OCHA Angola's response to MSF statement

Luanda, 11 June 2002 - The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Angola, Mr. Erick de Mul, expressed his disappointment about the inaccurate and misleading press statement issued by MSF today in Luanda. Mr. de Mul said: "The MSF statement is wrong on many points and the accusation of indifference by the UN to the humanitarian crisis in Angola is blatantly incorrect."
The United Nations has repeatedly drawn public attention to the crisis in the country and has worked without stop to increase the amount of support for humanitarian operations from the Government and donors. As part of on-going efforts to mobilise funds, three special alerts have been issued and regular meetings have been held with donors, informing them of all developments and priorities.

As soon as hostilities ceased, the UN system conducted rapid inter-sectoral assessments in 28 areas where critical needs were suspected. Operations by Agencies and NGOs were immediately launched in half of these areas and plans are underway for the remaining sites.

Access to family areas was denied to the UN by the Government during the first military phase of quartering. As soon as access was allowed, the UN moved, within 24 hours, to begin assessments. Within a one week period, the UN assessed 25 family areas, identifying priorities for humanitarian assistance and clearing the way for UN operations. Simultaneously, WFP started providing food assistance through NGOs, such as MSF, for life-saving programmes in the family reception areas.

Mr de Mul said: "MSF has missed the key point at this crucial juncture. Events have evolved very quickly and the Government is still gearing up to deal with the situation, as is the international community, which has not yet fully responded to the funding requests made by UN Agencies and NGOs. This is the real issue. The UN does not have, at present, sufficient resources to launch programmes, including general food distributions, to meet all of the needs. We are forced to target the most vulnerable and even then, we are not able to reach everyone in critical distress. I also think we need to be clear about a few other issues. MSF has failed to share information with partners, they do not sufficiently coordinate their assessments with partners, they have discharged some children from feeding centres without making sufficient arrangements for the future of the children and their families and they do not engage in regular discussions about the food pipeline. MSF is quick to criticise but they should do more to coordinate with partners at both the provincial and national level."

The United Nations recognises the work of MSF in the country and notes that many other NGOs and UN Agencies are making important contributions to saving lives. Mr de Mul concluded: "We look forward to continue our cooperation with MSF. There is a lot to do in this country and we need to concentrate on moving forward. This is the challenge and we in the UN are ready."

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OCHA Angola
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