R e l i e f W e b
http://www.reliefweb.int
Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Date: 15 Oct 1999Kosovo Humanitarian Update No. 14
1. GENERAL DEVELOPMENTS
1.1 Klaus Reinhardt takes command of KFOR: At a ceremony on 8 October, Lieutenant-General Sir Michael Jackson handed over control of KFOR to German General Klaus Reinhardt. In his final words at the ceremony, General Jackson described some of the challenges facing his successor and pointed out that "the criteria for success are now changing. It will now be judged against the international community's ability to oversee the development of provisional, democratic, self-governing institutions that ensure conditions for a peaceful and normal life for all - for all - the inhabitants of Kosovo".
General Reinhardt, who was the commander of NATO's Land Forces Central Europe, will be the first German military leader of a NATO peacekeeping force since Germany joined the alliance in 1955. The General will assume command of KFOR for a six-month period.1.2 The UN Secretary-General visits Kosovo: On October 13 and 14, Kofi Annan made his first visit to the UN mission in Kosovo. The Secretary-General met with the Head of UNMIK, Bernard Kouchner, and with the heads of the four pillars. Mr. Annan also met with the new KFOR commander, Lieutenant-General Klaus Reinhardt, and representatives of various political parties and ethnic communities. Before leaving the region, Mr. Annan addressed cadets at the Kosovo Police Service School at Vucitrn and attended the opening of a newly reconstructed school in Pec. He also visited heavily destroyed areas in the center of the town and emergency shelter projects being implemented there.
1.3 UNMIK employee murdered in Pristina: On 11 October, a newly arrived UNMIK employee, Valentin Krumov, was killed during an altercation with an unidentified group of persons in central Pristina. Mr. Krumov, a 38-year-old Bulgarian national, had arrived in Pristina the previous day and was to have joined the UNMIK Civil Administration. The following day, the United Nations SRSG, Bernard Kouchner, expressed his deep outrage and strong condemnation of the murder.
The Pristina Region Investigation Unit is currently requesting assistance from anyone who may have witnessed the incident, which took place at approximately 2110hrs on Mother Theresa Street near the Center for Peace and Tolerance. For more information please contact Gilles Moreau, Pristina Region UNMIK Police (tel: 501-541 ext. 5080).1.4 License plates to be issued: UNMIK will begin mandatory vehicle registration on 15 October. Vehicles will be registered for an initial one year based on engine number, chassis, and the owner's identity papers. After the first year, permanent vehicle registration will be granted to individuals who are able to establish car ownership under the requirements of a forthcoming regulation.
2. SECURITY
2.1 General security situation gradually improving: According to KFOR, the security situation continues to steadily improve in Kosovo, due in part to the international military and police presence. The number of reported murders has, for instance, fallen considerably and constantly from a weekly average of 30 or more, when KFOR started to deploy, to 6 murders for the week ending on 9 October. Instances of looting, kidnapping, and arson are also on the decline.
However, data issued by KFOR indicates that people of all ethnic backgrounds continue to suffer from a high level of violence throughout Kosovo. A total of 348 murders have been committed since KFOR's deployment in June. 38 per cent of the murder victims were Albanian, 35 per cent were Serb.
KFOR conducts a number of Vehicle Checkpoints (VCPs) throughout Kosovo. The use of VCPs is random in order to disrupt illegal activity and control the flow of traffic in a specific area. You are advised to cooperate fully with the VCP by identifying yourself and explaining the nature of your business in the area.
If you need help or wish to report an incident, a 24-hour emergency telephone number - 92 - will connect you immediately to the UN International Police headquarters, where you will be assisted in Albanian, Serbian, or English.2.2 UNMIK police deployment update: As of 13 October, 1,635 police officers of an authorized strength of 3,155 have been deployed around the region. 600 of these officers are currently working in Pristina, 171 in Mitrovica, 294 in Prizren, 137 in Gnjilane, and 60 in Pec. 153 officers are currently stationed at the main Pristina Headquarters while a further 131 are serving as border police. 119 officers are either themselves in training, or involved in training of others.
Source: UNMIK2.3 NGO Security Management Workshop: RedR will run a 3 day residential Security Management workshop for NGO staff in Prizren from 3-5 November. The workshop will focus on how to conduct security assessments of working environments, designing and implementing security policies and procedures, and managing security operations in the field.
For further information and application forms, please contact Kirstien Webb at RedR in London (tel: +44 171 233 3116; fax: +44 171 233 3590; email: kirstien@redr.demon.co.uk).3. REPATRIATION
3.1 UNHCR and IOM request advance notification about vulnerable returnees: UNHCR and IOM continue to request refugee hosting countries to provide additional information in advance about vulnerable individuals travelling to Kosovo, so necessary arrangements can be made for a safe return. Together with its implementing partners, UNHCR can notify family members and ensure that accommodation is available for people requiring special assistance.
So far, not all countries have acknowledged this request for advance notification. As a result, unaccompanied elderly and disabled individuals have arrived in Kosovo with no information about their families or whether they have accommodation.
They are often handicapped and require special assistance. UNHCR is very concerned about the safety and welfare of these individuals and strongly advises countries to facilitate a smoother return by providing UNHCR with advance information.
More 'minorities' are also being included in organised returns. Although many of these individuals have indicated that they have been in touch with their families, some returnees appear unaware of the security problems they may face. UNHCR maintains the position that members belonging to the Roma community, and other minority groups, are currently at great risk in Kosovo and that their return should not be facilitated at this time.Organized Return as of 14 Oct. 1999
From Total organized return
Albania 12,849
FYROM 5,235
Montenegro 3,311
Third countries* 83,257
TOTAL 104,652* The number may include non-HEP.
Source: UNHCR4. PROTECTION
4.1 MINORITY ISSUES
4.1.1 High tension continues in Mitrovica: Following a ceremony in Mitrovica on 5 October for the reburial of Albanians exhumed from a mass grave, a serious confrontation took place. A number of Serbs travelling in close proximity to a Russian KFOR vehicle came into conflict with Albanians attending the funeral. According to UNMIK, one Serb was killed and two were seriously injured. Four Russian KFOR soldiers, 13 French police officers, and a number of civilians suffered slight injuries during the incident.
Meanwhile, multi-ethnic institutions continue to be dismantled in Mitrovica. Serb judges have collectively tendered their resignations, while the hospital remains paralyzed after Albanian staff and patients left the hospital on 29 September (see 5.3.1). Regarding Mitrovica University, the Serb community claims that Serb students are not able, for security reasons, to attend other universities in Kosovo. Therefore, they maintain, Mitrovica University, which is located on the north side of the city, should remain solely Serb. Demonstrations by Albanian students continue.4.1.2 Kouchner reassures Bosniak community near Pec: The SRSG visited the village of Vitomirica near Pec on 4 October to reassure members of the local Bosniak community who have been the target of increasing levels of intimidation. In Vitomirica, Dr. Kouchner was briefed on the situation by Bosniak community leader Numan Balic, who is also a member of the Kosovo Transitional Council.
Since the war, many Bosniak families have been the targets of intimidation. Some have been assaulted or expelled from their homes while others have had their property taken. On Saturday, 2 October, two Bosnian Muslims were shot in their home in Pec, one of whom was killed. Addressing the local population, the SRSG pledged to renew efforts by UNMIK and KFOR to ensure that the Bosniak community receives protection. Unfortunately, another Bosniak was found killed on 6 October.4.2 CHILD PROTECTION
4.2.1 Tenth anniversary celebrations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child: UNICEF is coordinating the tenth anniversary celebrations of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to be held in Pristina on 20 November. Some of the initiatives include the production of a cassette of children's songs for distribution throughout Kosovo, weekly children's TV and radio programs hosted by children, a parade, a party, and a rock concert on Saturday, 20 November. A children's book on the Convention will also be produced.
For participation, information, or to coordinate initiatives please contact UNICEF Information Officer Gordon Weiss (tel: +381 (63) 350 147/8).4.3 DETAINEES
4.3.1 OHCHR continues to gather information on detainees: The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has gathered information through interviews with family members on more that 150 cases of persons held in detention in Serbian prisons. Field staff are conducting interviews in all regions in Kosovo. With the information obtained, OHCHR seeks to clarify the status and whereabouts of detainees, particularly those identified as being vulnerable (such as minors, the elderly, sick, and women). Based on information gathered during field interviews, OHCHR staff visited 7 detainees in Nis prison on 4 October.
Persons with relatives in detention can contact the OHCHR office in Pristina. Tel: 038 5490 52/53, 063 244 133; address: Robert Gajdiku 634.3.2 OHCHR convenes second meeting of the Commission on Prisoners and Detainees: The Commission on Prisoners and Detainees held its second session in Pristina on 5 October. Commission members welcomed the release on 4 October of 54 detainees from the prison in Sremska Mitrovica. The former detainees were assisted by the ICRC and transferred by bus to Kosovo. The ICRC also help them make contact with their relatives. Further releases are expected in the immediate future.
The Commission agreed that it will request all concerned governments, authorities, and parties to advise the Commission what actions they have undertaken to establish the whereabouts and status of detainees for whom there is no record. The commission will also request information concerning actions taken to prevent the practice of arbitrary detention. The next meeting of the Commission will take place on 19 October.5. SECTORAL ACTIVITIES
5.1 FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
5.1.1 Project to be initiated to rehabilitate irrigation system: A two-month project aimed at rehabilitating the irrigation system and increasing agriculture output in Kosovo begins this week. As part of the project, the European Commission has provided DM250,000 for the temporary employment of 230 unemployed persons in Pristina and Glogovac. The work will involve such tasks as the reopening of canals. The grant is administered through the United Nations Development Programme and run by the UNMIK Civil Administration.
5.1.2 Domestic seed production to begin: The Malishgan seed factory in Klina opened on 13 October. Representatives of UNMIK, KFOR and FAO are currently working on a plan to distribute the seeds produced in the plant to all the regions in Kosovo.
5.2 EDUCATION
5.2.1 Schools being prepared for school start: Furniture and tents continue to arrive in Kosovo for the new school year and for the re-stocking of furniture in primary and secondary schools. The distribution of school furniture for primary and secondary schools began in urban areas on Friday, 1 October.
Firewood for school heating has also arrived and distribution has started. A total of 5,000 cubic metres will be distributed throughout the region. To date, repairs have been completed on 91 school buildings, 303 are in the process of being repaired. Repairs are also planned for a further 629 schools.5.3 HEALTH
5.3.1 Mitrovica health workers demonstrate: More than 300 Albanian health workers from the Mitrovica region gathered outside the UNMIK headquarters in Pristina on Monday, 11 October to voice their concerns about the continued strife over the town's hospital. The hospital has been paralyzed since Albanian staff and their patients left on 29 September after a week of constant disturbances and incidents.
In the capital, the protesters' delegation met with the SRSG's Special Policy Adviser, Eric Chevallier, UNMIK's Deputy Commissioner for Health, Bengt Staalhandske, and Dr MacFadyen, WHO Regional Health Coordinator, to outline their concerns. These include the relative numbers of Albanian and Serb staff employed in the hospital and their security when travelling to and from the hospital. After detailed discussion they agreed to continue negotiations through UNMIK and the health team in Mitrovica.5.3.2 Guidelines for donations to be finalized: A list of essential equipment for primary care facilities will be finalized on Friday, 15 October to aid NGOs and donors wishing to supply ambulantas and health houses. A second guideline is being prepared outlining building requirements for family medicine clinics. Both have been prepared drawing on local and international expertise. Please contact Hillary Bower, WHO Information Officer, for copies of these documents (tel: 063 406 895).
5.3.3 Applicants sought for psychosocial and trauma response course: IOM is now accepting applications for its Psychosocial and Trauma Response course to be offered in association with the Faculties of Philosophy and Medicine at the University of Pristina and UNMIK. Its main objective is to train students to provide a rapid and timely response to psychosocial needs related to the recent conflict and the forced migration, exile, and return experienced by the population.
The free course, which is open to 40 persons with a background or on-going studies in health or social work, will last one academic year and consists of four modules, based on a participatory methodology. Strong emphasis will be put on practical fieldwork to identify the psychosocial needs of communities and individuals, and on providing an appropriate intervention. At the end of the academic year, depending on the outcome of a proficiency assessment, students will receive a certificate from the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Pristina, as psychosocial counsellors.
Applications will be accepted at IOM offices or at the Faculties of Philosophy and Medicine, Pristina University, until October 22.5.3.4 Treatment center for torture victims: A treatment centre for torture victims in Kosovo opened in Pristina on 13 October. The Kosova Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims (KRCT) will provide urgently needed specialist psychosocial support, mental and social treatment, and rehabilitation services to severely traumatised victims of torture and related violence. It will also provide training for doctors, nurses, and teachers in the identification and treatment of victims of torture. The Center, established by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), is also supported by a number of local and international agencies. Satellite centres are planned for Podujeva, Srbica, Malishevo, Orahovac, Suva Reka, and Pec. More information can be obtained by visiting the IRCT website at: www.irct.org
5.4 SHELTER
5.4.1 Update on shelter distribution: With the assistance of over 30 different NGOs, UNHCR has distributed 9,700 (61%) of the 16,000 emergency kits it has committed to the program. These kits are composed of small quantities of various types of plastic sheeting, timber to support the sheeting, nails, and assorted tools. Meanwhile, ECHO has distributed 8,200 kits and OFDA has distributed 2,900. A total of 57,100 kits have been committed by the three organizations.
UNHCR will also complement the emergency repair kits with 4,200 expanded roofing kits composed of roofing timber, roofing plastic and nails. Some beneficiaries will also receive windows, floor matting, and doors. UNHCR has so far identified 13 implementing partners who will distribute approximately 3,000 roofing kits. The remaining 1,200 kits will be allocated to different locations as needs arise. To date, 1,400 roofing kits have been released to implementing partners who are currently distributing the material. It is estimated that 12,600 families will benefit from the expanded roofing kits.
OFDA will supplement its emergency repair kits with additional material for 5,900 roof repairs. Approximately 2,900 of the roof repair kits have been programmed through OFDA's implementing partners working on the emergency rural shelter program. The remaining 3,000 roofing kits will be distributed through a USAID/OFDA managed depot under development at U.S. KFOR Camp Bondsteel. International NGOs, local NGOs, and community organizations will be able to access complete roof repair kits at this depot.
The emergency repair kits supplied by ECHO will be supplemented with additional materials to cover 22,000 units.5.4.2 All-season tents and prefabricated units arrive: A total of 7,000 UNHCR all-season tents, which were previously awaiting transfer from Thessaloniki, have now arrived in Kosovo. A further 8,000 tents are expected at a later date. The all-season tents will be distributed as an emergency measure or to support existing hard infrastructure.
Moreover, 424 prefabricated units, of a total of 500 donated to UNHCR by the Japanese government, have also arrived in Kosovo. They will be distributed by implementing partners Peace Wind Japan (for Cabra and Loxhe) and JEN (for Decane).5.4.3 Progress on community shelters: Out of the planned 14,000 places, UNHCR Field Offices have now identified 11,700 places in 82 buildings located in all regions of Kosovo. UNHCR is coordinating with UNMIK on issues related to the release of public property. A number of implementing partners have started rehabilitation works where needed.
Number of places in community shelters (as of 11 October)
Pristina: 2,400
Urosevac: 1,600
Mitrovica: 1,200
Gnjilane: 1,700
Djakovica: 1,600
Prizren: 1,200
Pec: 2,000
TOTAL: 11,700Source: UNHCR
5.5 WINTERIZATION
5.5.1 Winter Emergency Team established: A mobile team of 5 persons has been created within UNHCR Pristina to identify and fill gaps in the regular distribution system. Moving constantly around the province, the team will be able to respond quickly to urgent needs throughout the region, especially in areas that are difficult to access, such as high altitude locations. Together with a reserve of several hundred tons of bulk food, WFP has agreed to make available from its fleet six 6x6 light trucks to be used by the team. Based on information received from a variety of sources (local and international organisations, UN agencies, KFOR, and UNMIK), the team will be able to conduct emergency distributions of food, non-food and shelter materials, if necessary by helicopter.
In a related development, WFP has added 2,500 MT to its regular bulk food distribution plan for October. This food will be prepositioned in villages that will soon be isolated by snowfalls. Starting in mid October, stocks for two to four months will be provided to these villages. Logistics arrangements are being finalized in all regions by WFP staff together with implementing partners and UNHCR.5.5.2 Update on utilities: Since 6 October when both local power plants shut down, Kosovo has been operating without domestic power production. The problem affects the whole province, which is currently drawing 60-75 MW from neighbouring countries to meet its basic needs. Given the unreliability of the Kosovo A power plant, efforts are currently under way to restart Kosovo B. It is, however, expected that power production problems will continue. A number of donors are working together to survey and solve problems in the areas of transmission and distribution.
On district heating, Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) together with a local company, are starting repairs to the district heating plant in Pristina which covers the needs of 50% of existing public buildings as well as 12,000 apartments. The plant is expected to be partially operational as of early November. Repairs to the supply system (substations and piping) will be undertaken by the Swedish Development Agency (SIDA) and it is hoped that the system will be operating to 80% of its capacity this year (as opposed to 50% in 1998). The Djakovica heating plant is the second largest in the province and is in generally good condition - some repairs need to be made to parts damaged by frost during last winter. The Mitrovica plant is in good condition and is expected to supply heat during the coming winter - the system is being restructured and some technical expertise may be required during the coming months. Pillar IV is currently consulting with donors on the rehabilitation of both Djakovica and Mitrovica plants as well as on the payment of wages, fuel and chemicals for all three plants.
The water supply throughout the province has been greatly affected by the recent power cuts which come in addition to needs related to spare parts and equipment, wages for skilled workers, and fuel for the water boards. A system has been put in place in Pristina with BTI to provide emergency power to the water board so that it may continue pumping - some 950 litres/second are currently being provided for needs estimated to be 1,400-1,500 litres per second.5.5.3 In Prizren IOM assists community prepare for winter: The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and USAID Office for Transition Initiatives (OTI) project is fostering participative processes through the formation of community-based groups whose purpose is to select and prioritize community needs and concerns. In the city of Prizren for example, the community is placing a strong emphasis on preparing for the upcoming winter. To this effect, the program will repair roofs in 20 villages in their region. Not only will this improve housing conditions for thousands of area residents, but ex-KLA combatants will be hired as part of the work force, moving them squarely into the civilian reconstruction effort. Transformers (ranging in capacity from 100 kW to 250kW) will also be placed in 15 villages to replace damaged or destroyed equipment, providing much-needed electrical capacity for winter heating and other needs. In addition, IOM installed two 90 kW water pumps in the city of Prizren and will install a 250 kW generator at the Prizren hospital.
5.6 MINE ACTION
5.6.1 Update on mine awareness programs: Mine awareness programs continue throughout the region through the Safer Village Program. The Program, which is sponsored by the ICRC, looks at the specific needs of villages and sets out to find alternative solutions to risk taking behavior on the part of communities. This may, for instance, include providing firewood until dangerous areas can be cleared of mines/UXO. The program is fully supported regionally through MACC information offices. In addition, a number of "Train the Trainers" activities have been organized, with a focus on training Imams and their wives, child to child facilitators, and NGO staff. There was also a very successful public relations visit made to the MACC by several local language newspapers, Radio 21, and Radio Blue Sky.
5.6.2 Revised mine maps released: KFOR has released revised mine maps over Kosovo. As using out-dated maps is extremely dangerous, all organizations are requested to check that they are currently using the revised versions. The latest versions are: Civilian (1:100,000) edition 5 dated 16 September and Military (1:50,000) edition 7 dated 16 September 1999. These maps are available from MNB CIMIC Centers.
5.7 REINTEGRATION OF FORMER KLA COMBATANTS
5.7.1 Former combatants assist with winterization: As part of its Information, Counseling, and Referral Service (ICRS) reintegration program, IOM has held one-on-one counselling sessions with over 5,000 former KLA combatants since beginning the process on September 20. A wide-range of reintegration options are presented during these sessions, including further education, micro-grant assistance and placement in public and private sector jobs. The reintegration program is currently focusing on preparing ex-combatants and their communities for the winter.
The IOM office in Djakovica has already placed 34 ex-combatants in jobs repairing nearly 30 houses in the region while another 65 persons in Urosevac will be trained in roofing skills. Other winterization projects include training and job placement in the electrical, water and sanitation sectors. The program is also encouraging economic growth in the areas of construction and manufacturing. For example, the IOM program will assist in the rehabilitation of the Silcapor block factory outside of Kacanik, providing much needed materials for rebuilding homes. Some of the new jobs created will be filled by former combatants, thus increasing their self-sufficiency and that of their dependants.
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