OCHA Situation Report
Iraq
Minutes of NGO coordination meeting
8 April 2003


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

Chaired by Maura Lynch, SHAO, OCHA
1. Update on the Situation in Iraq

Following the UNSECOORD security assessment, the UN carried out two
humanitarian assessments in Umm Qasr on 4 and 6 April. Findings and
planned interventions are described in the UNOHCI Humanitarian Situation
Reports No 17 and 18 available on the HIC
(http://www.agoodplacetostart.org) and ReliefWeb
(http://www.reliefweb.int).

2. ID Card Update

OCHA reiterated the need for NGOs to consider the issue of ID card at a
higher institutional level through their NGO networks. The UN position has
not changed. ICVA is in a process of identifying a representative to
liaise on behalf of this NGO grouping with UNOHCI in Cyprus.

3. HIC Transition

A wrap-up training on rapid assessment will be held on 10 April at 1400
hours. New training sessions are foreseen for next week. The new HIC
contact person is Janet O'Callaghan; janocal_hic@hotmail.com.

4. Child Protection: Sexual exploitation and Abuse

The UN IASC (Inter-Agency Standing Committee) has developed core
principles for a code of conduct to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse
by humanitarian workers (handouts were made available at the meeting).
Child Protection NGOs highlight that all forms of abuse and exploitation
are unacceptable and encourage all NGOs to incorporate these core
principles into agency codes of conduct. The Child Protection working
group will offer an orientation for humanitarian workers.

5. Humanitarian Principles/Code of Conduct: Discussion on Interest or Need

The need to conduct briefings on general humanitarian principles and code
of conduct may be relevant, as not every NGO intending to operate in Iraq
has previous experience working in an environment under control of
occupying forces. The ICRC / IFRC have set up various codes of conduct and
certain standards of behaviour, which are accessible to the humanitarian
community. If needed, the ICRC is willing to make a presentation on these
issues. Meanwhile, OCHA will facilitate information flow. MERLIN noted the
linkage between these operational principles and issues of humanitarian
access and ID cards.

6. Request for Convoy Information

NGOs were asked to advise OCHA on their planned humanitarian shipments to
Iraq until regional sector groups establish a system of tracking. This
type of information, if not sensitive, will be then shared with
humanitarian community at large.

7. UNJLC Briefing

UNJLC briefed on cross-border cargo issues. Blanket landing rights for UN
flights, as well as exemption from landing fees for all flights with UN
call signs were achieved, and a request was submitted to the Prime
Minister requesting broad exemptions from all transit taxes and fees for
the humanitarian community at large. A more detailed discussion was
initiated after the general meeting to discuss specific procedures and
issues. From now on, UNJLC will hold logistics meetings immediately every
week after the weekly NGO meetings.

8. AOB/Announcements

New NGOs present at the meeting include: HelpAge, Life for Relief and
Development, Medair, NRC, and ANERA. HelpAge highlighted the protection
needs of people with special needs such as vulnerable elderly people. Life
for Relief and Development has been working throughout Iraq since 1996 and
still has staff in the country. Medair operates in Syria but is now
establishing a presence in Jordan. NRC is planning to open a permanent
representation in Jordan. International Medical Help, which has been
working in North Iraq for 18 years, is establishing a logistical base in
Amman.

Bela Kapur, Human Rights Officer from UNHCHR (UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights), will work closely both with UNOHCI and NGO community on
protection issues.

IOM reported damage to the TCN camp in Ruwaished following strong winds
last night. No casualties were reported although some children were being
treated for respiratory problems. The water system is functioning, as is
the electricity, but there maybe damage to the sanitation system. There
are no immediate needs for food and medical supplies. The urgent need is
for shelter. A UNHCR / CARE team has offered assistance. No evacuation is
planned. Two refugees are now in Jordan.

HIC announced that a database on IDPs, namely in North Iraq (both old and
new caseloads) has been set up by UNOHCI, UNOPS, and IOM will be available
shortly. Topographic maps will also be made available. More information
will be added to the database for other areas as it is available.

Handicap International asked for a salary scale for local staff in Iraq.

DFID inquired which mechanisms are in place for communicating information
on various issues of concern between the humanitarian communities in the
countries neighbouring Iraq. OCHA offices in the region can facilitate the
dialogue. NGOs in Kuwait meet on a weekly basis, and tasked JNEPI to do
certain activities. If needed, HIC will set up space for NGOs' dialogue on
the website.

HOC is in a process of reviewing its Movement Handbook. HACC has not
initiated security briefings yet.


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