Update

Causasus conflict - 02/2008

Geneva, September 26, 2008

Conflict in the Caucasus - ACT International Alliance Response

Emergency assistance including food, hygiene kits and other basic non-food items have been delivered to people affected and displaced by the conflict in Georgia by ACT members working in North Ossetia, South Ossetia and other affected areas of Georgia since the conflict in August. This includes US$ 60,000 ACT Rapid Response Funding for assistance to displaced persons in both North and South Ossetia, delivered by ACT Member the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). The current ACT Preliminary Appeal for humanitarian assistance to people affected by the war in Georgia outside South Ossetia has raised 336,632 USD against a target of 521,415 USD to date, for assistance by four ACT members: International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Swiss Interchurch Aid (HEKS) and Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), working in turn with local partner organizations. In addition, ACT member the World Council of Churches (WCC) sent a delegation to Russia and Georgia from September 3-7th to express the solidarity of the ecumenical community with churches and populations, to gain a general understanding of the humanitarian needs and to listen to the churches expectations of the international community including sister churches abroad.o express the solidarity of the ecumenical community with churches and populations, to gain a general understanding of the humanitarian needs and to listen to the churches expectations of the international community including sister churches abroad.

The response has now moved into the rehabilitation phase, and members have been involved in assessment of the still volatile situation and the needs of people affected by the conflict whether local communities, people still displaced and staying in Temporary Accommodation Centres (TACs) or with host families, or those who have recently returned again to their neighborhoods and villages.

Between August 30th- September 5th, ACT member Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), facilitated by the Russian Orthodox Church and in coordination with other ACT members responding in the region, conducted an assessment of the situation mainly in South Ossetia with regards to the needs and rights of displaced persons and returnees. The focus of the assessment was on psychosocial needs, water, sanitation and hygiene needs, and with special regard to the right of women to participate at all levels and to be protected from gender-based violence.

NCA have recommended in their report that recovery programmes should take an integrated community approach within a defined geographic area, rather than concentrating on one particular group, and ensure active participation of local citizens and networks of volunteers. This is to ensure that disparities are not created between local and severely affected people which might generate resentment and social tension. While the assessment found that no additional, immediate food aid was needed in South Ossetia, loss of crops and their lack of storage may mean that food security will need to reassessed for the winter months. Core components of programming should also include the installation of water and sanitation facilities, hygiene education, development of community services, and psychosocial support and assistance to people traumatized by their recent experiences.

The reconstruction of damaged buildings is coordinated by the Russian federation's Ministry of Emergency Situations (Emergcom), with schools, kindergartens and hospitals set as first priority. Emercom has indicated that most private houses needing renovations can be done by the people themselves, and they are planning is to bring building materials from North Ossetia which will be distributed for free. However, as the winter months draw closer, shelter rehabilitation will need monitoring to prevent a further emergency situation.

As reported by UNOCHA (Sitrep No. 15, September 23rd), UN and other NGO assessment missions to the Russian controlled areas south of the administrative border with South Ossetia continue to report ongoing harassment and incursions from across the border during day and at night. Widespread looting and intimidation of the local population has been reported and lack of protection is a major issue, especially amongst the predominantly elderly residents in villages close to the border. The UNHCR has identified lack of rule of law and insecurity as the main obstacle to returns, together with looting and destruction of property. The fear of UXOs has also been reported from various sources, including ACT assessments. IDPs cite the need for the presence of Georgian police and the international community in return areas as vital to build confidence to enable the return process. Continuous access for delivery of humanitarian assistance remains a key concern. Food security is also a concern affecting both the local population in areas north of Gori to sustain displaced populations and feed livestock over the coming winter months. Elderly people, who are the majority remaining in the villages, will require particular assistance in terms of food security and attention to early recovery activities. In order to plant winter week in the next weeks, local communities will need immediate assistance is required to purchase seed and fertilizer and to replace looted items.ation in areas north of Gori to sustain displaced populations and feed livestock over the coming winter months. Elderly people, who are the majority remaining in the villages, will require particular assistance in terms of food security and attention to early recovery activities. In order to plant winter week in the next weeks, local communities will need immediate assistance is required to purchase seed and fertilizer and to replace looted items.

Next steps

Proposals have been submitted to the CO for a full ACT appeal which includes rehabilitation assistance in areas outside South Ossetia by IOCC, UMCOR, HEKS and DKH, and in South Ossetia by the Russian Orthodox Church. A further proposal is expected from ACT member Hungarian Interchurch Aid, also for work in South Ossetia.

The Coordinating Office expects that the full ACT appeal will see a significantly increased target to incorporate rehabilitation programmes including livelihoods recovery and food security assistance against a proposed budget of up to several million dollars (USD). However, as funding interest is currently unclear and pledging slow, proposed programmes may need to be scaled back to ensure that they will be more likely to be funded to a sufficient level to make them viable. The Coordinating Office would appreciate any information regarding potential funding contributions to the forthcoming appeal.

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ACT is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide. The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.