UN and NGOs appeal for USD 62m in 2004 to assist civilians in Chechnya and neighbouring republics (Russian Federation)
Moscow, 19 November 2003. - The
United Nations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Moscow today
presented the 2004 Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Chechnya and Neighbouring
Republics (North Caucasus - Russian Federation) for humanitarian assistance
for the civilian population affected by the events in the Republic of Chechnya.
The appeal seeks US $61,923,703 from the international donor community
and is part of a global effort launched by the UN Secretary-General in
New York on 18 November to help save the lives of some 45 million people
in 21 of the world's worst crises.
Four years after the resumption of hostilities,
extreme violence continues to have a devastating effect on the lives of
civilians in Chechnya. A climate characterised by frequent disappearances,
summary executions, rape, torture, and terrorist bombings has caused many
civilians to live in fear. Serious security incidents have also occurred
in Chechnya's neighbouring republics. Hostilities have destroyed much of
Chechnya's economic and social infrastructure creating a dire humanitarian
situation. Most people in Chechnya are unemployed, and a vast majority
live below the poverty line. Despite the government work to rehabilitate
infrastructure in 2003, much remains to be done to ensure the availability
of shelter to all and the functioning of public services at minimum levels.
Because of instability, displaced persons in Ingushetia may be unwilling
to return to Chechnya in 2004 and could seek to stay where they are until
the situation improves.
To meet the needs of the civilian population, the aid community will pursue the dual objectives of providing relief and recovery assistance to alleviate suffering, while building capacity of local civil society and government structures. The current level of federal and local government assistance in Chechnya and Ingushetia needs to be complemented by additional relief and recovery aid to sustain life in dignity for about 1,220,000 affected persons in the region. The right to seek safe haven in other regions of the Russian Federation, in particular in Ingushetia, and to return to Chechnya voluntarily will remain central to the programme of the humanitarian community.
Various UN agencies and NGOs plan to continue working in the sectors of protection, food, shelter and non-food (clothes, footwear, household articles, hygienic items, etc.), health, water and sanitation, education, mine awareness, and economic recovery. The UN Field Security Coordinator's Office manages staff safety and security arrangements.
The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, supported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), facilitates overall coordination of humanitarian agencies in Chechnya and neighbouring republics of the Russian Federation. Further information on the humanitarian activity in the region is available at the OCHA Office in Moscow and Nazran or on OCHA web-site: www.ocha.ru