Ces indications sont valables pour le rapportage HRP (sous ORS pour certains) et pour le rapportage HPM / SitRep, pour les résultats du cluster et de l’UNICEF.

Il s’agit des enfants déscolarisés à cause de la crise qui ont accès à l’éducation dans un environnement sût et protecteur ; dans les Espaces temporaires construits ou réhabilités ou dans les écoles hôtes à travers la réponse du gouvernement (résultats cluster).

Si le gouvernement ouvre des écoles et classes aux déplacés / réfugiés qui n’ont pas accès à d’autres écoles / ETA (non rapportés sous l’indicateur accès) ; ces enfants doivent être comptés comme atteints pas le cluster à travers l’accès.

Les enfants considérés sont les réfugiés, les déplacés, les retournés et les populations hôtes en âge scolaire (3 ans à 17 ans) qui sont déscolarisés à cause de la crise.

Lorsqu’un espace temporaire d’apprentissage est construit, il est demandé de compter les enfants ayant réellement accès. Si pour différentes raisons les écoles ou espaces temporaires d’apprentissage sont fermées (grève, absentéisme…), il faut continuer à compter les enfants qui ont eu accès à l’éducation avant la fermeture, par contre on ne compte pas les enfants qui n’ont pas pu avoir accès en raison de cette fermeture.

Le rapportage se fait mensuellement de janvier à décembre et non suivant l’année scolaire. L’indicateur doit être désagrégé par genre et par admin. La méthode de calcul est la dernière donnée ce qui signifie que la valeur mensuelle rapportée doit être égale ou supérieure à la valeur du mois précédent. Seuls les enfants ayant nouvellement accès sont ajoutés au rapportage précédent. Ainsi au mois de mai si on rapporte 50,000 enfants, cela signifie qu’entre janvier et mai 50,000 enfants ont eu accès à l’éducation (les enfants qui ont quitté l’école pour diverses raisons ne sont pas déduits).

Précisions

Cas des enfants inscrits durant l’année scolaire 2015-2016, situation à la rentrée 2016 ? ACCES = s’ils sont encore en besoin d’accès (relocalisation, autre déplacement, etc.), on peut rapporter que le même enfant qui était déjà scolarisé l’année dernière a bénéficié de l’accès cette année aussi.

QUALITE = si nous assurons une nouvelle distribution de matériel, les enfants bénéficiaires doivent être comptés une seule fois et dans le narratif nous devons expliquer qu’il y a une plusieurs distributions.

Autrement dit au moment de la rentrée scolaire on compte seulement les enfants qui n’avaient pas accès l’année précédente. Ceux qui étaient à l’école précédemment ne sont pas en besoin d’accès, ils peuvent être comptés pour les matériels s’ils sont ciblés par la distribution.

Cas d’un nouveau projet qui débute au moment de la rentrée scolaire et qui donne accès à des enfants qui avaient déjà accès durant l’année scolaire précédente. Si le nouveau projet porte sur la construction et les enfants se déplacent d’une école à l’autre dans la même localité, ils ne doivent pas être comptés deux fois s’il s’agit des mêmes enfants. Toutefois, si les raisons de la duplication de l'accès sont fortes, on peut expliquer pourquoi nous avons construit deux fois pour les mêmes enfants. Le problème est que les autres enfants n'ont pas été atteints et nous construisons toujours pour les même (ce qui peut poser des problèmes par rapport aux cibles)

Cas des enfants qui changent d’école (notamment au moment de la rentrée scolaire) pour intégrer un Espace Temporaire d’apprentissage nouvellement construit par UNICEF ? S’il s’agit d’enfants déplacés on les compte parmi les nouveaux inscrits. Lorsque l’on construit un ETA il est difficile de contrôler qui l’utilise. Nous décourageons le double compte mais cela doit être des cas individuels et sporadiques. Lorsque nous construisons un ETA, nous construisons pour les enfants dans le besoin et nous rapportons comptant les enfants qui fréquentent ces espaces.

#####

This information is valid for HRP reporting (under ORS for some countries) and for HPM / SitRep reporting, for cluster and UNICEF results.

These are out of school children because of the crisis who have access to education in a safe and protective environment; in the Temporary Learning Spaces built or rehabilitated or in the host schools through the government's response (cluster results).

If the government opens schools and classrooms to IDPs/ refugees who did not have access to other schools/ TLS (i.e. not reported for before under access) – these children should be counted as ‘reached by cluster through access’.

The children considered are refugees, IDPs, returnees and host populations of school age (3 years to 17 years) out of school because of crisis.

When a temporary learning space is built, it is required to count the children who have really access to education. If for various reasons the classes are not fulfilled nor do not take place (strike), it is necessary to continue counting the children who had access before the closure, but we don’t count the children who have not been able to access education because of this closure. Reporting is done monthly from January to December and not according to the school year. The indicator should be disaggregated by gender and by admin. The calculation method is the latest data which means that the figure reported monthly must be equal to or greater than the value of the previous month. Only newly accessed children are added to the previous report. Thus, in May, if 50,000 children are reported, this means that between January and May 50,000 children have had access to education (children who have left school for various reasons are not deducted). Precisions Cases of children enrolled during the 2015-2016 school year, situation at the beginning of 2016 school year? ACCESS= If they are in need of accessing education again (i.e. relocation, further displacement etc) yes we can report that the same child who was already in school last year has been provided with access this year.

QUALITY = If we are providing a new round of supply distribution they should be counted once and in the narrative we should be explained that 2 sets of materials reached the children In other words, at the beginning of the school year we count only children who did not have access the previous year. The ones that were in school before are not in need (access), they may be counted for the supplies if they are targeted by a round of distribution.

Case of a new project begun at the time of the re-entry which gives access to children who already had access during the previous school year. If the new project is on construction and the kids move from one school to the other the kids should not be counted twice if they are the same kids. However if the reasons for duplicating access is strong, it can be explain why we have built twice for the same children. Bottom line is that the OTHER children have not been reached and we still build for the same one (making our targets stall)

Case of children who change school (especially at the beginning of the school year) to integrate a newly constructed UNICEF Temporary Learning Space. If they are displaced children, they are among the newly enrolled. When we build a TLS it’s difficult to control who use it. We discourage double count it, but these must be individual and sporadic cases. When we build a TLS we build it for the children in need, and we report by multiplying the number of kids who can benefit from the TLS. If the classrooms remain empty for reasons beyond our control (teacher strikes) we still did our job to build to provide access.

Résumé

Les enfants maliens font face à d'innombrables conditions de vie et de société difficiles - y compris la pauvreté chronique, la pénurie alimentaire, la violence et la privation- qui portent atteinte à leur bien-être et au développement positif de la jeunesse. Afin d'adresser ces besoins critiques, UNICEF a inclus en 2015 la résilience comme pilier stratégique clé dans son programme pour le Mali (2015-2019) afin d'aider à sa planification, programmation et politique. En 2014, UNICEF a réuni l'Académie de Direction de la Résilience et du Leadership face au Désastre de Tulane University (TU/DRLA) et l'Université des Sciences, Techniques et Technologie de Bamako (USTTB) afin d’arriver à une compréhension plus approfondie de la résilience de l'enfant au Mali à travers le projet de l'EnfantRésilient: Mali et de son application dans un cadre analytique de résilience.

L'objectif de la collaboration avec L'EnfantRésilient: Mali était de créer, appliquer et valider une approche hautement contextualisée et à méthodes multiples pour une création de connaissance qui capture une compréhension globale et holistique de la résilience chez l'enfant. Le modèle théorique de L'EnfantRésilient : Mali a appliqué les systèmes d'approche de TU/DRLA afin de comprendre la résilience de l'enfant au Mali à travers un processus itératif qui a intègré les connaissances contextuelles, la théorie de la résilience, la métrique et les mesures. Le Cadre analytique de L'EnfantRésilient : Mali a été appliqué à une sélection de communautés afin de créer des connaissances de manière consécutive, chaque investigation apportant davantage d'informations et participant au raffinement de la suivante. Chaque niveau de recherche menée étant bâti sur les recherches précédentes afin d'établir des bases de connaissances contextualisées qui s’inspirent des perspectives des différentes parties prenantes et qui emploient des moyens variés pour collecter les données. Le modèle théorique de L'EnfantRésilient : Mali reflète un procédé par étape qui intègre les priorités locales, l'engagement des parties prenantes clé, et le développement d'un indicateur sur mesure afin de produire des moyens de mesure adaptés au contexte qui puissent révéler les voies vers la résilience.

La revue systématique de documents a concerné 498 documents dont 172 contenaient des recommandations spécifiquement liées à la résilience de l'enfant et focalisées surtout sur les meilleures pratiques en termes d'éducation et de santé de l'enfant. L’entretien qualitatif avec les parties prenantes était fait de groupes de discussion focalisés (FGDs) et d'entretiens avec les intervenants clé (EAIs), ce qui a aidé à façonner les connaissances contextuelles et contribuer au développement d'un modèle théorique et une métrique adaptée. Une enquête transversale quantitative a été menée dans 1 069 ménages dans 15 villages à travers trois régions: Gao au nord du pays, Mopti au centre et Sikasso au sud. L'enquête visait à créer une compréhension plus poussée des facteurs au niveau de l'individu, du ménage et de la communauté qui contribuent à la résilience au Mali. Ces outils fondamentaux de la recherche ont été renforcés par des analyses statistiques poussées afin de mieux comprendre les indicateurs et les voies vers la résilience de l'enfant au Mali.

L'équipe de l'EnfantRésilient : Mali suppose que la "résilience de l'enfant" représente un jeu de ressources mesurables et de capacités dans des contextes variés auxquels les enfants ont recours pour faire face aux chocs et aux sources de stress. Cette supposition est représentée dans l'équation mathématique ci-après, qui représente l'indice de la résilience et qui comprend les ressources et les capacités de l'individu (l'enfant), du ménage et de la communauté.

Rt = f (IPPCt , HHCt , CCt)1 Les résultats cumulés de résilience diffèrent de manière significative selon la région (p<.001). Sikasso a un résultat de résilience bien supérieur à Gao ou Mopti. Les différences ont été importantes à travers les régions pour toutes les dimensions de la résilience (le développement de l'enfant, le fonctionnement des ménages et les ressources de la communauté), à l'exception de la participation communautaire. Les niveaux de signification sont restés au niveau p<.001, à l'exception des symptômes de la dépression chez l'enfant qui représentent des différences importantes à travers les régions au niveau p<.01.

Afin d'établir des voies statistiquement significatives vers la résilience de l'enfant au Mali, l'équipe de l'EnfantRésilient : Mali a utilisé la Modélisation d'Equation Structurelle (SEM) afin de confirmer les relations et associations entre les différentes dimensions de la résilience qui ont pu être observées. Cette analyse de voies a incorporé le traçage de facteurs ayant des liens directs entre les différentes strates (individuelles, ménages et communautaires) ainsi que les relations qui ont été supposées comme étant modérées à travers elles ou corrélées avec d'autres dimensions importantes de la résilience.

Bien que de nombreux modèles de voies aient été développés, un modèle qui liait l'accès aux services d'éducation et leur qualité à la fréquentation scolaire de l'enfant a été déconstruit afin de proposer une compréhension plus approfondie des dimensions de la résilience et des éléments spécifiques qui prédisent la fréquentation scolaire de l’enfant. Une hausse de la fréquentation scolaire de l'enfant est associée de manière étroite et directe avec le soutien parental, le niveau de richesse du ménage, une amélioration de l'eau et des installations sanitaires et une cohésion sociale dans la communauté. Des investissements dans des programmes de soutien à ces domaines (soutien parental, niveau de richesse, eau et installations sanitaires dans les ménages et une cohésion sociale) donnerait lieu à de meilleurs résultats pour la fréquentation scolaire de l'enfant au Mali et élargirait les efforts de programmations au-delà des investissements sectoriels spécifiques du secteur de l'éducation.

Cependant, pour arriver à une compréhension plus approfondie des moteurs de la résilience de l'enfant au Mali, une analyse de régression logistique a été menée sur des coefficients de saturation de quatre indicateurs proximaux de la fréquentation scolaire de l'enfant - le soutien parental, le niveau de richesse, la cohésion sociale, et les éléments individuels d'eau et d'assainissement des ménages. En termes de soutien parental, tous les éléments de l'échelle ont été associés de manière significative à la fréquentation scolaire de l'enfant et comprenaient le degré de facilité avec laquelle les parents communiquent avec leurs enfants et leur capacité à les engager de manière plus active dans la communication. Le niveau de richesse du ménage, en termes d'atouts de bases, tels que les tables, les chaises et la radio, était un indicateur positif de la fréquentation scolaire de l'enfant de même que les éléments de cohésion sociale liés à une confiance généralisée aux voisins et à la communauté. En termes d'eau du ménage et d'assainissement, l'amélioration de l'eau potable était associée de manière importante à la fréquentation scolaire de l'enfant.

Ces découvertes offrent une compréhension plus affinée des chemins spécifiques vers des résultats spécifiques de voies vers la résilience de l'enfant et, plus important encore, de l'interconnexion entre les secteurs qui pourraient être utilisés stratégiquement pour contribuer directement à la résilience de l'enfant. Ces informations mènent à des recommandations importantes de programmations et de prise de décisions concernant les politiques qui cherchent à renforcer le développement stratégique des efforts afin d'améliorer la résilience de l'enfant de manière à maximiser le bénéfice de l'investissement et l'impact.

L'équipe de l'EnfantRésilient : Mali recommande d'inclure des échelles de dimensions sélectionnées de la résilience et des indices dans des enquêtes au niveau national afin d'offrir un pouvoir accru d'analyse et de spécificité des découvertes pour les efforts à venir des modélisations de voies. Ce niveau d'analyse de données offrira une connaissance plus étendue des relations entre les différentes dimensions de la résilience et augmentera la compréhension des multiples facteurs qui peuvent renforcer la résilience des enfants. Le modèle théorique de L'EnfantRésilient : Mali offre une base solide pour des prises de mesure constantes et une création de connaissance dans la recherche sur la résilience, mettant à la disposition des personnes qui prendront les décisions l'information dont elles ont besoin pour améliorer les programmations ciblées et pour arriver aux résultats souhaités d'enfants, de familles et de communautés plus résilients au Mali et dans le reste du monde.

Executive Summary

Malian children face myriad challenging life and societal conditions and demands— including chronic poverty, food insecurity, violence, and deprivation—that affect their wellbeing and positive youth development. To address this critical need, in 2015, UNICEF included resilience as a key strategic pillar in its Mali country program (2015−2019) to support planning, programming, and policy. In 2014, UNICEF brought together Tulane University’s Disaster Resilience Leadership Academy (TU/DRLA) and the University of Science, Techniques and Technology of Bamako (USTTB) to generate greater understanding of child resilience in Mali through the ResilientChild: Mali project and the application of a resilience analytical framework.

The purpose of the ResilientChild: Mali collaboration was to design, apply, and validate a highly contextualized, multi-method approach to knowledge creation that captured a holistic and comprehensive understanding of child resilience. The ResilientChild: Mali project applied the TU/DRLA systems approach to understand child resilience in Mali through an iterative process that integrated contextual knowledge, resilience theory and metrics, and measurement. This ResilientChild:
Mali Analytical Framework was applied to select communities to build knowledge sequentially, with each investigation informing and refining the next. Each level of discovery and new knowledge built on prior findings to establish a foundation of contextualized knowledge that drew on different stakeholder perspectives and employed multiple means of data collection. The ResilientChild: Mali Analytical Framework reflects a step-by-step process that integrates local priorities, key stakeholder engagement, and tailored indicator development to produce contextually relevant measures of pathways to resilience.

The systematic document review comprised 498 documents, of which 172 contained specific recommendations related to child resilience, and focused mainly on best practice in terms of child education and child health. Qualitative stakeholder engagement comprised focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs), which helped shape contextual knowledge and contribute to the development of a theoretical model and appropriate metrics.

A cross-sectional quantitative survey was administered to 1,069 households in 15 villages across three regions: Gao in the north of the country, Mopti in the center, and Sikasso in the south. The survey sought to better understand the individual, household, and community factors that contribute to child resilience in Mali.

These basic research tools were supplemented by advanced statistical analyses to better understand the predictors of and pathways to child resilience in Mali.

The ResilientChild: Mali Analytical Framework assumes that “child resilience” represents a set of measureable resources and capacities in varying contexts that children use to respond to shocks and stressors. This assumption is represented in the mathematical equation below, representing the resilience index, which comprises individual (child), household, and community resources and capacities.

Rt = f (IPPCt , HHCt , CCt)1 The cumulative resilience scores differed significantly by region (p<.001). Sikasso had a significantly higher resilience score than either Gao or Mopti. Differences were significant across all regions for all resilience dimensions (child development, household functioning and community resources), with the exception of community participation. Significance levels were consistent at the p<.001 level, with the exception of child depressive symptoms, for which differences across regions were significant at the p<.01 level.

In order to establish statistically significant pathways to child resilience in Mali, the ResilientChild: Mali team used Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to confirm the relationships and associations among the various observed resilience dimensions.

This pathway analysis included mapping factors with direct links among the various strata (individual, household, community) as well as relationships that were theorized to be moderated through or correlated with other important resilience dimensions.

Although numerous pathway models were developed, one model that linked access to and quality of education services to child school attendance was dissected to provide a deeper understanding of the resilience dimensions and specific elements that predict child school attendance. Increased child school attendance is associated strongly and directly with parental support, household wealth, improved household water and sanitation facilities, and social cohesion within the community. Programming investments in these areas (parental support, wealth, household water and sanitation, and social cohesion) would result in improved outcomes around child school attendance in Mali, expanding programming efforts beyond sector-specific investments in the education sector.

However, in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of the drivers of child resilience in Mali, a logistic regression analysis was run on the factor loadings of four proximal predictors of child school attendance—parental support, wealth, social cohesion, and individual elements of household water and sanitation. In terms of parental support, all elements of this scale were significantly associated with child school attendance and comprise parents’ comfort in communicating with their children and ability to engage them more actively in communication. Household wealth, in terms of the basic assets of tables, chairs, and a radio, was a positive predictor of child school attendance, as were elements of social cohesion related to general trust in neighbors and community. In terms of household water and sanitation, improved drinking water was significantly associated with child school attendance. These finding provide more granular understanding of specific pathways to select child resilience outcomes and more important, of the interconnectedness among sectors that could be leveraged strategically to contribute directly to child resilience. These findings led to important programming and policy recommendations that seek to strengthen strategic development efforts to enhance child resilience in a way that maximizes investment and impact.

The ResilientChild: Mali team recommends including select resilience dimension scales and indices in national-level surveys to provide greater power of analysis and specificity of findings for future pathway modeling efforts. This level of data analysis will provide greater insight into the relationships among various resilience dimensions and enhance understanding of the multitude of factors that can strengthen the resilience of children. The ResilientChild: Mali Analytical Framework provides a sound basis for ongoing measurement and knowledge creation in resilience research, equipping decision makers with information needed to improve targeted programming and ultimately achieve the desired outcome of more resilient children, families, and communities in Mali and beyond.

Published by the Initiative for Disaster and Fragility Resilience (IDFR), the Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University

ABIDJAN DECLARATION: TWO YEARS DOWN THE LINE

West Africa celebrates the 2 nd anniversary of the Abidjan Declaration on the eradication of statelessness. Over the last two years, the region achieved significant progress as illustrated below:

CELEBRATING THE 2ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION

In February, West Africa celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of the Abidjan Declaration, a regional commitment in support of the global campaign to end statelessness. Activities took place across the region, ranging from TV shows, University debates, press releases and visual campaigns. The region once again showed its support and enthusiasm towards the Declaration.

Regional Celebration of the Abidjan Declaration

ECOWAS and UNHCR organised a high level panel in Abuja to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the Abidjan Declaration. The 15 Ambassadors of the ECOWAS member states and international agencies attended the event. High Level ECOWAS officials underscored the importance of the Abidjan Declaration, and called upon States to make a step forward towards the eradication of statelessness by adopting a legally binding instrument. Great emphasis was also placed the necessity of regional cooperation, the most effective way to put an end to the scourge of statelessness in West Africa.

• In Senegal, the government and UNHCR issued a joint press release in which Senegal reinforced its commitment to end statelessness. On the date of the anniversary, one of the most popular TV channels in the country broadcasted a special show on statelessness presented by High Profile Supporter Aby Ndour. The program featured a discussion with UNHCR, parliament representatives, and artists such as Bideew Bou Bess and Cheikh Lo, on the causes of and solutions to statelessness.

• In Burkina Faso, messages on statelessness were sent to the general public via SMS in an effort to mass sensitize the population on the issue. In addition, UNHCR provided registration materials to the civil registry center in the Sahel region, where a large number of undocumented Malian refugees reside. The objective was to strengthen the capacity of the registration center while sensitizing both the authorities and the population on the risks of statelessness.

• In Ghana, UNHCR organized a series of awareness-raising activities targeting the media and the general public. A media forum on ‘Addressing Statelessness in the Ghanaian Context’ was attended by the BBC and other major media outlets. In the days leading up to the Anniversary, the issue of statelessness in Ghana was covered via radio, TV and print media. A debate organized by ‘Friends of UNHCR’ – a volunteer-based initiative aimed at engaging university students – took place among journalists and the general public on the issue of proof of nationality.

• In Côte d’Ivoire, UNHCR was engaged in a media campaign to sensitize the public about statelessness. UNHCR published a press release and launched a video on the national channel, RTI, which included appearances by various well-known Ivorian personalities.

• In Guinea-Bissau, the popular singer, Binham, helped to spread the message about statelessness during his 4 concerts in the towns of Bissau, Gabú and Bafatá. The singer, who has been increasingly supportive of UNHCR’s efforts, used his concerts advocate for eradicating statelessness and to distribute informational materials. His charisma and energetic performances were invaluable in assisting UNHCR to spread the message across Guinea-Bissau.

• In Guinea, the Committee to End Statelessness and UNHCR organized a visual campaign, by placing banners and posters in strategic points throughout Conakry and Nzérékoré, including at the airport, town halls, ministries, and at civil society organizations.

• In Ekpoma town, in southern Nigeria, the Faculty of Law at Ambrose Alli University celebrated the anniversary by presenting a seminar paper titled “The Eradication of Statelessness in West Africa: The Role of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.” After the seminar, participants continued to sensitize students on statelessness.

• On 10 March 2017, Togo UNHCR held a meeting with government and civil society representatives to assess the current level of implementation of the Abidjan Declaration in Togo. The government adopted a roadmap, and prioritised two actions: the accession to both Conventions, and adoption, by decree, of the National Action Plan.

LA DECLARATION D’ABIDJAN : DEUX ANS APRES

L'Afrique de l'Ouest célèbre le deuxième anniversaire de la Déclaration d'Abidjan portant sur l'éradication de l'apatridie. Au cours des deux dernières années, la région a réalisé d'importants progrès comme illustré ci-dessous :

CELEBRATION DU 2EME ANNIVERSAIRE DE LA DECLARATION

En février l’Afrique de l’Ouest a célébré le 2ème anniversaire de la Déclaration d’Abidjan, un engagement régional qui s’insère dans la campagne mondiale de lutte contre l’apatridie. A cette occasion des activités ont eu lieu dans toute la région: des émissions télévisées aux débats universitaires en passant par la publication de communiqués de presse et l’élaboration de campagnes médiatiques. A travers cette célébration, les Etats membres de la CEDEAO ont à nouveau manifesté leur intérêt et leur engagement pour la mise en œuvre de la Déclaration d’Abidjan.

Célébration de la déclaration d’Abidjan dans toute la région

La CEDEAO et le HCR ont organisé un panel de haut niveau à Abuja au Nigeria, siège de la CEDEAO, pour célébrer les deux ans de la Déclaration d’Abidjan. Les 15 Ambassadeurs des Etats membres de la CEDEAO ainsi que des représentants d’organisations internationales ont répondu présents. Les officiels de la CEDEAO ont réaffirmé l’importance de la Déclaration et appelé les Etats à franchir une nouvelle étape dans la lutte contre l’apatridie en adoptant un instrument juridiquement contraignant. L’accent a également été mis sur la nécessité de renforcer la coopération régionale, qui s’avère indispensable pour mettre fin au fléau de l’apatridie en Afrique de l’Ouest.

• Au Sénégal, le gouvernement et le HCR ont publié un communiqué de presse commun dans lequel l’Etat réitère son engagement et sa volonté de mettre fin à l'apatridie. En outre, à la date de l’anniversaire de la Déclaration, une des chaines de télévision la plus populaire du pays a diffusé une émission spécialement dédiée à l'apatridie. Aby Ndour, High Profile Supporter anima les discussions entre le HCR, des représentants du parlement et des artistes engagés que sont Bideew Bou Bess, Cheikh Lo sur les causes de l’apatridie et les solutions envisagées à l’échelle nationale.

• Au Burkina Faso, des messages sur l’apatridie ont été envoyés au grand public par SMS dans l’optique de sensibiliser le plus grand nombre de personnes sur la question. De plus, le HCR a mis à disposition de l’état civil de la région du Sahel, où résident un nombre important de réfugiés maliens sans documents d’état civil, du matériel nécessaire pour faciliter l’enregistrement des naissances. L’objectif était de renforcer les capacités du centre tout en sensibilisant les autorités et la population civile sur les risques d’apatridie.

• Au Ghana le HCR a multiplié les activités de sensibilisation auprès des medias et du grand public. La BBC ainsi que d’autres organes de presse ont participé à un forum sur la thématique de «la lutte contre l’apatridie au Ghana ». La couverture médiatique sur l’apatridie a été particulièrement importante à la télévision comme à la radio et dans la presse écrite les jours précédant le 25 février. Enfin «les amis du HCR » -une initiative bénévole visant à promouvoir l’engagement étudiant- a organisé un débat sur l’apatridie. Les participants, les journalistes et le grand public ont pu échanger sur la problématique des preuves de la nationalité.

• En Côte d'Ivoire, le HCR s’est appuyé sur une campagne médiatique pour sensibiliser le grand public. Le HCR publia un communiqué de presse et diffusa une vidéo sur la chaine nationale RTI mettant en scène des personnalités ivoiriennes.

• En Guinée-Bissau, le chanteur de renommée nationale, Binham s’est affiché comme porte-parole de l’apatridie, en diffusant des messages au cours de quatre de ses concerts dans les villes de Bissau, Gabú et Bafatá. Le chanteur, qui soutient de plus en plus les efforts du HCR s’est non seulement placé en fervent défenseur de la lutte contre l’apatridie sur scène mais a également participé à la distribution de documents d’information. Son énergie et son charisme constituent une réelle plus-value dans les dynamiques de conscientisation de l’opinion publique en Guinée-Bissau.

• En Guinée, le Comité en charge des questions d’apatridie a organisé conjointement avec le HCR une campagne visuelle, affichant ainsi des banderoles et des posters dans des endroits stratégiques tels que les aéroports, les mairies et les ministères ainsi que dans les bureaux d’organisations de la société civile à Conakry et à Nzérékoré.

• A Ekpoma town, au sud du Nigeria, la faculté de droit de l’Université Ambrose Alli a organisé un séminaire autour d’un document rédigé par un professeur de droit de l’université, «L’éradication de l’apatridie en Afrique de l’Ouest : le rôle du Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies pour les réfugiés». Après le séminaire, les participants ont entamé des activités de sensibilisation auprès des étudiants.

• Au Togo, le 10 Mars, des représentants du gouvernement et de la société civile se sont réunis pour évaluer la mise en œuvre de la déclaration au niveau national. Les représentants du gouvernement ont adopté une feuille de route et se sont engagés à donner une priorité immédiate à l’adhésion aux deux conventions ainsi qu’à l’adoption par décret du Plan d’Action National.

KEY FIGURES

141,450 Malian refugees in Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Niger

21,000 Total number of returned refugees in Mali in need of cash assistance

45,766 IDPs in Mali

FUNDING

USD 92.9 million required by UNHCR for the situation in 2017

HIGHLIGHTS

• In Mali, UNHCR assisted the voluntary return of 247 refugees in the regions of Gao, Ménaka, Mopti and Timbuktu regions, despite the deterioration of the security situation in northern and central Mali.

• In Burkina Faso, in response to a lack of public lighting in both Goudoubo and Mentao refugee camps, UNHCR has installed solar energy to contribute to improving the safety of refugees, especially women and girls.

• In Mauritania, while refugees from Mali continued to arrive in Mbera refugee camp, with over 2,300 new arrivals between December 2016 and February 2017, monthly food rations for refugees continued to be cut due to reduced funding.

• In Niger, following the closure of the refugee hosting area of Tazalit in November 2016,
  UNHCR and authorities organized, in January 2017, the voluntary relocation of over 3,600 Malian refugees from Tazalit to the Intikane refugee hosting area

In Nairobi:

Neha Sud

Phone: +254-20-293-7403

E-mail: NSud@ifc.org

In Washington:

Elizabeth Price

Phone: +1-202-458-0387

E-mail: EPrice@ifc.org

Nairobi, April 3, 2017 — IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a combined investment and mobilization of $11 million into Kenyan company Insta Products, which produces ready-to-use therapeutic food. A high-calorie fortified peanut paste, the food is used for emergency feeding by relief organizations, like UNICEF and the World Food Program, to treat people suffering from acute malnutrition across East Africa and Yemen.

Amid the worst famine crisis since 1945, close to 70 percent of Insta’s therapeutic foods are being used to treat drought-related malnutrition in Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda.

Nearly half of all deaths in children under five years can be attributed to malnutrition. Malnutrition in children can lead to poor cognitive development, learning capacities and increased risk of mortality. UNICEF estimates that 36 percent of children in East and Southern Africa show signs of stunted growth.

IFC mobilized investment will help Insta expand its operations and supply its therapeutic food to an additional 350,000 people annually, in emergency zones in East Africa and beyond. Insta is currently the largest manufacturer of ready-to-use therapeutic food in East Africa, and a top five supplier to UNICEF globally.

“IFC’s investment will allow Insta to ramp up its production of therapeutic food to reach more people suffering from malnutrition in conflict-affected areas and emergency zones. You cannot imagine the difference IFC’s vote of confidence is creating in Insta’s performance and the results in the lives of these little children,” said Dhiren Chandaria, CEO of Insta Products.

Oumar Seydi, IFC Director for Eastern and Southern Africa said, “Insta’s products are helping people afflicted with acute hunger in the drought-affected Horn of Africa. IFC is committed helping private companies like Insta to be part of the solution on crisis relief alongside governments and humanitarian agencies.”

As part of the $11 million investment, $3.5 million will be provided through the IFC’s Global Agriculture and Food Security Program. Donor partners to the program are the governments of Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, the U.K. and the U.S. This funding makes it possible for IFC to support projects with strong focus on food security and poverty reduction. An additional $4 million of the mobilized funding is provided by IFU, the Danish investment fund for developing countries.

“We are very pleased to provide financing for Insta, as their products are extremely important in combating acute hunger and helping vulnerable people to survive,” said Tommy Thomsen, CEO of IFU.

Supporting agribusiness and food security are cornerstones of IFC’s strategy in Africa. Agriculture employs over half of Africa’s labor force, and has a strong impact on reducing poverty and driving economic growth. The World Bank estimates that by 2030, agriculture could develop into a $1.0 trillion industry in Sub-Saharan Africa.

About IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our six decades of experience to create opportunity where it’s needed most. In FY16, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $19 billion, leveraging our capital, expertise and influence to help the private sector end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

About Insta Products

Insta Products is a privately owned Kenyan food business manufacturing foods for the food assistance market since 2003. Since 2009, It has been manufacturing excellent quality, reasonably priced, ready to eat foods (“RUTF and RUSF”) that provide essential nutrition to high need populations. These foods are purchased and distributed by food aid organizations, NGO’s and distributed worldwide. The workers and shareholders are passionately committed to manufacturing the highest quality, safest, and most nutritious food aid products available.

Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP)

The Global Agriculture and Food Security Program is a multilateral mechanism to assist in the implementation of pledges made by the global community to support country-led investment plans. GAFSP Private Sector Window (PSW) plays a catalytic role by supporting private sector investment projects and promoting sustainable agriculture in developing countries. GAFSP aims to improve the livelihoods of SMEs and small hold farmers through sustainable solutions to improve access to finance and reduce risks in agriculture. GAFSP is funded by five donors including the Netherlands, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom through DFID, and the United States.

About IFU

IFU – Investment Fund for Developing Countries provides risk capital and advice to companies wishing to set up business in Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity and loans. The purpose is to promote economic and social development in the investment countries. IFU acts as fund manager for amongst other the Danish Climate Investment Fund and the Danish Agribusiness Fund. IFU’s head office is located in Copenhagen, and regional offices are located in China, Singapore, India, South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Colombia and Ukraine. For more information, see www.ifu.dk.

I. Introduction

1. By its resolution 2295 (2016), the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) until 30 June 2017 and requested me to report on a quarterly b asis on its implementation, focusing on progress in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and the efforts of MINUSMA to support it.

II. Major political developments

Implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali

2. The signatory parties to the peace agreement implemented some of the political and security interim measures provided for therein by establishing interim authorities in three of the five northern regions and launching mixed patrols. The progress occurred against a backdrop of intensifying attacks on the parties by actors outside the peace process. A collapse of the peace process was feared when a deadly terrorist attack in Gao on 18 January killed 54 members of the mixed patrols. Instead, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to the process and constructively engaged in dialogue. The efforts by the international mediation team and the effective use by MINUSMA of its good -offices mandate played a significant role in helping the parties to achieve tangible results on the ground. Nevertheless, progress in key areas towards the stabilization of the country, such as the restoration of State authority in the central and northern regions and security sector reform, remained limited. The div ergence of views between the Government and the signatory armed groups on the duration of the interim period, the objectives and scope of the national reconciliation conference, the holding of elections and the status of splinter armed groups remained.

3. The work of the Agreement Monitoring Committee continued, albeit with continued tensions between the signatory parties, amid intense engagement by the international mediation team to bring the parties together. Further to the withdrawal of the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA) from the Committee on 20 December, the international mediation team, including MINUSMA, continued to encourage the group to resume its participation. On 16 January, MINUSMA and other stakeholders met the CMA leaders in Kidal and stressed the need to engage. CMA deplored what it saw as a lack of inclusiveness in the decision -making of the implementation process and delays in implementing interim measures, among other issues. It maintained its request for a high-level meeting to be held outside Bamako to overcome the stalemate. The fifteenth meeting of the Committee was held on 30 January in Bamako without the presence of CMA. Halfway through the meeting, the representatives of the Platform coalition of armed groups walked ou t in solidarity with CMA.

4. The Government nonetheless agree to hold a high -level meeting of the Agreement Monitoring Committee in Bamako in February. Subsequently, the international mediation team met the three signatory parties bilaterally to stress th e importance of engaging in good faith to break the stalemate in the peace process. On 31 January, the signatory parties agreed to establish a tripartite working group, led by the Chair of the Committee, to prepare for the high -level meeting. From 7 to 9 February, meetings of the working group were held in Bamako, facilitated by the international mediation team. Participants prepared a position paper identifying hurdles to implementing the peace agreement with recommendations on ways to address them. The Mission provided technical, logistical and financial support to the meetings.

5. On 10 February, the Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Algeria, Ramtane Lamamra, the lead mediator, convened a high - level meeting of the Agreement Monitoring Committee. The delegation of the Government of Mali was headed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and African Integration, Abdoulaye Diop, and included the Minister of Defence and Veterans ’ Affairs, the Minister for Security and Civil Protection and the Minister for Decentralization and State Reform. The Ombudsman of Mali, Baba Hakim Haïdara, and the High Representative of the President for the implementation of the peace agreement, Mahamadou Diagourag a, also attended. CMA and the Platform were represented at the highest level. Among the international mediation team, ministers from the Governments of Algeria, Mauritania and the Niger attended, as did high-level representatives of the African Union, the Government of France and MINUSMA.

6. The meeting generated a renewed impetus for the implementation of the peace agreement by reaching agreement on a new timeline and arrangements for key pending interim measures, namely the establishment of the interim authorities in the five northern regions between 13 and 20 February and the launch of mixed patrols, beginning with Gao on 20 February. Participants also agreed on the allocation of positions for the interim authorities and transitional councils. The Gover nment committed itself to consulting the signatory armed groups on the constitutional review, aligning the status of the armed groups ’ combatants participating in the mixed patrols to that of the Malian armed forces, compensating the families of the victims of the attack of 18 January on the Operational Coordination Mechanism in Gao, providing for the sustenance of combatants at the camps of the Mechanism in Gao, Kidal and Timbuktu and reviewing the appointments made for the regional offices of the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission and the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission, in consultation with the signatory armed groups. Participants also agreed to create a high -level consultation framework to ensure adequate follo w-up between the meetings of the Agreement Monitoring Committee under the leadership of the High Representative of the President, ensure an inclusive consultation on the organization of the national reconciliation conference and appoint an independent obse rver as soon as possible.

7. The signatory parties eventually agreed on the composition of the interim authorities for the five regions on 15 February. The Government named a CMA member to head the interim authority in the Kidal region, a member of the Mouvement pour le salut de l ’ Azawad to head the transitional council for the Ménaka region and its own representative to head the transitional council for the Taoudenni region. The Platform and CMA nominated their own members to head the interim authorities for the Gao and Timbuktu regions, respectively. Only one woman was appointed, as the first vice-president of the transitional council for the Ménaka region. The appointment of a member of the Mouvement pour le salut de l ’Azawad for the Ménaka region notwithstanding, other splinter groups continued to express concern at their exclusion from the appointments.

8. The establishment of the interim authority in the Kidal region was postponed on 18 February after objections on the part of CMA to the appointment o f a new governor for the region on the eve of the inauguration ceremony, citing his alleged link to the Groupe d ’autodéfense des Touaregs Imghad et leurs alliés. CMA also boycotted the launch of mixed patrols in Gao on 20 February. On 24 February, the High Representative of the President announced that the signatory parties had agreed on a new timeline for the establishment of the interim authorities. The inauguration was conducted in Kidal on 28 February and Gao and Ménaka on 2 March, but was postponed indefinitely for Timbuktu and Taoudenni owing to an outbreak of hostilities. On 5 March, two factions of the Mouvement arabe de l ’Azawad, each associated with CMA and the Platform, attacked two checkpoints of the Malian armed forces on the outskirts of Timbuk tu before occupying them for five days. They objected to the nomination of a government representative to head the transitional council for the Taoudenni region, a region largely dominated by the Arab community. MINUSMA immediately issued a statement in wh ich it condemned the ceasefire violations, strengthened its presence in Timbuktu and deployed military observers to assess the situation, while the signatory parties dispatched a mixed monitoring and verification team. At the time of writing, negotiations among the signatory parties to resolve the issue were continuing.

9. The Government advanced the preparations for the organization of the national reconciliation conference. On 13 February, the Chair of the preparatory committee, Mr. Haïdara, nominated its members from ministries, civil society and women ’s organizations, consisting of 32 per cent women and representing various ethnicities. As agreed at the high- level meeting, he met the leaders of the signatory armed groups on 14 February to reiterate the invitation to them to nominate representatives. Both CMA and the Platform agreed and stressed the need to establish the interim authorities and advance cantonment and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration before convening the conference. They also maintained their stance that the question of Azawad should be discussed. The opposition parties expressed concern over the tight timeline for the organization of the conference and cautioned that focusing only on issues relating to the north would further divide the country. Civil society representatives called for more inclusion of women and young people in the conference and its preparation. Mr. Haïdara conducted regional consultations in the northern regions, except in Kidal, from 10 to 15 February and in some of the southern and central regions from 18 to 24 February. MINUSMA and experts from the Mediation Support Unit provided technical and logistical assistance to the preparatory committee, including for its regional consultations and awareness -raising campaign. On 18 March, the Council of Ministers announced that the conference would be held between 27 March and 2 April in Bamako. The next day, CMA and the Platform jointly addressed a letter to the head of the Agreement Monitoring Committee, expressing concern over what they perceived as a lack of inclusive consultations on the planning of the conference and noting the absence of the interim authorities in the Taoudenni and Timbuktu regions and the pending consultations in the Kidal region. On 27 March, the conference opened without the participation of the opposition parties and CMA. CMA subsequently agreed to participate in the conference further to an agreement reached with the Government on the modalities governing the conference.

10. CMA remained involved in preparing the launch of mixed patrols in Gao, even though it had suspended its participation in the Agreement Monitoring Committee in December. A first group of 113 CMA elements, with a MINUSMA escort, began to deploy to Gao from Kidal on 28 Dec ember, arriving at the disarmament and registration site in Gao on 5 January. To include previously excluded groups, the Government proposed to add 150 additional members to the Operational Coordination Mechanism (75 each for CMA and the Platform). MINUSMA screened, vetted and registered the CMA combatants and those arriving later from Ber, Timbuktu region. The Mission identified 10 children among the CMA and Platform members and is taking appropriate measures, as mentioned in paragraphs 39 and 40 below.

11. The commitment of the signatory parties to the peace process was tested in Gao on 18 January when 54 people were killed and more than 100 injured when a suicide vehicle -borne improvised explosive device exploded inside the Operational Coordination Mechanism camp. The attack came as more than 600 members of the Malian armed forces, CMA and the Platform were preparing to conduct a mixed patrol. Al Mourabitoun, a group affiliated with Al -Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb, claimed responsibility for the attack. I n the immediate aftermath, MINUSMA deployed a quick- reaction force and surveillance air assets, mobilized its medical and casualty evacuation assets and treated victims at its level I medical facility. MINUSMA also supported the Government in reinforcing security around the camp, while engaging with the CMA and Platform leaders. The international mediation team and the signatory parties issued a joint statement in which they condemned the attack following an emergency meeting among them convened by MINUSMA in Bamako. A high-level CMA delegation visited Gao from Kidal, while the Malian authorities, signatory armed groups and the international mediation team met in Gao on 20 January and demonstrated unity and resolve to implement the peace agreement, while com mitting themselves to engaging in a renewed dialogue.

12. On 23 February, the signatory parties launched the first mixed patrols in Gao. On the eve of the launch, they reached a consensus to integrate eight splinter armed groups into the Operational Coord ination Mechanism. From 1 to 3 March, MINUSMA registered 175 combatants from those groups. A total of 175 serviceable weapons were registered and placed under the management of the Mechanism.

13. The National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission and the Commission on Integration became operational on 5 January. Nevertheless, the national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme, adopted by the Government on 8 December, is yet to be fully funded. The Commission on Integrat ion has not yet adopted criteria for the integration of combatants into the national defence and security forces. On 9 February, MINUSMA handed over the first of eight completed cantonment sites in Ber to the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission. MINUSMA continued to assist the Government in meeting the needs of women and children associated with armed groups. In December, the Government appointed a senior defence official, an expert in the protection of women and children, to t he National Disarmament,
Demobilization and Reintegration Commission to ensure the protection of women ’s and children’s rights.

14. The National Council for Security Sector Reform, with MINUSMA support, continued efforts to finalize the concepts for the t erritorial police and local security advisory committees. From 6 to 10 and 13 to 17 February, the United Nations provided training on counter -terrorism and human rights for 50 law enforcement officials, including personnel from the specialized judicial uni t of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, which is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes relating to terrorism and transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking. United Nations entities continued their joint support for the development of a national strategy for the prevention of violent extremism and countering terrorism.

The Horn of Africa is once again hit by drought. It is not the first time but this time it is critical. The current drought is projected to become the worst in decades, even worse than the one that led to the 2011 East Africa famine.[1] The good news, providing hope, is that the situation could be mitigated. However, the tragic reality is that little has been done. There is a need for a long-term solution for the region, which is continuously hit by climate change related events.

ACT Alliance is already present in the Horn of Africa. We are helping locals affected by the drought with essentials such as provision of clean drinking water, hygiene and sanitation, food- and cash assistance, emergency health and livelihood support[2].

The worst affected countries are Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Kenya and Northern Uganda where somewhere between 16 and 20 million people are facing hunger[3]. Some of the countries are taking action themselves to try to mitigate the adverse effects of the drought. Kenya has announced that it intends to double its expenditure on food relief and Uganda has shifted some of its development resources to emergency response.[4]

But much more could be done! Droughts do not have to mean that people have to die. In some parts of the Western world, drought and desertification are also common phenomena exacerbated by climate change. In these places droughts do not lead to millions of people going hungry. In places like Israel and Australia, people have adapted to the dry climate using technologies such as drip-irrigation and solar-powered desalination, which could be applied to the drought-stricken countries in the Horn of Africa. However, more low-tech options such as tree planting and switching away from drought-sensitive crops like maize to more resilient ones such as cassava could also make a difference.[5]

Forecasts indicate that the drought will continue for months to come. Spring rains in the Horn of Africa usually fall from March to May and are followed by a dry season during the summer months. However, this year the spring is expected to bring below average rainfalls, which will prolong the drought and thus the risk of hunger. This means that we can expect the crisis to continue at least until the fall rains in October.[6]

Even then, the trials are far from over. Due to climate change, droughts are going to become more frequent and extreme in the future.[7] In Kenya before 1970 there was a serious drought every ten years or so. This had doubled to once every five years by 1980. Today it happens almost every other year.[8] And even though the current drought is largely a result of the recurring La Niña weather phenomenon, a recent study shows that it was exacerbated by climate change[9].

The need for assistance is huge and much more has to done. First, the international community must act to prevent a full-blown disaster. Second, but equally important, the Horn of Africa needs long-term solutions to be able to adapt to the changing climate. Developed countries, having an historic responsibility for climate change, should increase their support to adaptation in this region. If they do not, climate-related disasters may become the tragic norm in the future.

[1] http://www.undispatch.com/6-million-people-risk-starving-east-africa-climate-change-deserves-part-blame/

[2] ACT Alliance Africa Region – Statement on Horn of Africa Drought

[3] ACT Alliance Africa Region – Statement on Horn of Africa Drought

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/saleh-saeed/dec-appeal-famine-africa_b_15565740.html;

https://www.actionaid.org.uk/blog/news/2017/03/08/east-africa-faces-catastrophic-famine-we-must-act-now

[4] ACT Alliance Africa Region – Statement on Horn of Africa Drought

[5] https://www.israel21c.org/top-10-ways-israel-fights-desertification/; http://inhabitat.com/australian-desert-farm-grows-17000-metric-tons-of-vegetables-with-just-seawater-and-sun/; http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/16/africa/east-africa-drough-el-nino/index.html

[6] http://www.fews.net/east-africa/somalia/special-report/february-21-2017;

http://www.icpac.net/wp-content/uploads/GHACOF45_Statement.pdf

[7] http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/16/africa/east-africa-drough-el-nino/index.html

[8] http://web.unep.org/stories/story/stark-pictures-show-ravaged-land-and-desperate-people-somalia-and-east-africa-face-new-famine

[9] http://www.climatechangenews.com/2017/03/23/kenyan-met-office-predicts-rains-fail-sparking-crisis-worse-2011/;

https://wwa.climatecentral.org/analyses/kenya-drought-2016/

• 2 nd meeting of the LLF Impact Committee in Riyadh approves major pipeline of $242.6 million in development projects for 2017

• Representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, and the Islamic Development Bank agree on project pipeline to lift poorest OIC countries out of poverty

• Projects approved in Tajikistan, Sudan, Djibouti, Niger, Mauritania, Cameroon, Uganda, and Guinea

• LLF is the largest multilateral development initiative in the Middle East and North Africa – releasing $2.5 billion in finance over five years

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 01 April 2017 - Representatives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development, and the Islamic Development Bank approved several development projects for 2017 under the $2.5 billion Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF). The fund is the largest multilateral development initiative in the Middle East and North Africa for poverty alleviation in member countries of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

This second meeting of the Impact Committee of the LLF, which took place on Thursday 30 March, was inaugurated by His Excellency Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabiah, Advisor at the Saudi Royal Court and General Supervisor of King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Aid Center. In attendance were representatives of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the major donors to the LLF: the King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Aid Center (KS Relief), the Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD), Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD). Representatives of the Turkish Red Crescent also attended the meeting as observers on behalf of the Republic of Turkey.

During the meeting, the Impact Committee approved $242.6 million in financing for health, agriculture, and rural infrastructure development projects in eight member countries of the IsDB. The projects are scheduled to be implemented in Tajikistan, Sudan, Djibouti, Niger, Mauritania, Cameroon, Uganda, and Guinea.

Maher Al Hadhrawi, Assistant Supervisor General for Operations and Programs at KS Relief, and Chair of the LLF for its first year of operations, commented:

“The second meeting of the Lives and Livelihoods Fund Impact Committee marks an important milestone in the Fund’s progress. We successfully launched the first project - a malaria prevention and control project in partnership with the Government of Senegal in March. We are here today to prioritize more projects that will have the biggest impact across the Muslim world and lift the poorest people out of poverty.”

He added: “Over the next five years, the Lives and Livelihoods Fund will make $2.5 billion available for anti-poverty projects in health, agriculture and rural infrastructure in Islamic Development Bank member countries. $363 million has been approved for the Fund’s first operational year, and all the donors are working closely together to ensure that it is allocated most effectively.”

His Excellency Dr. Bandar Hajjar, President of the IsDB, commented:

“The Lives and Livelihoods Fund is now making progress in its mission to help the poorest people in the Muslim world live healthier, more productive lives through investments in health, agriculture, and rural infrastructure. By innovatively combining grants from donors with loans from the Islamic Development Bank, we are able to leverage more funding than grants can alone to fight disease and poverty across the Muslim world.”

Khalifa bin Jassim Al-Kuwari, Director General of QFFD, commented:

“The Lives and Livelihoods Fund is the first multilateral partnership of its kind in this region, and demonstrates the benefit of partnering with other donor organizations and regional governments. By pooling our resources together, and combining grants with finance from the Islamic Development Bank, we are able to increase our impact and ultimately save more lives. At Qatar Fund for Development, we are proud to contribute to an initiative that is going to have such a massive impact on the lives of millions of people across the Islamic world.”

His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said:

“Today’s meeting demonstrates that the Lives and Livelihoods Fund is making steady progress in improving people’s live across the developing world. Our contribution to the Fund articulates the development agenda pursued by the UAE Government that aims to promote inclusive social and economic development through working with our partners from other development agencies to ensure the effectiveness of our aid programs. We are proud to be a founding member of the largest multilateral development initiative in the Middle East and look forward to devoting all our resources and expertise to ensuring improved livelihoods for the people of developing countries. This approach aligns well with Abu Dhabi Fund for Development’s aim to use innovative finance to support developing countries achieve their own development goals.”

Dr Waleed Alwohaib, Director General, ISFD, commented:

“I would like to thank KS Relief for hosting the second meeting of the LLF’s Impact Committee, and we are also grateful to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for being the largest contributor to the ISFD, the poverty reduction fund of the Islamic world. Through the grant contributions of the LLF, our aim is to protect communities from the risk of preventable diseases, improving reproductive, maternal and child health, increasing access to sanitation and primary healthcare, and supporting rural development, we are empowering some of the poorest people in the world, and giving them the chance to live healthy and productive lives.”

Hassan Al-Damluji, Head of Middle East Relations for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commented:

“Of the more than one billion people in the world facing extreme poverty, 400 million are living in the Islamic Development Bank’s member countries. These countries urgently need access to finance for development projects that eradicate disease, provide basic healthcare, and invest in agriculture and critical infrastructure. The Lives and Livelihoods Fund was only established in late 2016, but already it is filling this gap by supporting projects that will enable people to lift themselves out of poverty.”

In September 2016, the Lives and Livelihoods Fund’s Impact Committee approved projects worth $363m for the first of the five years that the fund will be operational.

The Lives and Livelihoods Fund will make $2.5 billion available over the next five years on projects that help the poorest people in 30 of the poorest Muslim countries lead healthy and productive lives.
Administered by the IsDB, the fund combines $2 billion of IsDB financing with $500 million in grants from donors. So far, $400 million in grants have been committed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (20% of the total up to $100m), the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development ($100m), the Qatar Fund for Development ($50m), the King Salman Relief and Humanitarian Aid Center ($100m), and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development ($50m).

Ethiopia - Since September 2016, nearly 73,000 South Sudanese refugees have crossed into Gambella, one of Ethiopia’s least developed regions. IOM is supporting South Sudanese refugees and host communities to increase their household income through several small-scale livelihood activities.

The provision of livelihood assistance is a part of a project funded by the Government of Japan on shelter and livelihood for refugees and host communities in Gambella, Dollo Ado and Assosa.

The project aims to improve household income for refugees and host communities through targeted livelihood support with activities including training and provision of materials in beekeeping, poultry-rearing and other agriculture activities. The programme also offers sewing and fishing materials, and has supported a total of 4,150 individuals from Kamri, Jewi and Bonga host communities and 17,800 refugees from Jewi camp.

“Engaging refugees and host communities in livelihood interventions plays a vital role in maintaining positive relations between refugees and the surrounding community,” said Maureen Achieng, IOM Ethiopia’s Chief of Mission. “As the majority of South Sudanese refugees are hosted in remote, under-developed and economically under-served areas, livelihood assistance helps communities to cope with the economic impact of hosting a large number of refugees.”

The presence of refugees has the potential to further exacerbate the vulnerability of the host population by increasing competition over limited social services, infrastructure, livelihoods and environmental and natural resources. Pre-existing inter-ethnic tensions between the predominantly Nuer South Sudanese refugees and Anuak Ethiopians could lead to clashes if assistance is not adequately balanced in aid interventions.

Akenya, 18, lives in Jewi village with his mother, father and five siblings. He benefitted from IOM’s poultry rearing livelihoods project. His village is located next to Jewi refugee camp which hosts over 57,000 South Sudanese refugees. Akenya explains the impact of living beside the camp: “The refugees have taken most of the firewood from the forest, which is contributing to deforestation. This affects us and our further livelihoods, because most of us rely on agricultural activities to earn a living.”

IOM supported Akenya to initiate his poultry rearing business by providing training and 23 chickens. When speaking of the assistance he received, Akenya shares, “The chickens provided by IOM gave birth to more chickens and now I have 45. I sell the eggs in the market in Jewi and can support my family with the proceeds.”

On 25 March 2017, 40 South Sudanese refugees graduated from the basic tailoring course provided over a two-month period. Throughout the duration of the course participants were provided with practical training on drafting, cutting and stitching clothing. A qualified trainer and training assistant selected from the refugee community gave a 5-hour course five days per week.

The graduation ceremony was attended by 60 guests including family members of the graduates, IOM staff and Jewi representatives of ARRA, UNHCR and RCC. Participants received certificates and sewing machines (one for every four persons) to support them in practicing their newly acquired skill and generate income for themselves.

Said IOM Head of Sub-Office, Miriam Mutalu: “Continued assistance to meet the needs of refugees and the host population is critical. Actions aimed at preventing conflict and supporting peaceful coexistence should be mainstreamed into refugee response efforts.”

With prospects dim for an immediate political solution to the conflict in South Sudan, a potential 50,000 South Sudanese refugees could seek asylum in the country by the end of the year, highlighting the need for continued support from the humanitarian and donor community to meet the needs of refugees and the host population.

For further information, please contact Alemayehu Seifeselassie, IOM Ethiopia. Tel: +251.911.63.90.82 Email: salemayehu@iom.int

by Reuters
Tuesday, 4 April 2017 10:43 GMT

NGOMOROMO, Uganda, April 4 (Reuters) - More than 3,000 South Sudanese fled into neighbouring Uganda on Tuesday after government soldiers attacked the border town of Pajok, killing men, women and children indiscriminately, refugees said.

Read more on Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Farmers supported by FAO in northeastern Nigeria are looking to a very good harvest going by the amount and quality of crops some of them have so far gathered from their fields.

Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at CBARDP (Community Based Agricultural and Rural Development Program), FAO's implementing partner in Borno, Salisu Bukar Mohammed Ngulde, says: "Most of the crops are grown by women who make up 40 per cent of the project. They have already started harvesting their crops from the dry season interventions and making money. They are now able to make more income, save feeding costs and have surplus in the home to take care of other basic needs. FAO is collaborating with the governments of Belgium, Ireland and Japan to support these farmers."

He described the intervention as very successfully, hoping that more funds would be available to take care of the larger number of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, female headed households, youths and the host community who are in dire need of support.

Abba Mursi, one of the beneficiaries of the interventions, recounts how he flew his community in Bama after an attack two and half years ago and then took refuge in Gonglonglon Bulamari village in Jere Local Government Area, some 75 kilometres away from Bama. "I fled from Bama on foot and left everything behind, everything."

Mursi's desire of returning to productive life was nurtured by FAO. His carrot plot is doing well, less than three months after he received seedlings and fertilizers support from FAO. "I got assistance of assorted seeds and fertilizers from FAO. I started farming the seeds when they were distributed last January. It is from the farm that I have harvested these fresh carrots you see. The fertilizer and seed helped me to carry out farming in the dry season. My group is also thankful for the wash borehole provided by FAO." He is grateful to the Gonglongon Bulamari people for accepting him and gave him access to a farmland where he hopes to eke out a living.

Mele Muktar has a similar story. Originally from Koshave, Mafa Local Government Area, over 50 kilometers away, he settled in Gonglongon about two years ago. He has only been on the FAO supported farm for one month. His seedling beds are doing well. He hopes to transfer them to the main site in days to come and is already looking to a good harvest. "What I received was a complete package from FAO. We get food support from a number of organizations but this agriculture assistance means everything to me" he says.

As part of its dry season interventions in support to IDPs, returnees and vulnerable host families in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, FAO provided with capacity building, vegetable seeds, fertilisers and irrigation support for the dry season. Mursi and Muktar are some of the farmers who embraced the project with great enthusiasm and less than two months into the programme, the enthusiasm has started paying off. The farmers, mostly youths and women, are already looking to a good harvest. The early signs of a potentially good harvest are evident by the crisps and fresh carrots, huge cabbages and other vegies being gathered from the fields. Vegetables seedlings covering carrot, okra, amaranthus, sorrel, roselle, onion, tomato, pepper, watermelon and cabbage were given to each farmer in a master kit.

Deputy FAO Representative to Nigeria, Nourou Macki Tall,said: "Supporting vulnerable host communities, displaced populations and returnees in northeastern Nigeria to resume their agriculture activities pave the way to durable solutions. Agriculture cannot be an afterthought. This is the starting point for the implementation of longer-term activities that contribute to strengthening the population's resilience."

I. Introduction

1. Par sa résolution 2295 (2016), le Conseil de sécurité a prorogé le mandat de la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation au Mali (MINUSMA) jusqu’au 30 juin 2017 et m’a prié de lui faire rapport tous les trois mois sur la suite donnée à sa résolution, en particulier sur les progrès accomplis dans l’application de l’Accord pour la paix et la réconciliation au Mali et l’action menée par la MINUSMA pour l’appuyer.

II. Faits politiques importants

Mise en oeuvre de l’Accord pour la paix et la réconciliation au Mali

2. Les parties signataires de l’Accord ont exécuté certaines des mesures prises à titre provisoire relatives à la politique et la sécurité qui y sont prévues; elles ont notamment mis en place des autorités intérimaires dans trois des cinq régions du nord et organisé des patrouilles mixtes. Ces progrès ont été accomplis malgré l’intensification des attaques perpétrées contre les parties signataires par des acteurs n’ayant pas adhéré au processus de paix. Alors que l’on craignait que l’attentat commis à Gao le 18 janvier, qui a fait 54 morts parmi les agents des patrouilles mixtes, entraîne l’effondrement du processus de paix, les parties ont réaffirmé leur attachement au processus et engagé un dialogue constructif. Les efforts déployés par l’équipe de médiation internationale et le recours efficace de la MINUSMA à ses bons offices ont considérablement aidé les parties à obtenir des résultats concrets sur le terrain. Cela étant, les progrès accomplis dans des domaines essentiels à la stabilisation du pays, tels que le rétablissement de l’autorité de l’État dans le centre et le nord du pays et la réforme du secteur de la sécurité, sont restés limités. Le Gouvernement et les groupes armés signataires ne sont toujours pas tombés d’accord sur la durée de la période de transition, les objectifs et l’ampleur de la Conférence d’entente nationale, ainsi que la tenue des élections et le statut des factions armées.

3. Le Comité de suivi de l’Accord a poursuivi ses travaux, malgré les tensions persistantes entre les parties signataires, tandis que l’équipe de médiation internationale déployait d’intenses efforts pour les faire dialoguer. Après que la Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA) s’est retirée du Comité le 20 décembre, l’équipe de médiation internationale, dont fait partie la MINUSMA, a conti nué d’encourager le groupe à réintégrer le Comité. Le 16 janvier, la MINUSMA et d’autres parties prenantes se sont entretenues à Kidal avec les dirigeants de la CMA et ont souligné l’importance de sa participation. La CMA a déploré ce qu ’elle considérait comme un manque d’ouverture au niveau des prises de décisions et de mise en oeuvre ainsi que les retards pris dans l’exécution des mesures intérimaires, entre autres problèmes. Elle a maintenu sa demande tendant à ce qu ’une réunion de haut niveau soit organisée en dehors de Bamako pour sortir de l’impasse. La quinzième réunion du Comité de suivi de l’Accord, tenue le 30 janvier à Bamako, s’est déroulée en l’absence de la CMA. Au milieu de la réunion, les représentants de la coalition de groupes armés Plateforme se sont retirés par solidarité avec la CMA.

4. Le Gouvernement a néanmoins accepté de tenir une réunion de haut niveau du Comité de suivi de l’Accord à Bamako en février. L’équipe de médiation internationale s’est ensuite entretenue avec les trois parties signataires dans le cadre d’une réunion bilatérale et a souligné qu ’il importait qu’elles contribuent de bonne foi à sortir de l’impasse dans laquelle se trouvait le processus de paix. Le 31 janvier, les parties signataires ont accepté de créer un groupe de travail tripartite dirigé par le président du Comité et chargé de préparer la réunion de haut niveau. Les réunions du groupe de travail se sont tenues du 7 au 9 février à Bamako avec l’appui de l’équipe de médiation internationale. Les participants ont établi un exposé de principes, dans lequel ils ont énoncé les obstacles à l’application de l’Accord pour la paix et la réconciliation au Mali et formulé des recommandations sur les moyens de les surmonter. La MINUSMA a fourni un appui technique, logistique et financier pour ces réunions.

5. Le 10 février, le médiateur principal et Ministre d’État et Ministre des affaires étrangères et de la coopération internationale algérien, Ramtane Lamamra, a convoqué une réunion de haut niveau du Comité de suivi de l’Accord. La délégation malienne était dirigée par le Ministre des affaires étrangères, de la coopération internationale et de l’intégration africaine, Abdoulaye Diop, et était composée du Ministre de la défense et des anciens combattants, du Ministre de la sécur ité et de la protection civile et du Ministre de la décentralisation et de la réforme de l’État. Le médiateur malien, Baba Hakim Haïdara, et le Haut-Représentant du Président chargé d’assurer le suivi de l’application de l’Accord, Mahamadou Diagouraga, étaient également présents. La CMA et la Plateforme étaient représentées au plus haut niveau. L’équipe de médiation internationale était représentée par des ministres des gouvernements algérien, mauritanien et nigérien et par des représentants de haut niveau de l’Union africaine, du Gouvernement français et de la MINUSMA.

6. La réunion a donné un nouvel élan à l’application de l’Accord pour la paix, après que les participants ont accepté d’établir un nouveau calendrier et de nouvelles modalités pour les principal es mesures de transition restant à exécuter, à savoir la mise en place d’autorités intérimaires dans les cinq régions du nord entre le 13 et le 20 février et l’organisation de patrouilles mixtes, la première ayant eu lieu à Gao le 20 février. Les participants ont également décidé d’allouer des postes aux autorités intérimaires et aux collèges transitoires. Le Gouvernement s ’est engagé à consulter les groupes armés signataires au sujet du processus de révision constitutionnelle, à uniformiser le statut des combattants des groupes armés participant aux patrouilles mixtes avec celui des forces armées maliennes, à indemniser les familles des victimes de l’attentat perpétré le 18 janvier contre le Mécanisme opérationnel de coordination à Gao, à assurer les moyens d’existence des combattants dans les camps du Mécanisme de Gao, Kidal et Tombouctou et à réexaminer les nominations faites dans les bureaux régionaux de la Commission nationale pour le désarmement, la démobilisation et la réinsertion et de la Commission Vérité, justice et réconciliation, en consultation avec les groupes armés signataires. Les participants ont également approuvé la mise en place d’un dispositif de consultation de haut niveau pour assurer un suivi approprié entre les réunions du Comité de suivi de l’Accord, sous la direction du Haut-Représentant du Président, associer toutes les parties à l’organisation de la Conférence d’entente nationale et nommer un observateur indépendant dans les plus brefs délais.

7. Les parties signataires se sont finalement accordées sur la nomination des autorités intérimaires pour les cinq régions le 15 février. Le Gouvernement a nommé un membre de la CMA à la tête de l’autorité intérimaire de la région de Kidal, un membre du Mouvement pour le salut de l’Azawad à la tête du collège transitoire de la région de Ménaka et l’un de ses propres représentants à la tête du collège transitoire de Taoudénit. La Plateforme et la CMA ont chacune nommé un de leurs membres à la tête des autorités intérimaires de Gao et Tombouctou, res pectivement. Une seule femme a été nommée, au poste de première vice -présidente du collège transitoire de Ménaka. Malgré la nomination d’un membre du Mouvement pour le salut de l’Azawad dans la région de Ménaka, d’autres factions ont continué de déplorer leur exclusion de ces nominations.

8. Le 18 février, la mise en place de l’autorité intérimaire de la région de Kidal a été reportée à la suite d’objections formulées par la CMA concernant la nomination d’un nouveau gouverneur pour la région la veille de la cérémonie d’inauguration, au motif qu’il avait des liens présumés avec le Groupe d’autodéfense des Touaregs Imghad et leurs alliés. La CMA a également boycotté le lancement des patrouilles mixtes à Gao le 20 février. Le 24 février, le Haut-Représentant du Président a annoncé que les parties signataires s’étaient accordées sur un nouveau délai pour la mise en place des autorités intérimaires. L’entrée en fonction de celles-ci s’est faite le 28 février à Kidal et le 2 mars à Gao et Ménaka mais a été reportée sine die à Tombouctou et Taoudénit où des hostilités avaient éclaté. Le 5 mars, deux factions du Mouvement arabe de l’Azawad (MAA), toutes deux associées à la CMA et à la Plateforme, ont attaqué deux postes de contr ôle des forces armées maliennes aux abords de Tombouctou et les ont occupés pendant environ cinq jours. Elles étaient opposées à la nomination d’un représentant du Gouvernement à la tête du collège transitoire de Taoudénit, région la communauté arabe prédo mine largement. La MINUSMA a immédiatement publié une déclaration dans laquelle elle a condamné les violations du cessez-le-feu, renforcé sa présence à Tombouctou et déployé des observateurs militaires chargés d’évaluer la situation, et les parties signataires ont déployé une équipe mixte de suivi et de vérification. Au moment de l’établissement du présent rapport, les négociations entre les parties signataires en vue de résoudre ce problème se poursuivaient.

9. Le Gouvernement a accéléré les préparatifs de la Conférence d’entente nationale. Le 13 février, M. Haïdara, président du comité préparatoire, a désigné des représentants de ministères, de la société civile et d’associations de femmes membres du comité, parmi lesquels 32 % de femmes et des représentants de divers groupes ethniques. Comme convenu à la réunion de haut niveau, il s ’est entretenu avec les chefs des groupes armés signataires le 14 février et les a invités une nouvelle fois à désigner des représentants. La CMA et la Plateforme ont l’une et l’autre convenu et souligné qu’il fallait mettre en place des autorités intérimaires et accélérer le cantonnement et le désarmement, ainsi que la démobilisation et la réintégration avant la conférence. Elles ont également réaffirmé que la question de l’Azawad devrait être abordée. Les parties de l’opposition se sont déclarées préoccupées par le calendrier serré prévu pour l’organisation de la conférence et ont indiqué que le fait de se concentrer uniquement sur les problèmes rencontrés dans le nord risquait de diviser encore davantage le pays. Les représentants de la société civile ont demandé que les femmes et les jeunes soient davantage représentés dans le cadre de la conférence et de ses préparatifs. M. Haïdara a mené des consultations dans les régions du nord du 10 au 15 février, à l’exception de Kidal, et dans les régions du sud et du centre du 18 au 24 février. La MINUSMA et des experts du Groupe de l’appui à la médiation ont fourni un appui technique et logistique au comité préparatoire, notamment dans le cadre de ses consultations régionales et de sa campagne de sensibilisation. Le 18 mars, le Conseil des ministres a annoncé que la Conférence d’entente nationale se tiendrait du 27 mars au 2 avril à Bamako. Le lendemain, la CMA et la Plateforme ont conjointement adressé une lettre au responsable du Comité de suivi de l’Accord, dans laquelle elles se sont dites inquiètes du manque d’ouverture des consultations sur la planification de la conférence et ont noté l’absence d’autorités intérimaires dans les régions de Taoudénit et Tombouctou et le fait que des consultations devaient encore se tenir dans la région de Kidal. Le 27 mars, la conférence s ’est ouverte sans la participation de parties de l’opposition ni de la CMA. Cette dernière a ensuite accepté de participer après être parvenue à un accord avec le Gouvernement quant aux modalités régissant la tenue de la conférence.

10. Bien qu’elle ait suspendu sa participation au Comité de suivi de l’Accord en décembre, la CMA a continué de participer à l’organisation des patrouilles mixtes à Gao. Le 28 décembre, la CMA a déployé un premier groupe de 113 de ses éléments armés, escorté par la MINUSMA, de Gao à Kidal. Le groupe est arrivé au site de désarmement et d’enregistrement de Gao le 5 janvier. Afin d’inclure des groupes auparavant exclus, le Gouvernement a proposé d’intégrer 150 membres supplémentaires au Mécanisme opérationnel de coordination (75 pour la CMA et la Plateforme, respectivement). La MINUSMA a procédé à une première sélection, à la vérification des antécédents et à l’enregistrement de combattants de la CMA, y compris des combattants qui arriveraient plus tard de Ber (région de Tombouctou). Elle a identifié 10 mineurs au total parmi les éléments de la CMA et de la Plateforme et prend actuellement les me sures qui s’imposent (voir par. 39 et 40 ci-après).

11. L’engagement des parties signataires dans le processus de paix a été mis à l’épreuve le 18 janvier, lorsqu’un véhicule piégé a explosé dans le camp du Mécanisme opérationnel de coordination à Gao, faisan t 54 morts et plus de 100 blessés. L’attentat a eu lieu alors que plus de 600 éléments des forces armées maliennes, de la CMA et de la Plateforme s’apprêtaient à effectuer une patrouille mixte. Al-Mourabitoun, un groupe affilié à Al -Qaida au Maghreb islamique, a revendiqué l’attentat. Immédiatement après, la MINUSMA a déployé une force d’intervention rapide et des moyens de surveillance aériens, mobilisé ses ressources médicales et ses moyens d’évacuation sanitaire et fait soigner les victimes dans son unité médicale de niveau I. Elle a également aidé le Gouvernement à renforcer la sécurité autour du camp et s’est concertée avec les dirigeants de la CMA et de la Plateforme afin qu’ils continuent de participer. Après une réunion d’urgence, organisée par la MINUSMA à Bamako, l’équipe de médiation internationale et les parties signataires ont publié une déclaration conjointe, dans laquelle elles ont condamné l’attentat. Une délégation de haut niveau de la CMA s’est rendue de Kidal à Gao, où, le 20 janvier, une réunion s’est tenue entre les autorités maliennes, les groupes armés signataires et l’équipe de médiation internationale, qui se sont déclarés unanimement résolus à appliquer l’Accord pour la paix et se sont engagés à reprendre le dialogue.

12. Le 23 février, les parties signataires ont envoyé les premières patrouilles mixtes à Gao. La veille, elles avaient convenu d’intégrer huit factions armées dans le Mécanisme opérationnel de coordination. Du 1 er au 3 mars, la MINUSMA a enregistré 175 combattants de ces groupes. Elle a également enregistré 175 armes utilisables et en a confié la gestion au Mécanisme.

13. La Commission nationale pour le désarmement, la démobilisation et la réinsertion et la Commission d’intégration sont entrées en service le 5 janvier. Toutefois, le programme national pour la démobilisation, le désarmement et la réintégration, adopté par le Gouvernement le 8 décembre, n ’est pas encore intégralement financé. La Commission d’intégration n’a pas encore adopté de critères d’intégration des combattants au sein des Forces de défense et de sécurité maliennes. Le 9 février, la MINUSMA a cédé à la Commission nationale pour le désarmement, la démobilisation et la réinsertion le premier des huit sites de cantonnement dont la construction a été achevée à Ber. Elle a continué d’aider le Gouvernement à répondre aux besoins des femmes et des enfants associés à des groupes armés. En décembre, le Gouvernement a nommé, à la Commission nationale pour le désarmement, la démobilisation et la réinsertion, un haut responsable de la défense et un spécialiste de la protection des femmes et des enfants chargés de veiller à la protection des droits des femmes et des enfants.

14. Avec le concours de la MINUSMA, la Commission nationale pour la réforme du secteur de la sécurité a poursuivi ses efforts en vue d’établir la version définitive des plans relatifs à la police territoriale et aux comités consultatifs locaux sur la sécurité. Du 6 au 10 et du 13 au 17 février, les Nations Unies ont dispensé une formation sur les droits de l’homme et la lutte contre le terrorisme à 50 agents chargés de l’application des lois, y compris des membres du personnel de l’unité judiciaire spécialisée du Ministère de la justice et des droits de l’homme chargée d’enquêter sur les infractions liées au t errorisme et à la criminalité transnationale organisée, notamment le trafic de stupéfiants, et d’engager des poursuites contre les auteurs. Des entités des Nations Unies ont continué d’apporter leur appui à l’élaboration d’une stratégie nationale de prévention de l’extrémisme violent et de lutte contre le terrorisme.

4 April 2017 – A “vanguard brigade” of UN Peacekeepers which can be deployed within 60 days to new trouble-spots, would have been “impossible” to envisage just two years ago.

But not any longer, according to Hervé Ladsous, the out-going Peacekeeping chief, who said in his final interview with UN News that the department (DPKO) had become more efficient in recent years, without “lowering the quality” of often life-saving services it provides around the world.

Around 126 countries contribute civilian, military and police personnel to DPKO, which has well over 100,000 people on active duty.

Mr. Ladsous explained to UN News how the department had been able to cut the budget from $US8.2 billion down to $US7.2 billion since 2011, when he took on the job.

UN News: During Friday's press conference, you said the entire budget for peacekeeping operations worldwide is down US $7.2 billion and that the cost for each peacekeeper fell 16 per cent in recent years. How did you manage that without hurting day-to-day operations?

Hervé Ladsous: Simply by being more efficient, and I have to stress without lowering the quality of the equipment or the services we were providing. I think it shows that we want to be good stewards of the resources that are given to us.

UN News: If there were to be further budgetary cuts, how would this affect the UN?

Hervé Ladsous: Well I of course note that it is for the Security Council to decide on our mandate, and on our ceilings of staffing. We will have to stress that in some circumstances, reductions might have operational consequences on the ground. But we will remain, as ever, in very close touch with all the Member States of the Council and, further down the road of course, with the Fifth Committee (Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions).

UN News: You've touted the technological advances that are helping to improve the work of peacekeepers on the ground – can you give us some examples?

Hervé Ladsous: Of course. The obvious one is the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are now becoming standard in most of our operations – both the big drones and the smaller ones. But I do stress surveillance drones, of course not tactical machines. But it's also about getting detection radars for weapon attacks; it's about tethered balloons – to watch over a city like Bangui, with cameras and thermal senses – which really allow us to see what is happening.

UN News: If you look at all the conflicts that are taking place on the ground, it seems that the peacekeeping operations have had to stretch a bit to be able to accommodate all these crises. What has it been like?

Hervé Ladsous: Stretch, yes of course, but when we had the peacekeeping summit two years ago, it translated into many offers by contributors of troops and police, both old and newer ones.

We've had to operationalize these offers and now we have reached a point where we will have the capacity to deploy a vanguard brigade within thirty to sixty days, which simply was impossible only two years ago. So, stretch I'm not sure is really the word.

The problem, though, has to do with the enablers and with the equipment of certain units, and we are constantly working with those countries to help and improve. We are trying to be creative, to address those issues in the most effective way.

UN News: The Department of Peacekeeping Operations has managed to get more recruits from the global north compared to the global south which has been contributing more troops over the years. What has changed?

Hervé Ladsous: I think this was one of the subjects on which I worked a lot over these five years because it seemed to me that the situation was unfair. The burden was not shared equally. We haven't reached a point where we can say the job is done but certainly there has been a trend and when we look at the mission in Mali, MINUSMA, you have no less than seventeen European countries – European Union countries – who are represented by staff or personnel of that mission.

In the Central African Republic I have not forgotten that it was the Europeans, indeed, who came to provide a kind of buffering between the African Union and a full deployment of the UN troops. So I think this is something that has to be encouraged because ten years ago many of those countries were heavily involved in Afghanistan.

Now that of course has disappeared essentially from the screens and I think they came to realize that coming back to peacekeeping in the UN context is something that is desirable.

UN News: Your department has also been trying to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping operations, but women are still underrepresented and why is that?

Hervé Ladsous: That is true and of course, we haven't made as much progress as I would have wished but of course you have to be aware that the sociology of the armies of the main countries of the world is not a very feminine one. So we can hardly be expected to do much better than the Member States who provide us the personnel. We are doing rather a little better for police personnel. We stand, I think, right now at 12 per cent and the goal is that we may reach twenty per cent, which I think we may be able to do. Also I have set a goal for military officers – staff officers – to get also 20 per cent of female officers, as soon as possible. But it requires a lot of work, and of course, the active cooperation of those countries who contribute troops and police.

UN News: It must have been frustrating for your department in cases where there is no peace to keep, for example in Mali, South Sudan …

Hervé Ladsous: Exactly, that's true. I was in South Sudan last week, and it's the same. You see, this has been a trend that the Security Council gives us mandates, but in contexts which are not exactly those that we would hope to find. So of course one of the permanent goals for those missions – and it's been certainly the case in Mali, it is the case presently in South Sudan – is to try to support those particular countries of the region who try to engineer a peace agreement, and of course implementing those agreements then becomes our responsibility. But there have been some very delicate transitions and of course situations which exposed our people to greater risk obviously.

I haven't forgotten the short-lived supervision mission that we dispatched to Syria in 2012. After four months we concluded that. This was not for us, definitely. There was no peace, nor was there any hope at the time of seeing the process developing.

UN News: The issue of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN staff in countries like CAR, DRC, Haiti, just to name few, made big splashes in the news and tainted the name of peacekeepers, although it is a system wide problem. Do you feel that DPKO handled this issue correctly and is it on the right path to rid itself of the scourge?

Hervé Ladsous: I think we have always taken this very seriously. The new Secretary-General has put even more emphasis by putting out his plan of action which builds and prolongs a number of things which we had already done. I think it is absolutely a necessity. It's a shame that a few people, you know, smear the reputation of the vast majority of the peacekeepers and, of course, we should not forget the member states who contribute the troops and police have to do their share. It's not only the responsibility of the secretariat.

Disaster response organization calls for support in countries with high food insecurity, on the brink of famine

April 4, 2017– World Renew is calling for support to increase its work in eastern Africa as it aims to help prevent additional countries from progressing from severe food insecurity to famine. World Renew is already at work in the region, including South Sudan, where famine has been declared by the United Nations, and Nigeria, where millions are also facing extreme food insecurity.

World Renew, in partnership with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), is providing food assistance to over 74,500 people within the African continent alone. Yet there are 70 million more people in the region who do not know where their next meal will come from.

“We are standing on the brink of an expanded famine crisis in eastern Africa that we can help to prevent,” says Kenneth Kim, World Renew’s Director of Disaster Response and Rehabilitation. “The food insecurity in Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia is very severe and the need for a response is massive, but it has not gone past the point of no return. There is still an opportunity to step in and respond, before the crisis has irreversible consequences.”

World Renew works with trusted local partners who are already on the ground in the countries it serves. This structure allows for higher efficiency, a deeper understanding of local culture, and a greater breadth of knowledge in determining the most vulnerable populations. In Ethiopia, for example, World Renew is working with the Ethiopian Kale Heywet Church to provide food assistance to some of the most vulnerable, including the elderly, disabled, and female-headed households.

“Local partners and their existing infrastructure enable every dollar we invest to go further, and ensure local ownership of the work” says Kim. “In disaster response scenarios in particular, there is a risk of building dependency. Yet by working with our partners, the knowledge and impact of how to respond to a crisis remains long after World Renew leaves.”

While significant attention has been given to famine being declared in South Sudan, and the existing crisis in Nigeria, there continues to be a lack of awareness of the scale of the food crisis in the broader region.

World Renew is appealing for funds today to provide assistance in communities before it is too late. Gifts from Canadian residents are eligible for matching funds from the Canadian government, up to 4:1. All donations will go toward World Renew’s response to famine and drought.

Your audiences can donate financially at worldrenew.net/donate, by calling toll free at 800-730-3490, or mailing a cheque made out to World Renew and designated “East Africa Famine” in the memo line to: World Renew, 3475 Mainway, STN LCD 1, Burlington, Ont., L7R 3Y8.

Members of the media can call 800-552-7972 ext 2191 or 800-730-3490 to arrange an interview with World Renew staff involved with this response. Go online to worldrenew.net/idr to find out more about World Renew’s International Disaster Response efforts.

###

About World Renew

World Renew is a faith-based, non-profit organization working in international community development, disaster response, and justice education in North America and around the world since 1962. Member of InterAction, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and the Canadian Council for Christian Charities. Find our annual progress report and audited financial statements at worldrenew.net/about. Give with confidence.

For further information about World Renew, contact:

Beth DeGraff Media Relations 1-800-552-7972 ext 2191bdegraff@worldrenew.net

Principaux résultats pour les zones touchées par l’Insécurité Alimentaire

Consommation alimentaire :

Globalement acceptable partout mais sous pression dans certains cercles en raison surtout d’un score de con sommation alimentaire pauvre très élevé notamment à Gao, Abeibara, Kolokani, Youvarou, Douentza, Koro, Kidal, Bandiagara, Gourma Rharous, Koutiala, Niafunké, Dioila, Bla.

Evolution des moyens d’existence:

Les moyens d’existence préservés dans une bonne partie du pays mais l’impact de l’insécurité persiste dans les régions du centre et du nord du pays où ils sont sous pression voire en urgence.

Nutrition:

Le MUAC issu de l’ENSAN qui a été utilisé, est en dessous du seuil d’alerte partout excepté dans les cercles de Kéniéba, San, Douentza, Diré (sous pression), Koutiala, Ténenkou (en crise ou pire).

Mortalité:

N’a pas été traitée faute de preuves récentes.

1.1. Contexte

Le Mali est un pays sahélien, enclavé, et structurellement vulnérable à l’insécurité alimentaire et à la malnutrition. Les deux tiers du pays1 sont désertiques. Sa population est estimée à 18.343.002 d’habitants selon les projections de la Direction Nationale de la Population (DNP)2 . Il est classé au 182ème rang sur 186 pays selon l’indice de développement humain (IDH) de 20133 .

L’économie est fortement dépendante du secteur primaire : l’agriculture, l’élevage, la pêche et la sylviculture occupant 68.0% de la population active4 . Ce secteur est lui-même tributaire de facteurs exogènes, principalement d’ordre climatique, telles les sécheresses récurrentes.

Les conditions de vie dans le pays continuent de subir l’impact négatif de la situation sécuritaire instable et des effets des aléas climatiques principalement dans les régions nord et centre du pays. Les ménages maliens, ont connu une série de crises5 qui ont affecté négativement les moyens de subsistance (bétail, récoltes, sources de revenus, emploi, réduction des activités économiques, etc.) particulièrement dans le septentrion et le centre du pays. La mise en œuvre de diverses interventions dans le cadre du Plan National de Réponse du Gouvernement en collaboration avec les agences humanitaires principalement dans le nord du pays a contribué à une stabilisation voire une amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire selon les résultats de l’ENSAN réalisée en septembre 2016 par le SAP, le PAM et leurs partenaires. Il n’en demeure pas moins que les ménages demeurent globalement vulnérables et peu résilients face aux chocs particulièrement dans le nord et le centre du pays qui trainent encore les séquelles de la crise sécuritaire et des aléas climatiques.

Dans ce contexte, un suivi régulier de l’insécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle, de l’évolution des moyens de subsistance et des stratégies de survie des ménages est indispensable pour une meilleure (re-)définition et planification des interventions ou activités à mener en vue d’améliorer les conditions de vie des groupes plus vulnérables et/ou prévenir d’éventuels catastrophes/crises.
Cependant, les nouvelles régions de Ménaka et Taoudéni restent dans la base comme elles étaient lors des passages précédents. Les données de l’ex-cercle de Ménaka serviront pour la région du même nom.

1.2. Justification

Les résultats des enquêtes ENSAN ont montré que l’insécurité alimentaire touche chroniquement près d’un quart (24%) des ménages maliens. Il s’agit principalement d’une insécurité alimentaire de type modéré qui touche la plupart de ces ménages (20%).

Les résultats du Cadre Harmonisé de l’analyse de l’insécurité alimentaire pour le Mali en novembre 2016 ont donné 9 cercles en phase 2 (sous pression) et 40 cercles en phase 1 (minimale) pour la situation projetée allant de juin à août 2017.

La dégradation attendue de la situation sécuritaire dans les régions du nord ainsi que par endroits dans la bande sahélienne à cause des pertes de production agricole et du faible niveau de pâturage, un suivi de près s’avère nécessaire pour appréhender le niveau des difficultés et son impact sur les conditions de vie des ménages.

Le cadre harmonisé qui constitue l’outil consensuel d’analyse de la sécurité alimentaire dans la sous-région ouest africain est prévu en mars 2017 et nécessite la disponibilité de données à jour en février 2017. Ces données actualisées, validées de manière consensuelle puis diffusées alimenteront la base de données de la prochaine analyse nationale du Cadre Harmonisé de mars 2017 qui, au sortir de la campagne agropastorale 2016/17 réévaluera la situation alimentaire, le nombre de personnes en insécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle tant pour la période courante (mars – mai 2017) que pour celle projetée (juin - août 2017).