management, health coordination, and social and basic legal counselling services. Rädda Barnen assisted in the educational sector by running school projects in the Al Gahin camp and in Basateen. The agency also expanded its activities to children with disabilities and a mother and child project in July 1996. International Cooperation for Development (ICD) implemented a health project for urban refugees in Sana'a.

(d) Budget

164. The initial 1997 allocation for care and maintenance was decreased due to the Government of Yemen's decision not to allocate Shuqra as a refugee site. The new proposed site in Kharaz already has some existing infrastructure which may be used. The budget for the urban refugee caseload also decreased due to the request for repatriation by a large number of urban Somali refugees.

(e) Post situation

165. During 1996, the post of Associate Administrative/Programme Officer was converted into a National Officer External Relations/Programme post in Branch Office Sana'a.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

166. To ensure that the needs of women and children are adequately covered, a female UNHCR field assistant has been recruited in Aden to work jointly with PAD in the camp to further improve the special care provided to these groups. In the urban areas, ICD continues to monitor and provide assistance for the welfare of women and children refugees. In the Al Gahin camp, UNHCR assisted Rädda Barnen to expand its activities in education and community based rehabilitation (CBR) for children.

(g) Oversight reports

167. No reports were initiated during the reporting period.

11. Other countries in North Africa (Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco and Tunisia)

(a) Beneficiaries

168. As at July 1996, 4,560 persons were considered of concern to UNHCR in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, and were provided with UNHCR protection and/or assistance. The refugee population includes 2,180 Somalis, 700 Eritreans, 320 Sudanese, 65 Iraqis, 1,118 Palestinians and 177 persons of various other nationalities. Among them, 790 vulnerable cases were assisted under a UNHCR care and maintenance programme (440 Somalis, 250 Palestinians and 100 persons of various nationalities).

169. Some 200 Palestinians continue to stay at the border crossing at Salloum and were assisted by the UNHCR Regional Office in Cairo.

170. In Morocco, 800 refugees benefited from UNHCR protection, of whom 106 persons of various nationalities were assisted. The refugee caseload originates from Africa, Maghreb and the Middle-East, and includes some destitute elderly Europeans who had integrated in Morocco.

171. In Tunisia, UNHCR provided protection and/or assistance to 110 refugees and asylum seekers of various nationalities. Some 1,000 Palestinians remaining in Tunisia should, in principle, return to Gaza according to the agreement between the PLO and Tunisian authorities.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

172. The economic situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya continued to deteriorate and has led to an increase in the already restrictive measures affecting foreigners in general and refugees in particular.

173. The situation of Palestinian refugees in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya remained unstable. A large number of them lost their employment following the events of 1995 and sought UNHCR's assistance. Although they were allowed to return to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, some 200 Palestinians among those expelled in 1995 remain at Salloum, on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya border with Egypt.

174. The repatriation of Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees was hindered by the logistics constraints imposed by the air embargo on the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. In 1996, however, 152 Ethiopians and 686 Eritreans were repatriated via Tunisia. In addition, five Rwandese refugees were repatriated to Kigali. Refugees of Somali origin who registered for voluntary repatriation in 1995 are still awaiting the formal approval from authorities in North West Somalia to return home.

175. During 1997 and 1998, UNHCR will continue to provide protection and assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco and Tunisia. Care and maintenance programmes will focus on vulnerable groups and those in need.

176. In Morocco, UNHCR will initiate a small-scale income-generation project aimed at achieving self-sufficiency of urban refugees pending their voluntary repatriation.

177. Due to the difficult economic situation faced by refugees in Tunisia, UNHCR will continue to encourage the Government of Tunisia to allow urban refugees to work and to allow refugee children access to education in public schools.

178. In 1997 in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, UNHCR will attempt to organize a voluntary repatriation movement for some 700 Somalis and another 200 refugees of various nationalities. Forty cases of refugees in need of resettlement will be submitted for resettlement in 1997. Priority will be given to women at risk.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

179. In Tunisia, the Tunisian Red Crescent assists UNHCR in the implementation of a care and maintenance project which provides medical, financial and educational assistance to urban refugees.

(d) Budget

180. The increase in the 1997 care and maintenance budget for the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya results from an increase in the number of refugees in need of assistance. There are no major changes between the initial and revised 1997 and proposed 1998 budgets for Morocco and Tunisia.

(e) Post situation

181. The post of Field Assistant in Tunisia and the post of Driver in Morocco were created, effective 1 January 1997, to reinforce the operational capacity of the Honorary Delegations. At the same time, a general service post was discontinued in Morocco. It was also decided to discontinue five UNHCR posts in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya and to instead employ the corresponding number of staff through UNDP.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

182. Programme activities in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Morocco and Tunisia are oriented towards assistance to vulnerable individual cases mainly consisting of women and children

(g) Oversight reports

183. No reports were initiated during the reporting period.

12. Other Countries in Western Asia (Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, the Syrian Arab Republic and the United Arab Emirates)

(i) Jordan

(a) Beneficiaries

184. As at December 1996, there were 856 registered refugees and 2,968 asylum seekers under the temporary protection of UNHCR. The main countries of origin included Iraq, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, Somalia and Egypt. It is estimated that 60 per cent of the refugee population is female and that 10 per cent is under five years of age.

185. Between January and November 1996, 114 individuals repatriated with assistance from UNHCR to Bosnia and Herzegovina (71 persons), Eritrea (32 persons) Armenia (10 Persons) and Somalia (one person).470 individuals were resettled during the same period.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

186. UNHCR continues to interview Iraqi cases for status determination and to provide assistance to persons in need. Pending a durable solution, refugees in need will be provided with financial assistance to cover accommodation, food, health care, education and, if possible, language courses and vocational training. UNHCR will continue its efforts in the promotion of refugee law through its contacts with government officials, academics and advocacy groups.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

187. A focal point within the Ministry of Interior was designated during the year and is responsible for following up and facilitating UNHCR activities. The Jordanian Red Crescent Society is UNHCR's main implementing partner for the care and maintenance programme, while the Hashemite Charity Organisation implements shelter assistance for Bosnian refugees. In 1996, the Vocational Training Centre of the Ministry of Labour became UNHCR's partner for the implementation of the vocational skills programme for refugee women. IOM will continue to be the implementing partner for the resettlement and repatriation of refugees.

(d) Budget

188. The 1998 budget requirements are higher than 1997 levels due to the need to cater for an expected increase in the number of asylum seekers in Jordan.

(e) Post situation

189. The current staffing level is considered adequate to implement activities in Jordan throughout 1997 and 1998. Therefore, no changes are being proposed.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

190. In March 1996, UNHCR received authorisation from the Ministry of Education for refugee children to attend government schools. UNHCR is in the process of concluding an agreement with the Ministry of Social Development to accommodate and provide care for unaccompanied male refugee children pending family reunification. Unaccompanied female refugee children are cared for by the Jordanian Red Crescent Society.

191. UNHCR initiated a skills training programme for refugee women at the Vocational Training Centre of the Ministry of Labour. In collaboration with UNIFEM, a programme for the development of women's entrepreneurial skills began in late 1996.

(g) Oversight reports

192. A mission to Jordan was undertaken by UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service (see the section on Egypt above).

(ii) Kuwait

(a) Beneficiaries

193. As at December 1996, there were some 25,000 persons of concern to UNHCR, of whom 3,821 were registered with UNHCR and benefited from UNHCR assistance. The assisted population included Iraqis (1,988 persons), Palestinians from Gaza (1,693 persons), Somalis and Afghans. It is estimated that 36 per cent of this refugee population is female and 6 per cent is under the age of five years.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

194. The cooperation and Office Agreement between UNHCR and the Government of Kuwait, which entered into force on 21 September 1996, constitutes a major development which will enhance the status and protection role of UNHCR in Kuwait. Through contacts with the local authorities, UNHCR will continue its efforts to regularize the legal status of Iraqis, Palestinians and Bedouns who have been living in Kuwait. UNHCR will continue to pay special attention to the estimated 127,000 Bedouns by extending its good office for counselling and intervening on behalf of individual cases. In order to ensure respect for the principle of non-refoulement, UNHCR has established, with UNIKOM, a procedure for the identification of potential asylum seekers who cross the demilitarized zone between Iraq and Kuwait.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

195. The 1996 care and maintenance programme was implemented directly by UNHCR. During 1997, it is expected that an agreement will be concluded with Zakat House to implement the 1997 programme.

(d) Budget

196. The 1997 budget requirements are higher than in 1996 due to a larger caseload and the high cost of living in Kuwait. The 1998 budget is expected to remain at the same level as in 1997.

(e) Post situation

197. The post of Protection Officer was created to ensure regular and speedy intervention on behalf of asylum-seekers and to follow up on other matters related to the protection of refugees and persons of concern.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

198. UNHCR Kuwait is promoting equal access to education for male and female children. It has intervened to ensure access to education for 141 Palestinians and 122 Iraqi children in private schools. UNHCR covers school costs for refugees in need and assistance is provided for refugee students at primary, secondary and vocational schools. Care and maintenance activities are focused on vulnerable groups of refugee women. This assistance includes monthly allowances, health, education and vocational training.

(g) Oversight reports

199. A mission to Kuwait was undertaken by UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service (see the section on Egypt above).

(iii) Lebanon

(a) Beneficiaries

200. As at December 1996, UNHCR assisted 1,833 refugees in need out of a total of 2,383 mandate refugees and others of concern to UNHCR. The main countries of origin are Iraq (1,368 persons), Afghanistan (550 persons), Sudan (211 persons) and Somalia (127 persons). It is estimated that 13 per cent of the refugee population is female and 10 per cent is under the age of five. Lebanese families who were displaced as a result of the outbreak of hostilities in southern Lebanon in April 1996 were assisted through an allocation from the 1996 Emergency Fund.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

201. For 1997, UNHCR will continue to ensure the protection and assistance of mandate refugees, and facilitate voluntary repatriation when feasible and resettlement when appropriate.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

202. UNHCR's assistance and resettlement projects are implemented by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC).

(d) Budget

203. The 1997 budget for care and maintenance has been increased as compared to 1996 due to an increase in the number of beneficiaries and the high cost of living in Lebanon.

(e) Post situation

204. 1996 post levels are being maintained in 1997 and 1998.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

205. Refugee women are able to attend vocational training. Some 90 per cent of refugee children are enrolled in local schools with the fees being paid by UNHCR.

(g) Oversight reports

206. A mission to Lebanon was undertaken by UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service (see the section on Egypt above).

(iv) Saudi Arabia

(a) Beneficiaries

207. As at November 1996, there were 9,794 Iraqi refugees in Rafha camp in the northern part of Saudi Arabia, of whom 2,457 were women while approximately 11 per cent of the population was under the age of four years. From January until November 1996, 3,477 persons were resettled from Rafha, while 40 persons voluntarily repatriated. The entire infrastructure of Rafha Camp is provided by the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

208. The resettlement of Iraqi refugees in Rafha Camp continued to be UNHCR's main activity in Saudi Arabia.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

209. The International Islamic Relief Organisation (IIRO) maintains an office in Rafha for the maintenance of refugee statistical data, and to assist in the monitoring of refugee movements and the issuance of identification cards. The IIRO headquarters in Jeddah coordinates with UNHCR on policy issues and matters related to PARinAC and training.

(d) Budget

210. The 1997 budgetary level is increased as compared to 1996, despite an increase in the overall number of posts. This is mainly due to an increase in the post adjustment and a revision of the salary scale for general service staff.

(e) Post situation

211. A post of Associate Fund Raising Officer for the Persian Gulf region and a Driver post were created as of 1 January 1997. One professional and two general service posts, however, were discontinued as at 31 December 1996.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

212. Both male and female refugee children attend schools in Rafha camp which are run by government authorities. During family visits at the camp, the UNHCR Community Social Service Counsellor assesses the problems of female refugees and children and implements the necessary follow-up measures.

(g) Oversight reports

213. A mission to Saudi Arabia was undertaken by UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service (see the section on Egypt above).

(v) Syrian Arab Republic

(a) Beneficiaries

214. As at 1 November 1996, there were 3,147 assisted and 3,860 non-assisted refugees in the Syrian Arab Republic. The beneficiaries are refugees registered at the El Hol Camp in northern Syria (98 per cent Iraqi refugees) and urban mandate refugees (mainly Iraqi and Somalis) in Damascus. There are 1,647 refugees at El Hol camp (40 per cent female, 25 per cent under five years) and 1,500 assisted refugees in Damascus (46 per cent female, 14 per cent under five years). There has been no voluntary repatriation from El Hol during the reporting period, but 281 persons were resettled. With regard to the Damascus caseload, approximately 200 refugees were resettled while 38 persons repatriated voluntarily.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

215. UNHCR continues to provide international protection and assistance to Iraqi Kurdish refugees living in the El Hol camp and to the urban caseload in need. In addition, the UNHCR resettlement programme will continue in 1997.

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

216. The management of the El Hol camp is implemented by the Governorate of Hassake. Assistance for the urban refugees is implemented by the Syrian Red Crescent and includes a monthly subsistence allowance, medical assistance, education and vocational training for male refugees. The Syrian Women's Association is coordinating activities for women and children. UNHCR implements direct assistance as required.

(d) Budget

217. There are no significant changes in the programme for 1997 and 1998 apart from a slight budgetary increase required in 1997 due to an increase in the cost of living.

(e) Post situation

218. A post of assistant Field Officer was created as of 1 January 1997.

(f) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

219. In the El Hol camp, there is a sewing and knitting workshop for refugee women and a camp kindergarten for refugee children run by the Syrian Women's Association. School age children can attend primary and secondary school in the village of El Hol. With regard to the environment, some 10,000 tree seedlings were planted in 1996 in and around El Hol camp with the use of refugee labour.

220. In Damascus, a new implementing partner, as of September 1996, the Syrian Women's Association, commenced with the implementation of activities for women and children. Meetings with refugee women were held in an effort to identify their needs. Particular attention was paid to women at risk through the provision of special assistance and counselling. Approximately 15 children were placed in kindergarten and 29 women were provided with vocational training, which included sewing, computer training and hairdressing courses.

(g) Oversight reports

221. A mission to Syria was undertaken by UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service (see the section on Egypt above).

(vi) United Arab Emirates

(a) Beneficiaries

222. As at 31 August 1996, UNHCR assisted some 390 refugees originating mainly from Somalia, Uganda, and Iraq. There is also a small group of stateless Zanzibaris who came to the United Arab Emirates between 1964 and 1974.

(b) Recent developments and objectives

223. UNHCR continues to provide international protection as well as material assistance to cases in need

(c) Implementing partners/arrangements

224. Education assistance for the Ugandan children project is implemented in collaboration with the Dubai Government.

(d) Implementation of policy priorities (women, children, environment)

225. UNHCR continues to provide for the education of Ugandan children. The education of children of stateless Zanzibaris is provided for by the Ministry of Education in Abu Dhabi.

(e) Oversight reports

226. A mission to the United Arab Emirates was undertaken by UNHCR's Inspection and Evaluation Service (see the section on Egypt above).

(Note: Statistical and financial tables not included in this online version. See your nearest UN Depository Library.)