Chechnya - ACT: 23-Sep-03
Action by Churches Together (ACT)
Appeal - North Caucasus - Chechnya
Assistance to IDPs in Chechnya - EUNC-32
Appeal Target: US$ 1,200,922
23 September 2003
The long-lasting suffering of the Chechen population continues and the
situation shows no sign of improving. Spread across the region as
refugees, internally displaced and to a lesser degree returnees, Chechen
families are still not finding a safe haven from all the troubles that the
war has brought. The return to Chechnya that has been promoted by the
Russian Government does not seem to be entirely feasible due to serious
accommodation issues as well as a lack of means for returnees to support
themselves.
ACT members Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) and the Russian Orthodox
Church Department for External Church Relations (ROC/DECR) have been
actively providing relief to the most vulnerable Chechen families for a
number of years. In the previous ACT appeal EUNC-31, they have tackled the
most painful issues of the Chechen population - lack of food,
accommodation, health and education. High impact programs of the ACT
members have left their mark in the region for there are not many aid
agencies remaining in Chechnya due to volatile security situation.
In this appeal, HIA and ROC/DECR are urgently requesting emergency funding
from the ACT Alliance to be able to continue life-saving activities as
follows:
soup kitchens in Grozny
emergency food and non-food distributions
to finish reconstruction of an orphanage in Grozny
provision of winter clothes for orphans in Grozny
to finish school reconstruction in Grozny and distribute school
kits
The ACT Co-ordinating office requests your attention and support for this
deserving cause.
Project Completion Dates:
HIA - 31 March 2004
ROC - 31 March 2004
Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance
Requested
Total Appeal Less: Pledges/ Balance Requested
Target(s) Contr Recd from ACT Network
HIA 566,222 0 566,222
ROC 634,700 0 634,700
TOTAL 1,200,922 0 1,200,922
Thor-Arne Prois
Director, ACT
REQUESTING ACT MEMBER
Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA)
IMPLEMENTING ACT MEMBER
Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA) Pjatigorsk Field Office
Hungarian Interchurch Aid has been active in the North Caucasus since 1995
where it has been implementing numerous relief programs in co-operation
with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and UNHCR. During the first war,
activities mainly focused on Dagestan (assistance for IDPs), later on
Grozny and Central Chechnya as well as on North Ossetia and Stavropol
Region. Current programs are targeting Northern and Central Chechnya
including Grozny, the capital (2001-2003).
In EUNC31, ACT/HIA distributed food parcels, opened two soup kitchens and
started with the reconstruction of an orphanage and school no. 49 in
Grozny, while continuing its assistance in the north, in Naursky region
with food distributions and the reconstruction of a tuberculosis centre.
Reacting to the humanitarian situation at the outbreak of the second
Chechen war in 1999, ACT/HIA implemented a relief project in Stavropol
region, North Ossetia and Ingushetia. In the next programs it relocated
its activities from Ingushetia to Chechnya (Northern and Central
territories). In 2001 HIA reconstructed seven schools in Northern Chechnya
from UNHCR-funds.
With the current project ACT/HIA wishes to continue the activities
described in the EUNC31 Appeal issued on 15 January 2003.
DESCRIPTION of the EMERGENCY
After military actions ceased in spring 2003, the Federal Government
enacted several laws and decrees to normalise life but this goal was
hampered by rebels actions. However, the new Chechen constitution was
accepted March 2003 and parliamentary elections were called for 5 October.
Current situation
Although there is still a long way to go until there is peace in Chechnya,
some measures having been taken to improve the social and economic
situation. Most electric, water and gas supplies have already been
reconstructed with the exception of Grozny and some other locations.
Social assistance and salaries for state employees are mostly being paid
if not a little behind time. State authorities, and courts along with the
Chechen police and Security Office have been set up.
In comparison with 2001 industrial production has quadrupled - 99.2% of
its income comes from oil production. In Chechnya 61 oil wells are
currently working producing 6,800 tons of crude oil and 550,000 m3 gas
daily. Gas and oil pipes are being repaired and all burning oil wells
have been extinguished, although the rebels continue to attack these
targets. Sand and ballast-digging as well as asphalt production has been
started and wood-working industry has been developing.
Despite the extreme climate and weather conditions as well as lack of
technical and financial resources, 156,600 hectares of cereals were sowed
and harvested exceeding last year's harvest by 75,000 MT. Farms in
Nadterechniy, Naurskiy and Gudermeskiy regions have had good results.
However, this yield cannot meet the demands and the quality of the cereals
is inadequate.
The size of vineyards also decreased in a significant way from 20,000 ha
to 1,500 ha. A project for revitalising vineyards in the forthcoming 5
years is underway. However, fruit and vegetable production is still
insignificant and unfortunately the larger part of agricultural land is
not utilised, only 20% is cultivated which makes the population's
self-sufficiency through agriculture impossible at present. The remaining
food and tinned food factories are unable to renovate and restart their
production due to lack of capital.
Animal husbandry has almost entirely disappeared. Currently there are 770
cattle (213 cows), 1,200 sheep and 68,500 poultry registered. Only one
poultry farm is working and 53 farms are to be reconstructed.
In Chechnya, roads between the different towns have been repaired and
public transport has been re-organised, although security still remains a
concern. Railway connections between Gudermes and Moscow as well as
Gudermes and Grozny have been re-established. However the reconstruction
of Grozny's airport, Severny has not been finished yet, so there is no air
transport to the republic.
Chechnya's most pressing problem is unemployment which causes serious
social tensions. In 2002 32,800 unemployed were registered, today this
figure is 79,900. The return of the IDPs only exacerbates the employment
situation as they themselves are added to the list of unemployed. 71,100
of them receive unemployment benefits. 194,000 people receive pensions
(the average pension about US$ 30) which are being paid, although
sometimes late. Pregnant and young mothers, the disabled and families
(393,00 children are eligible for monthly allowances) benefit from social
contributions.
In 2002 Chechnya paid USD 66.46 million into the Russian Federation budget
a contribution that is 3.2 times higher than the previous year.
The situation of IDPs and returnees
The current situation shows a heterogeneous picture. It is difficult to
provide accurate information on the number of IDPs as the number of
returnees is increasing and their registration is insufficiently organised
due mainly to the following reasons:
A lot of IDPs return spontaneously to their original place of residence,
Others go to the appointed temporary collective shelters but then leave
them as soon as possible for their original residence or to relatives.
This process has two rationales:
IDPs are totally fed up with this lifestyle and they would like to live on
their own land in their own houses. They have had enough of war and its
consequences. In Chechnya a "system" is already in place and this is the
reason why they want to return.
The so called "Compensation Law" accepted by the Russian government has
given a huge boost to those willing to return, as during the assessments
the owner's presence is required. From September onwards the survey of
lost properties - both in the case of real estates and personal properties
- will begin. The expected amount of this compensation may reach RUR
450,000-550,000 (USD 15,000-18,300).
Due to the above developments the number of returnees has been increasing
in a significant way. In reality this means that currently, at the two
operating crossings (Severny and Caucasus) between Ingushetia and
Chechnya, a daily average of 45-55 trucks and buses pass carrying the
returning families. This is around 500-550 persons daily. However these
figures do not include the number of people using alternative routes.
The majority of refugees are expected to return to Chechnya this year
which will cause new problems as many will be returning in mid-winter and
there is no food supply and shelter awaiting them. At the same time
displaced people inside Chechnya are facing the same difficulties and they
will also soon wish to return to their homes.
According to the latest information the number of displaced people in
Ingushetia decreased from 148,000 to 82,2841 OCHA Humanitarian action in
Chechnya and Neighbouring Republics 1-15 July 2003
1 of which 13,697 live in tent camps, 24,523 in temporary settlements and
44,064 in private accommodation. They will be returned to Chechnya by the
end of 2003. The return process is not smooth as the accommodation of
returnees is still an issue. The temporary collective centres in Grozny,
Gudermes, Argun, Senovodsk and Urus-Martan can host only 15,000 people and
the number of houses rehabilitated by the Federal government reached only
1,000 in 2002. This means that returnees do not have many options where to
go.
The system of registration is not without problems either. The person,
having left behind his/her displaced person status in Ingushetia is
registered as a "vulnerable person" by the Chechen authorities - just
another social category. This is the reason why some of them choose to go
back to Ingushetia to keep their "refugee" status.
According to official data during the period 1-16 June 2003, 44 families
(221 people) returned to Chechnya, while 159 went home spontaneously. In
the same period 108 people were re-registered in Ingushetia.
In the period 17-30 June 2003, 79 families (425 people) returned to
Chechnya, while another 270 spontaneously. In the same period 129 people
applied for re-registration in Ingushetia.
Locations for Proposed Response
Naurskiy region (Northern Chechnya)
Grozny region (Central Chechnya)
Current security situation
Security in Chechnya still remains of high concern and has been worsening.
Attacks and armed attacks against Russian military units, patrols and
Chechen administration are a daily occurrence.
Suicide attacks, thought to have been carried out by Chechen rebels, have
been happening throughout Russia. Several bombs have been discovered in
the Russian capital and other towns. The suspected perpetrators were in
each case women and this underlines intelligence reports that rebel forces
have established a special group, called "Black Widows" (Tsorniye Zvodi)
to commit suicide attacks.
Currently, travel into Chechnya is only possible with special permission.
Individuals travelling from the republic are checked thoroughly by the
security forces.
GOAL & OBJECTIVES
Goal: To provide humanitarian assistance and continue reconstruction in
the Naurskiy region, Northern Chechnya and in Grozny in the fall and
winter 2003 through continuation of activities started in the original
appeal EUNC31 issued in January 2003.
Objectives:
To operate one soup kitchen in Naurskaya and another one in Oktjabskiy
district, Grozny for a total of 1,400 daily beneficiaries,
To finish the reconstruction of one orphanage and school # 49 in Grozny
(work started in EUNC31),
To provide clothing for 97 orphans living in the orphanage rehabilitated
by HIA,
To provide school kits for the pupils in school # 49 in Grozny,
To start with the reconstruction of the Children's ward in Naurskaya,
Northern Chechnya,
To rehabilitate the pump-house in the hospital in Naurskaya,
Northern Chechnya.
TARGETED BENEFICIARIES
Number of targeted beneficiaries
1,400 IDPs daily in the two soup kitchens; 700 in Naurskaya and
700 in Grozny,
97 orphans and 12 teachers in the orphanage in Grozny,
672 pupils in school # 49 in Grozny (374 pupils 6-10 years old,
298 pupils 11-14 years old),
47,000 people, the population of Naursky district through the
reconstruction of the children's ward and pump-house in the
hospital in Naurskaya.
HIA will also provide clothing to the inhabitants of the
orphanage in Grozny.
All pupils attending the school # 49 in Grozny will receive
school kits.
Criteria for Beneficiary Selection
The beneficiaries of the soup kitchens are chosen by ACT/HIA Pjatigorsk in
co-operation with the local authorities and their IDP registration list.
Each selected beneficiary receives meal tickets.
PROPOSED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION
Operation of Soup kitchen
In the original EUNC31 ACT/HIA constructed the building of two soup
kitchens in Naurskaya, Northern Chechnya and Oktjabskiy district, Grozny.
In Naurskaya the ACT/HIA soup kitchen operates in the Church of Christ's
Birth and in the College for Oil Industry in Grozny. Both kitchens were
also equipped.
ACT/HIA supports both kitchens by providing a lump sum of USD 1,12 per
person. This contribution covers the cost of food items as well as the
running costs of the soup kitchen (public utilities and salaries). Both
soup kitchens provide one hot meal daily for the beneficiaries 7 days a
week. In the original proposal ACT/HIA provided hot meals for 500
beneficiaries in Naurskaya, Northern Chechnya and 500 in Grozny. In this
revision, ACT/HIA wishes to extend the capacity of both soup kitchens to
the maximum, to 700 beneficiaries per day per soup kitchen. This will be
very helpful to the beneficiaries as a considerable part of the
implementation period will take place during the cold winter months.
All beneficiaries have to be registered as IDPs with the local
administrations. They are from the most vulnerable groups - the sick,
elderly and extended families.
Provision of school kits
After finishing the rehabilitation of school #49 in Grozny, ACT/HIA wishes
to assist its 672 pupils with school kits. Each pupil will receive the
following package: 10 exercise books, 5 large exercise books, 1 ruler, 1
sharpener, 1 eraser, 1 set felt-tip pen, 5 pens, 10 pencils, 1 set of
colouring pencils, 1 school bag. Unit price is USD 18.
Provision of clothing for orphans in Grozny
ACT/HIA will provide clothing to 97 inhabitants of the orphanage in
Grozny. A set of clothing will contain the following: 1 coat, 2
pullovers, 2 trousers, 1 cap, 1 scarf, 1 pair of gloves, 1 pair of shoes,
5 pairs of socks and 3 items of underwear. The value of one set of
garments will not exceed USD 150.
Reconstruction
In the original HIA proposal in EUNC31 it was intended to rehabilitate the
orphanage and school #49 in Grozny. Unfortunately, due to lack of funding
the work could not be terminated. The fence was rebuilt, roof, doors and
windows changed, heating system renewed, handles, wires and carpentry work
done. In this proposal HIA intends to start with the rehabilitation of
the Children's ward and the renovation of the pump-house in Naurskaya.
Orphanage in Grozny
The renovated orphanage in Grozny will eventually accommodate 97 orphans
(between 2 and 16 years) with 12 teachers. For the time-being they are
housed in Naurskaya.
The following work has to be carried out to complete the renovation: 60 m2
glass wall, 220 m2 parquet to laid down, 1030 m2 cement of max 20 mm,
1,030 m2 linoleum, 950 m2 interior wall to be rough-casted, 250 m2 facade
to be rough-casted, 3,500 m2 interior wall to be lime-washed, 1,100 m2
facade to be painted, 550 m2 tiles, restoration of water pipes, sanitation
and heating system.
This work can be completed during the winter.
School #49 in Grozny
In school #49 in Grozny interior work has also to be accomplished: 9,700
m2 rough-casting, 9,700 m2 painting, 264 m2 oil painting, 16,200 m2
parquet to be laid down and lacquered, 21 metal bars for windows and
installation of the heating system.
Children's ward in the hospital in Naurskaya
The hospital complex in Naurskaya consists of several buildings. In the
first phase, in ACT Appeal EUNC31 the Tuberculosis centre was
reconstructed. The TB situation in the North Caucasus and particularly in
Chechnya is grave. The mortality rate of TB is reported as 19,2 per
100,000, however many cases go unreported. In Chechnya every year 581 out
of 100,000 people become infected and a significant number of patients
interrupt their treatment. As the second stage of its health care
reconstruction component ACT/HIA proposes the rehabilitation of the
Children's Ward in Naurskaya.
The following work has to be carried out: 179.2 m2 plank floor to be laid
and 813.6 m2 lacquered, 49.5 m2 windows and 39,69 m2 doors to be
installed, 135 m2 windows glazed, 22 windows, 21 doors installed, 268 m2
wall and 188 m2 ceiling rough-casted, 135 m2 windows and 116 m2 doors to
be painted twice, 952 m2 wood panelling painted; sanitation, heating,
electric supply changed.
Pump-house
The reconstruction of the pump-house in the hospital in Naurskaya is of
high importance to assure proper sanitation and to avoid the spread of
infections.
The following work has to be carried out: digging 16 m3 pits, using 71 m2
gravel and sand in the width of 20 cm, 3,2 m3 concrete floor, 9 m3 brick
wall has to be erected, windows and doors installed, 1 pump purchased,
electric wires laid down and roof changed.
Field Office Required
ACT/HIA North Caucasus projects are implemented from HIA FO in Pjatigorsk.
Trips to the different project locations in Chechnya will be made from
there following certain security procedures. To supervise the activities
in Grozny, ACT/HIA opened a sub-office there.
Procurement
Clothing for the orphans and school kits for pupils in Grozny will be
purchased in the region; Stavropol region, North Ossetia or Chechnya.
Procurements for the soup kitchens are done weekly based on the official
calculation for restaurants.
To accomplish the various reconstruction work, ACT/HIA Pjatigorsk FO will
request various contractors to tender a bid. The most reasonable
quotation will be selected and the contract with the entrepreneur
concluded.
ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING & REPORTING
The project will be directed from ACT/HIA Pjatigorsk FO. The Programme
Director is an expatriate who has managed relief programs in the North
Caucasus since 1999. Two logisticians and two transport monitors will be
hired - these are locals who have gained experience during the
implementation of previous ACT programs in the North Caucasus. An Engineer
will be hired for the reconstruction work and to monitor the contractors
during rehabilitation work.
>From HIA HQ a Co-ordinator will be responsible for project management and
reporting to ACT CO.
Finances will be directed from HIA HQ in Budapest and the audit will be
done there by KPMG.
The monitoring system has two levels: the first in the field when the FO
monitors its partners - soup kitchens and contractors -, while the second
level is HIA HQ monitoring the FO and its project implementation.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMETABLE
The implementation period should be six months once sufficient funding has
been received.
1 October 2003 to 31 March 2004.
CO-ORDINATION
ACT/HIA will co-ordinate its relief activities with UN and ACT-members
active on the ground (NCA/CPCD and ROC). ACT/HIA will also co-operate with
the local authorities.
BUDGET
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE
Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget
Unit Units US$ US$
DIRECT ASSISTANCE
Crisis Phase Assistance
Nutritional feeding portion 254,800 1.12
285,376
Distribution of non-food items
Distribution of school kits kit 672 18.00
12,096
Provision of clothing for orphans set 97
150.00 14,550
Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget
Unit Units US$ US$
Reconstruction
Finishing reconstr of orphanage Grozny orphanage 1
47,000.00 47,000
Finishing reconstr of school #49 Grozny school 1
45,000.00 45,000
Rehab of children's ward Naurskaya maternity ward 1
60,000.00 60,000
Rehab of pump-house in hospital in Naurskaya pump-house 1
10,000.00 10,000
Subtotal Direct Assistance 474,022
MATERIAL TRANSPORT, STORAGE, WAREHOUSING & HANDLING
Truck rental & Related Costs lump 5,000
Warehouse Rental lump 1,000
Subtotal Material Transport, Storage,
&Warehousing 6,000
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION, OPERATION & SUPPORT
Project staff salaries
Programme Director month 6 3,500.00
21,000
Office Director month 6 800.00
4,800
Logistics (2) month 6 1,000.00 6,000
Transportmonitor (2) month 6 800.00
4,800
Engineer month 6 600.00 3,600
Coordinator month 6 1,000.00 6,000
Finance staff month 6 1,500.00 9,000
Project staff housing (MOW) month 6 300.00
1,800
Staff travel
International travel month 6 400.00
2,400
Local & Regional travel month 6 400.00
2,400
Office Operations
Office Rental & Utilities in Pjatigorsk month 6
250.00 1,500
Suboffice Rental in Grozny month 6 150.00
900
Office Stationery & Supplies month 6 100.00
600
Communications
Telephone & Fax month 6 800.00
4,800
Vehicle operations
Vehicle Rental with driver month 6 500.00
3,000
Bank fees (1%) lump sum 5,600
Subtotal Personnel, Administration,Operation & Support
78,200
AUDIT & EVALUATION
Audit of Appeal Funds lump sum 2,000
Evaluation & Monitoring month 6 1,000.00
6,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 566,222
BALANCE REQUESTED FROM ACT NETWORK 566,222
REQUESTING ACT MEMBER INFORMATION
Russian Orthodox Church (ROC)
IMPLEMENTING ACT MEMBER INFORMATION
In the last 12 years the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has organised
various emergency, social and diaconal projects in Russia, as well as in
other countries - Afghanistan, Belarus, Estonia, Ethiopia, Moldova,
Serbia, Tajikistan and Ukraine.
The Russia Round Table (RRT), as a special structure of the Department for
External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, dealing with
emergencies on behalf of ROC, has implemented different ACT emergency
projects both nationally and internationally.
In 2002 and 2003 EURU-21 and EURU-22 ACT projects were executed by ROC/RRT
with the purpose of directing emergency aid and rehabilitation efforts to
the most vulnerable people affected by floods in the North Caucasus in
2002. Operations were run in the districts stricken by floods to the
utmost extent, this to include Chechnya.
ROC/RRT has been active in emergency operations in Chechnya and in the
North Caucasus, where thousands of people have become displaced as a
result of armed conflict. In August 2003 ROC/RRT finalised implementation
of the ACT EUNC-31 project, which provided relief aid to the internally
displaced persons, situated in the temporary accommodation centres in the
city of Grozny (Chechnya).
The new proposal is mainly focused on Chechnya and is concentrating on
urgent needs (not met by the authorities or NGOs) of the IDPs both in
Chechnya itself and in the neighbouring regions of Stavropol Kray and
North Ossetya.
DESCRIPTION of the EMERGENCY SITUATION
As in the earlier years, the following two circumstances have great
influence on the IDP situation in Chechnya and neighboring regions.
The second war in Chechnya, that started at the end of the year 1999
caused mass forced migration both inside and outside the republic. About
350,000 residents of Chechnya were internally displaced; many of them left
the republic: The largest number of IDPs were found in Ingushetia - about
150,000 people (according to the office of the UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights, 98,000 IDPs are currently staying there, 17,000 of them live
in tent camps), More than 8,000 people were registered as IDPs in
Stavropol Kray, increasing the number of registered IDPs from Chechnya to
18,600 people (according to the Migration Service of Stavropol Kray),
About 12,000 people ended up as IDPs in North Ossetia (according to the
Migration Service of North Ossetia).
About 160,000 people became IDPs inside Chechnya.
IDPs lived in specially assembled camps (Ingushetia and Nadterechny
district of Chechnya), hospitals, dormitories, and also with host families
or rented rooms. They received minor support from federal government and
local authorities, as well as assistance from NG s. Food supplies were
established in the tent camps in Ingushetia, which received special
attention from authorities, mass media and NG s. The situation with IDPs,
regardless of their current location, is difficult and many of them have
had to leave their houses several times in the last couple of years. In
the territories of Stavropol Kray and North Ossetia the tide of migration
increased the number of IDPs from Chechnya who have been there since the
first war in Chechnya in 1995-1996.
Changes in the IDP policy of the authorities towards IDPs from Chechnya
First indications of the shift in the authorities' attitude to the IDPs
were revealed in 2001 after the Russian Government and the newly formed
Government of Chechnya started to urge the return of IDPs to their former
places of residence or to Temporary Accommodation Centers (TACs)
specifically set up in the republic.
The authorities claimed that the policy of encouraging IDPs to leave their
temporary accommodation (either inside or outside the Republic) and return
to their original homes or to the TACs in the Chechen territory, would
contribute to the restoration of peaceful life and political stabilisation
in the republic. Thus, authorities consider the return of IDPs to be a
part of the measures aimed at establishing peace in Chechnya.
Apart from that, it was announced that the return of the IDPs to Chechnya
allows for improvements in the distribution and registration system of
state assistance to IDPs. Prior to that, it was relief aid to IDPs in
Ingushetia that periodically caused financial scandals in the mass media.
A major shift in the policy towards IDPs took place in spring 2002 when
Murat Zyazikov won the presidential elections in Ingushetia and radically
changed the policy of the former Ingushetian president Ruslan Aushev
regarding IDPs from Chechnya. Before Ingushetian authorities had declared
their willingness to accept IDPs from Chechnya on Ingushetian territory.
They had even exceeded the number of IDPs they could deal with, which
enabled them to demand a larger amount of subsidies from the Russian
Government for IDPs' accommodation and support. It also allowed them to
play an important role in the political life of the country as well as in
regulating the situation in Chechnya. The new Ingushetian President
rejected the old policies and supported the idea of the Russian Government
to move IDPs back to Chechnya.
In summer 2002 two tent camps in North Chechnya (Nadterechniy region) were
closed down, and the process of disassembling of the tent camps in
Ingushetia began. Financing of the camps from the Federal Budget funds was
reduced.
The new policy has taken shape during spring and summer 2003. In August
2003 Chechnya Prime-Minister Anatoly Popov stated that all IDPs staying in
the tent camps in Ingushetia would be moved to the temporary accommodation
centres in Chechnya before 1 October 2003.
Chechnya authorities announce that at the end of the autumn 2003
disbursement of compensation for loss of housing destroyed in the military
action (USD 20,000 per family) would commence. These promises also
contribute to the move of potential compensation recipients, IDPs to
Chechnya from Ingushetia, mainly to Grozny.
Current Situation (project specific)
Neither the IDPs nor the economic and social infrastructure of Chechnya
proved to be ready for such a turn in the flow of events. The general
overview of the social and economic state of Chechnya was prepared by
ROC/RRT and submitted to earlier, in the spring 2003. The social and
economic situation has not changed considerably since then.
Situation of IDPs in Chechnya
According to the Chechnya Migration Service there were 164,000 IDPs living
in the Republic by early September 2003. As on 16 September 2003 a total
of 23,500 IDPs either live in 22 TACS, with friends/relatives or in rented
accommodation. The authorities have declared that 20 rubles (about US$
0.6) per day is provided to every IDP to cover food and basic items.
However, many claim that they have received nothing.
Acceleration of the governments efforts to move IDPs from Ingushetia back
to Chechnya drew the attention of the mass media and NGOs, but this
overshadowed the difficult situation experienced by IDPs living in areas
of high concentration.
Nadterechny region, for example, is located in the northern part of
Chechnya, and since 1999 it has been one of the places of high IDP
concentration. There were two IDP tent camps until the summer of 2002.
After the closing of the camps and moving of the inhabitants to TACs and
to the city of Grozny, IDPs, who had been living with the host families,
were practically forgotten by the authorities and NGOs. At present, 9,700
IDPs are registered there but they do not receive any assistance from the
authorities or NGOs.
Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, is the primary place of mass IDP
concentration. 14 of the 22 TACs are located in Grozny accommodating
12,000 persons. Three more TACs will be established before the end of
September 2003. About 4,000 IDPs stay with relatives or friends. As a
rule, IDPs arriving at TACs possess no household or hygiene items, nor do
they have money to purchase them.
IDPs cannot rely on sufficient aid from their relatives, friends or the
environment. According to the local authorities, there are currently about
200,000 persons living in Grozny. More than half of them, 110,000 persons,
survive with the help of social assistance (pensions and allowances, about
USD 20 a month) and money given by relatives. Around 3,000 families, or
12,000 persons, have no source of income at all. 27,000 families in
Grozny, or 78 per cent of the city population, belong to the extremely
poor.
As a rule, only some of the IDPs registered in TACs stay there
permanently, these are mainly women, the elderly and children. Male IDPs
return to their abandoned or ruined homes and attempt to repair them, or
look for jobs. The latter is also typical of the IDPs not staying in the
TACs, but living in the private sector.
Situation of IDPs in Stavropol Kray and Republic North Ossetia The
situation of IDPs in Stavropol Kray and Republic North Ossetia has not
changed. It is thought that the upcoming elections in Chechnya will
negatively affect their prospects. The reason being that once the
elections are over, the fate of the ethnic minorities who have no
influence will ultimately be forgotten.
Unlike Ingushetia, where the authorities, mass media and NGOs pay special
attention to the IDPs situation, and where some financial help is in
place, IDPs in the territories of Stavropol Kray and North Ossetia have
been left behind. Although they are desperately in need of assistance,
they do not receive help from the authorities. Neither do they see any
possibility of returning home or going to TACs in Chechnya, where the odds
for help exist. The problem lies in the fact that they belong to ethnic
minorities (Russian, Ukrainian, Armenian, Germans, Jews etc. - more than
50 ethnic groups) and are afraid of ethnic and religious-based persecution
from ethnic Chechens. Moreover, in many cases they were forcibly deprived
of their property, so they cannot return to their original homes even if
they had the means.
Furthermore, many IDPs have no documents as they were lost during their
escape from Chechnya. To replace these, IDPs have to submit various
certificates which can only be obtained from the Chechen authorities,
where again, some ethnic minorities fear prejudice and persecution. They
are told that pensions and money for food and living, provided by the
Russian Government can only be applied for in their original home areas.
Thus, many IDPs in North Ossetia and Stavropol Kray remain in dire need of
the basic essentials - primarily food and hygiene items.
The areas of highest concentration of IDPs are:
the south of Stavropol Kray, neighbouring Chechnya (5,823 IDPs
registered). 42 per cent of them, according to the Migration Service, are
desperately poor Mozdok region of North Ossetia, bordering on Chechnya
(6,792 IDPs registered).
Reasons for the indicated concentration is linked to the large
transportation and railway junctions, located in the vicinity, including
region's largest railway stations in the cities of Mineralnye Vody and
Mozdok.
According to the Migration Service, the number of unregistered IDPs in
these regions is over 20,000 in each region. It is extremely difficult for
the IDPs to get registered as the authorities believe that registered IDPs
will never go back to Chechnya, and consequently contribute to the
deterioration of the social situation in the host regions and demand
assistance from the already insufficient local social budgets.
NGOs assistance The majority of NGOs continue to operate in Ingushetia,
central and southern regions of Chechnya. However, in Stavropol Kray,
North Ossetia and Nadterechny districts of Chechnya only intermittent
humanitarian work is carried out by NGOs.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Islamic Relief
(IR) currently distribute assistance to the TACs in Chechnya. Food and
hygiene items are mainly provided by the ICRC to the TACs situated outside
Grozny, while it organizes water and bread supplies in Grozny and other
cities in Chechnya.
During the last distribution cycle IR provided assistance to 188 IDP
families in one of the TACs in the territory of Grozny: 315 IR regular
food parcels, 315 liters of vegetable oil, 630 boxes of laundry detergent,
1,575 bars of toilet soap and 315 laundry soap
GOAL & OBJECTIVES
Goal: The main goal is to provide basic life sustaining assistance to the
most vulnerable IDPs in Chechnya, North Ossetia and Stavropol Kray.
Objectives:
Provide individual food and hygiene kits to the most needy IDPs (North
Ossetia and Stavropol Kray),
Provide individual hygiene kits to IDPs in TACs and host families (Grozny
city and Nadterechny district, Chechnya),
Provide family household kits to IDPs in new TACs (Grozny city, Chechnya),
Provide seeds to IDPs (Nadterechny district of Chechnya, North Ossetia,
Stavropol Kray).
TARGETED BENEFICIARIES
The project will be carried out in the regions of the highest
concentration of IDPs where the most urgent basic needs have not been met
by either the government or NGOs.
Caucasian Mineral Waters region and Kurskoy district (south of the
Stavropol Kray), Mozdok district (Republic North Ossetia), Nadterechny
district (Checnhya), Grozny city (Chechnya).
Below is a list of beneficiary numbers and locations.
Name of sub-project
Region of implementation
Number of beneficiaries
Project 1
Distribution of individual food & hygienic kits
Stavropol Kray
1,150 persons
Republic North Ossetia
650 persons
Project 2
Distribution of individual hygiene kits
Grozny city, Chechnya
9,600 persons
Nadterechny district, Chechnya
4,200 persons
Project 3
Distribution of family household kits
Grozny city, Chechnya
App. 10,000 persons - 2,000 families
Project 4
Distribution of family seed kits
Nadterechny district, Chechnya
App. 10,000 persons - 2,180 families
Stavropol Kray
App. 5,400 persons - 1,270 families
Republic North Ossetia
App. 3,200 persons - 780 families
Total
44,200 persons
PROPOSED EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE & IMPLEMENTATION
Supplies. The lists of items for distribution have been prepared in
co-operation with the local authorities and social departments.
Procurement. Purchases will be made locally depending on availability -
either in the distribution areas or in the neighbouring regions. The
purchases will be made after a detailed market assessment and collection
of information from several potential suppliers. Protected shipment
convoys to Chechnya will be organised from Stavropol Kray and North
Ossetia. Quantity and quality of products will be controlled by
ACT/ROC/RRT.
Distribution and Accounting. ACT/ROC/RRT will distribute aid items in
places agreed with the local authorities. Project staff in co-operation
with the local authorities will carry out the distributions. Beneficiaries
will sign special relief receipt forms developed by ACT/ROC/RRT.
Project # 1 Distribution of individual food & hygiene kits
Beneficiary selection: The relief assistance will be provided to the most
vulnerable IDPs registered by the local social departments as the most
needy. The lists of beneficiaries have been developed by ROC/RRT in
co-operation with the social departments and migration services.
Beneficiary number and location:
Region of implementation
Place of implementation
Number of beneficiaries
Stavropol Kray
Caucasian Mineral Waters region
800
Kurskoy district
350
Republic North Ossetia
Mozdok district
650
Total
1,800
Frequency: monthly distributions for 6 months.
Items to be purchased and distributed as an individual kit are:
flour
1 kg.
sugar
1 kg
buckwheat
1 kg.
rice
1 kg.
macaroni
1 kg.
vegetable oil
1 l.
canned milk
1 p.
tea
1 p.
shampoo
1 p.
toilet paper
2 rolls
soap
3 p.
washing powder
1 p.
tooth brushes
1 p.
tooth paste
1 p.
Project # 2 Distribution of individual hygiene kits
Beneficiary number and location:
Region of implementation
Place of implementation
Number of beneficiaries
Chechnya Republic
Grozny city
9,600 persons
Nadterechny district
4,200 persons
Total
13,800 persons
Frequency: monthly distributions for 6 months. 2,300 IDPs will receive
individual kits every month.
Items to be purchased and distributed as an individual kit are:
shampoo
1 p.
toilet paper
2 rolls
soap
3 p.
washing powder
1 p.
tooth brushes
1 p.
tooth paste
1 p.
Project # 3 Distribution of family household kits
Objective: to improve living conditions of IDPs arriving to the new
temporary accommodation centers in Chechnya from Ingushetia.
Beneficiary selection: the beneficiaries of household kits will be 2,000
IDP families (approximately 10,000 persons) arriving from Ingushetia to
the new TACs in Grozny. The local authorities and the migration service of
the Chechen republic are not able to provide the necessary household items
for the newly arrived and have requested ROC/RRT assistance.
Each family of IDP will receive one household kit, contents of:
blanket
2
bed linen
3
plates (different size)
4
cutlery
6
saucepan
2
pail
1
washbasin
1
pot
1
towels
2
Project # 4 Distribution of family seed kits
Beneficiary selection: agriculture is practically the only secure source
of income for people in Chechnya. The beneficiaries of seed kits will be
large families of IDPs owning a piece of land (150-250 square meters)
suitable for agricultural purposes. The lists of beneficiaries have been
developed by ROC/RRT in co-operation with the local authorities, migration
and social services.
Beneficiaries number and location:
Region of implementation
Place of implementation
Number of beneficiaries
Chechnya Republic
Nadterechny district
App. 10,000 persons - 2,180 families
Stavropol Kray
Caucasian Mineral Waters region
App. 4,000 persons - 930 families
Kurskoy district
App. 1,400 persons - 340 families
Republic North Ossetia
Mozdok district
App. 3,200 persons - 780 families
Total
App. 18,600 persons - 4,230 families
Each family will receive one seeds kit, contents of:
Seeds (type)
Qt
red beet
10 g
tomato
10 g
cucumber
10 g
parsley
16 g
green peas
20 g
dill
16 g
eggplant
10 g
radish
16 g
carrot
15 g
seed onion
2 kg
bean
1 kg
potato
3 kg
corn
1 kg
All seeds are zoned for North Caucasus and stand the most common for the
region.
ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE, MONITORING & REPORTING
Finance
ROC/RRT will be responsible for finances and reporting to ACT. The money
transfer and auditing will be the same as in the EUNC-31. An independent
auditor licensed by the Russian Federation Finance Ministry, member of the
Russian Auditors Union, will audit accounts and financial reports.
Monitoring
ROC/RRT will carry out monitoring of the project. At the closing phase of
the project an evaluation meeting will be held at the ACT/ROC/RRT
Pyatigorsk field office. ROC/RRT representatives, project staff, local
authorities, migration and social institutions and IDPs from the project
regions will participate. The meeting will provide analysis of the project
implementation and discuss future perspectives and priorities of the work
in North Caucasus.
Offices
ROC/RRT office in Pyatigorsk (Stavropol Kray) will co-ordinate the work;
rooms for staff accommodation are already in place in the office.
Pyatigorsk is a convenient location to reach all project areas.
The project will use the ROC/RRT office equipment, including the capital
equipment purchased for EURU-21, EURU-22 and EUNC-31. It is also planned
to purchase one telephone / fax machine for the staff in Grozny and two
mobile phones for the field staff.
A driver with a car will be hired in Pyatigorsk for the travels to the
project regions.
Staff
An expert from ROC/RRT will direct the project. The ROC/RRT Co-ordinator
will carry out monitoring of the project implementation and co-ordination
with authorities in Moscow, UN and other NGOs. The ROC/RRT accountant
will be responsible for accounting and reporting documentation.
ACT/ROC/RRT has a professional team and infrastructure in the North
Caucasus; all staff members have many years of experience in humanitarian
work. ACT/ROC/RRT will hire 2 persons as logisticians, 3 persons as
transport monitors and 1 person as a secretary-translator. The ROC
volunteers, parishes and church structures will support project
implementation.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMETABLE
October, 2003 - March, 2004 (six months)
CO-ORDINATION
The project implementation will be co-ordinated with the local
authorities, migration and social regional departments; as well as with
other ACT members, UN and NGOs to avoid any kind of duplication of
efforts.
BUDGET
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE
Description Type of No of Unit Cost Budget
Unit Units US$ US$
DIRECT ASSISTANCE
Project # 1
Distribution of individual food&hygienic
kits kit 10800 11 118,800
Project # 2
Distribution of individual hygienic
kits kit 13800 5 69,000
Project # 3
Distribution of family household
kits kit 2000 135 270,000
Project # 4
Distribution of family seed
kits kit 4230 16 67,680
Total direct assistance 525,480
TRANSPORT, WAREHOUSING, LOADING
Transportation month 6 5000 30,000
Warehouse rent month 6 1000 6,000
Total transport, warehousing,
loading 36,000
CAPITAL EQUIPMENT
Fax 1 400 400
Mobile telephone 2 160 320
Total capital equipment 720
PERSONNEL, ADMINISTRATION & OPERATIONAL COSTS
Staff salaries
Director of programm month 6 2,000 12,000
Coordinator month 6 1,500 9,000
Book-keeping month 6 600 3,600
Logistics (2 pers.) month 6 1,200 7,200
Transport monitors (3 pers.) month 6 900 5,400
Secretary/translator month 6 700 4,200
Driver with a car month 6 600 3,600
Staff travel
Local®ional travel month 6 650 3,900
Office Operational costs
Office rental & utilities -
Pyatigorsk month 6 600 3,600
Stationary & supplies month 6 300 1,800
Communication
tel, fax, mobile telephones month 6 700 4,200
Total personnel, administration, operational costs
58,500
AUDIT lumpsum 500
BANK FEES lumpsum 12,000
EVALUATION lumpsum 1,500
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE 634,700
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Action by Churches Together (ACT) is a worldwide alliance of churches and
their related agencies, meeting human need through co-ordinated emergency
response. The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of
Churches (WCC) and the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.
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Ecumenical Centre Phone: ++41-22-791.60.33
150, route de Ferney Fax: ++41-22-791.65.06
P.O. Box 2100 E-Mail: act@wcc-coe.org
1211 Geneva 2 Telex: 415 730 OIK CH
Switzerland http://www.act-intl.org
distributed by
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