WFP EMERGENCY REPORT
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 48 / 2001 - Date 30 November 2001


This report includes:
(A) United Nations Consolidated Appeals
(B) West and Central Asia Region: (1) Regional Overview, (2) Afghanistan,
    (3) Pakistan, (4) Iran, (5) Tajikistan, (6) Uzbekistan
(C) Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Guatemala, (2) Honduras,
    (3) Belize, (4) Peru, (5) Colombia
(D) Central Africa Region: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia,
    (3) Democratic Republic of Congo
(E) West Africa Region: Sierra Leone
(F) Eastern Europe Region (Balkans): (1) Kosovo, (2) Serbia,
    (3) Montenegro, (4) Albania

>From Francesco Strippoli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser; available on the
Internet on the WFP Home Page (www.wfp.org), or by e-mail from
Zlatan.Milisic@wfp.org.

For information on resources, donors are requested to contact
Valerie.Sequeira@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 06 6513 2009. Media
queries should be directed to Trevor.Rowe@wfp.org, telephone 39 06 6513
2602. The address of WFP is Via Cesare Giulio Viola 68, Parco dei Medici,
00148 Rome, Italy.


(A)  United Nations Consolidated Appeal Process

(a)  On 27 November, the United Nations launched its annual Consolidated
Appeal Process (CAP) for 2002. CAPs have been issued for 18 humanitarian
crises. A total of USD 2.5 million are being appealed for to ensure
humanitarian assistance for a total of 33 million vulnerable persons. The
CAP provides a framework for collaborative strategy-setting, common
prioritization and joint fund-raising. Last year's consolidated appeals,
for relief operations during the current year resulted in donations
covering about half of the identified needs.

(b)  The areas earmarked for help in the CAP 2002 appeal are once again
primarily in Africa and Asia, although the Balkans and North Caucasus also
figured on the list. Three countries, Angola, the Balkans and North Korea
will each need between USD 230 million and 258 million. The single largest
amount, USD 662 million, would go to Afghanistan to assist as many as 7.5
million war and drought-affected people.

(a)  Within the CAP, WFP is the single largest appealing agency, with
funding requirements at USD 1.072 billion, followed by UNHCR (USD 519
million).



(B)  West and Central Asia Region: (1) Regional Overview, (2) Afghanistan,
(3) Pakistan, (4) Iran, (5) Tajikistan, (6) Uzbekistan

(1)  Regional Overview

(a)  In the past few days, WFP deliveries into Afghanistan have picked up
significantly, in spite of the continued suspension of deliveries out of
Quetta. Between 24-29 November WFP dispatched at total of 14,500 tons of
food into Afghanistan, making an average of 2,400 tons per day (average
for the previous week 1,200 tons per day). As much as 3,850 tons was
dispatched on 26 November. WFP will be able to sustain or increase this
level of deliveries only if the security situation improves and stabilizes
in Afghanistan. Insecurity remains the main constraining factor, hampering
the provision of humanitarian assistance. As of 29 November, WFP has
dispatched 83,350 tons of food since 11 September.

(b)  Convoys have been passing through the Torkham border (Peshawar to
Kabul road) this week but were stopped on 29 November when Afghan
Commanders closed the border. All WFP dispatches from Quetta into Southern
Afghanistan were suspended some 20 days ago due to insecurity. Airlifts
between Kulyab and into Faizabad began but were disrupted in the last few
days due to bad weather in Kulyab. An airlift from Quetta to Turkmenabad
began this week from Quetta to Osh, Tajikistan.


(2)  Afghanistan

(a)  WFP has redeployed additional international staff into Kabul. On 29
November, the WFP Regional Coordinator for Western Afghanistan moved back
to Herat. However offices in Kandahar, Mazar-i-Sharif remain closed due to
insecurity in those regions. WFP national staff reported this week that
the office at Jalalabad was intact. They are now working to re-establish
communications. Three international staff had been on-standby in Termez
for relocation to Mazar and will move to Andkhoy, via Turkmenistan.
Andkhoy has easier road links to both the border and Mazar. Finally, two
road and snow clearance experts subcontracted from two NGOs are preparing
to move into Afghanistan. They will undertake road clearance for the main
supply routes of interest to WFP. In particular, they will assess the
Panjsher valley before moving to the Central Highlands where they will
undertake snow clearance activities and avalanche assessment and control.

(b)  The security situation at the Chaman border crossing near Spin Boldak
has become less stable this week as Coalition troops have landed in
Southern Afghanistan and fighting continues in the area. As such, WFP has
not been able to dispatch wheat by road from its warehouse into Southern
Afghanistan and to Kandahar. It is now 19 days since WFP trucks went to
Kandahar and WFP is increasingly concerned for the 238,000 citizens
residing in the city and surrounding districts. There is also concern for
the drought- affected refugees and nomadic Kuchi people who are camped
along the old riverbed of the Arghandab plain.

(c)  The registration for a general 'once-off' post conflict food
distribution to all households in Kabul has begun. WFP recruited 2,400
women to carry out this exercise. It is expected that the distribution of
50 Kg of wheat for each family will begin in the coming days.

(d)  Food distributions to beneficiaries this week were less than the
previous week. This was partly attributable to security problems in
Mazar-i-Sharif, Spin Boldak, Kandahar and on the road between Kabul and
the Central Highlands where fighting took place at Maidan Sha early in the
week.


(3)  Pakistan

(a)  The border at Chaman remained closed this week, initially to
commercial traffic and still to UN/WFP humanitarian convoys, although some
NGOs have been able to move trucks to IDP camps just across the border in
Afghanistan.

(b)  Refugee families are still unable to flee across the border into
Pakistan. As of 29 November, approximately 14,000 refugees were registered
at Killi Faizo staging centre. However, out of this figure, 12,000 people
were relocated to Roghani camp. MSF is monitoring the nutritional status
of the camp population. WFP, UNHCR and INTERSOS signed a Tripartite
agreement for food distribution in the Bagzai camp, Khurram Agency


(4)  Iran

(a)  The security situation in and around Camp Mile 46 and Makaki Camp
remains precarious, with reports of regular shooting in the border areas.

(b)  The border between Afghanistan and Iran remains closed. Afghan
refugees continue to cross the border into Afghanistan at the rate of
800-900 per day and dozens of Afghans are having to leave each day. Some
of these people are being settled in Camp Mile 46. Many families have been
shifted from the outskirts of Makaki Camp to Camp Mile 46 but there are
still 150-200 persons on the outskirts of Makaki Camp who have refused to
be relocated because either they have relatives in Makaki Camp or they
fear reprisals from different tribal groups in Camp Mile 46.

(c)  On 28 November, MSF carried out a blanket distribution of
WFP-supplied high energy biscuits for children under five years old in
Camp Mile 46 and Makaki Camp. Action Contre la Faim assisted with the
distribution in Makaki Camp. WFP in collaboration with MSF is also trying
to arrange a one-week food distribution to those on the outskirts of
Makaki Camp.

(d)  WFP has received shipments of 45,000 tons and 20,000 tons of wheat at
Bandar-E-Abbas and Chabahar, respectively. Discharge and bagging
operations are progressing well and more than 5,000 tons of bagged wheat
has been dispatched ex-Bandar-E-Abbas in the last few days. This wheat
will largely serve the northern corridor into Afghanistan.


(5)  Tajikistan

(a)  WFP started airlifting wheat from Kulyab to Faizabad inside
Afghanistan at the end of last week. Between 23-30 November 176 tons of
wheat were transported. Unfortunately, no flights took place between 28-30
November due to bad weather at both Faizabad and Kulyab.

(b)  WFP plans to use the Nizhny Pianj ? Sherkhan Bandar border crossing,
which was officially opened for humanitarian cargo on 17 November as soon
as it becomes operational. The crossing infrastructure requires upgrading
and WFP has advanced funds to expedite repair of barges and tugboats. Once
operational, the crossing would significantly enhance cross border
humanitarian operations.


(6)  Uzbekistan

(a)  WFP has begun to receive wheat from the Kazackh purchase this week.
Some 200 tons has arrived by rail. No barges have been crossing to
Hairaton as WFP has been awaiting food from the Kazackh purchase.



(B)  Latin America and Caribbean Region: (1) Guatemala, (2) Honduras, (3)
Belize, (4) Peru, (5) Colombia

(1)  Guatemala

(a)  An inter-agency team is currently assessing the second yearly
planting season, usually harvested during mid-November. This inter-agency
team is composed of representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and
Health, the Social Investment Fund, the National Peace Fund, local
municipalities, FAO, UNICEF and WFP. The assessment will determine the
impact of the lack of rain on food production and household food security.
The assessment team is currently visiting Santa Rosa, Escuintla, San
Marcos, Jalapa and Zacapa. Preliminary results are expected to be
available in December.


(2)  Honduras

(a)  WFP has distributed over 4,700 tons of food to 30,200
drought-affected families. According to the Government's statistics
institute, this year's maize production will be below 377,400 tons,
compared to the five-year average of 590,900 tons per year. As the
national yearly demand amounts to approximately 727,300 tons, a 48 percent
deficit is projected for 2001. This situation underlines the food
insecurity situation of thousands of families. The declining purchasing
power of poor households, the impact of decreasing coffee prices on family
income, and other factors further exacerbate the situation.

(b)  In response to the intense flooding caused by tropical storm
Michelle, WFP in collaboration with World Vision distributed food in
Morazán, Jocón, Yoro and Yorito. Different food-for-work (FFW) initiatives
are taking place, including the rehabilitation of water systems, roads,
houses, and agricultural plots.


(3)  Belize

(a)  The first food distribution under the Hurricane Iris IRA/EMOP 10136
has taken place, benefiting 4,000 affected people. Ministry of Human
Development officials distributed locally procured commodities in the most
severely affected areas of Stann Creek and Toledo Districts on 21-24
November.

(b)  Arrangements are taking place with PAHO/WHO in order to use WFP food
as an incentive in a flexible FFW scheme aimed at implementing a community
water and sanitation project. Through this project, the community
installations that were destroyed by Hurricane Iris will be rebuilt in
close collaboration with local community leaders.


(4)  Peru

(a)  WFP is coordinating efforts with the Peruvian Red Cross and with
several local NGOs aimed at training people on how to rebuild their homes
that were damaged or destroyed by the 23 June earthquake. With the first
contribution to EMOP 10102 (Assistance to earthquake victims) WFP is in
the process of procuring beans, rice and vegetable oil. At the same time,
Government authorities (PRONAA) are finalizing, with the assistance of
WFP, the process of selecting beneficiaries in the Arequipa, Moquegua and
Tacna provinces.


(5)  Colombia

(a)  During the 15 months of its assistance WFP reached more than 127,000
pre-schoolers, school children and people displaced by the violence in
Colombia, through various FFW projects, schools, kindergartens, feeding
centers and other relief activities.

(b)  With the launch of the presidential election campaign, WFP is working
on contingency plans for the delivery of food in the most secure manner to
beneficiaries in coordination with Government, the International Red
Cross, UN agencies and NGOs. WFP deliveries, carried out by private
companies, are being affected by an increasing number of high-jacking and
roadblocks by armed groups. Losses, varying from 840 pre-school lunches to
more than 18,000 school rations, have been recovered at a high cost to the
insurers. This situation of growing insecurity is driving up costs and
reducing the number of private companies willing to deliver food to
several parts of the country.

(c)  WFP, Governmental and NGO partners have carried out an extensive
evaluation of the humanitarian situation in both rural and urban areas.
Only a limited number of visits were cancelled due to security reasons.
Results of the mission will be discussed with national partners and donors
in December. They will be used as a basis for designing a proposal for
prolonged assistance to displaced persons.



(C)  Central Africa Region: (1) Angola, (2) Namibia, (3) Democratic
Republic of Congo

(1)  Angola

(a)  The Consolidated Appeal for 2002 for Angola was officially launched
in Luanda. The appeal was well received by donors. WFP's requirements
amount to USD 150 million. WFP's Regional Director and Country Director
met with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Social
Reinsertion, and several donors.

(b)  The security situation deteriorated last week in many areas,
including Bié, Benguela, Malange and Uige provinces. Intensified military
activity countrywide resulted in new influxes of displaced persons to
provincial capitals. Displacement of civilians has caused an increase in
the number of accidents with landmines. Six persons were reportedly killed
and another four people were wounded due to the explosion of an anti-tank
mine near the Kuemba IDP camp outside Camacupa.

(c)  WFP distributed 115 tons of food to part of the 35,000 new IDPs
assisted by German Agro-Action in Boa Esperança camp near Caxito (Bengo
province). IDPs are expected to receive 2,000 hectares of land near their
resettlement as well as tools for planting.

(d)  230 malnourished people were assisted with WFP food in Balombo
(Benguela province), through Supplementary and Therapeutic Feeding
Programmes (SFP and TFP). MINARS reported the presence of 360 people
without shelter or water in Calahanga area (Benguela province). They
received food assistance but still need plastic sheeting, NFIs and access
to safe water. Plans are underway to relocate them to a site closer to a
drinking water source. Last week 160 IDPs fleeing Casseque and Ebanga
communes were registered in Ganda.

(e)  Last week, WFP delivered 530 tons of food to different partners to
assist 38,700 vulnerable people in Bié province. During the same period,
2,800 new IDPs, some extremely vulnerable, were registered in Kuito,
arriving from Cuemba, Catabola, Nharea, Cunhinga and Andulo. 2,100
malnourished children were admitted to TFPs and SFPs in Kuito during the
first three weeks of November. Finally, over 1,400 malnourished children
were admitted to TFPs and SFPs in Camacupa, during the same time.

(f)  Last week, WFP distributed over 110 tons of food to 8,900 vulnerable
people in Kuando Kubango province. 703 new IDPs arrived in Menongue during
November. Molisv distributed over 16 tons of seeds to 5,600 displaced
persons in Cuito Cuanavale. Last week, WFP distributed 360 tons of food to
55,000 displaced persons in Malange province. Approximately 900 returnees
from DR Congo and IDPs from Bie and Moxico provinces were registered last
week in Moxico province.

(g)  Long awaited rains recently fell in Uige province, saving the maize
and beans crops. WFP is discussing with Danish Refugee Council (DRC) the
modalities of a possible partnership on a FFW scheme for 2002. DRC plans
to undertake various micro-credit and asset creation projects benefiting
13,000 people. 3,000 beneficiaries will be involved in agricultural
projects with the objective of attaining self-sufficiency. Child Community
Programmes (PIC) implemented by Save the Children Denmark have been
temporarily suspended as the organization is currently facing a funding
breakdown. The suspension has affected more than 1,500 children in 20 PIC
centers.


(2)  Namibia

(a)  Following the establishment of a curfew in border towns in the
Kavango region, on the Angolan frontier, the number of male Angolans
seeking asylum in Namibia has significantly reduced.

(b)  WFP, UNHCR and FAO plan to carry out an assessment mission on 11
December prior to the provision of seeds and tools to the refugees in
Osire camp. UNHCR in cooperation with WFP, the Namibian Government and
Norwegian Refugee Council are currently replacing the ration cards in
Osire Refugee Camp. Arrangements for inclusion of passport photos on the
ration cards have been done with assistance from the Ministry of Home
Affairs. AHA and the Namibia Red Cross are concurrently conducting a
nutritional survey in the camp.

(c)  WFP is currently finalising a new EMOP document for 2002. UNHCR is
discussing with DAPP, a Norwegian NGO, the modalities to take over food
management and distribution at Osire camp in 2002.


(3)  Democratic Republic of Congo

(a)  As a result of frequent confrontations and attacks by various armed
forces, insecurity persisted in parts of North Kivu, South Kivu and North
Katanga provinces.

(b)  Following the completion of a WFP FFW project aiming at clearing the
railway line from Kalemie to the Niemba bridge (North Katanga province),
rail traffic has resumed after three years of interruption. This will
greatly enhance the resettlement of displaced populations and the
resumption of commercial activities. In addition, WFP has prepared a
special operation to assist the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du
Congo in the rehabilitation of the Niemba bridge. The estimated cost for
its rehabilitation averages USD 800,000. However, the capacity of the
bridge (at least 16,000 tons) would enable WFP to significantly reduce its
transportation costs.

(c)  In Malemba-Nkulu (Southern Katanga province), WFP in collaboration
with Caritas is currently assisting IDPs in Kabala, Kabumbulu and Manono.
WFP has been actively engaged in the distribution of seeds protection
packages to displaced families in the suburbs of Lubumbashi and Kolwezi.

(d)  In Kisenge (Southern Katanga province), where WFP still assists some
10,000 Angolan refugees there have been reports of renewed influxes of
Angolan refugees from Zambia, mostly widows or women head of families.
Reports indicate that these refugees are heading towards Kisenge to
receive assistance since it is nearer than Zambia. In November WFP
distributed 136 tons of food to over 8,700 refugees. For the month of
December, WFP plans to distribute 150 tons of food to a targeted caseload
of 9,800 refugees. The rations have been computed according to the
recommendations made by the Joint UNHCR/WFP Food Assessment Mission in
April/May 2001. In addition WFP is assisting over 3,100 malnourished
children.

(e)  WFP and UNHCR are currently assisting 14,000 refugees in the Bandundu
province. As of 29 November, 6,200 refugees received 100 tons of food in
Napasa and Tshifameso. Fuel shortage and logistics constraints have
delayed the delivery of food to the remaining caseload in Kulindji.


(D)  West Africa Region: Sierra Leone

(a)  WFP expects to face shortfalls of vegetable oil, cereals and pulses
in the coming months and has therefore been forced to scale down its
distributions in November and December. Despite the loan of 200 tons of
vegetable oil from World Vision, WFP will not be able to fully cover the
needs. Urgent donations of all commodities, particularly pulses, are
required in order to avert a major pipeline break.

(b)  The security situation in all of WFP's operational areas remained
calm throughout the week. WFP and UNHCR are planning to assist 7,500
displaced persons to return to Kambia District, which has been recently
declared safe by the Government of Sierra Leone. The resettlement process
is scheduled to start before the end of the year. Each returning IDP or
refugee will receive a resettlement package comprising a two-month food
ration and non-food-items (NFI).

(c)  WFP and UNHCR completed a joint assessment to Buedu, Koindu and
Konjoe in Kailahun District. Approximately 3,000-4,000 Liberian refugees
currently in Kailahun District need to be relocated in Kenema District.
Those staying in Konjoe camp were reported to be in dire need of food and
medical supplies. WFP and UNHCR also assessed the International Medical
Corps clinic in Buedu (supported by WFP and UNHCR) and reported that
although the nutritional situation in Buedu improved slightly, food needs
in the area are still very high.

(d)  From 19 to 25 November WFP distributed a total of 564 tons of food to
approximately 51,800 vulnerable people under various programmes. This
includes 211 tons of food prepositioned in Port Loko for 16,200 returnees
in Lokomasama. Distribution is currently in progress. In addition,
approximately 100 tons of food was delivered to 11,450 returnees in Lumpa,
Jui and Waterloo transit centers. Finally, approximately 1,900 IDPs were
provided with 55 tons of WFP food in Bo District.

(e)  During the same period WFP distributed, through various partners,
over 17 tons of food in support of Supplementary and Therapeutic Feeding
Programmes (SFP and TFP). The distribution targeted over 4,000
malnourished children and pregnant and lactating women in the Western
area, Bo and Kenema districts.

(f)  WFP monitored a number of schools supported through the Emergency
School Feeding (ESF) programme near Freetown. In all the schools visited,
food was prepared and served during lunch. Attendance levels have
increased compared to the previous month from 7,658 to 8,581. WFP
commenced the ESF distribution during the week in Bo District. To date,
over 33 tons of food were distributed to 8,000 children. An additional
5,300 pupils will receive WFP assistance. WFP also plans to assist 32,000
children in Moyamba District. Finally, WFP, in collaboration with NRC,
will support 1,120 deprived children in Njaluahun, Mandu, Jawi, Dia and
U/Bambara chiefdoms through a special education programme. After 6 months,
the children will be integrated in the normal educational system, also
supported by WFP.

(g)  WFP distributed over 70 tons of food as FFW rations to 55,000 IDPs
for the rehabilitation of 100 Km of road. Brushing and clearing activities
are underway on most of the roads under construction in Ribbi, Bumpeh and
Kongbora chiefdoms under the supervision of two partner NGOs. 249 km of
roads have been assessed for future rehabilitation with FFW support. 100
tons of food were provided to three NGOs, NWRO, KWDA and Maronko Village
Feeder Road Programme, who are implementing FFW road rehabilitation
projects in Port Loko and Kambia Districts.



(E)  Eastern Europe Region (Balkans): (1) Kosovo, (2) Serbia, (3)
Montenegro, (4) Albania

(1)  Kosovo

(a)  General elections took place on 16 November in a peaceful manner,
with Serb participation. The continuing evolution of the political
situation in fYRoM has stopped refugees returning from Kosovo. UNMIK and
UNHCR have started an official re-registration of the refugees from fYRoM.

(b)  November deliveries for both refugee assistance and the Food Safety
Net programme are ongoing. Deliveries for the winter pre-stocking of
remote areas are well advanced. The programme management of local
distribution partners (LDPs) has improved considerably following the
intensive capacity-building programme undertaken by WFP and its
international implementing partners. LDPs are now managing the beneficiary
database and holding beneficiary community meetings. In addition, they
have improved beneficiary targeting. The phase-down of the Food Safety Net
programme is proceeding as planned, in preparation for closure at the end
of March 2002.


(2)  Serbia

(a)  WFP held a Donor Information Meeting to review the status of its
assistance and the planned caseloads from mid-2002. WFP is in the process
of reviewing working arrangements with its Implementing Partners for the
first quarter of 2002. In this connection, WFP held meetings with IFRC,
ICRC and other agencies. It was agreed that the local Red Cross branches
would continue to play an important role in the distribution of WFP food
to refugees in private accommodation, while international NGOs would
remain in charge of WFP food distribution to beneficiaries in collective
centres.


(3)  FYROM

(a)  WFP will continue to provide food assistance to approximately 4,300
refugees through December. After that time, UNHCR will take over
assistance to the refugees, in accordance with the WFP/UNHCR Memorandum of
Understanding. The bi-monthly distribution of food for the period
November/December is ongoing. The current re-registration exercise of IDPs
should be completed by 7 December. The Macedonian Red Cross estimates that
24,000-25,000 IDPs will be registered by that date.


(4)  Montenegro

(a)  The November/December distributions to IDPs and refugees, which took
place under close WFP monitoring, are complete. WFP organized Food Storage
Workshops in all local branches of the Montenegrin Red Cross during the
month of November. The workshops were highly successful, with warehouse
keepers acquiring knowledge on warehouse management procedures. WFP held
an Environmental Health Public Awareness event at the Konik camp in
Podgorica, where Roma IDPs live. A clean-up of refuse around the community
was organised, involving over 200 people.


(5)  Albania

(a)  WFP distributed food to 5,000 unassisted-unemployed households
(25,000 beneficiaries) in the northern prefectures of Kukes, Lezha, Diber
and Shkodra, and to 750 vulnerable women (4,000 beneficiaries)
participating in psycho-social counselling programmes run by Medica
Mondiale Tirana and International Catholic Migration Commission.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons

(End WFP Emergency Report No 48)

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