by Jazmin Burgess, Global Coordinator, Boots on the Ground, UNDP

Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are on the frontlines of climate change. With populations often heavily reliant on climate-vulnerable sectors such as agriculture, fisheries and forestry to drive their economies, the impacts of climate change are amplified. One erratic storm or years of changing growing seasons can wipe out food and water supplies for years or decades.

This has immense social and economic impacts that reduce opportunities, reinforce inequalities and potentially reverse progress toward reducing poverty. Charting a development path that integrates climate change action is therefore essential for true sustainable development and that requires direct capacity-building.

UNDP’s ‘Boots on the Ground’ programme, established in 2010, does just that. Through technical and policy advice and guidance to 26 countries in Africa, Arab States, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, ‘Boots’ aims to strengthen national capacities to plan for and respond to the impacts of climate change. The successes of this on-the-ground support is already visible.

In Mali, ‘Boots’ officers have helped the Government prepare the National Climate Change Policy; in Kenya, we’ve worked with national partners to develop the National Climate Change Action Plan. In Nepal we’ve helped climate proof the national agriculture plan and develop a joint Gender and Climate Change strategy.

In 2015, ahead of the Paris Agreement on climate change, Boots on the Ground worked with governments on the planning and consultation for the Government’s Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, a key set of targets that will enable action on climate change.

In Bangladesh, we worked with the Government to access resources and undertake work to scale up local level adaptation to build climate resilience. In Ethiopia, we worked with the government on its Climate Resilient Green Economy Strategy-tackling disasters and climate change. These are just some of the successes we’ve seen. They are, I feel, testament to the benefits of having skilled, knowledgeable practitioners on the ground and able to facilitate ambitious national action.

By building capacity at the national level, Boots on the Ground enables countries to identify and manage climate risks based on unique national knowledge, as well as equips our partners with the long term skills and resources to not only cope with climate challenges in the future, but to tackle these risks in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goals.

From my own experience, having worked in countries such as Viet Nam and the Philippines, I believe the value of stronger national action on climate change is clear. Developing and implementing frameworks and policies, and fostering improved capabilities for climate action, not only helps address climate challenges and prepares countries and populations for the future, but also creates an enabling environment that can encourage accelerated responses.

In 2016, Boots on the Ground will be critical in guiding countries to shift from commitments to implementation of the Paris Agreement, Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development Goals. In the longer term, UNDP will also be looking at strengthening and expanding the programme, making it a driver for climate-resilient and risk-informed development.

Boots on the Ground is an important reminder that whilst the frontlines of climate change may be at national and subnational level, so is the momentum and scope to take action. Over the coming months, we will be profiling stories directly from Boots countries that highlight the work underway and demonstrate just how action on the ground is enhancing climate action and fostering sustainable development.

Background

The violent conflict in the Lake Chad Basin has continuously deteriorated. Boko Haram raids and suicide bombings targeting civilians are causing widespread trauma, preventing people from accessing essential services and destroying vital infrastructure. Around 21 million people live in the affected areas across the four Lake Chad countries. The number of displaced people in the most affected areas has tripled over the last two years. Most of the displaced families are sheltered by communities that count among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. Food insecurity and malnutrition in the affected region have reached alarming levels.

Recent developments

On 28 July, a humanitarian convoy returning from Bama to Maiduguri was attacked by suspected Boko Haram elements. The convoy included staff from UNICEF, UNFPA, and IOM. The United Nations temporarily suspended road and overnight missions to Bama. On 21 July, UN agencies conducted the first cross-border aid delivery from Cameroon to Nigeria’s Banki town located 2 km from the Cameroonian border, on 21 July, providing food and basic household items to 15,000 displaced people. Humanitarian organizations issued a 90-day-plan summarising the immediate priority needs between July and the end of September in the Lake Chad Basin, requesting US$221.6 million, including $96.7 million for food security. Many areas across the Lake Chad Basin are expected to experience acute food insecurity until September, as households are only marginally able to meet their food needs and resorting to tough coping strategies. Hunger and malnutrition remain high in much of the conflict-hit areas

KEY FIGURES

94,693\*
South Sudanese arrivals since 8 July 2016, based on field reports (as of 14 Aug)

947,383\*
Total South Sudanese refugees as of 14 Aug (both pre and post Dec 2013 caseload and new arrivals)

973,000
Total South Sudanese expected by 31 December 2016 (RRP Planning Figure)

259,796
Refugees in South Sudan

1.61 M
Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in South Sudan

FUNDING (as of 02 August)

USD 608.8 M
Requested by UNHCR for the situation

HIGHLIGHTS

• A total of 94,693 refugees have fled South Sudan since 8 July, including 78,017 into Uganda. New arrivals from South Sudan report ongoing violence against civilians, looting, forced recruitment and rape, as well as armed actors preventing others from leaving the country.

• Seasonal rains are hampering response efforts in multiple locations. In Ethiopia, the roads between Gambella and the entry points remain cut off. In Sudan, the rain is impacting on access and site development in certain areas in White Nile state and East Darfur State.

• UNHCR continues to provide assistance to IDPs and refugees in Juba and throughout South Sudan.

La Belgique a décidé, sous l’impulsion du Vice-Premier Ministre et ministre de la Coopération au Développement Alexander De Croo, d’allouer plus de 9 millions d’euros d’aide humanitaire afin de répondre aux besoins dans le bassin du lac Tchad.

"Le bassin du lac Tchad est actuellement durement touché par les violences du groupe Boko Haram ainsi que par une grave insécurité alimentaire. A cause de la terreur de Boko Haram, 2,6 millions de personnes sont en fuite. On estime que 9 millions de personnes ont besoin d'aide humanitaire d'urgence. La Belgique suit de près l’évolution de cette crise et accorde un intérêt particulier à cette région, qui fait partie des zones prioritaires de l’aide humanitaire belge, » a déclaré Alexander De Croo.

Suite à la détérioration de la situation humanitaire dans le bassin du lac Tchad, la Belgique a décidé d’octroyer une aide spécifique de 9.151.332 euros pour la période 2016-2017 aux organisations humanitaires suivantes :

• le Comité International de la Croix-Rouge (CICR)
• le Programme Alimentaire Mondial (PAM)
• le Bureau de la coordination des affaires humanitaires (OCHA)
• l’ONG Caritas.

Le financement de 2.000.000 d’euros à l’opération du CICR au Nigéria a pour objectif de répondre aux urgences dans le pays, particulièrement la zone de conflit du Nord-Est. Le projet vise notamment à assister et protéger les personnes victimes du conflit et à travailler avec les autorités, les forces armées et de police, la société civile et la Communauté Economique des Etats d’Afrique de l’Ouest afin de les sensibiliser au droit humanitaire international et de promouvoir son implémentation au niveau national.

Le financement de 3.000.000 euros au PAM vise à assurer les opérations aériennes (UNHAS) au Nigéria et au Tchad afin de permettre un accès rapide et sécurisé aux bénéficiaires de l’aide.

Le financement de 2.050.000 euros octroyé à OCHA vise au renforcement des bureaux au Niger et au Tchad, afin d’assurer une meilleure coordination des ressources humanitaires disponibles.

Le financement de 2.101.332 euros à l’ONG Caritas vise à renforcer les capacités des populations vulnérables du Niger à limiter les impacts négatifs de la sécheresse et des déplacements de population dus aux exactions de Boko Haram. Les bénéficiaires directs du projet, mis en œuvre à Diffa, seront composés de réfugiés ayant fui le Nigéria, de retournés nigériens du Nigéria, de déplacés internes et des populations hôtes.

Notre pays fournit également des financements conséquents aux fonds flexibles d’OCHA (CERF) et du PAM (IRA). En juin 2016, le CERF a dépensé 13 millions de dollars US pour fournir une aide vitale à 250.000 personnes dans le Nord-Est du Nigeria,. Il a également débloqué une allocation de 10 millions de dollars US en réponse à la crise dans la région du Lac et à l’insécurité alimentaire au Tchad. En 2016, l’IRA a approuvé une allocation de 1.682.243 de dollars US en réponse aux besoins au Nigéria. La Belgique a par conséquent également participé de manière indirecte à cette aide additionnelle.

August 2016. To respond to the urgency of the nutritional crisis which is affecting with full force north-eastern Nigeria, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL teams are currently intervening in Monguno, Borno State.

As a witness of the extreme precariousness of collateral victims of a crisis affecting Nigeria today but does not make the news, SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL has decided to act without support from institutional donors, deploying its teams thanks to its donators’ generosity, and to answer to the very urgent severe malnutrition which is touching thousands of children.

An unknown crisis

Located some 80 kilometres from State capital Maiduguri, , the city of Monguno is starving. Isolated from the world during many months and locked up in its walls behind the relative safety of fortifications, it was captured by the rebels and recovered in February 2015 by the Nigerian army. Today, Monguno welcomes 150 to 200,000 inhabitants, half of whom are displaced people (IDPs). On 3 roads which connect it to the neighbouring cities, only the road to Maiduguri is practicable, because it is protected by 6 checkpoints, though they don’t necessarily stop rebel ambushes, such as one ambush which targeted Unicef and Doctors Without Borders on Thursday 28 July. Many months and years of insecurity on the roads and a fuel embargo to prevent its sale to armed groups on the black market have transformed IDPs into a dense crowd gathered in makeshift camps on sites that were previously schools.

Vulnerable families affected by starvation

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL teams support local healthcare structures, which care for malnourished children brought by their mothers in a continuous flood in the only functional maternity ward of the city. The rehabilitation and the construction of wells and toilets should contribute to the fight against the lack of access to drinking water and hygiene. These unknown factors are worsening malnutrition for these vulnerable families touched by starvation. In the same way as the lack of food, drinking unsanitary water accelerates weight loss, causing waterborne diseases for the most vulnerable people. Our teams are renovating boreholes, building toilets, promoting hygiene and making medical referrals of severe acute malnutrition in the most important displacement camp of the city, where the population is estimated at 30,000 people.

Sounding the alarm is our duty

However, the actions of SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL remain insufficient to cover all basic needs of IDPs who, for the majority, don’t have any access to shelters, or only straw huts, and healthcare services because all the hospitals are closing one by one because of a lack of food supplies and drinking water in sufficient quantity, education for children, safety and dignity. Few emergency organisations became aware of the gravity of the situation in Monguno, where the precariousness could increase if the humanitarian community does not act massively. The rainy season is beginning and brings with it flooding, muddy roads, malaria vectors. Furthermore, cholera could spread because it is already endemic in this part of Nigeria. Support the population of Monguno

HIGHLIGHTS

• On World Humanitarian Day, humanitarian community pays tribute to 59 aid workers killed in South Sudan since December 2013.

• Armed clashes and ambushes prevent humanitarians from reaching displaced people in Greater Equatoria.

• Humanitarian organizations strive to meet growing needs as the number of internally displaced people increases in Wau town.

• Intermittent fighting has forced thousands of people to flee their homes in central and southern Unity.

Humanitarian Coordinator calls for an end to attacks against aid workers

On 19 August, the humanitarian community in South Sudan observed a minute of silence at a candlelight ceremony to mark World Humanitarian Day. Colleagues remembered the 59 aid workers who have been killed in South Sudan since December 2013, and honoured those affected by attacks, as well as those who continue to risk their lives delivering humanitarian assistance and protection.

The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, called for an end to impunity for violence against aid workers. “Attacks against aid workers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law,” said Mr. Owusu. “I have said this repeatedly since I took up this position, and yet humanitarians in South Sudan continue to be attacked, threatened and harassed.”

During the July fighting in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, millions of dollars’ worth of aid was looted, and armed men in uniform stormed a compound housing humanitarians, with one aid worker killed and others raped and beaten. “The horrific events that took place in Terrain on 11 July are emblematic of the immense risks that humanitarian staff in South Sudan face on a daily basis,” said Mr. Owusu.

Humanitarians have called for the Terrain attack to be a turning point and stated that there should never, ever, be an attack on humanitarians in South Sudan again. “Humanitarians in South Sudan are solely here to assist people in need,” said Mr. Owusu. “Endangering them threatens the lives of the millions of people in South Sudan who rely upon humanitarian assistance and protection for their very survival.”

In 2016, humanitarian needs have continued to grow as a result of violence, displacement, hunger and disease. Horrendous atrocities have been committed against civilians, including widespread reports of sexual violence. “The suffering of civilians in South Sudan must be brought to an end,” said Mr. Owusu. “All those with power to stop the fighting must act now.”

In 2015, South Sudan surpassed Afghanistan as having the highest number of reported serious attacks against humanitarians, according to Humanitarian Outcomes.

ECHO DU SISAAP

1. « Bon vent » à Monsieur Salif SOW, Conseiller Technique Principal du SISAAP/FAO

Après avoir passé environ trente (30) mois au Tchad, en qualité de Conseiller Technique Principal de la FAO auprès du Système d’Information durable sur la Sécurité Alimentaire et d’Alerte Précoce (SISAAP), Monsieur Salif SOW a quitté le pays de Toumaï le 01 Juillet 2016 pour le Sénégal, où il exercera au Sous Bureau de la FAO de Dakar comme Conseiller Technique Régional pour le Sahel et l’Afrique de l’Ouest, en appui au Cadre Harmonisé.

Durant son séjour au Tchad, Monsieur Salif SOW a apporté un précieux appui à la relance des activités du SISAAP et contribué à la nouvelle dynamique dans le domaine de l’analyse de la vulnérabilité à l’insécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle, ainsi que dans la maîtrise de l’outil Cadre Harmonisé d’identification des zones à risque et des populations vulnérables au Sahel et en Afrique de l’Ouest. Toute l’équipe de la Coordination Nationale du SISAAP lui exprime toute sa reconnaissance et lui souhaite pleins succès dans ses nouvelles fonctions.

2. Ateliers de renforcement des capacités des Comités Régionaux d’Action (CRA)

Après avoir organisé les ateliers régionaux de renforcement de capacités des CRA à Moundou du 07 au 11 juin 2016, et à Mongo du 20 au 24 juin 2016, qui ont regroupé respectivement sept (7) Régions du Sud et cinq (5) Régions du Centre Est, la Coordination Nationale du SISAAP a poursuivi ses activités dans ce domaine, en réalisant du 16 au 20 Juillet 2016 l’atelier régional d’Abéché, pour les cinq (5) Régions du Nord Est. Toujours sur financement de l’Union Européenne et avec l’appui technique de la FAO, l’atelier d’Abéché a regroupé les membres des CRA des Régions de l’Ennedi Est, de l’Ennedi Ouest, du Ouaddaï, du Sila et du Wadi Fira.

Comme les ateliers régionaux précédents, celui d’Abéché a connu également une forte participation des membres statutaires des CRA. Suite à des échanges riches et variés, l’atelier d’Abéché a aussi conclu sur la pertinence et la complémentarité des Arrêtés N° 027/PR/PM/2003 du 25/09/2003 et N° 527/PR/PM/2014 du 04/03/2014 et sur la nécessité pour les CRA d’intégrer dans leurs tâches aussi bien le suivi du secteur rural en matière de planification du développement que le suivi de la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle, plus spécifique et plus exigeant en fréquences des rapports. Enfin, suite à une présentation faite par l’ONG « Première Urgence Internationale (PU-I) », l’atelier a salué la qualité de la collaboration établie entre PU-I et le CRA du Ouaddaï, considérée comme un modèle de partenariat exemplaire

By Moki Edwin Kindzeka

MOZOGO, CAMEROON — A new program in northern Cameroon is giving families displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency a pair of goats to help them get back on their feet.

40-year-old Boukar Abba pulls his two goats outside the fence behind his house in Mozogo, a town on Cameroon's northern border with Nigeria.

He said he expects to raise the goats and make money to take care of his children's health, school needs and food. He said he expects to be able to sell baby goats in the future and make some profit, but he said he still has to travel a long distance to fetch water for them.

He got the goats this month as part of an initiative by the French Red Cross and the government of Cameroon.

Families impacted by the conflict against Boko Haram are given a pair of goats. The family keeps the goats until they produce offspring. Then the parent goats will be passed on to another family in need.

Muje Dieudonne works for the French Red Cross official which is piloting the project.

He said they are targeting 510 households. People participating will also benefit from counseling to help deal with violence inflicted on them during the conflict. He said they are also teaching them good hygiene norms and techniques to take care of the goats and their food to stop illness.

Goats have been distributed to about 200 people so far.

Economic impact of Boko Haram insurgency

Boko Haram has been carrying out attacks in northern Cameroon for more than three years. The conflict has hit the local economy hard.

Cameroon's National Institute of Statistics reports the unemployment rate at the border with Nigeria is over 90 percent. The government says poverty makes youth vulnerable to recruitment into Boko Haram.

Many youth abandoned raising livestock in their villages amid the violence.

Dieudonne of the Red Cross said insecurity is still a concern.

He said it makes it very difficult for aid workers to reach places where there are displaced persons. He said the people who benefit from this initiative also continue to move around for safety to new localities and in such cases, it is not easy to retrieve the goats and hand them off to other families.

Money maker

Earlier this year, the U.N. along with international NGO’s and the governments of Cameroon and Japan built a livestock market at the village of Zamai where youth can sell the goats they raise.

Cameroon also provided $4 million of emergency funds to create jobs for youths on its northern border with Nigeria.

The tenth meeting of the Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the international spread of poliovirus was convened via teleconference by the WHO Director-General on 11 August 2016.

The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine­derived polioviruses (cVDPV).

The Secretariat presented a full report of progress for all affected IHR States Parties previously considered by the Emergency Committee. The following IHR States Parties presented an update on the implementation of the WHO Temporary Recommendations since the Committee last met on 12 May 2016: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria.

Wild polio

The Committee was gravely concerned by the report from Nigeria of two new cases in July of acute flaccid paralysis in children due to WPV1 from Borno State from two different local government areas (LGA): Gwoza and Jere. The Committee noted that genetic analysis indicated that the two viruses detected had circulated undetected for several years. These cases, together with the cVDPV2 reported in May 2016 also from Borno, indicate polioviruses have been circulating undetected in the area for several years and that significant gaps in surveillance remain. Such gaps are compounded by a recent increase in the area of inaccessibility in the state. The Committee was also concerned that Gwoza district has a long border with the Extreme North province of Cameroon and is considered inaccessible. Noting the history of poliovirus transmission in the Lake Chad area, and the international borders around Borno with Cameroon, Chad and Niger, the Committee concluded that the risk of international spread between these four countries was extremely high and may already be happening. Further international spread would significantly delay progress towards global eradication. The Emergency Committee was concerned that the Nigerian Polio Presidential Committee has not met in 2016, and that there have been delays in government funds being released for the polio response.

The Committee applauded the progress being made in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the renewed emphasis on cooperation along the long international border between the two countries noting that this constitutes an epidemiological block between the two countries. The Committee applauded the strong progress being made in Pakistan, with consistent evidence of reduced transmission in 2016, and welcomed Pakistan’s determination to complete eradication this year. The Committee was pleased that as a result of these efforts, there has been no international spread of wild poliovirus between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the previous meeting.

Whilst border vaccination between these two countries is limited to children under ten years of age, efforts are being made to vaccinate departing travellers of all age groups from airports. The committee was pleased that progress had been made in Afghanistan where some foreign embassies now facilitate implementation of Temporary Recommendations through adopting procedures that include proof of polio vaccination as part of visa application processes for travellers departing from Afghanistan.

The Committee, however, was concerned by the deteriorating security in parts of Afghanistan leading to more children becoming inaccessible, heightening anxiety about completion of eradication in 2016, thereby delaying the global polio endgame. The Committee also noted that globally there are still significant vulnerable areas and populations that are inadequately immunized due to conflict, insecurity and poor coverage associated with weak immunization programmes. Such vulnerable areas include countries in the Middle East, the Horn of Africa, and Central Africa.

The Committee noted that in Equatorial Guinea (last case 3 May 2014) and Cameroon (last case 9 July 2014), although more than 24 months have passed without new infection by poliovirus, neither country had yet provided a final report as requested. Furthermore, Equatorial Guinea had weak surveillance indicators, and there were concerns about routine immunisation and Cameroon is now vulnerable to importation of WPV from Nigeria.

Vaccine derived poliovirus

The Committee noted that there have been no new cases of cVDPV since the previous meeting in May 2016.

In Guinea, the outbreak appears to be confined to one region, Kankan, where the most recent case had onset in December 2015. The Committee, however, felt there appears to be a medium to high risk of spread to neighbouring areas, as active surveillance has only recently started and the likelihood of missing transmission cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, surveillance indicators in neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone are below required standards and more efforts are needed to enhance surveillance in all these countries.

The Committee remains very concerned that in Nigeria a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) has been detected in an environmental sample in March 2016 in Maiduguri, Borno State, north-east Nigeria. The Committee noted that a very robust outbreak response is under way by the Government of Nigeria, but the new incidence of WPV1 now complicates that response.

In Myanmar, Laos and Madagascar, where the most recent cases had onset of paralysis on : 5 October 2015 from Rakhine province, 11 January 2016 from Vientiane province, and 22 August 2015 from Sud-Ouest province, respectively, recent outbreak assessments showed much progress, but uncertainty about ongoing transmission remains due to gaps in surveillance.

In the Ukraine, where two cases of cVDPV1 occurred in 2015, the outbreak assessment recently concluded that poliovirus transmission had ceased, and as it is now 13 months since onset of the last case (7 July 2015) the outbreak is considered closed.

Conclusion

The Committee unanimously agreed that the international spread of poliovirus remains a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and recommended the extension of the Temporary Recommendations for a further three months. The Committee considered the following factors in reaching this conclusion:

• The new outbreak of WPV1 in Nigeria highlighting that there are high-risk areas where surveillance is compromised by inaccessibility, resulting in ongoing circulation of WPV for several years without detection. The risk of transmission in the Lake Chad sub-region appears extremely high.

• The continued international spread of wild poliovirus during 2015 and 2016 involving Pakistan and Afghanistan.

• The current special and extraordinary context of being closer to polio eradication than ever before in history.

• The risk and consequent costs of failure to eradicate globally one of the world’s most serious vaccine preventable diseases. Even though global transmission has fallen dramatically and with it the likelihood of international spread, the consequences and impact of international spread should it occur would be grave.

• The possibility of global complacency developing as the numbers of polio cases continues to fall and eradication becomes a possibility.

• The continued necessity of a coordinated international response to improve immunization and surveillance for wild poliovirus, to stop international spread and reduce the risk of new spread.

• The serious consequences of further international spread for the increasing number of countries in which immunization systems have been weakened or disrupted by conflict and complex emergencies. Populations in these fragile states are vulnerable to outbreaks of polio. Outbreaks in fragile states are exceedingly difficult to control and threaten the completion of global polio eradication during its end stage.

• The importance of a regional approach and strong cross­border cooperation, as much international spread of polio occurs over land borders, while recognizing that the risk of distant international spread remains from zones with active poliovirus transmission.

Additionally with respect to cVDPV:

• cVDPVs also pose a risk for international spread, which without an urgent response with appropriate measures threatens vulnerable populations as noted above;

• The emergence and circulation of VDPVs in four WHO regions demonstrates significant gaps in population immunity at a critical time in the polio endgame;

• There is a particular urgency of preventing type 2 cVDPVs following the globally synchronized withdrawal of type 2 component of the oral poliovirus vaccine in April 2016;

• The ongoing challenges of improving routine immunization in areas affected by insecurity and other emergencies, including Ebola;

• The global shortage of IPV poses fresh challenges.

Risk categories

The Committee provided the WHO Director­General with the following advice aimed at reducing the risk of international spread of wild poliovirus and cVDPVs, based on the risk stratification as follows:

Wild poliovirus

• States currently exporting wild poliovirus;

• States infected with wild poliovirus but not currently exporting;

• States no longer infected by wild poliovirus, but which remain vulnerable to international spread.

Circulating vaccine derived poliovirus

• States currently exporting cVDPV;

• States infected with cVDPV but not currently exporting;

• States no longer infected by cVDPV, but which remain vulnerable to the emergence and circulation of VDPV.

The Committee applied the following criteria to assess the period for detection of no new exportations and the period for detection of no new cases or environmental isolates of wild poliovirus or cVDPV:

Criteria to assess States no longer exporting (detection of no new wild poliovirus or cVDPV exportation)

• Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the first case caused by the most recent exportation PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period, OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of the first case caused by the most recent importation have been tested for polio and excluded for newly imported WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental samples collected within 12 months of the first case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.

• Environmental isolation of exported poliovirus: 12 months after collection of the first positive environmental sample in the country that received the new exportation PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period.

Criteria to assess States no longer infected (detection of no new wild poliovirus or cVDPV)

• Poliovirus Case: 12 months after the onset date of the most recent case PLUS one month to account for case detection, investigation, laboratory testing and reporting period OR when all reported AFP cases with onset within 12 months of last case have been tested for polio and excluded for WPV1 or cVDPV, and environmental samples collected within 12 months of the last case have also tested negative, whichever is the longer.

• Environmental isolation of wild poliovirus or cVDPV (no poliovirus case): 12 months after collection of the most recent positive environmental sample PLUS one month to account for the laboratory testing and reporting period

Temporary recommendations

States currently exporting wild poliovirus or cVDPV

Currently Pakistan (last wild poliovirus exportation: 1 February 2016) and Afghanistan (last wild poliovirus exportation: 6 June 2015).

Exporting countries should:

• Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained.

• Ensure that all residents and long­term visitors (i.e. > four weeks) of all ages receive a dose of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV) or inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) between four weeks and 12 months prior to international travel.

• Ensure that those undertaking urgent travel (i.e. within four weeks), who have not received a dose of OPV or IPV in the previous four weeks to 12 months, receive a dose of polio vaccine at least by the time of departure as this will still provide benefit, particularly for frequent travellers.

• Ensure that such travellers are provided with an International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis in the form specified in Annex 6 of the IHR to record their polio vaccination and serve as proof of vaccination.

• Restrict at the point of departure the international travel of any resident lacking documentation of appropriate polio vaccination. These recommendations apply to international travellers from all points of departure, irrespective of the means of conveyance (e.g. road, air, sea).

• Recognising that the movement of people across the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan continues to facilitate exportation of wild poliovirus, both countries should further intensify cross­border efforts by significantly improving coordination at the national, regional and local levels to substantially increase vaccination coverage of travellers crossing the border and of high risk cross­border populations. Both countries have maintained permanent vaccination teams at the main border crossings for many years. Improved coordination of cross­border efforts should include closer supervision and monitoring of the quality of vaccination at border transit points, as well as tracking of the proportion of travellers that are identified as unvaccinated after they have crossed the border.

• Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without new exportations and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the above criteria of a 'state no longer exporting'.

• Provide to the WHO Director­General a monthly report on the implementation of the Temporary Recommendations on international travel, including the number of residents whose travel was restricted and the number of travellers who were vaccinated and provided appropriate documentation at the point of departure.

States infected with wild poliovirus or cVDPVs but not currently exporting Infected countries (WPV1)

• Nigeria (last case 13 July 2016)

Infected countries (cVDPV)

• Nigeria (last env isolate 23 March 2016)

• Guinea (last case 14 December 2015)

• Madagascar (last case 22 August 2015)

• Lao People’s Democratic Republic (last case 11 January 2016)

• Myanmar (last case 5 October 2015)

These countries should:

• Officially declare, if not already done, at the level of head of state or government, that the interruption of poliovirus transmission is a national public health emergency; where such declaration has already been made, this emergency status should be maintained.

• Encourage residents and long­term visitors to receive a dose of OPV or IPV four weeks to 12 months prior to international travel; those undertaking urgent travel (i.e. within four weeks) should be encouraged to receive a dose at least by the time of departure.

• Ensure that travellers who receive such vaccination have access to an appropriate document to record their polio vaccination status. Intensify regional cooperation and cross­border coordination to enhance surveillance for prompt detection of poliovirus and substantially increase vaccination coverage among refugees, travellers and cross­border populations.

• Maintain these measures until the following criteria have been met: (i) at least six months have passed without the detection of wild poliovirus transmission or circulation of VDPV in the country from any source, and (ii) there is documentation of full application of high quality eradication activities in all infected and high risk areas; in the absence of such documentation these measures should be maintained until the state meets the criteria of a 'state no longer infected'.

• At the end of 12 months without evidence of transmission, provide a report to the WHO Director­General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.

States no longer infected by wild poliovirus or cVDPV, but which remain vulnerable to international spread, and states that are vulnerable to the emergence and circulation of VDPV

Currently Somalia, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Niger*, Chad* (WPV1) and Ukraine (cVDPV1)

These countries should:

• Urgently strengthen routine immunization to boost population immunity.

• Enhance surveillance quality to reduce the risk of undetected wild poliovirus and cVDPV transmission, particularly among high risk mobile and vulnerable populations.

• Intensify efforts to ensure vaccination of mobile and cross­border populations, Internally Displaced Persons, refugees and other vulnerable groups.

• Enhance regional cooperation and cross border coordination to ensure prompt detection of wild poliovirus and cVDPV, and vaccination of high risk population groups.

• Maintain these measures with documentation of full application of high quality surveillance and vaccination activities.

At the end of 12 months without evidence of reintroduction of wild poliovirus or new emergence and circulation of cVDPV, provide a report to the Director General on measures taken to implement the Temporary Recommendations.

Additional considerations for all infected countries

The Committee strongly urged global partners in polio eradication to provide optimal support to all infected countries at this critical time in the polio eradication program for implementation of the Temporary Recommendations under the IHR. Recognizing that cVDPV illustrates serious gaps in routine immunization programs in otherwise polio free countries, the Committee recommended that the international partners in routine immunization, for example Gavi, should urgently assist affected countries to improve the national immunization program. Investment in regional mechanisms such as the recent formation of a polio joint task force for Lake Chad is needed.

The Committee reviewed an analysis of the public health benefits and costs of implementing temporary recommendations that require exporting countries to vaccinate all international travellers before departure. The initial analysis suggests that this approach is cost-effective as there is ample evidence that air travelers may transmit polio and that vaccinating them would be effective in preventing international long distance spread. The committee requested further analysis around the cost-benefits of this approach including consideration of the opportunity costs that may result from diverting human resources to implement airport immunisation interventions. Notwithstanding this, the committee noted that as both Pakistan and Afghanistan have significant numbers of migrant workers utilizing air travel, implementation of these international travel recommendations are justifiable, and should continue to be supported by the countries and by partner agencies.

The Committee urged all countries to avoid complacency which could easily lead to a polio resurgence. Surveillance particularly needs careful attention to quickly detect any resurgent transmission.

Based on the advice concerning wild poliovirus and cVDPV, and the reports made by Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria, the WHO Director­General accepted the Committee’s assessment and on 22 August 2016 determined that the events relating to poliovirus continue to constitute a PHEIC, with respect to wild poliovirus and cVDPV. The WHO Director­General endorsed the Committee’s recommendations for countries falling into the definition of ‘States currently exporting wild polioviruses or cVDPV’, for ‘States infected with wild poliovirus or cVDPV but not currently exporting’ and for ‘States no longer infected by wild poliovirus, but which remain vulnerable to international spread, and states that are vulnerable to the emergence and circulation of VDPV’ and extended the Temporary Recommendations as revised by the Committee under the IHR to reduce the international spread of poliovirus, effective 22 August 2016.

The WHO Director­General thanked the Committee Members and Advisors for their advice and requested their reassessment of this situation within the next three months.

Drastic food price increases further reduce household food access

Trade to and within South Sudan has been severely disrupted following renewed conflict in and around Juba, greatly reducing food supplies on most markets. As a result, staple food prices increased drastically between June and July, reaching more than 10 times the five-year average on a number of key markets (Figure 1). These price spikes come at the peak of the lean season when most households have depleted their food stocks and are dependent on market purchases to access food. Even before the July price spikes, much of South Sudan was facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) acute food insecurity. Given these extremely high food prices, it is likely that food security is deteriorating even more than previously anticipated. Immediate humanitarian assistance and improved access for commercial trade are required to save lives.

The reemergence of conflict in July has led to insecurity along the Nimule-Juba road, a key trade route. This has further limited imports from Uganda to Juba that were already below average due to marcoeconomic issues that have reduced trader incentives. Similarly, insecurity along the Rumbek-Wau-Aweil road is significantly reducing trade flows further north (Figure 2). July 2016 WFP price monitoring observed massive price spikes in key staple foods in several major makets (Figure 1).

Current prices are the highest on record in many markets. In Juba, the nominal price of sorghum increased 144 percent from June and is now 1,257 percent above the five-year average. Similar price increases were seen in Wau of Western Bahr el Ghazal and Aweil of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, where sorghum prices are now 860 and 1,099 percent above their respective five-year averages. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 77.7 percent month-on-month over the same time period, surpassing the widely used hyperinflation threshold of 50 percent inflation over a month. Despite anecdotal reports that prices in Juba declined modestly in August, they still remain extremely high and far above June levels.

Available price data does not suggest that prices increased as sharply in Malakal, possibly due to continued imports from Sudan and the impact of food assistance. However, price data is not available for other areas of Greater Upper Nile and so the current status of staple food prices is unknown.

CAMEROUN

UNE ATTAQUE SUICIDE TUE TROIS PERSONNES À MORA

Le 21 août, un attentat suicide à Mora, dans la région de l'Extrême-Nord a tué trois personnes et blessé gravement 27 personnes. La ville accueille plus de 20 000 personnes déplacées et sert de plaque tournante pour les activités humanitaires dans l'Extrême-Nord. Mora est également au centre des opérations transfrontalières vers Banki, au Nigeria. Après l'attaque, les activités humanitaires dans et autour de Mora ont été temporairement suspendus.

TCHAD

DE MULTIPLES ATTAQUES DANS LA RÉGION DU LAC

La région du Lac a été frappée par plusieurs attaques attribuées à Boko Haram. Le 14 août, deux civils ont été tués dans le village de Fotio, près de la frontière avec le Niger.
Une autre attaque le 16 août a fait un mort et deux civils blessés dans le village de Boultoua, près de Tchoukoutalia. Le 17 août, des attaques simultanées ont eu lieu dans trois villages proches de Daboua. Plus de 1 000 animaux ont été volés. La série de nouveaux incidents de sécurité au cours des dernières semaines pourrait mettre en péril l'aide humanitaire dans la région du Lac.

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

20 000 PERSONNES ONT BESOIN D’ASSISTANCE APRÈS L’ÉVACUATION D’UN PARC

Après l'évacuation des occupants illégaux du parc national du Mont Peko, situé dans le district des Montagnes, plus de 50 000 anciens occupants sont toujours déplacés dans 28 villages et camps différents. OCHA estime que quelque 20 000 personnes déplacées ont besoin d’une assistance prioritaire à travers la nourriture, de l'eau, de l'assainissement et des abris. Une évaluation pour déterminer le nombre exact de personnes déplacées vulnérables est en cours.

SENEGAL

LES INONDATIONS TOUCHENT 12 000 PERSONNES

Des précipitations élevées ont causé des inondations dans certaines régions du Sénégal. UNICEF a signalé qu'au moins 12 180 personnes ont été affectées dans les régions les plus touchées de Kaffrine, Kaolack et Saint-Louis. Plus de 5 000 personnes ont été déplacées temporairement. D'autres évaluations sont en cours à Dakar et Diourbel. UNICEF, World Vision et ActionAid assistent les autorités locales pour aider les personnes dans le besoin.

NIGERIA

4.5 MILLIONS DE PERSONNES ONT BESOIN D’AIDE ALIMENTAIRE

Près de 4,5 millions de personnes dans les États du nord-est de Borno, Yobe et Adamawa sont confrontés à la faim et ont besoin d'aide immédiate, selon l'analyse du «Cadre Harmonisé» de mi-août. Cela représente une augmentation de 50% par rapport à mars 2016. Les zones difficiles d’accès sont particulièrement préoccupantes. Le PAM vise à atteindre plus de 700 000 personnes avec de la nourriture et de l‘assistance monétaire dans les prochains mois.

CAMPAGNE DE VACCINATION CONTRE LA POLIO DANS LE NORD-EST

Le Ministère de la Santé, en partenariat avec l’UNICEF et l'OMS, a lancé une campagne de vaccination contre la polio dans le nord-est, après la découverte de deux cas de polio au début du mois. La campagne vise à atteindre cinq millions d'enfants, dont un million dans l‘État de Borno. Les problèmes de sécurité risquent de ralentir la réponse. En 2013, des hommes armés - prétendument de Boko Haram - avaient tué neuf personnes déployées pour travailler sur la campagne de vaccination contre la poliomyélite.

CAMEROON

SUICIDE ATTACK KILLS THREE IN MORA

On 21 August, a suicide bombing in Mora, in the Far North region, killed three people and left 27 seriously injured. The town hosts more than 20,000 IDPs and serves as a hub for humanitarian activities in the Far North. Mora also is central for cross border operations to Banki, in Nigeria. Following the attack, humanitarian activities in and around Mora were temporarily suspended.

CHAD

MULTIPLE ATTACKS IN LAC REGION

The Lac Region was hit by several attacks attributed to Boko Haram. On 14 August, two civilians were killed in Fotio village, close to the border with Niger. Another attack on 16 August left one dead and two civilians injured in Boultoua village, near Tchoukoutalia. On 17 August, simultaneous attacks took place in three villages close to Daboua. More than 1,000 livestock were stolen. The series of new security incidents in recent weeks could jeopardize humanitarian assistance in the Lac Region

CÔTE D’IVOIRE

20,000 NEED ASSISTANCE AFTER PARK EVACUATION

Following the evacuation of illegal occupants from the Mont Peko national park, in Montagnes District, more than 50,000 former occupants remain displaced across 28 different villages and camps. OCHA estimates that some 20,000 IDPs require priority assistance with food, water, sanitation, and shelter. An assessment to determine the exact number of vulnerable IDPs is underway

SENEGAL

FLOODS AFFECT 12,000

High amounts of rainfall have caused heavy flooding in parts of Senegal. UNICEF reported that at least 12,180 people have been affected in the worst hit regions Kaffrine, Kaolack and St. Louis. More than 5,000 have been temporarily displaced.
Further assessments are on-going in Dakar and Diourbel. UNICEF, World Vision and ActionAid are supporting local authorities to assist the people in need.

NIGERIA

4.5 MILLION NEED FOOD ASSISTANCE

Almost 4.5 million people in the northeastern States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa are facing hunger and require immediate assistance, according to the midAugust “Cadre Harmonise” analysis. This represents an increase of 50 per cent compared to March 2016. Hard to reach areas are of particular concern. WFP aims to reach over 700,000 people with food and cash assistance in the coming months.

POLIO CAMPAIGN IN NORTH-EAST

The health ministry, in partnership with UNICEF and WHO, has launched a polio vaccination campaign in the north-east, after two fresh polio cases were discovered earlier this month. The campaign aims to reach five million children, including one million in Borno State. Security concerns risk slowing down the response. In 2013, gunmen – allegedly from Boko Haram – had killed nine polio immunization workers.

I. CONTEXTE ET JUSTIFICATION

Pays sahélien et enclavé, le Niger a un climat particulièrement aride avec des s variabilités extrêmes et régulières. La pluviométrie annuelle comprise entre 100 mm et 800 mm, est caractérisée par une importante variabilité interannuelle et spatiale avec en conséquences des séquences de sécheresses et/ou des inondations. Ces rudes conditions climatiques affectent la production agropastorale et les conditions de vie des ménages en général.

Le Niger est confronté à deux types d'insécurité alimentaire :

• une insécurité chronique ou insécurité structurelle qui résulte du haut niveau de pauvreté de la population et du caractère aléatoire de la production agricole qui elle – même est liée aux aléas climatiques ;

• une insécurité conjoncturelle qui affecte certaines catégories de la population, surtout les ménages ruraux.

Pour suivre ce phénomène d’insécurité alimentaire et autres catastrophes, un Dispositif National de Prévention et des Gestion des Catastrophes et Crises Alimentaires (DNPGCCA) a été créé. Ce dernier dispose de cinq (5) Cellules techniques dont la Cellule de Coordination du Système d’Alerte Précoce et de Prévention des Catastrophes (CC/SAP/PC) qui a en charge le volet information/prévention.

Les crises sociopolitiques en cours à l’Est du Niger et dans certains pays limitrophes occasionnent des déplacements des populations en direction et à l’intérieur du Niger. Cette situation a pour conséquence une pression supplémentaire sur les stocks alimentaires des ménages et une dégradation de leurs moyens d’existence.

La campagne agropastorale de l’hivernage 2015 s’est achevée avec un bilan céréalier provisoire brut excédentaire de 88.791 Tonnes sur le plan agricole et un bilan fourrager déficitaire de 9 355 617 TMS sur le plan pastoral (y compris le bétail des refugiés de Diffa et des rapatriés de Tillabéri).

Les travaux des rencontres techniques annuelles du Dispositif National de Prévention, de Gestion des Catastrophes et Crises alimentaires (DNPGCCA), tenues à N’Konni en décembre 2015, ont identifié 160 zones vulnérables composées de 4.089 villages, tribus et campements où vit une population estimée à 3.867.911 habitants.

La prévalence de la malnutrition aigüe globale (MAG) au Niger est toujours audessus du seuil d’alerte (10% selon l’OMS 2006) et atteint souvent le seuil d’urgence (15%) dans certaines régions.

Quant au taux de malnutrition aiguë sévère (MAS), il est toujours au-dessus de 2% (seuil d’urgence).

CONTEXTE ET JUSTIFICATION

Pays sahélien et enclavé, le Niger bénéficie d’un climat particulièrement aride avec régulièrement des variabilités extrêmes. La pluviométrie annuelle comprise entre 100mm et 800mm, est caractérisée par une importante variabilité interannuelle et spatiale avec en conséquences des séquences de sécheresses et/ou des inondations. Ces rudes conditions climatiques affectent la production agricole et les conditions de vies des ménages.

Les crises sociopolitiques en cours dans certains pays limitrophes continuent d’occasionner des déplacements des populations en direction et à l’intérieur du Niger. Cette situation a pour conséquence une pression supplémentaire sur les stocks alimentaires des ménages et une perte énorme sur le plan socio-économique La campagne agropastorale de l’hivernage 2015 s’est achevée avec un bilan céréalier provisoire brut excédentaire de 88 791 Tonnes sur le plan agricole et un bilan fourrager déficitaire de 8 580 795 TMS sur le plan pastoral.

Les travaux des rencontres techniques annuelles du Dispositif National de Prévention et de Gestion des Catastrophes et Crises alimentaires (DNPGCCA), tenues à Konni en décembre 2015, ont identifié 160 zones vulnérables composées de 4.089 villages, tribus et campements où vit une population estimée à 3.867.911 habitants.

La prévalence de la malnutrition aigüe globale (MAG) au Niger est passée de 14,8% en 2012, 13,3% en 2013, 14,8% en 2014 à 15% en 2015. Ce dernier taux équivaut au seuil d’urgence (15%). Le taux de prévalence de la malnutrition le plus élevée est observée dans la région de Zinder avec 18% et le plus faible est enregistré dans la région de Dosso avec une 15,5%. Quant au taux de malnutrition aiguë sévère (MAS), il est passé de 2,6 en 2013, 2,7% en 2014 à 4,5 en 2015.

Les prix moyens de toutes les céréales comparés à la moyenne des cinq dernières années, sont en diminution. Cependant, ceux des produits de rente sont en augmentation.

Par ailleurs, les prix des animaux comparé à la moyenne des 5 dernières campagnes sont en hausse.

Les termes de l’échange sont en faveur de l’éleveur. En effet, ces derniers indiquent qu’un bouc moyen procure à l’éleveur 180 kg de mil C’est dans ce contexte que le Gouvernement du Niger, à travers la Cellule de Coordination du Système d’Alerte Précoce et de Prévention des Catastrophes (CC/SAP/PC) et l’Institut National de la Statistique (INS), a organiséune enquête auprès des ménages en milieu rural pour mieux appréhender la situation de vulnérabilité à l’insécurité alimentaire des populations en décembre 2015 – janvier 2016 avec l’appui technique et/ou financier de ses partenaires notamment le PGRC/DU, le PAM, la GIZ et FEWSNet et la FAO,

L’objectif global de cette enquête est d’évaluer et de caractériser la vulnérabilité à l’insécurité alimentaire des ménages en milieu rural et de dégager les perspectives alimentaires pour les prochains mois pour l’ensemble du pays.
Elle permet de mieux connaître les causes et les mécanismes liés à la vulnérabilité, ainsi que les effectifs et les caractéristiques essentielles des personnes vulnérables en milieux rural.

Les principaux résultats attendus de cette enquête sont :

 Les proportions et les estimations des populations en insécurité alimentaire « sévère », « modérée », « à risque d’insécurité alimentaire » et « en sécurité alimentaire » dans chacun des soixante-trois (63) départements du pays et la périphérie de Niamey sont établis;

 les profils d’insécurité alimentaire, indiquant le degré de sévérité, les caractéristiques et les effectifs par catégorie sont dégagés ;

 les critères pour améliorer le ciblage dans la mise en œuvre des actions d’atténuation du Dispositif National de Prévention et de Gestion des Catastrophes et Crises Alimentaires (DNPGCCA) sont identifiés;

Increasingly Complex Conflicts with Devastating Impact on Children, UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict Warns General Assembly in Annual Report

23 Aug 2016

New York – In her annual report to the General Assembly, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, highlighted the devastating impact on children of increasingly complex conflicts, despite concerted efforts and significant progress achieved over the past year.

“The impact on children of the collective failure to prevent and end conflict is severe, with regions in turmoil and violations against children intensifying in a number of conflicts,” Leila Zerrougui said in the report, which covers the period from August 2015 to July 2016. “The violations are directly related to the denigration of respect for international humanitarian and human rights law by parties to conflict.”

Emerging crises and protracted conflicts profoundly disrupted children’s lives during the reporting period. She noted that the proliferation of actors involved in armed conflict and cross-border aerial operations created highly complex environments for the protection of boys and girls. In 2015, and again in the first half of 2016, Afghanistan recorded the highest number of child deaths and injuries since the UN started systematically documenting civilian casualties in 2009. In Syria and Iraq, violence continued unabated. In South Sudan, following a year during which children were victims of brutal violations, hopes for improvement all but evaporated with the resumption of conflict last month. In Yemen, the escalation of conflict continued with alarming levels of child recruitment, killing and maiming and attacks on schools and hospitals.

Twentieth anniversary of the children and armed conflict mandate

The report also takes stock of the achievements accomplished in the twenty years since the publication of Graça Machel’s report, “Impact of armed conflict on children,” which led to the creation of the mandate of the Special Representative by the General Assembly. Since 2000, over 115,000 children have been released as a result of action plans and advocacy. Engagement with non-State armed groups is growing and recently contributed to a historic agreement between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP to release all children in the ranks of the FARC-EP.

The advocacy generated by this mandate, and reinforced by the campaign “Children, not Soldiers”, has led to a global consensus among Member States that children do not belong in security forces in conflict. This progress in addressing recruitment and use over the last 20 years has been built upon and utilized in work to reduce other grave violations, notably sexual violence and attacks on schools and hospitals.

In that regard, the new development agenda brings new opportunities to reinforce and create synergies with the child protection agenda. The Special Representative called on the General Assembly in her report to pay special attention to children affected by conflict to fulfil the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, she called for adequate resources for education in emergencies and for support to children disabled during conflict.

Protection challenges posed by violent extremism

Other issues addressed in the report to the General Assembly include the impact of violent extremism on children. During the reporting period, children were severely affected, and often the direct targets of acts intended to cause maximum civilian casualties. Recruitment and use of children, abductions and other grave violations were prevalent concerns as armed groups controlled large swaths of territory. The Special Representative urged Member States to avoid responding to these threats with operations that can “create or add to real or perceived grievances in the affected population.”

The report also states that increasingly large numbers of children have been arrested, detained, used as spies and for intelligence gathering, or even sometimes sentenced to death for their alleged association with parties to conflict.

“Detention of children should always be the last resort for the shortest time possible and guided by the best interests of the child. If they are accused of a crime during their association with armed groups, children should be processed by the juvenile justice system rather than by military or special courts,” said Leila Zerrougui.

Attacks on health care and protected personnel

In the past months, attacks on medical facilities, including aerial bombardments, have increased concerns over the protection of health care in conflict. This has severely disrupted access to lifesaving assistance for children growing up in conflict zones, and can have long-lasting consequences as it often takes years to rebuild capacity. The Special Representative calls on all parties to conflict to take clear measures to protect hospitals as outlined in the report.

Displacement

Armed conflict has resulted not only in human casualties, but also in an ever growing number of displaced children. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, an unprecedented 65.3 million people around the world have been forced away from their homes among them are nearly 21.3 million refugees, over half of whom are children. In the Report, the Special Representative encourages Member States and other partners to support initiatives to help displaced children rebuild their lives, particularly through ensuring that education is prioritised in emergency settings.

Recommendations

The Report ends with recommendations to the General Assembly and Member States, which include:

1. To ensure that Member States engagement in hostilities, including in efforts to counter violent extremism, are conducted in full compliance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law

2. To highlight the rights of children displaced by conflict and the obligations of States of origin, transit and destination

3. To treat children allegedly associated with non-State armed groups as victims entitled to the full protection of their human rights

4. Encouraging Member States concerned by the “Children, not Soldiers” campaign to redouble their efforts to fully implement their Action Plan

5. To take appropriate measures to reintegrate children, giving special attention to the needs of girls

6. To ensure that special attention is paid to children affected by armed conflict in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Read the full report at: https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N16/234/89/PDF/N1623489.pdf?OpenElement

For more information please contact:
Sharon Riggle or Stephanie Tremblay
Office of the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict,
Tel: +1 212 963-9614 – Mobile: +1 917 288-5791
riggle@un.org or tremblay@un.org

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Use the hashtag: #ChildrenNotSoldiers

Résumé

Ce rapport est soumis en application de la résolution 70/137 de l’Assemblée générale relative aux droits de l’enfant, dans laquelle l’Assemblée prie la Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général pour le sort des enfants en temps de conflit armé de continuer à lui présenter des rapports sur les activités menées en exécution de son mandat, notamment sur les visites qu’elle effectue sur le terrain ainsi que sur les progrès réalisés dans le cadre de l’action engagée pour lutter contre les violences faites aux enfants et sur les problèmes qu’il reste à surmonter en la matière. Le présent rapport décrit l’évolution de la situation sur la période comprise entre août 2015 et juillet 2016. Il revient aussi sur les 20 années écoulées depuis la création du mandat du Représentant spécial pour les enfants et les conflits armés, en vertu de la résolution 51/77 de l’Assemblée générale. Le rapport contient également des informations sur les visites effectuées sur le terrain par la Représentante spéciale, sur sa coopération avec les organisations régionales et les partenaires internationaux et sur le dialogue qu’elle a engagé avec les parties, ainsi que sur les avancées de la campagne « Des enfants, pas des soldats ». Il décrit certaines des difficultés rencontrées et les domaines sur lesquels son action porte en priorité, et se termine par une série de recommandations visant à améliorer la protection des enfants touchés par les conflits.

I. Introduction

1. Dans sa résolution 70/137, l’Assemblée générale prie la Représentante spéciale du Secrétaire général pour le sort des enfants en temps de conflit armé de continuer à lui présenter des rapports sur les activités entreprises en application de son mandat, notamment sur les visites qu’elle effectue sur le terrain, les progrès réalisés et les obstacles restant à surmonter dans le cadre de l’action menée en faveur des enfants touchés par les conflits armés. Cette demande découle du mandat donné par l’Assemblée générale dans sa résolution 51/77, qui recommande que le Représentant spécial fasse prendre davantage conscience de la condition dramatique des enfants touchés par les conflits armés, incite à recueillir des éléments d’information sur cette situation et oeuvre à l’établissement d’une coopération internationale qui permette de faire respecter les droits des enfants pendant les conflits armés. Conformément à ce mandat, et comme l’Assemblée le demande dans sa résolution 70/137, le présent rapport rend compte de l’évolution de la campagne « Des enfants, pas des soldats ». Il met également en évidence les progrès réalisés au cours de l’année écoulée et expose les priorités immédiates ainsi que les projets à exécuter à plus long terme dans le cadre de l’action engagée en faveur des enfants touchés par les conflits armés, en collaboration avec les États Membres, les organismes des Nations Unies, les organisations régionales et sous-régionales et la société civile.

II. Bilan des travaux exécutés sur le sort des enfants en temps de conflit armé

A. Aperçu des tendances et des difficultés

2. La Représentante spéciale présentera ce rapport à l’Assemblée générale 20 ans après l’adoption de la résolution 51/77 qui a créé le mandat pour le sort des enfants en temps de conflit armé. Ce vingtième anniversaire est l’occasion de dresser un bilan des nombreuses avancées réalisées et de mettre en lumière les domaines dans lesquels il faut encore progresser. Dans son rapport historique (A/51/306) présenté à l’Assemblée générale en 1996, Graça Machel décrivait l’extrême brutalité subie par les enfants pris dans un conflit et soulignait que cette question devait s’inscrire au coeur de l’action internationale pour les droits de l’homme, le développement, la paix et la sécurité.

3. Malgré les progrès substantiels accomplis ces vingt dernières années, comme le démontre le présent rapport, le deuxième semestre 2015 et le début de l’année 2016 ont encore été marqués par de sérieuses difficultés qui ont entravé la protection des enfants touchés par un conflit armé. Les violations graves à leur encontre se sont intensifiées sur de nombreux terrains de conflit et la multiplication des acteurs engagés dans ces troubles a été très préoccupante. Les opérations aériennes transfrontalières menées par des coalitions internationales ou à titre individuel par des États Membres, notamment dans des zones habitées, ont créé des conditions très défavorables à la protection des enfants. L’échec collectif à prévenir et faire cesser les conflits a de graves conséquences pour les enfants, car des régions sont en proie à l’instabilité et les violations commises contre des enfants s’intensifient dans différentes zones de conflit. Ces violations sont la conséquence directe du peu d’intérêt apporté au respect des droits de l’homme et du droit international humanitaire par les parties au conflit.

4. Les conflits prolongés ont des effets considérables sur les enfants. Selon l’Envoyé spécial pour la Syrie, le conflit en République arabe syrienne a causé la mort de plus de 400 000 personnes, dont des milliers d’enfants. En Afghanistan, on a dénombré en 2015 le plus grand nombre de victimes parmi les enfants depuis 2009, quand l’Organisation des Nations Unies a commencé à recenser systématiquement les victimes civiles. En Somalie, les enfants sont toujours en grand danger : le nombre de violations constatées ne semble pas diminuer en 2016 et des centaines d’enfants sont enlevés, enrôlés, utilisés, brutalement tués et mutilés. L’exemple du Soudan du Sud est l’un des plus inquiétants, car les enfants y ont été victimes des six violations graves, en particulier pendant les violentes offensives militaires contre les forces d’opposition. Le sort des enfants est très préoccupant en raison de la détérioration de la situation depuis juillet 2016. En Iraq, l’intensité des affrontements armés et des attaques visant les civils menés par l’État islamique d’Iraq et du Levant a causé la mort de milliers de civils, dont de nombreux enfants. Au Yémen, l’escalade continue du conflit s’est accompagnée d’un nombre alarmant d’enfants recrutés, tués et mutilés, mais aussi des attaques contre les écoles et les hôpitaux.

Resumen

Este informe se presenta a la Asamblea General conforme a lo dispuesto en su resolución 70/137 sobre los derechos del niño, en la que solicitó a la Representante Especial del Secretario General para la Cuestión de los Niños y los Conflictos Armados que siguiera presentando informes a la Asamblea General sobre las actividades emprendidas en cumplimiento de su mandato, con información de sus visitas sobre el terreno, y sobre los progresos alcanzados y los problemas que subsisten en relación con la cuestión de los niños y los conflictos armados. El informe abarca el período comprendido entre agosto de 2015 y julio de 2016. En él se describen las tendencias actuales y también se reflexiona sobre los 20 años transcurridos desde que la Asamblea, mediante su resolución 51/77, creó el mandato relativo a los niños y los conflictos armados. Además, en el informe se proporciona información acerca de las visitas sobre el terreno realizadas por la Representante Especial, su colaboración con organizaciones regionales y asociados internacionales y el diálogo con partes en conflicto, y se incluye una actualización sobre la campaña “Niños, No Soldados”. También se plantea un conjunto de desafíos y prioridades de la agenda de la Representante Especial y se concluye con una serie de recomendaciones para mejorar la protección de los niños afectados por los conflictos.

I. Introducción

1. En su resolución 70/137, la Asamblea General solicitó a la Representante Especial del Secretario General para la Cuestión de los Niños y los Conflictos Armados que siguiera presentando informes, tanto a la Asamblea como al Consejo de Derechos Humanos, sobre las actividades emprendidas en cumplimiento de su mandato, con información de sus visitas sobre el terreno, y sobre los progresos alcanzados y los problemas que subsisten en relación con la cuestión de los niños y los conflictos armados. La solicitud se basó en el mandato otorgado por la Asamblea en su resolución 51/77, en la que recomendó, entre otras cosas, que la Representante Especial procurara que se tomara mayor conciencia y promoviera la reunión de información acerca de los sufrimientos de los niños afectados por los conflictos armados, y estimulara la cooperación internacional para asegurar el respeto de los derechos de los niños en esas situaciones. En consonancia con ese mandato, y de conformidad con lo solicitado por la Asamblea en su resolución 70/137, en el presente informe se proporciona información actualizada sobre la campaña “Niños, No Soldados”. También se ponen de relieve los progresos alcanzados durante el último año y se resumen las prioridades inmediatas, así como los objetivos de más largo plazo fijados para impulsar la cuestión de los niños y los conflictos armados, en colaboración con los Estados Miembros de las Naciones Unidas, las entidades de las Naciones Unidas, las organizaciones regionales y subregionales y la sociedad civil.

II. Estado de la cuestión de los niños y los conflictos armados

A. Panorama general de las tendencias y los desafíos

2. La Representante Especial presentará este informe a la Asamblea General 20 años después de la aprobación de la resolución 51/77, por la que se estableció el mandato relativo a la cuestión de los niños y los conflictos armados. El 20º aniversario del mandato brinda la oportunidad de hacer un balance de los numerosos logros obtenidos y poner de relieve las esferas que están más rezagadas. En su informe pionero acerca de las repercusiones de los conflictos armados sobre los niños (A/51/306), que fue presentado a la Asamblea en 1996, Graça Machel describió la brutalidad extrema a que estaban expuestos millones de niños atrapados en conflictos y demostró el carácter central de la cuestión para las agendas internacionales de derechos humanos, desarrollo y paz y seguridad.

3. Si bien ha habido progresos sustanciales en los últimos dos decenios, como se indica en el presente informe, en el segundo semestre de 2015 y a principios de 2016 persistían graves problemas para la protección de los niños afectados por los conflictos armados. La intensidad de las violaciones graves de los derechos de los niños aumentó en una serie de situaciones de conflicto armado. Preocupó especialmente la proliferación de agentes que participaban en los conflictos armados. Las operaciones aéreas transfronterizas realizadas por coaliciones internacionales o Estados Miembros a título individual, especialmente en zonas pobladas, produjeron entornos sumamente complejos para la protección de los niños. Los efectos en los niños de la incapacidad colectiva de prevenir conflictos y ponerles fin son graves: existen regiones en crisis y las violaciones de los derechos de los niños se están agravando en varios conflictos. Las violaciones se relacionan directamente con el ultraje al derecho internacional humanitario y el derecho internacional de los derechos humanos por las partes en los conflictos.

4. Los conflictos prolongados han tenido efectos considerables en los niños. En la República Árabe Siria, según el Enviado Especial para Siria, el conflicto ya ha causado la muerte de más de 400.000 personas, incluidos miles de niños. En el Afganistán, en 2015 se registró el mayor número de bajas infantiles desde que las Naciones Unidas empezaron a documentar sistemáticamente las bajas civiles en 2009. En Somalia, la situación siguió siendo peligrosa para los niños: el número de violaciones de derechos registradas no mostró señales de disminuir en 2016, y centenares de niños fueron secuestrados, reclutados, utilizados, brutalmente muertos y mutilados. Cabe señalar, como ejemplo sumamente inquietante, la situación en Sudán del Sur, donde los niños fueron víctimas de las seis categorías de violaciones graves de sus derechos, en particular durante las brutales ofensivas militares lanzadas contra las fuerzas de la oposición. El deterioro de la situación en julio de 2016 es especialmente preocupante por la situación penosa de los niños. En el Iraq, los intensos enfrentamientos armados y los ataques contra la población civil perpetrados por el Estado Islámico en el Iraq y el Levante han causado la muerte de miles de civiles, entre ellos muchos niños. En el Yemen, el conflicto ha continuado intensificándose, con niveles alarmantes de reclutamiento, muerte y mutilación de niños y ataques contra escuelas y hospitales.

106.7 M required for 2016
31.8 M contributions received, representing 30% of requirements
74.9 M funding gap for the Mali Situation

261.8 M required for 2016
75.2 M contributions received, representing 29% of requirements
186.6 M funding gap for West Africa

1. On 18 August 2016, the IASC Emergency Directors Group (EDG)1 held a teleconference on Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin, with representatives of USAID and the US Department of State, ECHO and DFID. The objective was to identify priority actions to scale up response capacity and support planning and resource mobilization efforts underway on the ground, based on an exchange of views on the collective humanitarian response in light of recent developments in access to previously unreachable areas and an increased understanding of the staggering scale and gravity of humanitarian needs in the area. The discussion built on reflections from the recent mission to Nigeria by USAID representatives Jeremy Konyndyk, of the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), and Matt Nims of Food for Peace, as well as missions by the US Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration and the EC Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management. It followed from a similar meeting of the EDG with key donors to discuss the humanitarian situation and responses in Nigeria and Ethiopia in March 2016.

2. The OFDA Director shared reflections from his recent mission, highlighting the stunning scale of needs in newly accessible areas, and his findings that the response capacity is far from commensurate and a concerted surge is urgently needed to close the gap. He likened the mismatch of response sophistication versus need to the Ebola crisis, and the severity of food insecurity to major crises of the day. Shortcomings in the coordination structures and cohesion in planning were emphasized, as well as the availability of baseline information available on the conditions of affected people and services being delivered. Information management between and within sectors was noted as weak, with a lack of collective awareness of operational reach and activities. Reporting that the US was urgently deploying programmatic and technical staff to cover specific gaps and considering activating a DART, OFDA recommended that a core minimum package of assistance be defined, around which donors could rally.

3. In arguing that a collective surge is required, he acknowledged potential challenges around political ramifications of an outright L3 declaration, and asserted that at a minimum, both cluster activation and individual agencies’ activation of corporate emergency measures would be critical. ECHO and DFID seconded the focus on scaling up and better structuring the response, following recent high-level visits, and voiced concerns around security and adapting to changes in the dynamics of violence in the sub-region, as well as the importance of leadership of the affected governments in the response.

4. Emergency Directors reported that as areas previously unreachable due to the violence become accessible, the vulnerability and beyond emergency-level rates of malnutrition and health of affected people are becoming increasingly evident – and will only become more glaring as access opens. In addition to current reports of severe acute malnutrition rates of 8-14 percent and under-5 mortality rates tripling the emergency threshold at 6.22 , the outlook is stark. With flooding becoming more severe in the wet season and reports of a decline in economic conditions, as well as outbreaks of polio and measles, the demand is not only for an immediate surge in life-saving assistance, but also longer-term interventions to support reintegration and livelihoods as needed. Protection concerns in particular are critical, with assessments of conditions in newly accessible areas pointing to rates of 30 percent of women and girls having experienced sexual violence – levels on par with or surpassing other major crises.

5. Emergency Directors and donors alike highlighted the need for more robust coordination structures and emergency-experienced coordination capacity, and welcomed the HCTs’ mobilization around proposals to activate clusters, strengthen sub-national hubs and plans for expansion. It was noted that while some agencies had begun to mobilize internal corporate response structures, further action to mobilize and fast-track staffing and funding were needed, particularly among sector leads. They pointed to a need for a collective scale-up in coordination efforts and information sharing between NGOs, among IASC agencies, with the government, and among the donor community. Noting the dearth in capacity, several Emergency Directors reported on corporate plans for the remainder of 2016 to scale up in the north-east and activate measures to facilitate deployment of coordination leads to the north-east of Nigeria and Lake Chad, build supply pipelines and activate special emergency loans – which include revised funding requests. A strategy to support scale-up in Borno state was also being prepared at the regional level.

6. While EDG members expressed appreciation for the recent rally in high-level engagement and notable injections of funding from key donors, they noted that the release of funds has been slow and a direct limiting factor on organizations’ ability to respond. It was highlighted that the response plans in each of the four Lake Chad Basin countries remain severely underfunded - at one-third or less for each. Activation of a broader base of donors was seen as an important step to mobilize resources to finance the operational surge, and to bolster engagement with the governments of the region. Upcoming high-level visits were cited as an opportunity to foster engagement on humanitarian issues and facilitate a common understanding of international support operations and requirements. A high-level event on the Lake Chad Basin scheduled for 23 September - to be chaired by the UN Secretary-General - was also presented as a key moment to generate energy and discussion among partners, including between the four governments. Members emphasized the sub-regional dimension of the crisis and the urgency of increasing funding for and attention to operations in Chad, Cameroon and Niger.

7. Several EDs stressed the criticality of addressing operational challenges presented by the security situation in the north-east and Lake Chad region, and the importance of nurturing an enabling environment for operations, as well as more rapid funding to build out the necessary infrastructure, as newly accessible areas begin to open and front line actors are able to reach people in dire conditions in deep field locations. Dedicated support and funding to set up the technical capacity and acquire equipment to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers would be of utmost importance to adapt to the changing dynamics of the violence, and to manage risks inherent in delivering on donor calls to expand the operational footprint. Donors assured EDG members that funding would be deployed more quickly to support operational organizations’ efforts to scale up the needed structures in the north-east of Nigeria.

8. The Emergency Directors reflected on possible approaches to achieving a rapid and collective scale-up in capacity. While several proposed that activation of the system-wide Level 3 mechanism is an internal tool designed for - and applicable to - this purpose, which should by driven by operational, rather than political concerns, there was also strong support for moving quickly ahead with practical steps to mobilize each agencies’ internal measures to consolidate response capacity. Many agencies reported that they had either already activated or were in the process of formally considering activation of their own corporate L3 equivalent, and the value of acting in unison to do this was recognized – drawing on the recent successes of the response in Ethiopia.

9. The importance and role of affected governments was stressed, as was eagerness to maintain engagement in the context of planning and coordination. It was reported that in recent discussions with top level interlocutors, the government had stressed a strong willingness to facilitate administrative and logistical measures as needed to support scale-up of individual agencies’ responses – customs clearances, visas and accreditations for staff, while preferring to avoid potentially contentious debates regarding broader system-level declarations of status or level. As a practical measure to build on momentum and deliver on the steps discussed, it was proposed that a set of five to six collective actions be defined for recommendation to the IASC to implement immediately.

10. In response to calls to ensure that the permanent senior field leadership structure be deployed without delay as part of this collective action, it was confirmed that Mr. Eddie Kallon, current RC/HC for Jordan, had been selected to assume the RC role in Nigeria. EDG members were informed that Mr. Kallon had been consulted on the candidates put forward by the EDG for the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator role for Nigeria, and was expected to share his recommendation in the coming days. The Chair recalled that the DHC role was to be relocated to Maiduguri, to reflect and promote the ongoing shift in the center of gravity of humanitarian operations to the northeastern region of Nigeria, and to increase the coverage of the operation where needs are greatest and most acute. It was also requested that EDG members provide feedback on a proposal to elevate the level of the RC position in Niger to a D2, so that the level of seniority of the position and experience required of its incumbent is on par with other operations in the region.

11. Under other business, the EDG members were updated on the recent selection and accreditation of Mr. Ali Al-Za'tari as the incoming RC/HC for Syria. Given the urgency of Mr. Al-Za’tari’s deployment to Damascus to ensure continuity in the response, it was confirmed that the process was being fast-tracked, as was the accreditation process of Mr. Edward Kallon to take up the role of RC/HC in Nigeria.

Proposed next steps and recommendations to the IASC Principals:

• IASC members to actively explore triggering highest-level internal corporate measures or arrangements, if not done already, to facilitate urgent surge in response capacity [immediate]

• EDG to support Nigeria HCT recommendations on cluster activation and IASC members to consider rapid endorsement if recommended [immediate]

• IASC members to support Nigeria HCT on establishing the necessary coordination and information management systems and structures in north-eastern Nigeria [immediate]

• Field leaders and IASC members to continue engagement with governments to request practical support on operational matters as needed (customs, visas, accreditation), and communication on international mechanisms and structures for scaling up response [immediate/ongoing]

• IASC members to strengthen in-country protection capacities, including for SGBV and child protection, in follow-up to the recent Regional Protection Dialogue [immediate]

• IASC members to continue to support fast-track deployment of senior field leadership structures for Nigeria (RC designation and DHC selection and deployment) [immediate]

• EDG to provide feedback on recommendation to upgrade level of Niger RC/HC post [25 August]

• Donors to integrate humanitarian considerations in high-level visit agendas [immediate]

• Donors to explore means to speed up disbursement of funds to support expansion of footprint and front line operations, including necessary security structures [immediate]

• IASC members to continue to raise visibility of the Lake Chad Basin crisis through communications, high level visits and engagement to rectify funding and capacity shortfalls and awareness of growing needs [ongoing and particularly during the GA high-level segment]

• IASC members and donors to mobilize highest-level participation, and advocate with relevant Member States, to support commitment to GA Lake Chad Basin event [in lead up to 23 Sept]