USAID Iraq: Fact sheet no. 21, 28 April 2003

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Iraq – Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Fact Sheet #21, Fiscal Year (FY) 2003 April 28, 2003 Background Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated in Iraq since the 1990 invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent Government of Iraq (GOI) manipulation of international sanctions. In 1996, the GOI accepted the U.N. Oil-for- Food Program (OFF), after which humanitarian conditions improved. Between 1991 and 1996, the U.S. Government provided nearly $794 million in humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northern Iraq. Since 1996, revenues from OFF have provided food, medicine, and other civilian goods to assist vulnerable Iraqis. U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan noted in a letter to the U.N. Security Council (UNSC), that the GOI has ordered and paid for food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies under OFF that have not yet been delivered. The World Food Program (WFP) estimates that 16 million Iraqis—approximately 60 percent of the total population—rely solely on food rations distributed through OFF in order to meet household needs. On March 20, 2003, Coalition forces began military operations in Iraq. As a result of the conflict, the U.N. Secretary General suspended the OFF food distribution system. On March 28, the UNSC unanimously passed resolution 1472 that allows the U.N. to administer Iraq’s OFF program for 45 days (until May 12). As the U.N. takes over the OFF program, WFP’s first priority is to contact recently active suppliers able to rapidly provide food, medicine, and other humanitarian supplies. NUMBERS AT A GLANCE SOURCE Internally Displaced in Iraq 3,414 in Arbil* 6,379 in Dahuk* 54 in As Sulaymaniyah* 3,000 in Badrah 1,000 at Al Karama border with Jordan UNOHCI (April 16, 2003) UNOHCI (April 16, 2003) UNOHCI (April 16, 2003) UNOHCI (April 17, 2003) UNHCR (April 20, 2003) Refugees from Iraq 94 – Jordan Old caseload refugees: 203,000 – Iran 5,100 – Saudi Arabia 250,000-300,000 – Jordan 40,000 – Syria *Estimates of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in public buildings, with host families, and in open air. Baghdad and Baghdad Governorate A Civil Affairs (CA) assessment reports that power plants in Baghdad are currently generating 450 megawatts of electricity daily. This has enabled the operation of the substations at all sixteen water treatment plants, 24 of 26 wastewater treatment plants, and 11 of 12 major public hospitals. According to local engineers, approximately one quarter of the entire city of Baghdad is now with electricity. On April 26, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Baghdad put 14 satellite telephones at the disposal of Iraqis eager to contact their relatives abroad. On April 28, ICRC reported that the ammunition dump explosion in Baghdad on April 26 resulted in at least 50 wounded and six deaths. The explosion was caused by the firing of four flares into the ammunition dump by unidentified attackers, according to Coalition forces. ICRC also reports that security problems continue to plague Baghdad and shooting is still heard regularly at night. On April 27, UNICEF reported an outbreak of diarrheal illness in Baghdad. An estimated 300 patients with diarrhea were admitted to al-Noor Hospital on April 27. UNICEF continues to evaluate the situation and remains concerned about the water situation in poorer areas of the capital city. Northern Iraq The U.S. Government’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) reports the security situation in northern Iraq remains fragile, but stable. There is minimal internally displaced person (IDP) movement at this time. The DART reports that the market price for a bag of wheat has decreased by 20 percent over the past six weeks due to increased food supplies in the region. UNHCR (April 22, 2003) U.S. Committee for Refugees (2001) Iraq Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Fact Sheet – April 28, 2003 Western Iraq On April 26, the DART traveled to Ar Rutbah in western Iraq to meet with local officials and assess the humanitarian situation. The DART reported that electricity has not been restored to the town and the normal water system is down, but the overall situation is stable. The public distribution system (PDS) is functioning and serves approximately 26,000 beneficiaries. The DART observed an OFF distribution of dry milk, tea, salt, beans, sugar, soap, and detergent to 63 PDS food agents. The town has selected a mayor and representatives for the various government ministries. Police have begun patrols and are manning checkpoints at the entrances to the town. On April 27, the DART departed Ar Rutbah to begin assessing communities along the Euphrates River northeast of Ar Ramadi. Communities assessed were Hit and Al Hadithah, both in Al Anbar governorate. In general, the DART found no significant immediate emergency needs in these communities. Electricity is available, potable water systems are operating, markets are open, and the PDS is functioning. Southern Iraq The USAID Power Engineer reports that all power plants are operating in the south, but at reduced load due to breaks in the power lines. Total generation is estimated at 155 megawatts, which is about 30% of the normal system load. Power has been restored to some of the oil fields that will begin the fuel re-supply process to the power plants. USAID is working with Bechtel to provide the necessary equipment. USAID reports the dredging of the 50-mile channel from the Persian Gulf to Umm Qasr port is expected to begin on or about May 4. UNICEF has opened 5 of 14 schools in Safwan, in Southern Iraq, and 48 of 60 schools in Az Zubayr. However, the schools require repairs to water and sanitation facilities. Current Humanitarian Situation by Sector Food Security According to the U.N. Joint Logistics Center (UNJLC) on April 26, WFP has distributed more than 42,500 metric tons (MT) of food to Dahuk, Arbil, As Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, Mosul, and Baghdad since April 23. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the northern governorates of Iraq, Dahuk, Arbil, and As Sulaymaniyah, are expected to produce between 30 and 35 percent of this year's estimated crop harvest, totaling 1.7 million MT of grain. The rain-fed northern harvest would produce 500,000 MT of wheat and barley that would otherwise have to be imported. However, FAO has not yet predicted expected crop yields in central and southern governorates. The southern cereal and vegetable crops depend on irrigation, which relies on electricity and a steady fuel supply to maintain pumping networks. FAO reported on April 28 that chicken prices have increased by 20 percent in the northern governorates, as poultry producers stopped raising new chicks during the fighting when markets were inaccessible. Humanitarian Assistance The United Nations has successfully sent convoys of relief supplies (water, food, and medical supplies) and humanitarian missions across the Iranian border into Iraq at Shalamchah, Mehran, and Penjwin. During the past week, MSF transported 40 MT of health and medical supplies and UNICEF transported 12 trucks of health and medical supplies into Iraq from Iran. During April 18-24, Emergency Doctors of Germany (EDG) transported three trucks of health supplies from Jordan into Iraq. Doctors of the World (MDM) Greece sent one truck of health, non-food, and food supplies into Iraq from Jordan, and MSF sent five trucks of relief supplies. Population Movements On April 27, the U.N., in coordination with the Humanitarian Information Center for Iraq, announced the implementation of a second update of the U.N. IDP assessment for Dahuk, Arbil, and As Sulaymaniyah. The original April 6 survey indicated that there were 266,018 new caseload IDPs as a result of the conflict, but that figure was revised on April 16 to 9,847, as most of the new IDPs returned back to their places of origin. While most of the new IDPs have returned, the return of the old caseloads of IDPs, who predate the current crisis, to their original locations in the areas previously under the former Government of Iraq control is continuing on a voluntary basis and it remains slow. U.S. Government Response Deployment The United States Government deployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to the region to assess humanitarian needs and coordinate the emergency relief effort. DART members are located in Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey, Jordan, Cyprus, and Qatar and are working closely with U.N. agencies, NGOs, and in coordination with U.S. Military Civil Affairs personnel at the Humanitarian Operations Center (HOC). A portion of the DART has deployed to Arbil, and other DART members are preparing to establish an office in southern Iraq. Iraq Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Fact Sheet – April 28, 2003 USAID deployed staff to the region to prepare for reconstruction efforts. Several USAID administrative, health, and education staff have relocated to the Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance’s (ORHA) Baghdad compound. USAID is assisting government ministries in becoming operational and public services to get restarted in Baghdad. Emergency Relief USAID/OFDA is supporting NGO emergency assistance activities with quick-impact projects and IDP support. USAID/FFP provided emergency food commodities through the Emerson Trust and P.L. 480 Title II emergency food assistance to WFP for distribution to food insecure Iraqis. WFP also received a cash contribution from USAID/FFP for the purchase of commodities in the region. USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (USAID/OTI) is supporting the implementation of the Iraq Transition Initiative (ITI). The ITI program supports the process of political stabilization and community recovery in post- conflict Iraq by providing small grants designed to build confidence among Iraq's diverse ethnic groups, increase citizen participation in decision-making, and rapidly respond to community needs, while establishing and building trust for long term reconstruction efforts. State/PRM contributed assistance for the pre-positioning and emergency response activities of UNHCR, ICRC, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and IOM. Reconstruction USAID/ANE has provided assistance for reconstruction activities in Iraq. USAID/ANE supported the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO for health, education, and water and sanitation needs, Stevedoring Services of America (SSA) to assess and manage the Umm Qasr port, Creative Associates International to address education issues, the Research Triangle Institute to pursue local governance initiatives, and the Air Force Contract Augmentation Program (AFCAP) to provide logistical support to all USAID/ANE operations. USAID/ANE also supported Bechtel for infrastructure repair and rehabilitation. Iraq Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Fact Sheet – April 28, 2003 Other Donor and International Organization Assistance* DONOR US $ (MILLIONS) DATE (2003) ASSISTANCE SNAPSHOT Australia $62.5 April 22 100,000 MT of wheat, U.N. agencies, ICRC, and NGOs CIDA $67.5 March 26 U.N. agencies, international organizations (IOs), NGOs, CARE Canada for water and sanitation, food, shelter, and health Canada $3.8 ----- Response to U.N. Preparedness Measures Appeal China March 27 Tents Republic of $2.75 April 3 Blankets, sleeping bags, flour, sugar, water purification disinfectants Croatia European $109.8 April 22 U.N. agencies, IOs, and NGOs Commission Finland $1.7 March 25 ICRC and UN OCHA France $10.7 Humanitarian Assistance Germany $11.77 April 8 UNHCR and ICRC Greece $4.3 April 4 U.N. agencies and NGOs India $20 April 4 WFP and U.N. Consolidated Appeal Ireland $55.3 April 15 U.N. agencies and NGOs for humanitarian assistance Japan $100 April 9 Humanitarian Assistance Korea $10 April 3 U.N. agencies and Korean NGOs Kuwait March 24 45,000 meals/day and an emergency medical center Netherlands $19.6 April 2 U.N. Consolidated Appeal and ICRC New Zealand $3.3 March 20 U.N. agencies, IOs, and NGOs for humanitarian relief Norway $21.6 March 20 NGOs for humanitarian assistance Russia March 22-23 150 MT humanitarian supplies for refugee preparation in Iran Spain $58.6 April 22 U.N. agencies, bilateral refugee assistance, and NGOs Sweden $5.4 March 27 Switzerland $21.5 April 16 ICRC Taiwan $4.3 March 27 Refugee assistance – food, medicine, nonfood items United Kingdom $330 March 24 U.N. agencies, IOs, and NGOs – food, health kits, water units, winter supply kits, primary health, IDP assistance OTHER DONOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO DATE** ..............................................................................................$ 924.4 MILLION *This compilation was drawn from donor government web sites and may represent pledged or committed funding. The list may not be comprehensive. ** This total is approximate as the value of donated commodities is not available in some cases. Public Donation Information The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash donations to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations. A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for their activities in the Gulf can be found in the “How Can I Help” section at [www.usaid.gov/iraq]. USAID encourages cash donations because they: allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as staff time, warehouse space, etc); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken region; ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance. General information on making donations and volunteering can be found at: o USAID: www.usaid.gov/iraq -> “How Can I Help?” o The Center for International Disaster Information: www.cidi.org or 703-276-1914 o InterAction: www.interaction.org -> “Guide to Appropriate Giving” o Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found at www.reliefweb.org. *Fact Sheets can be obtained from the USAID web site at http://www.usaid.gov/iraq Iraq Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Fact Sheet – April 28, 2003 U.S. GOVERNMENT HUMANITARIAN AND RECONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ Agency Implementing Partner Sector Regions Amount FY 2003 EMERGENCY RELIEF USAID/OFDA ...........................................................................................................................................$51,232,905 Administrative Costs Administrative $3,406,209 AirServ Logistics Country-wide $2,151,585 The Cuny Center Research studies Country-wide $40,260 IDA Health Country-wide $711,850 IMC Quick-impact projects: Food Security, Health, Nutrition, Water/Sanitation Country-wide $4,000,000 IMC Capacity building Country-wide $202,900 InterAction Coordination Kuwait City $92,860 IOM IDP programs Country-wide $5,000,000 IRC Quick-impact projects: Health, Water/Sanitation Country-wide $3,000,000 Logistics Commodities and DART support Country-wide $8,044,110 Mercy Corps Quick-impact projects: Health, Non- Food Items, Shelter, Water/Sanitation Kirkuk, Country-wide $3,000,000 NGOs Cooperative agreements Country-wide $4,000,000 SCF/US Quick-impact projects: Food Security, Health, Shelter, Nutrition, Non-Food Items, Water/Sanitation Country-wide $4,000,000 SCF/US NGO Consortium Country-wide $883,131 UNICEF Health, nutrition, water/sanitation Country-wide $2,000,000 UNICEF Water/sanitation Country-wide $2,000,000 UN OCHA Coordination and Information Country-wide $200,000 UN OCHA Coordination and Information Country-wide $1,000,000 WFP Logistics and pre-positioning of food Country-wide $5,000,000 World Vision Quick-impact projects: Health, Logistics, Non-Food Items Country-wide $2,500,000 USAID/FFP ..............................................................................................................................................$430,000,000 WFP Pre-positioning funding $55,000,000 WFP Emerson Trust – 161,000 MT $84,000,000 P.L. 480 Title II emergency food commodities – 105,000 MT $91,000,000 WFP Regional Purchase $200,000,000 USAID/OTI ..................................................................................................................................................$2,333,612 IOM Iraq Transition Initiative Country-wide $1,700,000 DAI Iraq Transition Initiative Country-wide $473,253 Internews Media Country-wide $160,359 STATE/PRM..............................................................................................................................................$36,630,000 UNHCR Emergency refugee assistance $21,000,000 ICRC Emergency assistance $10,000,000 IFRC Emergency assistance $3,000,000 IOM TCN – transportation assistance $2,630,000 Iraq Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance Fact Sheet – April 28, 2003 U.S. GOVERNMENT HUMANITARIAN AND RECONSTRUCTION ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ Agency Implementing Partner Sector Regions Amount FY 2003 RECONSTRUCTION USAID/ANE ..............................................................................................................................................$78,400,000 AFCAP Logistics $4,000,000 Bechtel Capital Construction $34,600,000 IRG Reconstruction Support $7,100,000 RTI Local Governance $7,900,000 CAII Education $1,000,000 UNICEF Health $8,000,000 UNICEF Education $1,000,000 WHO Health $10,000,000 SSA Port Management $4,800,000 TOTAL USAID ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ IN FY 2003....................................................................... $561,966,517 TOTAL STATE ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ IN FY 2003 ........................................................................ $36,630,000 TOTAL STATE/USAID ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ IN FY 2003......................................................... $598,596,517