OCHA Situation Report No. 3
Iraq
21 March 2003


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

1 HIGHLIGHTS
   The Syrian border has re-opened after intervention by UNHCR.

   IDP flows in the north continue.


2 HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN IRAQ

2.1 ASSISTANCE

Ten UNICEF emergency electrical engineering teams are responding to
emergency water and sanitation needs in Baghdad.

Planning for the eventual re-entry to Iraq of humanitarian organizations
is underway and an inter-agency meeting took place today at the Regional
Humanitarian Coordination Office to work out the details. After a security
assessment is conducted and security clearance given, inter-sectoral teams
will undertake rapid humanitarian assessments on the humanitarian needs
and, as soon as possible, establish bases in Iraq from where to start
relief operations. The first locations to be assessed will depend on
logistics, access and estimated needs of the population.

2.2 AFFECTED POPULATIONS

IDP movements in the north continue. Estimated numbers range from 300,000
to 450,000. IDPs fled from Kirkuk to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah and the
movement of population from Erbil city toward Shaqlawa and Soran is
increasing and in the last few days the population left Sulaymaniyah and
Dahuk cities. While Dahuk is now almost depopulated, some people are now
returning to Sulaymaniyah. The GoI checkpoints are closed, therefore the
movement to the three northern governorates from centre/south has come to
a virtual halt. It is estimated that 90% of the IDPs are staying with
relatives and are not in need of immediate assistance. Local authorities
and UN national staff are attempting to meet the immediate needs and there
are serious concerns for the health situation of those who are not
appropriately sheltered. Local authorities requested UN and NGOs to
support the preparation of six camps in Sulaymaniyah and for four
reception points in Dahuk. Within 2-3 weeks, UNOPs will receive non-food
items that would cover the needs of 15,000 IDPs for 2 weeks Public
buildings have been also adapted to house IDPs on a temporary basis. Many
people crossing the checkpoints refused to be registered. Weather
conditions worsened, thus affecting IDPs conditions and slowing down camps
preparation activities.

2.3 OPERATIONAL ISSUES

2.3.1 NORTH (Erbil, Dahuk, Sulaymaniyah)

The largest population movements are in the Dahuk area where an estimated
85% of the city (population 120,000) has moved to villages east of the
city. Reportedly, asylum seekers do not want to cross the Turkish border.

Pre-positioning of non-food items to Darbandikan, Chwarta and Qaladza
(Sulaymaniyah) and to Sarsan (Dahuk) commenced.

National UN staff and local NGOs continue emergency demining, permanent
marking of corridors, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) reconnaissance in
the three northern Governorates.  Inclement weather prevented operations
in Dahuk and Soran (Erbil). Security has been upgraded in the main
operational bases of Soran Fort (Erbil), Suse Fort and in the head office
in Erbil Governorate to protect installations and secure explosive storage
spaces. Local NGOs started mine risk education sessions in the new IDPs
camps.

Fuel shortages are reported in Dharbandikan (Sulaymaniyah) prices have
tripled in the local markets of Erbil and Soran triplicate. UN agencies
will rely on pre-positioned stock from today. Traffic congestion is
reported due to increased movement of population. Local authorities are
experiencing some problems in transporting items due to the high cost of
vehicles hire and fuel.

2.4 CONSTRAINTS

ACCESS

The dividing line between the GOI and the three northern governorates
closed on 19 March at 12:00.

FUNDING

The Japanese Government announced that it would provide $5million to
UNICEF, UNHCR and WFP. More funding would be made available, if necessary.
A Japanese medical team will also be sent to Syria in case of a major
refugee influx.

3 HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES

3.1 IRAN

NSTR

3.2 JORDAN

OVERALL HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

Operational developments

WFP has increased their staffing levels to ensure full logistical support
to the camps at and near the border. Two warehouses have been rented on
the main road to Iraq at Juweideh with a capacity of 16,000 MT.  There are
currently 450 MT of food in stock. As of Saturday, 600 kg of bread will be
available for distribution to the camps on a daily basis.

Access to Ruweished hospital for referral cases has now been established.
UNFPA is training MoH staff in dealing with TCNs/refugees. UNICEF
concluded a second training of trainers session with the Jordanian
Government to provide psychosocial, health and education services for
Iraqi refugee women and children.

UNHCR reported the arrival of one refugee and two others who are being
processed for asylum. Twenty people (probably TCNs) are stranded at the
border.  The situation is being taken up with the authorities.

In camp A (Refugees) the electricity and street lighting system is
working. The water distribution points will be fully operational in 2-3
days.  Forty tents have been erected and 80 latrines are functional.
Operational capacity is now estimated to be for 5,000 people. A Rubb Hall
is to be installed today with a capacity of 450 MT.

Eight tents have been sent to Ruweished.  They will set-up in the camp for
education (6), psychosocial support (1) and as a health clinic (1).

UNHCR will conclude their partnership agreements with GoJ, CARE, Oxfam and
Hashemite Organisation today. MoUs will be established with two other
NGOs, Japan Platform and GAA.

In Camp B (TCNs) there are currently 349 people, mostly Sudanese (300),
but also Eritrean, Chadian, and Egyptians.  Some Iraqi nationals present
have a second citizenship. Two-hundred fifty will fly back to their
countries today. Five buses are transferring an estimated 200 to 250
people from the border and a further 5 buses are on stand-by.  Two Rubb
Halls have been erected. Further tents will be set-up when necessary.
Bottled water is currently being distributed until a water tanker system
can be put in place from the source near Camp A. WFP will provide dried
food and JECRAD will produce hot meals. Until that point meals are being
bought locally and packed lunches provided during transportation. There is
no electricity available at the moment but options are being considered.

3.3 KUWAIT

Operational developments

WFP sea shipment of 50 MT of High Protein Biscuits arrived on 19 March.

HIC ME staff in Kuwait will train UN/IO/NGO and other partners in
application of the Interagency Rapid Assessment Form (IRAF) during the
coming week.

Constraints/Access

Constraints in financial resources continue to have serious consequences
for UN agencies' capacity to implement the humanitarian aid.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

The visa processing speeded up, with a total of 51 visa applications
processed on 19 March.

Kuwait Airport is temporarily closed for commercial traffic. Humanitarian
airlifts are possible upon request.

3.4 SAUDI ARABIA

OVERALL HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

The Government has reconfirmed that it is ready to respond to humanitarian
needs but reiterated its "closed border" policy.

The Minister for Oil declared that the KoSA is ready to supply more oil to
compensate any disruption in supply due to the war.

The Government task force related to Iraq crisis, together with UNHCR,
will meet today in order to discuss the provision of humanitarian
assistance.

Operational developments

The town of Ar'ar has been designated as the centre for all humanitarian
operations. Civil defence is in the state of readiness with supplementary
safety equipment, ambulances, medicines, and emergency teams in place.

No refugee influx is reported but the situation near the border is
monitored.

Constraints/Access

Some routes and airports near the Iraqi border are closed for humanitarian
efforts. The GoS has stated that domestic and international flights would
be not affected.

3.4.1 ISSUES REQUIRING FOLLOW UP

The Office of the Resident Coordinator will provide support to WFP to
obtain the GoKSA's approval to use ports and transport facilities for an
eventual cross-border operation.

3.5 SYRIA

OVERALL HUMANITARIAN SITUATION

Political developments as it impacts the humanitarian operation

GOS opened the border to Iraqi refugees after intervention by UNHCR. GOS
offered 'unlimited support' to cross border operations from Syria into
Iraq.

Operational Developments

GoS identified two more camps inside Syrian territory; one in Abu Kamal (4
km from the border) and the other near Tanf border crossing. GoS started
moving heavy equipment to the sites. As planned, El Hol camp will be used
to accommodate 20,000 refugees. At present, El Hol camp can absorb up to
10,000 refugees. A separate area will be set aside to provide temporary
shelter for TCNs in each camp.

At the UNCT emergency meeting, the Minister of Local Affairs reaffirmed
the Government's commitment to cooperate with UN agencies. Government
resources are limited so the GoS will rely on UN assistance in setting up
camps, particularly in the installation of water and sanitation
facilities.

Constraints/Access

GoS has denied requests by IOM and UNICEF to visit the new camps. UNHCR
was not allowed to monitor the situation at the border.

CROSS-BORDER OPERATIONS

GoS has stated all international organizations should coordinate the field
trips to affected areas with the officials assigned from Ministry of Local
Affairs, MFA and Ministry of Information.

3.6 TURKEY

OVERALL HUMANITARIAN OPERATION

Political Developments as it impacts the humanitarian operation

The Turkish parliament authorised the Government to send members of the
Turkish Army into northern Iraq, and to allow foreign air forces to use
Turkish air space in the armed conflict.

Operational developments

The MFA representative in Diyarbakir announced that daily coordination
meetings with internationals are to start next week. All agency personnel
whose names have been forwarded to the MFA in Ankara for security
clearance have been issued a blanket clearance. This should be followed by
an authorisation to move freely within the entire region.

Constraints/Access

Habur border crossing, which for the last week has been open only to the
transit of food consignments, is reported to be closed as of 08:00 hours
of 20 March. All trucks carrying WFP consignments to Iraq, that did not
cross at that time, have been diverted to the warehouses in Gaziantep.
UNICEF contractors (K&N/NATA) are reporting that drivers are increasingly
reluctant to drive consignments into Iraq.  UNHCR, however, reports that
Habur crossing remained open to traffic from northern Iraq into Turkey.
Conversations with some of those transiting into Turkey suggest there is
presently no movement of asylum seekers toward the border.

WFP warehouses in Gaziantep have still not been given the bonded status by
the customs authorities. The RC has had an exchange with the relevant
authorities that promised a prompt solution.

4 SECTORAL FOCUS - HEALTH AND REFUGESS

IRAN

The border with Iran is closed and assistance to refugees will be provided
along the border inside Iraq. Should refugees be allowed to cross the
border, they would be settled in 12 camps already identified by GoI and
humanitarian partners. All camps are located within 18 km from the border.

Utilising existing facilities and mobile structures, the teams at the
border entry points should be able to deal with most of the morbidity.
Currently, there is one health centre for every 20,000 refugees. The 5-bed
centre offers continuous services in the patient bay (day-care observation
area). Additionally, 10 centres and 60 beds for day-care would be needed
for a caseload of 150,000. The health centre will be staffed with trained
health workers and midwives and equipped with emergency health and
reproductive health kits.

The health status of the refugees and asylum seekers at the border is
expected to be poor, due to the strain of journey and the deterioration of
the Iraqi health care system over the past decade. Other health concerns
will include injuries sustained en route, malnutrition and chronic
diseases left untreated in Iraq.

MOH/BAFIA, in collaboration with UN Agencies and the NGOs will provide
health care services, including establishment of facilities in the camps,
access to all level of health care services, provision of drugs and
medical equipment, immunisation to all children and pregnant women,
surveillance system and preventive and control measures, health
communication, and provision of qualified medical staff.

Possibility of engaging NGOs with previous experience in the area is being
explored. UNICEF could reallocate immediately 15 emergency health kits
already pre-positioned in Iran to cover the basic health needs of 150,000
people for 3 months. The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and MoH will
have an essential role in providing assistance.

JORDAN

GoJ indicated that refugees may be kept near the border for the first
month, and would then be moved to 3 camps located at 70 km from the
border. No specific health preparations have been outlined.

KUWAIT

The worst case scenario indicates an influx of 200,000 refugees, although
it is more likely that only 50,000 individuals would cross the border.

GoK Ministry of Health will provide health care services in the camps.
Refugees are not expected to arrive with serious health and nutritional
problems. Notwithstanding, health problems related to water and sanitation
could emerge. MoH would prepare temporary health and sanitation
facilities, provision of effective drugs and vaccines, an effective
referral system, regular surveillance and overall coordination of the
provision of medical services - including health education.

SAUDI ARABIA

For refugees who will be allowed by the authorities to cross into Saudi
territory, initial health services will be likely provided by the MODA
medical services. It is expected that the MOH and Saudi Red Crescent would
take the lead in provision of services to the refugees.

It is not expected that the refugees will arrive with serious health or
nutritional problems, as they will proceed from urban areas. However,
given the environment in which they will settle, health problems related
to water and sanitation are likely to develop.

Outstanding issues include health assistance to the population at the
border and in the camps, coordination of health services, supply chain of
essential drugs and vaccines.

SYRIA

The Syrian government has identified six potential refugee campsites: El
Hol Camp (existing UNHCR Refugee Camp, in process of being rehabilitated);
Tal Hamize Camp and Ash Shaddadi Camp (Hassake Governorate); Al Kashmeh
(near Abu Kamal) Camp (Deir Zour Governorate); Batmah Camp (replacing Abu
Shamat); and another camp site, near Palmyira (Governorate of Homs), which
is yet to be visited.

Healthcare provision in the camps includes detection of refugees with
health problems are upon arrival; ensure minimum standards of health care
including essential vaccination: maintain death rate within the norms; and
address the health needs of the vulnerable refugees.

The existing health system running the El Hol camp clinic and managing a
referral system to outside hospitals would be enhanced to cope with
emergency situation. The reception centres would be equipped to provide
care for dehydration, respiratory infections, presumed malaria, trauma and
other life threatening conditions.

UNICEF will assist with immunization of all children under 15 years. All
children 6 months to 15 years old must receive a dose of measles vaccine
and an appropriate dose of vitamin A upon arrival in the reception/transit
centers. UNICEF will also provide cold-chain equipment, syringes, vaccines
and health kits to address the medical care needs for 10,000 persons and
could provide health kit for extra 10,000 refugees.

TURKEY

MoH will undertake an initial medical screening of refugees and asylum
seekers. Six fully staffed field hospitals will be deployed and health
care centres and outpatient clinics will be established at the settlement
sites, in cooperation with the Turkish Red Crescent society. MoH will
provide medical staff to these facilities and may also establish
mechanisms for the referral and treatment of more serious cases to State
health care facilities.

United Nations agencies will support MoH efforts with provision of
emergency health kits and other equipment; personnel and training. UNICEF
will establish "baby station" units, mobile medical teams; implement an
Expanded Programme on Immunisations (EPI); provide kits and train of
volunteers and refugee leaders. UNFPA will establish a comprehensive
reproductive health (RH) programme. IOM will make available medical teams
to perform screening and referral and will ensure medical screening of
TCNs before their departure. UNHCR will deploy an international Health &
Nutrition Officer, based in Silopi, to assist UN and GoT activities and
has also made provision in its contingency budget for activities in
support health needs of refugees and asylum seekers.



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