Preview Newsletter
Aurora Media Monitoring on Humanitarian Issues
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Sahel violence displaces another million people
Mar 8, 2019 | IRIN
Rising conflict and insecurity are accelerating forced displacement across the Sahel, and a new upsurge of violence along the Mali-Niger border has left 10,000 people in "appalling conditions" in improvised camps in Niger's Tillabéri region. -
Persistent Needs in Sahel, Conflict Driving Massive Displacement
Mar 6, 2019 | Africanews
Top United Nations and Non-Governmental aid officials today sounded the alarm over rising conflict and insecurity that have accelerated forced displacement across the Sahel, where millions of people are still reeling from the effects of last year’s food and nutrition crisis. -
First drought, now floods
Mar 8, 2019 | IRIN
Flash floods and landslides have killed more than 70 people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, with numbers expected to rise as on-the-ground assessments trickle in. Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran have been grappling with severe drought over the last several months, and heavy rainfall can increase the threat of floods on degraded land. -
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran - Floods Update
Mar 6, 2019 | Reliefweb
Severe weather, including heavy rainfall and snowfall, affected several areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan and central-eastern Iran in the last few days. Landslides and flash floods have resulted in casualties and damage. -
UN Warns Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Burkina Faso
Mar 5, 2019 | Voice of America
By Margaret Besheer
The United Nations warned Tuesday that "an unprecedented humanitarian emergency" is developing in Burkina Faso, which has seen a surge in terrorist attacks and intercommunal violence. -
Sexual Violence Persists in South Sudan Despite Recent Political Strides, Top United Nations Official Says while Briefing Security Council
Mar 8, 2019 | Reliefweb
Meeting to discuss the evolving situation in South Sudan against the backdrop of International Women’s Day, The Security Council heard today that sexual violence against women and girls persists in spite of the young nation’s recent political strides. -
This African nation is now the 'most dangerous place in the world for children'
Mar 7, 2019 | NBCNews
By Christine Romo, Cynthia McFadden, Jake Whitman, Kenzi Abou-Sabe and Rich Schapiro
With the world's attention fixed on conflicts in the Middle East and Asia, the Central African Republic has descended into chaos in recent years. A sectarian civil war pitting Muslim rebels against Christian militias has ravaged large swaths of the country, displaced more than 1 million people and claimed the lives of tens of thousands. -
Update: Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mar 8, 2019 | Africanews
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak is continuing with moderate intensity. Katwa and Butembo remain the major health zones of concern, while small clusters continue simultaneously in some geographically dispersed locations. -
Congo massacre survivors tell of canoe escapes and being left for dead
Mar 7, 2019 | IRIN
By Alexis Huguet
At least 535 people were killed in the town of Yumbi and surrounding villages when members of the Batende community attacked the Banunu, a different ethnic group in December 2018. More than two months later, entire villages are still deserted. Nearly 30,000 people remain displaced, many on islands along the Congo River, as well as in neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville. -
The 2019 Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan Was Formally Launched Today
Mar 8, 2019 | Africanews
Commissioner Mitiku Kassa of the National Disaster Risk Management Commission and Mr. Aeneas Chuma, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator officially launched the joint Government and humanitarian partners’ Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan for 2019 today, in the presence of Government, humanitarian partners and donor representatives. -
2019 Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan (January-December 2019)
Mar 7, 2019 | Reliefweb
In 2018, Ethiopia was spared significant climate-related calamities such as the droughts of previous years. However, the significant spike in conflict-induced displacement, with a near doubling of the IDP and IDP returnee1 caseload, is contributing to high response needs across six regions. In addition, communities affected by drought in recent years have yet to recover and remain highly vulnerable to climate shocks, having exhausted their capacity to cope. This has required the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners to adopt response strategies that are better suited to the need of a more complex and sudden onset conflict-induced crisis. -
People living with HIV face major challenges in Zimbabwe
Mar 8, 2019 | UNAIDS
According to a recent emergency appeal from the United Nations, around 5.3 million people in Zimbabwe are estimated to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance. The ongoing economic crisis, compounded by erratic weather conditions in recent years, has led to increased food insecurity and a lack of access to basic essential services, including health care. -
How climate change is fueling extremism
Mar 10, 2019 | CNN
By Isabelle Gerretsen
Climate change is already triggering devastating weather events across the planet, including prolonged droughts, flash floods and wildfires. Parts of Africa and the Middle East are experiencing erratic harvests, heavy storms and the worst drought in the past 900 years. Experts say that people here who are struggling to provide for their families are vulnerable to the influence of extremist recruits who offer them work and food.
Sahel
Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran
Burkina Faso
South Sudan
Central African Republic
Congo
Ethiopia
Zimbabwe
Climate Change
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Sahel violence displaces another million people
Mar 8, 2019 | IRIN
Rising conflict and insecurity are accelerating forced displacement across the Sahel, and a new upsurge of violence along the Mali-Niger border has left 10,000 people in "appalling conditions" in improvised camps in Niger's Tillabéri region. The UN says IDP numbers in Mali have tripled to around 120,000. The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund, or CERF, has allocated $4 million to assist 70,000 people who have fled their homes in just two months in Burkina Faso. Around 4.2 million people – a million more than a year ago – are currently displaced across the Sahel due to a combination of armed attacks by extremist militants, retaliation by regional militaries, and inter-communal violence.
https://www.irinnews.org/news/2019/03/08/local-ngo-risks-white-saviours-and-sahel-s-million-new-displaced-cheat-sheet
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Persistent Needs in Sahel, Conflict Driving Massive Displacement
Mar 6, 2019 | Africanews
Top United Nations and Non-Governmental aid officials today sounded the alarm over rising conflict and insecurity that have accelerated forced displacement across the Sahel, where millions of people are still reeling from the effects of last year’s food and nutrition crisis.
Around 4.2 million people are displaced in the Sahel – a million more than in 2018 – due to escalating armed violence in parts of Mali, across the Lake Chad Basin and the Liptako-Gourma region (the border regions of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger). The number of internally displaced people in Mali has tripled to around 120,000. The Lake Chad Basin region is witnessing its highest levels of forced displacement with 2.7 million people uprooted from their homes, while in Burkina Faso, more than 100,000 people have been displaced, over half of them since the start of 2019.
“We are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian emergency in Burkina Faso where an upsurge in armed attacks has caused massive internal displacement. Thousands of families, young children, men and women are surviving in utterly difficult conditions, some in overcrowded tents, and without enough food, water or medical attention,” said Ursula Mueller, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, who has just concluded a three-day visit to Burkina Faso. “It is critical that we step up the ongoing emergency assistance in Burkina Faso and increase efforts in the Sahel in general where growing insecurity directly generates a rapid deterioration in the humanitarian situation.”
Protracted armed violence in parts of the Sahel compounds the impact of emergencies such as food insecurity, malnutrition and epidemics, and undermines efforts to uplift communities from chronic vulnerability. Farming, trade and other livelihood and economic activities are often severely impaired in conflict-affected regions.
Following the impact of a severe drought that decimated pasture, livestock and crops in 2018, the situation of millions of affected families is still fragile. Experts project that 9.5 million people will be critically food insecure in the 2019 lean season, between June and August, including 4.4 million in the Lake Chad Basin.
“Food insecurity and malnutrition, fuelled by poverty, climate shocks and conflict continue stalking the Sahel region,” said Abdou Dieng, Regional Director for the UN World Food Programme in West and Central Africa. “Substantive investments are needed to prevent widespread suffering this coming lean season and beyond to help communities and countries become more resilient. Emergency relief must be part of broader strategies encompassing economic investments, development and security initiatives.”
Worsening insecurity is both driving needs and straining humanitarian access in conflict-hit regions, depriving vulnerable people of critical assistance and heightening protection risks.
“It is reprehensible that the neutrality of innocent civilians and aid workers in conflict settings is no longer respected and insecurity poses an interference towards access to aid and services such as protection, health, nutrition and education,” said David Wright, Save the Children Regional Director for West and Central Africa. “Civilians, including the displaced and children, are bearing the worst effects of violence. States must be supported with the needed resources to safeguard civilians and ensure the access of continuous basic services, particularly to the most vulnerable, women and children.”
This year, the humanitarian community is requesting US$2.4 billion to assist some 15.3 million people in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, Niger and Nigeria.
https://www.africanews.com/2019/03/06/persistent-needs-in-sahel-conflict-driving-massive-displacement/
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Mar 8, 2019 | IRIN
Flash floods and landslides have killed more than 70 people in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, with numbers expected to rise as on-the-ground assessments trickle in. Parts of Afghanistan are particularly hard hit, with nine provinces reporting displacement or damage to homes and agriculture. Some 21,000 people need aid in the southern province of Kandahar alone, according to the UN. Aid groups worry the situation could worsen with continued rain and snowfall expected. Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran have been grappling with severe drought over the last several months, and heavy rainfall can increase the threat of floods on degraded land. An El Niño weather pattern could also bring more rainfall, combining with the drought impacts to make floods “more ruinous” this year, according to the UN. Which makes this a good time to read more on the complications of responding to emergencies in conflict-hit Afghanistan.
https://www.irinnews.org/news/2019/03/08/local-ngo-risks-white-saviours-and-sahel-s-million-new-displaced-cheat-sheet
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Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran - Floods Update
Mar 6, 2019 | Reliefweb
Severe weather, including heavy rainfall and snowfall, affected several areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan and central-eastern Iran in the last few days. Landslides and flash floods have resulted in casualties and damage.
According to media and UN OCHA, as of 6 March at 8.00 UTC, the death toll reached 70 people. 25 people were reported dead in Pakistan, 40 in Afghanistan and five in Iran. In addition, 10 people still missing and more than 1 000 homes have been flooded in Afghanistan. 20 people have been injured in Iran and dozens in Pakistan.
Over the next 24 hours, moderate rainfalls are forecast over northern Afghanistan as well as moderate snowfall over central-eastern regions. In Pakistan, snowfall are forecast over central regions as well as rainfall over north-western regions. In Iran, moderate rainfalls are forecast over eastern regions.
https://reliefweb.int/report/pakistan/pakistan-afghanistan-iran-floods-update-pmd-amd-irimo-un-ocha-wmo-media-echo-daily
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UN Warns Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Burkina Faso
Mar 5, 2019 | Voice of America
By Margaret Besheer
UNITED NATIONS —
The United Nations warned Tuesday that "an unprecedented humanitarian emergency" is developing in Burkina Faso, which has seen a surge in terrorist attacks and intercommunal violence.
"Thousands of families continue to flee due to persistent insecurity," said U.N. deputy humanitarian chief Ursula Mueller, who just wrapped up a four-day visit to the West African country.
"Burkina Faso authorities and humanitarian actors have quickly provided assistance. However, more has to be done to meet growing needs of the affected people wherever they may be," she said. "I urge all actors to respect the neutrality of aid workers and do their utmost to ensure the protection of communities."
In February, the government and humanitarian community launched an appeal for $100 million to assist some 900,000 of the most affected people. On Monday, the United Nations announced it would give $4 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund to the relief effort.
Burkina Faso has been rocked by increasing insurgent violence, predominantly in the country's north and east. There have also been terrorist attacks in the capital, Ouagadougou.
The country of 17 million is also facing severe economic troubles, with 40 percent of the population living under the poverty line. The U.N. estimates some 670,000 people are at risk of food insecurity, while 130,000 children are in danger of severe acute malnutrition this year.
The instability has displaced more than 100,000 people — over half of them just in the first two months of 2019.
In December, President Roch Marc Christian Kabore declared a six-month state of emergency in 14 of the country's 45 provinces.Last month, the United States raised its travel advisory for Burkina Faso to its next-to-highest level, advising its citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to "crime and terrorism."
In its advisory, the U.S. State Department warned, "Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks and kidnappings in Burkina Faso and may conduct attacks anywhere with no warning."
https://www.voanews.com/a/un-warns-humanitarian-crisis-unfolding-in-burkina-faso/4814541.html
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Mar 8, 2019 | Reliefweb
Implementation of Revitalized Peace Agreement Progressing ‘Slowly but Surely’, Juba’s Permanent Representative Assures Members
Meeting to discuss the evolving situation in South Sudan against the backdrop of International Women’s Day, The Security Council heard today that sexual violence against women and girls persists in spite of the young nation’s recent political strides.
David Shearer, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), briefed the 15-member Council on the “considerable” progress achieved since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan in September 2018. Commending the efforts of regional partners in brokering the Agreement, he said opposition leaders are now moving freely around Juba, the capital, and engaging in the peace process. Meanwhile, refugees are beginning to return home and there have been rapprochements between Government officials and members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
“Many people are alive today who might not have been without the [peace] Agreement,” he emphasized. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including delays in implementing the timetable set out in the Revitalized Agreement and the lack of a resolution on boundary issues. Warning that “a peace that falters will generate frustration, anger and a possible return to violence”, he stressed that sexual violence must end if displaced people are to feel safe enough to return home. The Government must work to end impunity, he reiterated, noting that UNMISS is helping to build the justice system’s capacity to deal with such crimes. A United Nations-supported court will open this month, with jurisdiction over crimes of a sexual or gender-based nature, he said.
Angelina Nyajima Simon Jial, Founder of the non-governmental organization Hope Restoration South Sudan, also briefed the Council, dedicating her remarks to women around the world who continue to fight for their rights. Describing the mass rape perpetrated near the town of Bentiu in late 2018 as a symptom of a much deeper problem, she said women and girls in South Sudan suffer some of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence. Whereas groups like Hope Restoration South Sudan work to provide protection and life-saving services, their lack of resources makes operations difficult, she said, pointing out that the bulk of available resources goes to United Nations agencies and international organizations, with the smallest portion funding national groups.
“We cannot build a strong and vibrant civil society in South Sudan with these constraints,” she stressed, warning that the country’s hopes for peace will fade without the participation of local groups. Much funding previously allocated has dried up, she noted, asking: “How do you tell someone who has been subjected to horrific acts of violence that you can no longer help?” While it is encouraging that the United Nations 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan prioritizes such programming, the Security Council must include local non-governmental organizations in the UNMISS mandate and request that donors support them, she said.
As Council members took the floor, many welcomed recent strides by the parties concerned and commended them for putting South Sudan’s broader interests above their own. However, several speakers sounded the alarm over high levels of sexual and gender-based violence — including the use of rape as a weapon of war — and called for intensified political commitment to address such heinous crimes.
Côte d’Ivoire’s delegate expressed concern over significant delays in achieving the goals for South Sudan’s pre-transition phase. The parties must “come to grips” with the substantive issues, notably by inserting provisions in the transitional constitution, establishing the Independent Transitional Boundary Commission and putting transitional security arrangements in place. Noting that security sector reform should allow for the unification of belligerents and creation of a disciplined army, he said transitional justice bodies should also be established — notably a hybrid court — and echoed the Secretary-General’s call to strengthen the UNMISS mandate and render it more flexible.
The representative of the United States said that today’s observance of International Women’s Day is a reminder that “we must do everything possible” for the millions of women still facing staggering levels of violence in South Sudan. While welcoming the fact that the Revitalized Agreement seems to be holding, he noted the failure of previous accords and called upon the Government to demonstrate its full commitment. The United States provided $845 million in assistance to South Sudan in 2018, he recalled, cautioning that such aid “is not infinite” and will require the Government to take responsibility for its people.
Emphasizing the need to avoid past mistakes, the Russian Federation’s representative commended the important role played by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in helping to reach the Revitalized Agreement. He went on to state that his delegation does not share the Western opinion that sanctions pressure and the imposition of the arms embargo made the peace process possible. “The Council should not take credit for the success of regional mediators,” he stressed, describing the Agreement as a demonstration of the principle of “African solutions to African problems”.
South Sudan’s delegate said that his country’s security, peace and economic situation has “improved noticeably” since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement. Implementation is progressing “slowly but surely,” he added, noting that President Salva Kiir Mayardit is touring the Greater Bahr El Ghazal region in the company of opposition leaders. Refugees are now returning voluntarily in large numbers and the economy is in the early stages of recovery, he said, adding that consumer goods are available and prices are dropping in Juba’s markets. Yet, challenges persist, including inadequate funding, he noted. However, the Government will carry on, “using whatever means and resources are available”, he stressed, urging the Council to work with regional partners to convince outstanding opposition groups to join the peace process.
Also speaking today were representatives of Germany, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Peru, Belgium, Poland, South Africa, China, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Indonesia and France.
The meeting began at 10:10 a.m. and ended at 12:20 p.m.
Briefings
DAVID SHEARER, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), outlined the “considerable” developments occurring on the ground in recent months. He noted that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan — signed on 12 September 2018 and brokered through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), particularly through the commendable efforts of Sudan — continues to hold, demonstrating the trust and confidence built by the parties. Citing four positive changes, he said opposition politicians from various parties are moving freely around the capital, Juba, without hindrance and participating in meetings on the peace process.
More than 71 meetings and rapprochements have been held across the country between Government officials and Sudan Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) forces and politicians, he continued. “The enthusiasm for peace among the people is palpable,” he said, noting that overall levels of political violence have diminished significantly. “Many people are alive today who might not have been without the [peace] Agreement,” he emphasized. The exception to that trend, however, is Central Equatoria, where fighting, killings and sexual assaults continue to be reported, he said. People are also expressing a willingness to return home, with an estimated 135,000 refugees — out of some 2.3 million — having returned and many internally displaced people having signalled their wish to do the same.
Turning to continuing challenges, he said the timetable set out in the 12 September 2018 Agreement is well behind where it should be, and many fundamental issues still need to be resolved. They include the resolution of boundary and state issues, as well as the formation of a unified armed force and the constitution-making process. Pointing out that the current “pre-transitional Government” phase of the peace process will end on 12 May, he stressed that, from that point, the revitalized transitional Government is scheduled to take over and the Vice-Presidents should have taken up their roles. “A peace that falters will generate frustration, anger and a possible return to violence,” he warned. “We cannot allow that to happen.” There is no “plan B” alternative to implementing the Agreement, he said, underlining the critical importance of a fully engaged IGAD, supported by the African Union in partnership with the United Nations.
Reporting on the ongoing suffering in South Sudan, he emphasized that five months of a more stable environment cannot redress food insecurity and other humanitarian challenges overnight. Donor nations provided more than $1 billion in life-saving support in 2018 — twice South Sudan’s State budget — he recalled, noting that the funds enabled humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to 5 million people. The 2019 target is $1.5 billion to reach some 5.7 million people in need, he said, citing the challenges of humanitarian access and governmental delays in some areas. A trust fund has been established to intervene in areas of ongoing conflict, he said, adding that it aims to reconcile differences between warring communities and to bolster agreements by providing economic support and services.
He went on to state that UNMISS is working to support the refugee return process, while humanitarian agencies provide programming in areas including agriculture, education and health. “The next three months are critical,” he stressed, noting that, after that, the rainy season will make land transport impossible and close the window for planting crops. Emphasizing that sexual violence must end if people are to feel safe enough to return home during that time, he underlined that ending impunity is a core function of the Government and a vital part of the peace and reconciliation process. In that regard, UNMISS is working with the Government to build the capacity of the justice system to deal with such crimes, including by operating a mobile court system that has helped to try and jail several dozen perpetrators, he said. A United Nations-supported court will open in Juba this month, with jurisdiction over crimes of a sexual nature, as well as those entailing gender-based violence, he added.
ANGELINA NYAJIMA SIMON JIAL, Founder, Hope Restoration South Sudan, dedicated her remarks to women around the world who continue to fight for the rights of women and girls, while working daily to restore peace in their communities. Women-led organizations play a crucial role in building peace and security in South Sudan, she said, stressing that the mass rape in Bentiu last November was a symptom of a much deeper problem affecting women and girls in the country, which suffers some of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence. It is in that context that women’s organizations work tirelessly to deliver life‑saving services, she said. They respond to gender-based violence, protect people with special needs and create women-friendly spaces offering psychosocial support and income-generating activities, often in the hardest-to-reach areas, throughout the rainy season and even when fighting surrounds them. “And we will still be there when UNMISS has left,” she emphasized.
However, a lack of resources makes it difficult to operate amid intense competition for humanitarian resources between international and national non‑governmental organizations, she noted. The bulk of funding goes to United Nations agencies and international organizations, the smallest portion to national groups. And within national civil society, the smallest portion, by far, of funding goes to women-led organizations. “We cannot build a strong and vibrant civil society in South Sudan with these constraints,” she stressed, going on to caution: “And without us, our community’s hopes for a lasting peace will fade.” For example, in September 2018, Hope Restoration South Sudan received a grant from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund to open a girl-friendly space in Leer, she said, recalling also that she was surprised by the number of women who began, within months, to visit and build relationships with case workers, and more so, to learn that nearly half of them were survivors of gender-based violence, some having suffered multiple rapes.
By early 2019, however, the organization lost its funding, she said, asking: “How do you tell someone who has been subjected to horrific acts of violence that you can no longer help?” While it is encouraging that the 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan has prioritized such programming, the Security Council, for its part, must include local non-governmental organizations in the UNMISS mandate, she said, asserting: “We are not there and this needs to change.” Calling for urgent recognition that humanitarian needs cannot be met without addressing deep-rooted gender inequality, she insisted that women must be involved in such discussions. They are ready to fill the 35 per cent quota reserved for them in the Agreement, but, to do so, they need the Council’s support, she asserted. Indeed, the women, peace and security agenda is much more than just “getting women to the peace table”, she added, underlining that it is about women being central players in all aspects of efforts for peace.
To make a difference, women-led organizations need financial support to operate on a more sustainable basis while scaling up their work, she said, adding that they must be able to offer more one-stop centres for medical care, legal services and skills‑development. Noting the approaching mandate renewal for UNMISS, she urged the Council to make a direct request that international donors work with local non-governmental organizations, stressing that the Mission and international non-governmental organizations must support their efforts to take on a much greater share of the humanitarian work. “This kind of partnerships between local non-governmental organizations, donors, UNMISS and the international humanitarian community has been a critical missing piece in South Sudan — a partnership that will work better with a clear understanding of the challenges facing women and girls,” she said. She concluded by calling for engagement with local communities, emphasizing that they must be consulted and heard. When they raise concerns about mounting tensions, they speak from an informed position of local knowledge, she pointed out. “There is a wealth of untapped potential,” she said, adding that, in order to unlock it, better ways of working together must be found.
Statements
JONATHAN R. COHEN (United States) said that today’s observance of International Women’s Day reminds the international community that “we must do everything possible” for the millions of women who still face staggering levels of violence in South Sudan. Welcoming the fact that Peace Agreement seems to be holding, he nevertheless expressed concern over the lack of political will among the parties to fully implement the Agreement, continuing violence in and around Yei, and the ongoing recruitment of children. Recalling that previous peace agreements have failed, he called upon the Government to demonstrate its commitment, including by ensuring transparency in the use of oil revenues to support the population. Among other things, he also called for an end to obstruction of the work of ceasefire monitors, the removal of impromptu road barriers, an end to inappropriate taxes and fees imposed on aid workers, and intensified efforts to open a hybrid court. He went on to recall that the United States provided $845 million to South Sudan in 2018, but warned that such assistance “is not infinite” and will require the Government to take responsibility for its people.
VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation), also spotlighting the commemoration of International Women’s Day, said that his country does much to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women around the world. Welcoming the significant progress made in implementing the various agreements reached in South Sudan, he noted that “we are witnessing a significant decrease in the levels of violence, as well as a reduction in violations of human rights”. Meanwhile, more and more refugees are willing to return home and opposition party members are moving about freely. Echoing appeals for the parties to formally finalize their arrangements on security issues and introduce amendments to the Constitution, he emphasized that mistakes made in the past must now be avoided. He went on to commend IGAD’s important role in helping to reach the Peace Agreement, emphasizing that his delegation does not share the opinion of Western colleagues that the peace process was made possible by sanctions pressure and the imposition of the arms embargo. “The Council should not take credit for the success of regional mediators,” he stressed, describing the Agreement as a demonstration of the principle of “African solutions to African problems”. He also expressed support for the mandate extension for UNMISS.
CHRISTOPH HEUSGEN (Germany) noted that the “peace process is at a crossroads” as the 12 May deadline for forming a transitional Government approaches. Key questions about security arrangements remain open, he said, citing the establishment of security services, as well as the number and boundaries of states. Parties to the Revitalized Agreement must step up efforts on this front and make the whole process more inclusive, he emphasized, expressing concern about continued fighting, particularly in the Equatorias, and the country’s human rights situation, including gender-based violence. Together with the United Kingdom and Peru, the Government of Germany convened the first‑ever meeting of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security for South Sudan last week, he said. Outlining some of the Group’s recommendations, he said they include increased participation of women in the committees and mechanisms of the revitalized peace process. He went on to express his delegation’s support for extending the mandate of UNMISS, stressing that the Mission remains indispensable in supporting South Sudan and its people.
JESSICA PHILIPS (United Kingdom) noted that five years of fighting claimed nearly 400,000 lives, with women and girls often experiencing rape and sexual assault, yet, time and again, perpetrators are not held to account. Despite the signing of the Peace Agreement and the reduction in political violence, there has been an uptick in communal and sexual violence, she said, adding that of particular concern are reports warning of the normalization and persistence of sexual violence, perpetrated at times by armed militia groups, sometimes encouraged by commanders. Despite calls to identify those responsible, this has not happened, she said, pointing out that, instead, organizations providing support to victims have come under attack by the Government. “We cannot accept these brutal acts”, nor allow impunity, she emphasized. Calling for an end to sexual violence and the culture of impunity, she pressed the Government to protect civilians, investigate all instances of sexual violence and bring those responsible to justice. Support must be extended to organizations helping survivors, she stressed. Recalling the United Kingdom’s consistent calls for greater inclusion of women in peace processes, she urged the parties to deliver on promises to meet the 35 per cent quota. She went on to express concern that space for civil society continues to shrink and pressed all actors to engage civil society. Noting that the Secretary-General’s report is the last before the May transition date, she expressed concern over the lack of progress on some of the most difficult issues, pinpointing fighting as the cause of the man-made humanitarian and protection crisis in South Sudan. She urged all parties to ensure full implementation of the Agreement.
JOSÉ SINGER WEISINGER (Dominican Republic) said that, since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, the number of victims of political violence has fallen and the free movement of opposition politicians in Juba is clear. Yet, such modest progress is fragile, amid persistent threats against civilians and ongoing sexual and intercommunal violence, he said. Humanitarian personnel must be able to move freely throughout the territories, with South Sudan fulfilling its commitments in the Revitalized Agreement, he stressed, adding that the signatories must resolve their differences, while regional and international actors maintain support for the process. He went on to express concern about the vulnerable situation of civilians amid reports of rape and other violations, including kidnappings. It is alarming that such cases are not investigated, prosecuted or punished, he said, pressing both the Government and the parties to bring perpetrators to account. He praised the South Sudan People’s Defence Force plan to launch its own action plan next week, and the Government for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Underlining the need to establish the hybrid court and other transitional justice mechanisms, as well as services for survivors of sexual violence, she pointed out that the Joint Transitional Security Committee does not have a single woman in its ranks.
VERÓNIKA BUSTAMANTE (Peru) welcomed the continuing enforcement of the Revitalized Agreement and the deduction of political violence, noting, however, that progress is needed on substantive issues. Recalling the Secretary-General’s appeal for the parties to establish transitional security arrangements and form a national unity Government, she said those goals should be prioritized as none has been achieved. Furthermore, the establishment of the Independent Boundaries Commission, approval of a draft law on constitutional reform and the adoption of a governance system must be carried out, she said. Expressing regret that intercommunal violence continues to affect civilians, she said the 1.87 million internally displaced persons and 2.27 million refugees in neighbouring countries shed light on the grave humanitarian situation. Condemning sexual violence against women and girls, she urged the Government and other relevant parties to punish perpetrators, emphasizing that the recent sexual violence in Bentiu offers proof that transitional security arrangements must be implemented as soon as possible. She went on to say that UNMISS should have a close relationship with women-led organizations, adding that the United Nations and IGAD must monitor compliance with the Agreement, especially regarding the 35 per cent quota for women’s participation in decision-making.
KAREN VAN VLIERBERGE (Belgium) noted that the political landscape in South Sudan has undergone a significant change in recent years, with broad-scale progress being made on reducing political violence. Nevertheless, there are persistent to implementing the Agreement and the parties must agree on a future vision for the security sector in order to avoid a fresh round of violence. “This Agreement is a window of opportunity to achieve a lasting peace in the country,” she said, expressing concern over the serious humanitarian crisis continuing to linger in South Sudan, and rising intercommunal violence in some areas. Women and girls are not yet reaping the dividends of peace, she added, noting that instead, sexual violence has actually risen since 2018. No lasting solution can be reached without urgently countering such crimes, which affect not only women and girls, but also men and boys, she pointed out. As for displaced people, she emphasized that conditions must be truly favourable for people to be able to return to their homes. They must be properly informed and enjoy full security, she added. In that regard, she laid out several functions that UNMISS can take up, including the protection of civilian sites so as to enhance their safety and security.
JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland), while describing the signing of the Revitalized Agreement as a significant milestone towards peace, nevertheless expressed concern that several of its fundamental provisions — including on establishing transitional security arrangements and the conclusion of the Independent Boundaries Commission’s work — are yet to be implemented, and the timelines set by the Agreement are being missed. Welcoming the fact that the permanent ceasefire has largely been respected across the country, she nevertheless expressed grave concern about increased levels of intercommunal violence, persisting tensions, as well as sexual violence against women and girls. “We are appalled by the heinous attacks in and around Benitu,” she said, condemning the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in the strongest possible terms. Stressing the need to end such violence, she called for accountability and joined appeals that the Government spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Since there can be no durable peace without inclusiveness, women and young people must be fully represented in the peace process, she emphasized, noting also that regional engagement will remain crucial.
JERRY MATTHEWS MATJILA (South Africa) urged the Government and other parties to do everything in their power to complete the establishment of the mechanisms and committees prescribed by the Agreement, adding that the return of former Vice‑President Riek Machar is crucial to the accord’s implementation. For its part, South Africa will continue to support the peace process through mediation efforts by President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chair of the African Union’s High-level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, and by Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan. However, South Africa remains concerned about the slow progress and insufficient resources to ensure the Agreement is implemented, he said, adding that his delegation supports the renewal of the UNMISS mandate.
WU HAITAO (China) noted that work on the priorities outlined in the Revitalized Agreement is lagging behind, adding that the Council should offer more assistance by pushing the parties to implement the accord. The parties bear primary responsibility for implementing it, he emphasized, urging the international community to provide funding and technical support, while respecting South Sudan’s leadership role. Efforts should be made to support the African Union, IGAD and regional countries by pushing the parties to reach consensus on the implementation of political and security arrangements, as outlined in the Agreement, he added. Emphasizing the need to provide humanitarian and economic support, he reiterated China’s support for renewing the UNMISS mandate, notably its focus on helping the parties implement the Revitalized Agreement.
GBOLIÉ DESIRÉ WULFRAN IPO (Côte d’Ivoire) expressed concern over significant delays in attaining the goals for the pre-transition phase, emphasizing that the parties must come to grips with the substantive issues, notably by inserting provisions into the transitional constitution, establishing the Independent Transitional Boundary Commission and putting transitional security arrangements in place. He went on to praise the South Sudan United Front’s desire to participate in the peace process and encouraged the Government to respond favourably. Security sector reform should allow for the unification of belligerents and the creation of a disciplined army, he said, stressing also the need to establish transitional justice bodies, notably a hybrid court. With the numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees remaining high, the international community should help to create the conditions for their voluntary, safe and dignified return, he said, reiterating his delegation's support for the creation of a United Nations force to help overcome the crisis in South Sudan. He echoed the Secretary-General’s call to both strengthen the UNMISS mandate and make it more flexible.
JOB OBIANG ESONO MBENGONO (Equatorial Guinea) said the signing of the revitalized peace agreement was a significant step forward towards South Sudan’s return to peace and stability. The formation of the transitional Government was another important step, he said, calling on the parties to now work for the integration of the national security forces. The time has come to fully implement the peace agreement, both in letter and in spirit. Deploring the persistence of sporadic fighting across South Sudan, as well as continued violence against civilians, he called on the Government to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice. Attacks against UNMISS personnel and humanitarian workers are equally unacceptable. Welcoming the fact that some displaced persons are beginning to return home, he commended the parties for having put the interests of the country ahead of their own narrow priorities. As UNMISS is still critical for stability in the country, he joined other speakers in voicing support for an extension of its mandate.
MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait) welcomed the return of political leaders to Juba, as well as the reunification efforts of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Commending States in the region for their efforts to resolve the situation in South Sudan, he said the return of people to their homes from protection of civilian sites will help to further restore hope. He also echoed expressions of concern over fighting in Equatoria and voiced his delegation’s hope that UNMISS personnel will be granted freedom of movement across the country.
DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia) said the Revitalized Agreement is the only option for ensuring lasting peace in South Sudan, and as such, the momentum generated by its signing must not be allowed to slip away. There is much work to be done on transitional security arrangements, incorporation of the Agreement into the Transitional Constitution, and resolving the boundaries and states issue. The need for international humanitarian assistance remains critical. As the peace process advances, there must be commensurate positive developments on the ground. Noting that non-signatory armed groups continue to be a source of insecurity, he expressed concern about clashes involving the National Salvation Front in Equatoria, and voiced support for continued outreach by the IGAD Special Envoy to non-signatories. The renewed UNMISS mandate must include support for implementing the Revitalized Agreement, in cooperation with the Government, he said.
ANNE GUEGUEN (France), Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity, saying the opportunity presented by South Sudan’s Revitalized Agreement must not be lost. Mutual trust among the parties is increasing, she said, adding that the Agreement’s full implementation is the only way forward. The more the parties wait, the more the process will fizzle out and combatants will become impatient. Echoing calls to urgently agree on security arrangements and border issues, she said States of the region — along with UNMISS — can help support those processes. Pointing out that intercommunal violence continues, as spotlighted recently by the Human Rights Council, she added that the level of sexual violence remains unacceptably high. Mobile courts are a useful initiative that should continue, she said, also calling for the swift establishment of a hybrid court. Meanwhile, she also called for expediting humanitarian assistance, continuing efforts to protect civilians, facilitating refugee returns and using sanctions to deter sexual violence crimes.
AKUIE BONA MALWAL (South Sudan) said the security, peace and economic situation in South Sudan has “improved noticeably” since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, with confidence-building measures — a prerequisite for peace — seen in the return of many opposition leaders to Juba. Peace implementation is progressing “slowly but surely”, he said noting that President Salva Kiir Mayardit is touring the Greater Bahr El Ghazal region in the company of opposition leaders. Touching on other gains, he said the National Dialogue Regional Conferences have started, with the first one concluded in Wau last week. The next one will be held in Greater Upper Nile region in the coming days, with the final conference to be held in the Greater Equatoria region before the end of May, he said. Refugees are returning voluntarily “in big numbers” and the internally displaced are leaving their camps. The economy is in the early stages of recovery, with consumer goods available and prices dropping in Juba’s markets. Yet, challenges persist, he noted, explaining that peace implementation is moving slowly due to inadequate funding. The Government will carry on, “using whatever means and resources are available”, he said, urging the Council to work with IGAD and the African Union to convince the few opposition movements which opted out of the Agreement to sign up and join the peace process.
https://reliefweb.int/report/south-sudan/sexual-violence-persists-south-sudan-despite-recent-political-strides-top-united
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This African nation is now the 'most dangerous place in the world for children'
Mar 7, 2019 | NBCNews
By Christine Romo, Cynthia McFadden, Jake Whitman, Kenzi Abou-Sabe and Rich Schapiro
BANGUI, Central African Republic — By the time Vincent arrived at the hospital, he was so weak that he was unable to sit up on his own.
His head looked huge atop his emaciated body. His skin looked paper thin over his protruding ribs.
Vincent was still six months shy of his second birthday. He was so malnourished he could no longer eat.
"The child's stomach is shutting down," Caryl Stern, the CEO of UNICEF USA, said as she maneuvered through the Bangui Paediatric Centre, the country's only children's hospital.
The Central African Republic is now home to more than a million Vincents — a humanitarian crisis of epic scale that has largely gone unnoticed.
With the world's attention fixed on conflicts in the Middle East and Asia, the Central African Republic has descended into chaos in recent years. A sectarian civil war pitting Muslim rebels against Christian militias has ravaged large swaths of the country, displaced more than 1 million people and claimed the lives of tens of thousands.
Adding to its woes, this landlocked nation of 4.6 million people is now teetering on the brink of famine. An estimated 1.5 million children are at risk of starvation, aid groups say. And the lack of government institutions coupled with the tangled mass of warring factions have prompted fears that extremist organizations aligned with the Islamic State group could gain a foothold.
"Right now, there are a lot of people who are benefiting more from war than they could gain from peace," David Brownstein, the U.S. chargé d'affairs in the Central African Republic, said.
The threat of violence confronts visitors the moment they arrive at Bangui M'Poko International Airport.
Soldiers, dressed in camouflage and armed with rifles, patrol the airstrip on foot and in pickup trucks. Charred vehicles linger on the outskirts of the road leading to and from the airport. NBC News was given access to an armored UNICEF vehicle but was told to refrain from taking pictures to avoid inflaming tensions. One of the armored trucks had a bullet hole in the front windshield, a chilling reminder of the dangers on the other side of the glass.
Bangui is in fact the safest place in the country. Roughly 80 percent of the Central African Republic is roiled by the kind of unrelenting bloodshed that makes it perilous even for aid workers. The country recorded 396 attacks on humanitarian workers just last year. Some aid groups have since packed up and left.
The government, backed by more than 14,000 United Nations peacekeepers, exerts control only in the capital and in small pockets elsewhere in the country, experts say. Going anywhere else by road leaves travelers exposed to attacks by marauding militia groups.
The large swaths of territory outside Bangui don't just feel lawless; they are lawless. Some 14 different rebel groups control more than 75 percent of the country, which is roughly the size of Texas.
Brownstein said the United States is particularly concerned about the potential of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, capitalizing on the instability to establish a presence in the region.
"ISIS takes advantage of vacuums. Literal vacuums, security vacuums, governance vacuums, perceived moral vacuums," Brownstein said. "If they have somewhere else to go, that is ungoverned, or that is populated by people who are looking for champions, who feel that they are adrift in the world, and at a certain point they have no option but to cling to even a horrible champion, they can potentially move into CAR and we are simply shifting the problem."
The current crisis traces back to late 2012 when a group of mostly Muslim fighters, known as the Seleka, rolled toward the capital, plundering villages along the way. The rebels seized Bangui and overthrew the government of President François Bozizé in a brutally efficient coup. In response, coalitions of Christian militias known as anti-balaka rose up to carry out reprisal attacks on Muslim civilians. The Selekas were ultimately forced out of the capital by French forces, but the bloodshed continued elsewhere in the country in attacks that largely targeted civilians.
"For these armed groups, it's been their M.O. to attack civilians," Lewis Mudge, a senior researcher in the Africa division of Human Rights Watch, said. "They burn, ransack and destroy villages and towns."
Now, Mudge added, the bulk of the militias are motivated more by profit than ideology. "The quickest way to collect bucks is to target the civilian population," he said.
The U.S. provided almost $120 million in aid to the Central African Republic last year, making it the largest humanitarian donor. But other nations have developed an interest in the resource-rich African country, including Russia and China. The soil underneath the razed villages and scorched fields holds a wealth of gold, diamonds, uranium and oil.
Close observers of the region say Russia in particular has gained a stunning level of clout inside the former French colony in just the past 13 months — supplying arms and soldiers, and seeing one of its own nationals installed as a special security adviser to President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
"Historically, France has always been the kingmaker," Mudge said. "But Russia's proximity to the president and sudden rise in the country has challenged that."
The Central African Republic's government signed a peace deal with the 14 rebel groups last month, but few sections of the country have been experiencing anything resembling peace.
As various nations vie for influence, the situation on the ground has only worsened. The escalating violence has forced increasing numbers of people to flee their homes and their crops, pushing the country closer to famine.
The depth of the crisis is laid bare at the Bangui Paediatric Centre, a single-story building with 300 beds and a single ambulance. It's not uncommon for the facility to be so crowded with patients that as many as three sickly children are forced to share a single bed.
"In the morning, when we have the staff meeting and they tell us no baby died overnight, we thank God," the hospital's head nurse, Anne Yadibert said.
Down the hall from Vincent was a girl whose condition was even more dire. Colette, a 7-year-old orphan, weighed 28 pounds, roughly half that of a healthy person her age.
She lay in her bed with bandages wrapped around her hands to prevent her from pulling out her feeding tube. It had been three weeks since she arrived at the hospital with her caretaker aunt. "I was afraid she might not survive," the nurse said.
Like many other children here, it wasn't Colette's first time receiving treatment at the hospital. The statistics paint a particularly grim picture. The Central African Republic ranks last out of 119 countries, including Yemen, Syria and South Sudan, on the 2018 Global Hunger Index. More than 43,000 of its children below the age of 5 are expected to face an extremely high risk of death next year due to severe malnutrition, according to UNICEF.
"This is the most dangerous place in the world for children," Stern said.
Young people in the Central African Republic also face threats that go beyond the lack of access to food.
In addition to mass displacement and widespread insecurity preventing many from attending school, children here face the prospect of being forced into a rebel militia.
Six years ago, then-11 year-old Graciela Ouakabo was traveling to Bangui from a city in the southwest of the country when she was ambushed by an anti-balaka militia and forced to join the group.
Ouakabo said she was given a machete, trained to fight, and pressured to drink and smoke with the rebels while working as a cook at their encampment. "They said I was lucky because I was a girl and they didn't want to harm us," recalled Ouakabo, now 17. "In that moment, I decided that I had to flee. To find my family, to leave this group, to abandon them."
But mustering the strength and courage to leave the rebels behind wasn't easy.
"I thought when I was in the forest that my life was already over. I will die here," Ouakabo added. "I would go rest at night and would pray and ask God to give me the strength to escape and rejoin my family."
After about a year and half with the group, Ouakabo managed to escape, ultimately rejoining her sister and grandfather.
Not all former child soldiers have been so fortunate. Once released, many children are rejected by their families. Girls can be particularly stigmatized, because of the sexual violence they face while with the armed groups, experts say.
Jordan, 17, became a child soldier at 12. He had been traveling from Bangui to see his mother when he found her village in ruins, and discovered that she and other family members had been killed by the Seleka. With no money and no way to get back to Bangui safely, Jordan joined an anti-balaka group fighting the rebels who killed his relatives.
When he got out two years later and tried to reunite with his family in Bangui, they rejected him. His family members, Jordan said, were angry that he'd joined the armed group in the first place. "When I got to the capital and I found out that my family didn't want me, I had no other option than going again back into the armed group because I needed some food," he said.
Now he and Ouakabo are part of a UNICEF program that teaches them life skills and helps them reintegrate into society. Ouakabo, who is now in school, said she's hoping to specialize in computer science. "When I'm done studying computers, I want to go and work with UNICEF," she said. "Because it's UNICEF that got me out of this."
The organization requested $59 million to support its programs in the Central African Republic in 2019, but has so far received less than half that amount — about $27.8 million.
The money is used to fund, among other things, a product called Plumpy'nut, a nutritionally-enhanced peanut butter that supplies a full day's worth of nutrition.
Unlike previous iterations of emergency nourishment used in countries facing famine, Plumpy'nut doesn't have to be refrigerated or prepared with clean water, which is often unavailable in a place like the Central African Republic. All a parent has to do is rip open the packet and ease the nutrient-rich paste into a child's mouth.
"It takes about three weeks but literally that one packet can mean the difference between life and death," Stern, the UNICEF USA chief executive, said.
Plumpy'nut is among the most crucial items at the Bangui Paediatric Centre and at the makeshift refugee camps that have sprouted up around the country.
One of them, near the northern town of Kaga-Bandoro, formed within hours when villagers fleeing violence congregated around the region's lone air strip. The location was not chosen by accident; they hoped the U.N. peacekeepers guarding the airstrip would also keep them safe.
A woman living at the camp said she was at a market when militia fighters laid siege to her village, forcing her to flee without warning. "We couldn't take anything," the woman said. "Only our clothes."
At the pediatric hospital, nurses first tried to stimulate Vincent's appetite by feeding him sugar water. After three days, Vincent started to sit up on his own. He was finally ready to try Plumpy'nut.
The little packet did its job. Vincent was soon well enough to be discharged. But since then, he has been re-admitted to the pediatric hospital at least once, continuing a cycle of despair that aid groups worry will only worsen for the Central African Republic's children.
"Where is the world?" Stern asked, her voice rising with indignation. "How are we letting this happen?"
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/africa/african-nation-now-most-dangerous-place-world-children-n979621
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Update: Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Mar 8, 2019 | Africanews
The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak is continuing with moderate intensity. Katwa and Butembo remain the major health zones of concern, while small clusters continue simultaneously in some geographically dispersed locations. During the last 21 days (13 February – 5 March 2019), 76 new confirmed and probable cases have been reported from 31 health areas within nine health zones (Figure 1), including: Katwa (44), Butembo (17), Mandima (6), Masereka (3), Kalunguta (2), Beni (1), Vuhovi (1), Kyondo (1), and Rwampara (1). The emerging cluster in Mandima health zone is occurring in a previously unaffected village, with five of the recent cases epidemiologically linked and the sixth case likely exposed in Butembo; nonetheless, there remains a high risk of further spread. Similarly, recent cases (two confirmed and one probable) in Masereka stem from a Butembo chain of transmission. These events highlight the importance for response teams to remain active across all areas, including those with lower case incidence, to rapidly detect new cases and prevent onward transmission.
As of 5 March, 907 EVD cases1 (841 confirmed and 66 probable) have been reported, of which 57% (514) were female and 30% (273) were children aged less than 18 years. Cumulatively, cases have been reported from 121 of 301 health areas across 19 health zones of the North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Overall, 569 deaths (case fatality ratio: 63%) have been reported, and 304 patients have been discharged from Ebola Treatment Centres (ETCs). Although declining trends in case incidence are currently being observed, the high proportion of community deaths reported among confirmed cases, relatively low proportion of new cases who were known contacts under surveillance, persistent delays in detection and isolation in ETCs (related as well to recent violent incidents), and challenges in the timely reporting and response to probable cases, all increase the likelihood of further chains of transmission in affected communities and continued spread.
Following the attacks on two ETCs in Katwa and Butembo, patients were temporarily transferred to the Katwa Transit Centre. On 2 March, the Butembo ETC was rehabilitated and resumed treatment of EVD patients. Response teams are progressively resuming activities in all affected areas with the exception of two health areas where security and community resistance remain a challenge.Public health response
For further detailed information about the public health response actions by the MoH, WHO, and partners, please refer to the latest situation reports published by the WHO Regional Office for Africa:Ebola situation reports: Democratic Republic of the CongoWHO risk assessment
WHO continuously monitors changes to the epidemiological situation and context of the outbreak to ensure that support to the response is adapted to the evolving circumstances. National and regional risk levels remain very high, though global risk levels remain low. This EVD outbreak is primarily affecting the north-eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo bordering Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons, as well as due to insecurity. The country is concurrently experiencing other epidemics (e.g. cholera, vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, malaria, measles) and a long-term humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the fragile security situation in North Kivu and Ituri, further limits the implementation of response activities.
As the risk of national and regional spread is very high, it is important for neighbouring provinces and countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness activities. The International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) Emergency Committee has advised that failing to intensify these preparedness and surveillance activities would lead to worsening conditions and further spread. WHO will continue to work with neighbouring countries and partners to ensure that health authorities are alerted and are operationally prepared to respond.WHO advice
International traffic: WHO advises against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on the currently available information. There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect people from the Ebola virus. Therefore, any requirements for certificates of Ebola vaccination are not a reasonable basis for restricting movement across borders or the issuance of visas for passengers leaving the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO continues to closely monitor and, if necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event. Currently, no country has implemented travel measures that significantly interfere with international traffic to and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travellers should seek medical advice before travel and should practice good hygiene.
https://www.africanews.com/2019/03/08/update-ebola-virus-disease-democratic-republic-of-the-congo/
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Congo massacre survivors tell of canoe escapes and being left for dead
Mar 7, 2019 | IRIN
By Alexis Huguet
For 48 hours in mid-December, the remote fishing and farming region of Yumbi some 400 kilometres north of Kinshasa on the banks of the Congo River became the scene of a massacre.
According to the UN Human Rights Office in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 535 people were killed in the town of Yumbi and surrounding villages when members of the Batende community attacked the Banunu, a different ethnic group.
More than two months later, entire villages are still deserted. Nearly 30,000 people remain displaced, many on islands along the Congo River, as well as in neighbouring Congo-Brazzaville.
The humanitarian needs are dire, and aid groups warn things could get worse.
In January, photojournalist Alexis Huguet visited Yumbi to document the aftermath of the massacre, and found that tensions remain high between the two communities. Despite ongoing investigations into the massacre by the military prosecutor's office and the UN Human Rights Office, the attackers are still at large.
For the survivors, the trauma and violence of those 48 hours in December remain with them. As a result, many continue to live displaced, in difficult conditions, rather than return to destroyed homes.
"We were both trying to escape,” said Lanjy Nguta (above), a survivor from the village of Bongende, standing beside the spot where his friend's body now lies, simply covered with dirt. “Instead of following the same path as me, my friend turned. In the meantime, the Batende arrived; they caught him and killed him.”
The UN says at least 339 people are confirmed to have been killed in Bongende on Monday, 17 December. Hundreds of bodies – burned, mutilated – littered the alleyways of the town. After 10 days, Congolese Red Cross teams finally arrived on the scene. For several days they dug mass graves to bury the bodies.
The UN Human Rights Office in Congo, which conducted an investigation in Yumbi territory in January, reported that it had found "more than 50 mass graves and individual graves", many of them in Bongende.
On 16 January, one month after the attacks, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva issued a press release reporting that 890 people were killed in Yumbi territory during two days in December. At the beginning of February, they returned to a figure of 535 documented cases of people killed.
But according to the testimonies of survivors recorded by IRIN, the bodies of a large number of people killed were thrown into the river. These are unlikely ever to be recovered and not included in the official count.
In Bongende and the town of Yumbi, there are still skeletons and human remains that have not been buried. In the photo above, you can see the clothes and bones of a child lying in the courtyard of a house in Bongende.
Two months after the killings, Bongende is still deserted. The inhabitants do not want to return, as their assailants are still at large, living in the surrounding villages.
In Bongende, almost nothing is left, as the two returning Banunu survivors found above: destroyed houses, mass graves, human remains, a few naval soldiers guarding the port, and a deafening silence.
"It is important that the return of the population is not forced,” Nicholas Tessier, a psychologist who worked for Médecins Sans Frontières with both communities in Yumbi, told IRIN.
“If people return too quickly to their destroyed homes, or to the place where they have seen loved ones killed, it can really have an impact on their mental health,” he said. “They will have to face the consequences of recent violence and this will generate quite strong emotions, perhaps even a re-emergence of trauma symptoms.”
Opposite Yumbi, the Congo River is nearly 10 kilometres wide. From Yumbi, it takes almost an hour-and-a-half in a motorised canoe to get to this spot (above) on Moniende islet.
To escape the attacks in Yumbi, Bongende, and another village, Nkolo, thousands of Banunu made the journey to Moniende and other islets on canoes. Some paddled with their hands.
MSF said living conditions on the islets – which the villagers only usually inhabit during the fishing season when the river level drops – are particularly precarious.
They said their partially built huts do little to protect them from rain, the coldness of the night, or the wind, with malaria in the coming rainy season a particular concern.
"I came across the attackers on my way home [in Yumbi town]. They shot me and hit me with arrows. I fell, and then they beat me up," said Abyssine Miniunga Bonkita, holding her child in her arms (above) on Moniende islet.
"One of the assailants wanted to leave, but the other wanted to shoot me again to finish me off once and for all,” Bonkita said. “Finally they gave up to save their ammunition and because they thought I was already dead. They also burned down my house. I dragged myself to where I found my relatives. When the clashes stopped, I was taken to the hospital."
Bonkita and her family then took refuge on Moniende islet, where they sleep piled up together in a hut made of plastic sheeting and wooden sticks.
While many of the tens of thousands of displaced people took refuge on river islets around Yumbi, 16,000 of them crossed the river into Congo-Brazzaville. Most continue to live as refugees, largely in the Makotimpoko (pictured above) and Gamboma districts.
At the time of the massacre, the rest of the country was focused on preparations for Congo’s long-delayed general elections, which finally took place on 30 December. Not many knew what was happening in Yumbi.
After the first groups fled, bits of information began trickling in from Congo-Brazzaville: news of inter-communal clashes, dozens of people wounded, and thousands fleeing in canoes.
Young Limbanda Bompinda (centre) is one of the thousands who managed to escape the attack on Bongende for the safety of Congo-Brazzaville.
For those who took refuge across the river, local authorities say the needs are tremendous, including healthcare, shelter, food, and psychological support. But the area many fled to is landlocked, difficult to access, and the humanitarian response has therefore been slow.
Some refugees, like Bompinda and her mother, take the risk of crossing the river by canoe to collect food – including manioc leaves, plantain bananas, and safou fruits – before returning to Congo-Brazzaville.
While almost all the casualties of the massacre were Banunu, the humanitarian crisis that has followed the attacks is affecting both communities.
Displaced Banunu no longer have access to the fields, mainly in the areas inhabited by the Batende. On the other hand, the Batende no longer have access to Yumbi market, located on the banks of the Congo River. With roads almost impassable (see picture above), this means they’ve also lost access to the main gateway for goods going to and from the capital, Kinshasa.
Hundreds of Batende families – who, according to several witnesses, fled their homes in Yumbi in apparent anticipation of the killings – have also taken refuge in the surrounding forests and fields, leaving them vulnerable to disease.
https://www.irinnews.org/photo-feature/2019/03/07/congo-massacre-survivors-tell-canoe-escapes-and-being-left-dead
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The 2019 Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan Was Formally Launched Today
Mar 8, 2019 | Africanews
Commissioner Mitiku Kassa of the National Disaster Risk Management Commission and Mr. Aeneas Chuma, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator officially launched the joint Government and humanitarian partners’ Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan for 2019 today, in the presence of Government, humanitarian partners and donor representatives.
The Response Plan lays out prioritized multi-sector humanitarian needs in 2019 targeting 8.3 million people with emergency food and non-food assistance amounting to US$ 1.314 billion. Some 4.4 million people are targeted for nutrition support, including 609,961 children under five years of age targeted for the treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). In addition, 2.7 million displaced people and returnees will benefit from emergency shelter and NFI assistance, while millions will receive emergency health, water, education, protection and agriculture support until the end of the year. The needs are identified through a thorough analysis of the overall humanitarian needs of the country, through the Humanitarian Needs Overview. “As I speak today, 8 million people require emergency food or cash assistance, of whom 46 per cent are in Oromia, 22 per cent in Somali, 12 per cent in Amhara, 10 per cent in SNNP, 4 per cent each in Tigray and Afar regions. The remaining beneficiaries are in Gambela, Benishangul Gumuz, Harari and Dire Dawa,” said Commissioner Mitiku Kassa.
Ethiopia was spared significant climate-related calamities last year, but spikes in conflict-induced displacements in 2018, which led to a near doubling of internally displaced population, contributed to high humanitarian response needs in 2019. “We acknowledge and appreciate the Government’s leadership in addressing the needs of people affected by crisis across the country. We also recognize the daunting challenges ahead and the urgent need to scaleup assistance,” said Mr. Aeneas Chuma. “International humanitarian partners are committed to continue to closely work with Government counterparts and to provide timely assistance to affected populations based on needs. This is the humanitarian imperative we abide by, and a testament of our commitment and partnership with the people and Government of Ethiopia,” he added.
Thanks to the leadership of the Government and the generous support from donors and friends of Ethiopia, the multi-sector life-saving assistance has helped mitigate the worst effects of the humanitarian crisis in 2018. The Government has allocated US$342 million and donors have contributed US$595 million for the 2018 response. “I call upon the international community to continue their generosity and to provide the required resources in time to help alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable people,” said Mr. Chuma.
Without urgent additional funding, most life-saving operations, including nutrition interventions, will cease beyond March 2019. “Ethiopia is at a transition,” added Commissioner Mitiku, “This is a time of hope and ample opportunity for the country and the region as a whole. Some of the humanitarian challenges from conflict hazard we have been seeing in recent months, and which is affecting many people are an unfortunate effect of transitional periods. But the Government of Ethiopia is strongly committed to address this transitional challenge, and we thank our partners and friends, who stood by us at this critical time,” he concluded.
https://www.africanews.com/2019/03/08/the-2019-ethiopia-humanitarian-response-plan-was-formally-launched-today/
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2019 Ethiopia Humanitarian Response Plan (January-December 2019)
Mar 7, 2019 | Reliefweb
OVERVIEW OF THE CRISIS
In 2018, Ethiopia was spared significant climate-related calamities such as the droughts of previous years. However, the significant spike in conflict-induced displacement, with a near doubling of the IDP and IDP returnee1 caseload, is contributing to high response needs across six regions. In addition, communities affected by drought in recent years have yet to recover and remain highly vulnerable to climate shocks, having exhausted their capacity to cope. This has required the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners to adopt response strategies that are better suited to the need of a more complex and sudden onset conflict-induced crisis.
Ethiopia saw a significant increase in internal displacement in 2018 as a result of inter-communal conflict in several pockets of the country, with a near doubling of the IDP and IDP returnee population to around three million by the end of 2018. Though localized small-scale displacements have always existed in Ethiopia from clashes between communities over pasture and water rights in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist areas along regional boundaries, the scale and frequency seen in 2018 are unprecedented. This led the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners to focus more on the needs of IDPs and IDP returnees, while simultaneously responding to the acute needs of impoverished communities affected by food and livelihood insecurity from recent years of protracted drought, as well as other associated multi-sector needs.
One of the largest incidents of internal-displacement occurred in April 2018 when historical tensions over land and regional boundaries between the Gedeos (SNNP) and Oromos (Oromia) escalated, leading to clashes. At the peak of the crisis, nearly one million people were displaced in both zones. Another wave of displacement occurred when inter-communal conflict erupted along the Benishangul Gumuz - Oromia border in September 2018, displacing people inside Benishangul Gumuz region and across the border into western Oromia. Meanwhile in Amhara region, inter-communal related conflict that sparked in November 2018 between the Amhara and the Qemant communities led to displacements in the western part of the region. Parts of the Oromia-Somali, as well as Afar-Oromia regional boundaries remain volatile, while in Tigray region, conflict also led to some displacement in late 2018. Continued humanitarian assistance will be required in 2019 both for IDPs and IDP returnees. The implication for protection issues suggests that the capacity of the Government and partners needs to be tailored to the multiple protection needs of highly vulnerable people. Of additional concern are IDP hosting communities, many of whom were already vulnerable pre-displacement, and are likely to require sustained assistance through 2019.
Sporadic unrest often has devastating impact on basic service delivery, including the disruption of health and nutrition services, education, and food security. This elevates the risk of disease outbreaks and malnutrition. In Somali region for example, which is already affected by high malnutrition rates, the conflict in August 2018 led to an estimated 50 per cent turnover of health professionals, which caused serious disruptions in health and nutrition service delivery.
The 2018 seasonal rains performed well in most parts of the country. Rains allowed most agrarian communities to benefit from normal harvests, while replenishing the water sources and rejuvenating pastures of pastoralist and agropastoralist communities. Despite these positive developments, communities who suffered consecutive years of severe drought, who lost productive assets, or took on significant debts to shoulder the brunt of the crisis, will continue to need sustained humanitarian assistance and recovery support throughout 2019. According to the Emergency Nutrition Coordination Unit (ENCU), the scale and severity of the nutrition situation remains in line with the 2018 Humanitarian and Disaster Resilience Plan (HDRP) mid-year review, which projected 4.53 million children under five years and pregnant and lactating women requiring treatment for acute malnutrition in 2018.
Lack of access to safe water and sanitation coupled with poor hygiene practices continue to pose disease outbreak risks, including Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) in parts of the country. Over 3,000 cases of AWD were reported in 2018 nationwide, the majority in Tigray region, followed by Afar.
The impact of poor sanitation practices on the health of IDPs and IDP returnees is particularly concerning, especially in areas where the infrastructure is weak and where depleted water tables limit access to safe water.At the start of 2019, Ethiopia is also hosting over 900,000 refugees who were forced to flee their homes as a result of political instability, military conscription, conflict, famine and other problems in their countries of origin. The majority of refugees in Ethiopia are located in Tigray Regional State and the four emerging regions of Ethiopia: Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambela and Somali regions. The South Sudanese are the largest refugee population in Ethiopia, followed by Somalis and Eritreans.
While responding to the immediate life-saving needs of existing and emerging crisis, the Government of Ethiopia has also been seeking durable solutions to address the needs of people affected by protracted displacement, or to prevent new ones from developing where and when possible. To this end, the Government has convened peace and reconciliation conferences and continues to facilitate the safe return of IDPs. While some IDP returnees have successfully returned to their respective homes, the large majority of those who have returned are still living in collective centers in areas of return, while others were forced into secondary displacements due to renewed conflict.
https://reliefweb.int/report/ethiopia/2019-ethiopia-humanitarian-response-plan-january-december-2019
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People living with HIV face major challenges in Zimbabwe
Mar 8, 2019 | UNAIDS
According to a recent emergency appeal from the United Nations, around 5.3 million people in Zimbabwe are estimated to be in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
The ongoing economic crisis, compounded by erratic weather conditions in recent years, has led to increased food insecurity and a lack of access to basic essential services, including health care. The appeal is requesting a total of US$ 234 million, including US$ 37.4 million for urgent health needs, to help 2.2 million of the worst affected. The appeal aims to complement Zimbabwe’s ongoing and planned programmes.
Erratic weather conditions, including late onset of rains and below-average rainfall, are affecting farmers and pastoralists across southern Africa, including Zimbabwe. This in a region where agriculturalists are still recovering from a severe El Niño induced drought in 2015/2016. Unpredictable rainfall patterns and a lack of pasture has weakened livestock and outbreaks of crop pests and livestock diseases are prevalent in many districts.
The deteriorating humanitarian situation and the country’s worsening economic circumstances, including currency volatility, are adding to an already difficult situation for Zimbabwe’s 1.3 million people living with HIV.
Household food insecurity and limited access to hygiene, sanitation and water can have a disproportionate impact on people living with HIV. HIV medication should not be taken on an empty stomach. Attacks of severe diarrhoea, cholera or other gastrointestinal infections can accelerate progression to serious AIDS-related illnesses if left untreated. In 2018, Zimbabwe recorded its second biggest cholera outbreak in its recent history. The country is also facing thousands of cases of typhoid fever.
Meanwhile, the lack of access to foreign exchange has significantly reduced stocks of essential medicines, diagnostics and other medical supplies. Some private pharmaceutical suppliers now only accept United States dollars and their prices have dramatically increased. In these circumstances, many people, including people living with conditions such as HIV and tuberculosis, are unable to pay for medicines and basic health services. Where clinics do have availability, many people cannot afford the cost of transport. Lack of adherence to treatment puts patients’ health at risk and may lead to drug resistance.
The fragile situation in Zimbabwe also increases the risk of HIV infection, especially for women and girls, refugees and the internally displaced. During periods of humanitarian emergency, where populations are on the move, girls are particularly vulnerable to family separation, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence and extreme coping mechanisms, including transactional sex.
“UNAIDS is very concerned about the worsening humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, where people living with HIV are disproportionately affected by food insecurity and shortages of essential medicines,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé. “UNAIDS stands ready to work with all national and international partners to ensure that we mitigate the effects of the current situation so that people can access essential services, including HIV treatment and prevention services.”
http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2019/march/20190308_zimbabwe
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How climate change is fueling extremism
Mar 10, 2019 | CNN
By Isabelle Gerretsen
Climate change is already triggering devastating weather events across the planet, including prolonged droughts, flash floods and wildfires.Parts of Africa and the Middle East are experiencing erratic harvests, heavy storms and the worst drought in the past 900 years.Experts say that people here who are struggling to provide for their families are vulnerable to the influence of extremist recruits who offer them work and food.Vanishing Lake Chad bolsters Boko HaramAcross the Sahel, a semi-arid region between the Sahara desert and Sudanian Savannah in Africa, temperature increases are projected to be 1.5 times higher than the global average, according to the United Nations.About 50 million people in the Sahel are pastoralists whose livelihoods depend on rearing livestock.But droughts and floods triggered by climate change are shrinking their lands, leaving over 29 million people food insecure.The impact of climate change on the Sahel is clearly shown by the shrinking of Lake Chad.Spanning seven countries, including Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, the lake basin is critical to the livelihoods of nearly 30 million people.But since the 1960s the lake's water supply has shrunk by over 90%, according to the United Nations Environment Programme.This aerial picture taken on July 16, 2016 shows Lake Chad in Africa's Sahel region. The lake's water supply has shrunk by over 90% since the 1960s.Robert Muggah, who analyzes global climate and security challenges at the Igarape Institute, a think tank in Brazil, says the diminishing water sources are "flashpoints for violence" as communities struggle with reduced crop yields and high levels of poverty."Climate shocks and stresses are pushing many into extreme poverty. Joining an armed group is sometimes the only option available," he added.What is climate change? Your questions answeredIn 2018, US officials expressed concern about ISIS and al Qaeda affiliates in the Sahel region.Muggah agrees with this assessment, claiming that the drying of Lake Chad has bolstered recruitment efforts of extremist groups including Boko Haram, the militant group operating in Nigeria.Does water scarcity create a terror spring?The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is the world's most water scarce region.MENA is home to six percent of the world's population, but only one percent of the world's freshwater resources, according to the World Bank.17 countries in the region fall below the water poverty line set by the United Nations, and some experts believe that drought played a part in sparking Syria's civil war.According to a study from 2015, severe drought, likely compounded by climate change, triggered mass migration from rural to urban areas in Syria between 2007 and 2010.The prolonged dry spell led to the death of 85% of livestock in eastern Syria and widespread crop failure, according to Jamal Saghir, a professor at the Institute for the Study of International Development at McGill University.This pushed 800,000 people into food insecurity and prompted 1.5 million people to migrate to already overpopulated cities, contributing to the civil unrest which erupted in 2011 and spiralled into civil war, Saghir told CNN.Iraqi marsh Arabs collect the remains of dried out reeds in the Hor or marshes on November 18, 2009. The inhabitants of these ancient marshes are suffering from the slow suffocation of the marshes due to drought triggered by climate change.The impacts of "climate-induced drought" were also linked to the growing influence of ISIS in the Middle East in a 2017 report commissioned by the German foreign office.The report said that increased water scarcity in Syria "played an important role" in the forming of ISIS and that "ISIS tried to gain and retain legitimacy by providing water and other services to garner support from local populations" during the prolonged drought.However, other researchers have disputed how much of a role drought played in the conflict.In 2009 ISIS' recruitment efforts targeted impoverished farmers in Iraq whose livelihoods were devastated by drought and fierce winds, according to Saghir."Terrorist organizations like ISIS capitalize on the devastation wrought by climate change to attract new members," said Saghir."The ISIS recruiters offered money, food and other riches to rural Iraqis to lure them into joining the ranks of the jihadist group. With no means to sustain themselves through agricultural means, many farmers accepted ISIS' bribes for both monetary and morale support," he said.Sustainable alternatives to extremismTo prevent their citizens from falling into the grip of extremists, countries must invest in adaptation programs, which will reduce people's "vulnerability to extreme climatic events," Nadim Farajalla, director of the climate change and environment program at the American University of Beirut, told CNN.Two ways for countries to become more climate resilient include diversifying their crop production and investing in renewable energy, he said.Countries susceptible to drought should move away from irrigating their crops and focus on rain-fed agriculture, growing crops like lentils and chickpeas instead of the water-intensive livestock feed alfalfa, he explained.Solar power should be harnessed in the fight against extremism, according to Rachel Kyte, CEO of UN initiative Sustainable Energy for All.Providing communities in Africa and the Middle East with clean, affordable energy can help them cope with climate change, advance women's rights and beat back support for extremists, Kyte told CNN."With solar-powered irrigation we have an opportunity to increase agricultural yields in rural communities, giving families greater income and greater economic hope," she said.Muggah agreed that small-scale interventions like solar electricity generators can have a "transformative effect on neglected communities.""By strengthening and empowering local residents, the influence of extremist groups can be weakened," he said.
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/03/06/world/climate-change-terrorism-extremism-africa-middle-east-intl/index.html
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