OCHA Burundi: Urgent need to address issues of access and protection

Bujumbura, 12 June, 2001
Urgent Need to address Issues of Access and Protection - Concern about Burundi remaining one of the most gravely underfunded Humanitarian Emergencies globally - UN Assistant Emergency Relief Coordinator and Director of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva completes Three Day Visit to Burundi -

The United Nations Assistant Emergency Relief Coordinator and Director of OCHA headquarters in Geneva has completed a three-day mission to Burundi. During the course of the mission he met with members of the Government, with representatives of the United Nations, the Red Cross Movement, the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and with the diplomatic and donor community. Mr. Ross Mountain got first hand impressions of the conditions of Internally Displaced Persons through a field visit to sites in Bubanza province and of the nutritional crisis, when visiting a Therapeutic Feeding Centre in Bujumbura Rural.

"The humanitarian crisis in Burundi is an area of major concern to the United Nations. The country is facing one of the most acute problems of population displacement in Africa today," said Mr. Mountain. Out of a total population of 6,65 million, some 380,000 are recorded as IDPs in 210 sites within Burundi. A further 200,000 may be dispersed in other areas of the countryside, beyond the reach of humanitarian assistance, and unable to return home as a result of continued insecurity. "These populations, particularly women and children, are in urgent need of increased assistance," said Mr. Mountain. "It is of vital importance, that supplies for the short- and long-term displaced can be delivered at all times."

"The signature of a Framework for Consultation of Protection of Internally Displaced Persons by the Minister of Human Rights and the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Burundi has been a great step forward in ensuring the protection of displaced populations," Mr. Mountain said, adding that it had established an open forum to discuss issues related to IDPs, particularly access and protection. It also supported the implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Humanitarian Interventions and on Internal Displacement.

The nutritional crisis remains another issue of major concern. In March 2001, more than 98,000 malnourished patients received supplementary nurture - in March 2000, there were less than 40,000 beneficiaries registered in Supplementary Feeding Centres. The amount of severely malnourished patients, 4,298, treated in Therapeutic Feeding Centres, was twice as high as in March 2000. Figures relating to the malaria epidemic are equally worrying. Close to 247,000 patients received treatment in hospitals and health centers in April 2001, 150,000 more than in April 2000.

Mr. Mountain noted, that gaps remained in the provision of humanitarian assistance and services, for IDPs, and all other vulnerable groups of the population. Needs, such as health and nutritional care, and access to water, should be addressed urgently. Assistance should be provided in an integrated manner, also catering for the needs of the host communities, which were often impoverished.

Mr. Mountain encouraged the Government to undertake all efforts to ensure safe and unhindered access of humanitarian workers to all vulnerable populations, with particular attention to Bujumbura Rural. He also underscored the need for all actors to the conflict to respect the principles of humanitarian action, including in particular those of impartiality, neutrality and non-discrimination.

Burundi remains one of the most under-funded of all humanitarian emergencies globally. For the year 2000, the UN received only one quarter of the funds its had appealed for. Response to the United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal (CAP) 2001, requesting US$ 102 million, so far has been disappointing, with only 15 % of requirements covered until the end of May. Mr. Mountain expressed concern, that potential underfunding has delayed an effective response to the various health crises in Burundi. The CAP 2001 mid term review reflects the crisis in the health, nutrition and agriculture sectors. To respond to additional needs effectively, the UN has appealed for an additional USD 9,7 million.

Mr. Ross Mountain urged the donor community to strengthen their support for humanitarian efforts to provide basic services and assistance to those vulnerable groups who have been the major victims of the ongoing conflict. Such action would encourage the process of national reconciliation and protect Burundi's most vital natural resource - its people.

UNITED NATIONS
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Burundi