Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02ROME5421
2002-11-06 15:23:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
---------
SUMMARY
---------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. USAID STAFF FROM THE U.S. MISSION IN ROME AND
FOOD FOR PEACE/WASHINGTON TRAVELED TO GUINEA,
LIBERIA, AND SENEGAL SEPTEMBER 29 THROUGH OCTOBER 9
TO REVIEW THE FOOD SECURITY SITUATION FOR REFUGEES,
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS),AND RESIDENTS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 01 OF 09 061632Z
WHOSE COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY INFLUXES OF
EITHER GROUP. THIS REPORT FOCUSES ON LIBERIA SOLELY.
GUINEA WILL BE REPORTED VIA SEP TEL.
2. THE U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM (WFP) IS CURRENTLY
PROVIDING FOOD RATIONS TO 184,027 IDPS IN LIBERIA.
THE NUMBER OF IDPS HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN THE LAST
SIX MONTHS. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IN THE CAMPS
MUST BE IMPROVED. WFP HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES
IN TIGHTENING THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROCESS, MAKING
IT MORE EFFICIENT AND TIMELY, BUT IT REQUIRES
CONSTANT VIGILANCE. WFP HAS ALSO PUT INTO PLACE
MEASURES TO GUARD AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION. THE
RATION SIZE GIVEN TO IDPS NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED. IDPS
HAVE BEEN GIVEN LAND FOR PLANTING AND THOSE WHO WERE
ABLE TO PLANT LAST SPRING/SUMMER ARE EXPECTING A GOOD
HARVEST. THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE IDPS IS
APPROXIMATELY THE SAME AS THE LOCAL POPULATION AND
CURRENTLY AT ACCEPTABLE LEVELS. THE GROWING BURDEN
PLACED ON HOST FAMILIES MAY SOON HAVE TO BE
ADDRESSED. THE MORALE OF THE U.N. FAMILY IS MUCH
IMPROVED FROM SIX MONTHS AGO. APPROXIMATELY 22,500
SIERRA LEONEAN REFUGEES REMAIN IN LIBERIA. SEE PARA
36 FOR RECOMMENDATIONS. END SUMMARY
--------------
BACKGROUND
--------------
3. SEPTEMBER 29 THROUGH OCTOBER 9, SENIOR EMERGENCY
COORDINATOR (SEC) IN THE U.S. MISSION/ROME R. DAVIS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 01 OF 09 061632Z
AND B. KRAHAM, USAID/DCHA/FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER
(FFPO),TRAVELED TO LIBERIA AND GUINEA TO REVIEW THE
FOOD SECURITY SITUATION FOR REFUGEES, INTERNALLY
DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS),AND RESIDENTS WHOSE
COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY INFLUXES OF EITHER
GROUP. THE TEAM ALSO VISITED WFP'S WEST AFRICA
REGIONAL OFFICE IN DAKAR TO REPORT ON ITS FINDINGS.
4. IN LIBERIA OCTOBER 1-3, THE TEAM MET WITH WFP,
OTHER UNITED NATIONS (U.N.) AGENCIES, NON-
GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS),GOVERNMENT
OFFICIALS, AND VISITED IDP CAMPS IN BONG COUNTY AND
IDP AND REFUGEE CAMPS IN MONTSERRADO COUNTY. THE SEC
VISITED LIBERIA LAST FEBRUARY AND VISITED THE BONG
COUNTY CAMPS AND REFUGEE CAMPS NEAR MONROVIA AT THAT
TIME.
5. WFP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS FOR ALL
IDPS AND REFUGEES IN LIBERIA. A NEW WFP COUNTRY
DIRECTOR (JUSTIN BAGIRISHYA, RWANDAN NATIONAL) AND
DEPUTY (HOUSAINOU TAAL, GAMBIAN NATIONAL) ARRIVED IN
JUNE. TOGETHER THEY HAVE WORKED TO INSTITUTE MANY
CHANGES IN THE WAY THAT WFP IS OPERATING IN THE
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2515
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PRM-00 SAS-00
/004W
-------------- 0467CE 061716Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6782
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2388
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2915
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
COUNTRY-ALL WITH THE INTENTION OF TIGHTENING THE
OPERATION. THIS REPORT WILL FOCUS PRIMARILY ON WFP'S
REFORMS AND AREAS WHERE ATTENTION IS STILL NEEDED.
--------------
SITES OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
--------------
6. IDP CAMPS IN BONG COUNTY (CARI I AND II, TV
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
TOWER) WERE ATTACKED IN MAY AND JUNE AND THE
INHABITANTS WERE DISPLACED FOR A SECOND, AND
SOMETIMES THIRD OR FOURTH TIME. SUBSEQUENTLY, THREE
CAMPS NEAR THE TOWN OF TOTOTA WERE CONSTRUCTED:
MAIMU I, II, AND III. SOME IDPS LEFT AND RETURNED TO
CARI I, AND OTHER NEW IDPS ENTERED THE CARI CAMPS.
TV TOWER CAMP ALSO REMAINS. THE OCTOBER POPULATION
TOTAL FOR THE CAMPS IN BONG COUNTY WAS 59,160, WHICH
IS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NUMBER THAT WERE DISPLACED IN
BONG IN FEBRUARY (28,500). 90 PERCENT OF THE IDPS IN
THE BONG CAMPS ARE FROM LOFA COUNTY.
7. IDPS ALSO REMAIN IN BELEFANAI, BUT IT IS
CURRENTLY INACCESSIBLE DUE TO INSECURITY. IN
ADDITION, THERE IS A GROUP OF ABOUT 5,550 IDPS IN
GANTA (EAST OF BELEFANAI IN NIMBA COUNTY) WHO CHOOSE
TO REMAIN CLOSE TO THE BORDER WITH GUINEA, BUT ARE
RECEIVING FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM WFP.
8. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE FIVE IDP CAMPS IN
MONTSERRADO COUNTY, WHICH ARE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO
MONROVIA. THE TOTAL POPULATION OF IDPS IN
MONTSERRADO IS 111,045 AS OF OCTOBER 24. THIS FIGURE
REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT 34 PER CENT INCREASE OVER
THE NUMBER OF IDPS THAT WFP FED IN MONTSERRADO IN
SEPTEMBER. (NOTE: THE NUMBER OF IDPS IN WILSON
CORNER MORE THAN DOUBLED FROM 12,310 NEAR THE END OF
SEPTEMBER TO 35,350 IN OCTOBER. WFP/LIBERIA AND
OTHERS FEEL THAT DISPLACED STAYING WITH FAMILIES NEAR
MONROVIA ARE BEING ENCOURAGED BY THEIR RELATIVES TO
SEEK SHELTER IN THE CAMPS. SEE PARAS 28-29 BELOW.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
END NOTE.) THERE ARE ALSO FOUR REFUGEE CAMPS IN
MONTSERRADO WITH A POPULATION TOTALING 22,500.
--------------
CLEANING UP IDP REGISTRATION
--------------
9. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IN THE IDP CAMPS IS
SOMETHING THAT CONTINUES TO BE PERFECTED. THE
GOVERNMENT'S LIBERIA REFUGEE, REPATRIATION AND
RESETTLEMENT COMMISSION (LRRRC) WAS, UNTIL RECENTLY,
SOLELY IN CHARGE OF THE REGISTRATION, BUT THERE WERE
MANY PROBLEMS AND WFP WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE
PROCESS. LRRRC WAS RELYING ON CAMP MANAGERS TO
COMPOSE THE LISTS OF BENEFICIARIES. IN AN EFFORT TO
VERIFY THAT POTENTIAL BENEFICIARIES WERE TRULY
DISPLACED, LRRRC HAD REQUIRED A FAMILY TO BUILD ITS
HOUSE BEFORE IT RECEIVED A RATION CARD. DUE TO THE
VULNERABILITY OF SOME HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS, THIS
PRACTICE LED TO A LONG DELAY FOR SOME BENEFICIARIES
IN RECEIVING ANY FOOD ASSISTANCE.
10. WITHIN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, IT WAS AGREED THAT
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2517
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 0467DE 061716Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6783
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2389
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2916
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
WHEN LRRRC REGISTERS THE IDP FAMILY, WFP WOULD HAVE A
REPRESENTATIVE PRESENT TO ISSUE THE RATION CARD.
THIS WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF THE COUPON THAT LRRRC HAD
BEEN GIVING, WHICH HAS CAUSED SOME FRAUD WITHIN THE
DISTRIBUTIONS. EVEN SO, DURING AN OCTOBER 3 MEETING
IN JAHTONDO CAMP, WHICH HAS AN ESTIMATED POPULATION
OF 16,383 (AN INCREASE OF ALMOST 4,000 FROM THE
SEPTEMBER FIGURE),IT BECAME QUITE CLEAR THAT THE
RECENT REGISTRATION EXERCISE WAS FLAWED AND WOULD
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
NEED TO BE REPEATED.
11. IN ADDITION, WFP HAS BEEN CONDUCTING
VERIFICATION EXERCISES BEFORE DISTRIBUTIONS WHEREBY
WFP STAFF VISIT THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY MUST PRESENT
THE NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS LISTED ON THE CARD. WFP
CONDUCTED VERIFICATIONS IN ALL CAMPS PRIOR TO
DISTRIBUTIONS IN SEPTEMBER AND PLANS TO EXECUTE THE
VERIFICATION EXERCISE EVERY OTHER MONTH.
12. THE U.N. OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF
HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (OCHA) IS PLANNING A
VERIFICATION EXERCISE OF ALL IDPS WHICH WILL SOON
TAKE PLACE SIMULTANEOUSLY IN ALL THE CAMPS. UN
AGENCIES AND NGOS ARE GIVING FULL SUPPORT TO OCHA.
WFP IS SUPPORTING OCHA WITH BACK-UP COMPUTER SUPPORT
AND TRANSPORT FOR THE EXERCISE AND IS HOPING THE
VERIFICATION WILL LEAD TO REDUCTIONS IN THE NUMBERS.
--------------
RE-VAMPING FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
--------------
13. AFTER THE SECURITY PROBLEMS OF LAST MAY AND
JUNE, WFP STOPPED STORING COMMODITIES IN LOCAL
WAREHOUSES UP-COUNTRY. EACH DAY THE TRUCKS FILLED
WITH WFP COMMODITIES DROVE UP TO BONG COUNTY AND WFP
DISTRIBUTED FOOD DIRECTLY FROM THE TRUCKS. ALTHOUGH
THIS METHOD PREVENTED LOSS OF STOCKS, THE
DISTRIBUTIONS WERE TAKING ALMOST THE ENTIRE MONTH TO
COMPLETE. BAGIRISHYA AND HIS TEAM HAVE SINCE CUT
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION TIME DOWN TO SEVEN DAYS BY
REOPENING THE WAREHOUSE IN PHEBE (BONG COUNTY) WITH
THE ADDED PRECAUTION OF STORING FOOD FOR ONLY ONE DAY
PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION, AND LEAVING IT PRACTICALLY
EMPTY THE REST OF THE MONTH. WFP INTENDS TO
ULTIMATELY CUT THE DISTRIBUTION TIME DOWN TO THREE OR
FOUR DAYS.
14. BAGIRISHYA ALSO DISCOVERED THAT MANY OF THE FOOD
MONITORS HAD BECOME OFFICE-BOUND AND DISPATCHED THEM
ALL TO THE FIELD. THE MONTSERRADO CAMP MONITORS
VISIT THE CAMPS EVERY DAY; THE UP-COUNTRY MONITORS
VISIT TWO TO THREE TIMES A WEEK. THE MONITORS
OVERSEE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, ADDRESS PROBLEMS THAT
ARISE, AND WORK WITH WFP'S IMPLEMENTING PARTNER TO
INCREASE EFFICIENCY. THE MONITORS WILL ALSO SOON BE
TRAINED IN POST-DISTRIBUTION MONITORING, SO THAT WFP
WILL HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF HOW LONG THE FOOD IS
LASTING AND HOW IT IS USED.
15. IN RESPONDING TO THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION ISSUES,
WFP/LIBERIA IS TAKING STEPS TO ENSURE THAT ALL FOOD
AID MONITORS ADDRESS PROMPTLY AND ADEQUATELY ALL
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2519
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 0467F6 061716Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6784
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2390
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2917
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
GENDER ISSUES DURING FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, WHICH
INCLUDE ENFORCING THE POLICY OF WFP'S COMMITMENTS TO
WOMEN AND DISCOURAGING ALL ACTS THAT TEND TO ABUSE
FEMALE BENEFICIARIES DURING AND AFTER THE
DISTRIBUTIONS.
16. WFP IS ALSO DISCUSSING WITH WORLD VISION (WV)
AND PREMIERE URGENCE THE POSSIBILITIES OF ONE OR BOTH
NGOS ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SYSTEMATIC POST-
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
DISTRIBUTION MONITORING. THE QUESTION OF FUNDING HAS
TO BE RESOLVED, HOWEVER.
17. IN ADDITION TO THE INCREASED MONITORING, WFP IS
ESTABLISHING FOOD COMMITTEES IN EACH CAMP COMPOSED OF
60 PERCENT FEMALES AND 40 PERCENT MALES. FORMED IN
COORDINATION WITH THE LRRRC, THE COMMITTEES WILL ALSO
MONITOR FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS AND REGISTER
COMPLAINTS/PROBLEMS PROFFERED BY THE IDPS.
MEMBERSHIP ON THE COMMITTEES IS FOR SIX MONTHS AND
THE MEMBERS ARE ELECTED.
18. BAGIRISHYA HAS RESURRECTED THE COMMITTEE ON FOOD
AID (CFA) AND SERVES AS ITS CHAIR. IT IS COMPOSED OF
WFP, UNHCR, NGOS, THE LRRRC, AND DONORS. THE CFA
MEETS EVERY OTHER WEEK AND PROVIDES A FORUM FOR ALL
PARTNERS TO DISCUSS ISSUES AND PROBLEMS AND TO FIND
SOLUTIONS WITHIN THE GROUP. ALL PARTNERS WELCOMED
THIS MOVE.
19. BAGIRISHYA HAS ALSO ORGANIZED A CFA TECHNICAL
COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF SELECTED CFA MEMBERS AND
OTHER AGENCIES WORKING WITH FOOD AID. THE TECHNICAL
COMMITTEE ADVISES THE CFA ON POLICY MATTERS AND
ENSURES THAT DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE CFA ARE EXECUTED.
--------------
WFP AND IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS
--------------
20. IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WFP HAS SIGNED
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
AGREEMENTS WITH VARIOUS NGOS TO WORK AS IMPLEMENTING
PARTNERS (IPS),DISTRIBUTING WFP FOOD IN THE CAMPS.
WFP IS PROVIDING SOME TRAINING TO ITS IPS ABOUT THE
CORRECT METHODS OF DISTRIBUTING THE FOOD: HOW TO
CHECK THE CARDS, HOW TO SCOOP THE RATIONS FOR EACH
FAMILY SIZE, ETC. THE IP AGREEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
A. BONG COUNTY IDP CAMPS (ALL 7): LUTHERAN WORLD
FEDERATION (LWF)
B. MARGIBI COUNTY, KAKATA (IDPS): ADRA
C. NIMBA COUNTY, GANTA (IDPS): UNITED METHODIST
COMMITTEE ON RELIEF (UMCOR)
D. MONTSERRADO IDP CAMPS:
BLAMASEE AND WILSON TOWN: LIBERIAN ISLAMIC
UNION FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (LIURD)
SAWEGBEAH, PLUS IDPS IN VOA AND ZUANNAH TOWN
REFUGEE CAMPS: WORLD VISION (WV)
JAHTONDO AND RICKS INSTITUTE: ADRA
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2520
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 04680A 061717Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6785
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2391
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2918
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 05 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
E. MONTSERRADO REFUGEE CAMPS (ALL 4): LIBERIAN
ISLAMIC UNION FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(LIURD)
--------------
RATION SIZES
--------------
21. WFP IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING IDPS A RATION EQUAL
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
TO 1,800 KILOCALORIES (KC) PER DAY, WHICH IS 300 KC
SHORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD OF 2,100 KC PER
DAY. UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT THOSE LIVING NEARER
TO MONROVIA WOULD HAVE GREATER ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL
COPING MECHANISMS, WFP'S NEW PRRO (WHICH BEGINS IN
JANUARY) PLANS TO PROVIDE THE IDPS IN MONTSERRADO
WITH 1,800 KILOCALORIES (KC),WHILE THE RATION FOR
THOSE IN CAMPS UP-COUNTRY WOULD INCREASE TO 2,100 KC.
AFTER VIEWING THE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION OUTSIDE SOME
OF THE BONG COUNTY CAMPS, HOWEVER, THE USAID TEAM
RECOMMENDS THE DECISION REGARDING RATION SIZE SHOULD
BE BASED ON VULNERABILITY AND/OR NUTRITIONAL
ASSESSMENT RATHER THAN A NOTIONAL DETERMINATION OF
COPING MECHANISMS AND URGED WFP TO MAKE DECISIONS
REGARDING RATION SIZE AFTER CONDUCTING ASSESSMENTS.
--------------
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY AROUND THE CAMPS
--------------
22. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IDPS ARE BEING PROVIDED
LAND FOR PLANTING AROUND THE CAMPS IN BONG, AS WELL
AS IN MONTSERRADO. WHEREAS IN FEBRUARY, THE AMOUNTS
OF LAND PROVIDED TO THE IDPS WERE VERY SMALL AND IDP
MOVEMENTS WERE GREATLY RESTRICTED OUTSIDE THE CAMP,
TODAY THE SITUATION IS MUCH IMPROVED. THERE SEEMS TO
BE NO PROBLEM NOW WITH IDPS FREELY MOVING IN THE
AREA, AND THE FIELDS WITNESSED BY THE TEAM WERE TRULY
IMPRESSIVE. THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION
OF THE U.N. (FAO) PROVIDED SEEDS LAST SPRING, AND THE
HARVEST WILL BE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO WERE ABLE TO
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
PLANT.
23. THE IDPS FROM LOFA ARE AN INDUSTRIOUS BUNCH AND
WANT TO CONTINUE THEIR ACTIVITIES. DURING A
DISCUSSION WITH THE USAID TEAM, THEY ASKED FOR
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS MORE AGRICULTURAL
SUPPORT. AS BONG AND LOFA COUNTIES ARE CONSIDERED
THE BREAD BASKETS FOR THE COUNTRY, IT IS CRITICALLY
IMPORTANT THAT IDPS FROM THESE COUNTIES BE ABLE TO
CONTINUE AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY IN THEIR TEMPORARY
LOCATIONS.
24. THE IDPS IN JAHTONDO CAMP IN MONTSERRADO HAVE
BEEN GIVEN 189 ACRES OF LAND FOR PLANTING, AND ARE
HOPING TO GET MORE TO ACCOMMODATE ITS 16,383
INHABITANTS. PLOTS, WHICH ARE SHARED BY TWO
FAMILIES, ARE 132 X 82.5 FEET IN SIZE. THE IDPS IN
JAHTONDO HAD PLANTED CASSAVA, COW PEAS, AND GROUND
NUTS. SOME OF THE SEEDS HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED BY FAO.
LRRRC TOLD THE USAID TEAM THAT IT HAD SEEN THE IMPACT
OF FAO'S WORK IN LIBERIA, WHICH WAS CERTAINLY WELCOME
NEWS.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2522
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 046815 061717Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6786
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2392
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2919
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 06 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
--------------
NUTRITIONAL STATUS
--------------
25. ACTION CONTRE LA FAIM (ACF) IS ADDRESSING
NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS IN LIBERIA AND TOLD THE USAID
TEAM THAT THE NUTRITIONAL SITUATION WAS PRECARIOUS,
BUT FAR FROM A DISASTER. MALNUTRITION RATES HAD
PEAKED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, THE END OF THE HUNGRY
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
SEASON BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER.
26. ACF REPORTED THE NUMBER OF SEVERELY MALNOURISHED
BENEFICIARIES (LESS THAN 70 PERCENT WEIGHT FOR
HEIGHT) IN THE THERAPEUTIC FEEDING CENTERS (TFCS) WAS
ALREADY BEGINNING TO DECLINE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF
SEPTEMBER. THERE WERE 180 IN THE TFC IN THE VOA CAMP
(MONTSERRADO COUNTY) AND 40 PERCENT OF THOSE WERE
FROM THE LOCAL POPULATION. ACF REPORTED THE SAME
TREND IN ITS TFC IN PHEBE IN BONG COUNTY. OUT OF THE
80 TFC BENEFICIARIES IN BONG, 45-50 PERCENT WERE FROM
THE LOCAL POPULATION. ACF ATTRIBUTED THIS TREND TO
THE INCREASED BURDEN PUT ON HOUSEHOLDS ACTING AS HOST
FAMILIES TO IDPS, AS WELL AS THE DISRUPTION IN
AGRICULTURE CAUSED BY THE UPROOTING OF OVER 200,000
PEOPLE. SUCH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF SEVERELY
MALNOURISHED BENEFICIARIES FROM THE LOCAL POPULATION
IS WORRISOME AND MERITS CLOSE MONITORING, EVEN THOUGH
THE OVERALL NUMBERS ARE STILL SMALL.
27. ACF SAID THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY FOR
MODERATELY MALNOURISHED IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING
CENTERS (SFCS) WAS THREE TO FOUR MONTHS. THE
RECOVERY TIME IS LONGER THAN NORMAL BECAUSE THE SFC
RATION IS BEING SHARED WITH THE FAMILY OR
SOLD/BARTERED BECAUSE OF THE INCREASED NEEDS.
NUMBERS IN THE SFCS IN MONTSERRADO COUNTY WERE
BETWEEN 2,000 AND 2,500, WHEREAS NUMBERS IN THE SFCS
UP-COUNTRY TOTALED APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
--------------
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
NEEDS OF HOST FAMILIES
--------------
28. AS STATED ABOVE, THE LOCAL POPULATIONS ARE
BEGINNING TO FEEL THE BURDEN OF THE GROWING NUMBERS
OF DISPLACED. IT SEEMED THAT EVERY LIBERIAN THE
USAID TEAM MET WAS HOSTING EXTENDED FAMILY DISPLACED
FROM THE NORTH. THE BURDEN THAT SUCH EXTRA FAMILY
MEMBERS (SOMETIMES AS MANY AS 10 OR MORE) CREATES ON
AN ALREADY POOR FAMILY IS SIGNIFICANT. AS A RESULT,
MANY IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAVE NOTICED AN
INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF DESPERATION AND IN THE
NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEGGING.
29. THE NEEDS OF THE HOST FAMILIES MAY SOON HAVE TO
BE ADDRESSED. WFP IS HOPING TO TAKE AN INITIAL STEP
TO IDENTIFY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS BY STARTING WITH A
VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS AND MAPPING (VAM) STUDY. THE
USAID TEAM FULLY SUPPORTS THIS INITIATIVE, AS THE
NEEDS OF HOST FAMILIES ARE AN ISSUE THAT COULD GROW
IN IMPORTANCE OVER TIME. ALREADY THE NUMBER OF
HOSTING FAMILIES IN AND AROUND MONROVIA IS TROUBLING.
AS PROVIDING ANY KIND OF ASSISTANCE NEAR MONROVIA IS
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2525
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 04681D 061717Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6787
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2393
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2920
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 07 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
LADEN WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRAUD, CREATIVE
APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING THESE NEEDS WILL BE
NECESSARY.
--------------
POSITIVE CHANGES
--------------
30. THE LRRRC STAFF SEEM MUCH MORE ENGAGED THAN THEY
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
DID IN FEBRUARY. THEY ARE TAKING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN
THE CAMPS, THEY ARE MUCH MORE INVOLVED IN THE PROBLEM-
SOLVING PROCESS, AND SEEM NOW TO BE MORE MOTIVATED
AND CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THE IDPS.
31. LIKEWISE, THE MORALE OF THE U.N. COUNTRY TEAM
HAS SUBSTANTIALLY RISEN. THE ADDITION OF THE U.N.
RESIDENT COORDINATOR/ HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR MARC
DE BERNIS HAS HAD A VERY POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE
TEAM'S MORALE. HE HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN PULLING
THE TEAM TOGETHER, IN ADDRESSING SOME OF THE KEY
ISSUES REGARDING THE STATUS AND CONDITION OF THE IDPS
(INCLUDING PROTECTION ISSUES),AND IN WORKING WITH
THE GOVERNMENT ON THESE ISSUES. THE WORK OF OCHA HAS
ALSO GREATLY IMPROVED.
--------------
REFUGEE OPERATIONS
--------------
32. WFP CURRENTLY PROVIDES FOOD ASSISTANCE TO
APPROXIMATELY 22,500 SIERRA LEONEAN REFUGEES WHO ARE
ACCOMMODATED IN FOUR CAMPS IN MONTSERRADO COUNTY. AS
STATED ABOVE, LIURD IS THE DISTRIBUTION PARTNER AND
LWF IS CONDUCTING POST-DISTRIBUTION MONITORING (PDM)
WHICH WAS BEGUN AFTER THE FEBRUARY VISIT OF FFP.
LWF'S PDM METHODOLOGY AND REPORTING HAVE PROVEN TO BE
INADEQUATE, HOWEVER. WFP INTENDS TO ADDRESS THIS
PROBLEM.
33. WFP, THROUGH THE LIURD, PROVIDES A RATION OF
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
APPROXIMATELY 1,800 KC PER DAY PER REFUGEE. IN THE
MEETING WITH THE REFUGEES, THEY ASKED THE USAID TEAM
FOR A VARIETY OF THINGS RANGING FROM BETTER SALT TO
LARGER RATIONS TO SUITCASES FOR THE TRIP HOME. ONE
REFUGEE EVEN COMPLAINED THAT THE COMPUTER TRAINING HE
HAD RECEIVED FROM UNHCR WAS INAPPROPRIATE TO HIS
SITUATION. THE USAID TEAM STRONGLY ENCOURAGED THE
REFUGEES TO RETURN TO SIERRA LEONE IN THE NEAR
FUTURE.
--------------
FOOD REQUIREMENTS
--------------
34. UNDER ITS CURRENT PROTRACTED RELIEF AND RECOVERY
OPERATION (PRRO),IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT WFP/LIBERIA
WOULD REQUIRE A TOTAL OF 16,476 METRIC TONS (MT) FOOD
AID TO PROVIDE FOR A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 112,000
BENEFICIARIES (JANUARY - DECEMBER 2002),WHICH
WFP/LIBERIA IS CURRENTLY FAR EXCEEDING (FEEDING OVER
223,000 IN NOVEMBER). FY 2002 USAID/DCHA/FFP TITLE
II EMERGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS TO LIBERIA WERE 5,480 MT
FOOD COMMODITIES OR 2.8 MILLION USD, REPRESENTING
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2526
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 046822 061718Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6788
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2394
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2921
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 08 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
ABOUT 33 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL PRRO FOOD REQUIREMENTS
FOR LIBERIA. WFP REPORTS THAT THE PIPELINE IS FINE
THROUGH THE END OF 2002.
35. THE NEW PRRO FOR COASTAL WEST AFRICA WAS
APPROVED AT THE OCTOBER WFP EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
AND BEGINS JANUARY 1, 2003. IT REQUESTS 30,305 MT
FOOD FOR 12 MONTHS FOR LIBERIA. BY COINCIDENCE, THE
NEW PRRO INCLUDES COTE D'IVOIRE AND ALSO CARRIES WITH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
IT A CONTINGENCY MEASURE TO ACCOMMODATE AN ADDED
BENEFICIARY LOAD OF 50,000, IF NEEDED. THE
CONTINGENCY WAS ORIGINALLY WITH LIBERIA IN MIND, BUT
COULD BE ACTIVATED FOR ANY OF THE FOUR COUNTRIES OF
THE PRRO.
--------------
RECOMMENDATIONS
--------------
36. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS FOR WFP AND
USAID:
-- WFP NEEDS TO REMAIN VIGILANT ABOUT THE
REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR THE CURRENT CAMPS AND NEW
IDPS. THE NEW PROCESSES WFP HAS PUT INTO PLACE ARE
WELCOME AND EFFECTIVE, BUT IT IS A DYNAMIC PROCESS
THAT REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION.
-- WFP SHOULD BASE THE SIZE OF THE IDP RATION ON
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS RATHER THAN ASSUMPTIONS
REGARDING COPING MECHANISMS AS THEY RELATE TO CAMP
LOCATION.
-- AS MANY OF WFP'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH ITS IPS ARE
FAIRLY NEW, WFP SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE WORK OF
THE IPS' DISTRIBUTIONS FOR THE FIRST FEW MONTHS TO
ENSURE EFFICIENCY.
-- WFP SHOULD WORK TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING A VAM STUDY
OF HOST FAMILIES TO DETERMINE LEVEL OF VULNERABILITY
OUTSIDE THE IDP CAMPS. WFP/LIBERIA WILL HAVE TO
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
DETERMINE HOW THIS WILL BE FUNDED. USAID/DCHA ALSO
NEEDS TO CONSIDER HOW ASSISTANCE IN AND AROUND
MONROVIA MAY BE PROVIDED TO HOST FAMILIES IF DEEMED
NECESSARY IN THE FUTURE.
NOTE: TO THIS END, USAID/DCHA/OFDA ALREADY IS
FUNDING WFP/VAM WORK IN GUINEA SO THAT WFP CAN BETTER
TARGET VULNERABLE IDPS AND THEIR HOST FAMILIES.
WFP/SIERRA LEONE, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE THREE
OTHER FOOD PIPELINE AGENCIES, HAS RECENTLY SUBMITTED
A VAM PROPOSAL TO USAID/OFDA FOR CONSIDERATION. THE
SEC RECOMMENDS THAT WFP ENSURE A COMMON REGIONAL VAM
METHODOLOGY IN THESE THREE COUNTRIES AND THAT
USAID/OFDA CONSIDER SUPPORTING SUCH A REGIONAL
APPROACH.
-- WFP SHOULD SOON BEGIN POST-DISTRIBUTION
MONITORING (PDM) IN THE IDP CAMPS. FUNDING IS AGAIN
AN ISSUE THAT MUST BE RESOLVED.
-- THE PDM THAT IS ONGOING IN THE REFUGEE CAMPS
NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED AND IMPROVED, AS THE REPORTS ARE
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2527
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 09 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 046829 061718Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6789
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2395
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2922
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 09 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 09 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
SERIOUSLY LACKING PERTINENT INFORMATION.
-- WFP/LIBERIA IS ABSENT AN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
OFFICER. ALTHOUGH THE NATIONAL STAFF MEMBER IS QUITE
COMPETENT, THIS POSITION NEEDS TO BE FILLED SOON.
THE WFP REGIONAL OFFICE IS AWARE OF THIS NEED.
37. MINIMIZE CONSIDERED. HALL
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 09 OF 09 061634Z
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2002ROME05421 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
--------------
SUMMARY
--------------
1. USAID STAFF FROM THE U.S. MISSION IN ROME AND
FOOD FOR PEACE/WASHINGTON TRAVELED TO GUINEA,
LIBERIA, AND SENEGAL SEPTEMBER 29 THROUGH OCTOBER 9
TO REVIEW THE FOOD SECURITY SITUATION FOR REFUGEES,
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS),AND RESIDENTS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 01 OF 09 061632Z
WHOSE COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY INFLUXES OF
EITHER GROUP. THIS REPORT FOCUSES ON LIBERIA SOLELY.
GUINEA WILL BE REPORTED VIA SEP TEL.
2. THE U.N. WORLD FOOD PROGRAM (WFP) IS CURRENTLY
PROVIDING FOOD RATIONS TO 184,027 IDPS IN LIBERIA.
THE NUMBER OF IDPS HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN THE LAST
SIX MONTHS. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IN THE CAMPS
MUST BE IMPROVED. WFP HAS MADE SIGNIFICANT STRIDES
IN TIGHTENING THE FOOD DISTRIBUTION PROCESS, MAKING
IT MORE EFFICIENT AND TIMELY, BUT IT REQUIRES
CONSTANT VIGILANCE. WFP HAS ALSO PUT INTO PLACE
MEASURES TO GUARD AGAINST SEXUAL EXPLOITATION. THE
RATION SIZE GIVEN TO IDPS NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED. IDPS
HAVE BEEN GIVEN LAND FOR PLANTING AND THOSE WHO WERE
ABLE TO PLANT LAST SPRING/SUMMER ARE EXPECTING A GOOD
HARVEST. THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF THE IDPS IS
APPROXIMATELY THE SAME AS THE LOCAL POPULATION AND
CURRENTLY AT ACCEPTABLE LEVELS. THE GROWING BURDEN
PLACED ON HOST FAMILIES MAY SOON HAVE TO BE
ADDRESSED. THE MORALE OF THE U.N. FAMILY IS MUCH
IMPROVED FROM SIX MONTHS AGO. APPROXIMATELY 22,500
SIERRA LEONEAN REFUGEES REMAIN IN LIBERIA. SEE PARA
36 FOR RECOMMENDATIONS. END SUMMARY
--------------
BACKGROUND
--------------
3. SEPTEMBER 29 THROUGH OCTOBER 9, SENIOR EMERGENCY
COORDINATOR (SEC) IN THE U.S. MISSION/ROME R. DAVIS
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 01 OF 09 061632Z
AND B. KRAHAM, USAID/DCHA/FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER
(FFPO),TRAVELED TO LIBERIA AND GUINEA TO REVIEW THE
FOOD SECURITY SITUATION FOR REFUGEES, INTERNALLY
DISPLACED PERSONS (IDPS),AND RESIDENTS WHOSE
COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY INFLUXES OF EITHER
GROUP. THE TEAM ALSO VISITED WFP'S WEST AFRICA
REGIONAL OFFICE IN DAKAR TO REPORT ON ITS FINDINGS.
4. IN LIBERIA OCTOBER 1-3, THE TEAM MET WITH WFP,
OTHER UNITED NATIONS (U.N.) AGENCIES, NON-
GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS),GOVERNMENT
OFFICIALS, AND VISITED IDP CAMPS IN BONG COUNTY AND
IDP AND REFUGEE CAMPS IN MONTSERRADO COUNTY. THE SEC
VISITED LIBERIA LAST FEBRUARY AND VISITED THE BONG
COUNTY CAMPS AND REFUGEE CAMPS NEAR MONROVIA AT THAT
TIME.
5. WFP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS FOR ALL
IDPS AND REFUGEES IN LIBERIA. A NEW WFP COUNTRY
DIRECTOR (JUSTIN BAGIRISHYA, RWANDAN NATIONAL) AND
DEPUTY (HOUSAINOU TAAL, GAMBIAN NATIONAL) ARRIVED IN
JUNE. TOGETHER THEY HAVE WORKED TO INSTITUTE MANY
CHANGES IN THE WAY THAT WFP IS OPERATING IN THE
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2515
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 PRM-00 SAS-00
/004W
-------------- 0467CE 061716Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6782
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2388
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2915
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 02 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
COUNTRY-ALL WITH THE INTENTION OF TIGHTENING THE
OPERATION. THIS REPORT WILL FOCUS PRIMARILY ON WFP'S
REFORMS AND AREAS WHERE ATTENTION IS STILL NEEDED.
--------------
SITES OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
--------------
6. IDP CAMPS IN BONG COUNTY (CARI I AND II, TV
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
TOWER) WERE ATTACKED IN MAY AND JUNE AND THE
INHABITANTS WERE DISPLACED FOR A SECOND, AND
SOMETIMES THIRD OR FOURTH TIME. SUBSEQUENTLY, THREE
CAMPS NEAR THE TOWN OF TOTOTA WERE CONSTRUCTED:
MAIMU I, II, AND III. SOME IDPS LEFT AND RETURNED TO
CARI I, AND OTHER NEW IDPS ENTERED THE CARI CAMPS.
TV TOWER CAMP ALSO REMAINS. THE OCTOBER POPULATION
TOTAL FOR THE CAMPS IN BONG COUNTY WAS 59,160, WHICH
IS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NUMBER THAT WERE DISPLACED IN
BONG IN FEBRUARY (28,500). 90 PERCENT OF THE IDPS IN
THE BONG CAMPS ARE FROM LOFA COUNTY.
7. IDPS ALSO REMAIN IN BELEFANAI, BUT IT IS
CURRENTLY INACCESSIBLE DUE TO INSECURITY. IN
ADDITION, THERE IS A GROUP OF ABOUT 5,550 IDPS IN
GANTA (EAST OF BELEFANAI IN NIMBA COUNTY) WHO CHOOSE
TO REMAIN CLOSE TO THE BORDER WITH GUINEA, BUT ARE
RECEIVING FOOD ASSISTANCE FROM WFP.
8. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE FIVE IDP CAMPS IN
MONTSERRADO COUNTY, WHICH ARE EXTREMELY CLOSE TO
MONROVIA. THE TOTAL POPULATION OF IDPS IN
MONTSERRADO IS 111,045 AS OF OCTOBER 24. THIS FIGURE
REPRESENTS A SIGNIFICANT 34 PER CENT INCREASE OVER
THE NUMBER OF IDPS THAT WFP FED IN MONTSERRADO IN
SEPTEMBER. (NOTE: THE NUMBER OF IDPS IN WILSON
CORNER MORE THAN DOUBLED FROM 12,310 NEAR THE END OF
SEPTEMBER TO 35,350 IN OCTOBER. WFP/LIBERIA AND
OTHERS FEEL THAT DISPLACED STAYING WITH FAMILIES NEAR
MONROVIA ARE BEING ENCOURAGED BY THEIR RELATIVES TO
SEEK SHELTER IN THE CAMPS. SEE PARAS 28-29 BELOW.
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 02 OF 09 061632Z
END NOTE.) THERE ARE ALSO FOUR REFUGEE CAMPS IN
MONTSERRADO WITH A POPULATION TOTALING 22,500.
--------------
CLEANING UP IDP REGISTRATION
--------------
9. THE REGISTRATION PROCESS IN THE IDP CAMPS IS
SOMETHING THAT CONTINUES TO BE PERFECTED. THE
GOVERNMENT'S LIBERIA REFUGEE, REPATRIATION AND
RESETTLEMENT COMMISSION (LRRRC) WAS, UNTIL RECENTLY,
SOLELY IN CHARGE OF THE REGISTRATION, BUT THERE WERE
MANY PROBLEMS AND WFP WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE
PROCESS. LRRRC WAS RELYING ON CAMP MANAGERS TO
COMPOSE THE LISTS OF BENEFICIARIES. IN AN EFFORT TO
VERIFY THAT POTENTIAL BENEFICIARIES WERE TRULY
DISPLACED, LRRRC HAD REQUIRED A FAMILY TO BUILD ITS
HOUSE BEFORE IT RECEIVED A RATION CARD. DUE TO THE
VULNERABILITY OF SOME HEADS OF HOUSEHOLDS, THIS
PRACTICE LED TO A LONG DELAY FOR SOME BENEFICIARIES
IN RECEIVING ANY FOOD ASSISTANCE.
10. WITHIN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, IT WAS AGREED THAT
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2517
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 0467DE 061716Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6783
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2389
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2916
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 03 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
WHEN LRRRC REGISTERS THE IDP FAMILY, WFP WOULD HAVE A
REPRESENTATIVE PRESENT TO ISSUE THE RATION CARD.
THIS WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF THE COUPON THAT LRRRC HAD
BEEN GIVING, WHICH HAS CAUSED SOME FRAUD WITHIN THE
DISTRIBUTIONS. EVEN SO, DURING AN OCTOBER 3 MEETING
IN JAHTONDO CAMP, WHICH HAS AN ESTIMATED POPULATION
OF 16,383 (AN INCREASE OF ALMOST 4,000 FROM THE
SEPTEMBER FIGURE),IT BECAME QUITE CLEAR THAT THE
RECENT REGISTRATION EXERCISE WAS FLAWED AND WOULD
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
NEED TO BE REPEATED.
11. IN ADDITION, WFP HAS BEEN CONDUCTING
VERIFICATION EXERCISES BEFORE DISTRIBUTIONS WHEREBY
WFP STAFF VISIT THE HOUSE AND THE FAMILY MUST PRESENT
THE NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS LISTED ON THE CARD. WFP
CONDUCTED VERIFICATIONS IN ALL CAMPS PRIOR TO
DISTRIBUTIONS IN SEPTEMBER AND PLANS TO EXECUTE THE
VERIFICATION EXERCISE EVERY OTHER MONTH.
12. THE U.N. OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF
HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS (OCHA) IS PLANNING A
VERIFICATION EXERCISE OF ALL IDPS WHICH WILL SOON
TAKE PLACE SIMULTANEOUSLY IN ALL THE CAMPS. UN
AGENCIES AND NGOS ARE GIVING FULL SUPPORT TO OCHA.
WFP IS SUPPORTING OCHA WITH BACK-UP COMPUTER SUPPORT
AND TRANSPORT FOR THE EXERCISE AND IS HOPING THE
VERIFICATION WILL LEAD TO REDUCTIONS IN THE NUMBERS.
--------------
RE-VAMPING FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS
--------------
13. AFTER THE SECURITY PROBLEMS OF LAST MAY AND
JUNE, WFP STOPPED STORING COMMODITIES IN LOCAL
WAREHOUSES UP-COUNTRY. EACH DAY THE TRUCKS FILLED
WITH WFP COMMODITIES DROVE UP TO BONG COUNTY AND WFP
DISTRIBUTED FOOD DIRECTLY FROM THE TRUCKS. ALTHOUGH
THIS METHOD PREVENTED LOSS OF STOCKS, THE
DISTRIBUTIONS WERE TAKING ALMOST THE ENTIRE MONTH TO
COMPLETE. BAGIRISHYA AND HIS TEAM HAVE SINCE CUT
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 03 OF 09 061633Z
MONTHLY DISTRIBUTION TIME DOWN TO SEVEN DAYS BY
REOPENING THE WAREHOUSE IN PHEBE (BONG COUNTY) WITH
THE ADDED PRECAUTION OF STORING FOOD FOR ONLY ONE DAY
PRIOR TO DISTRIBUTION, AND LEAVING IT PRACTICALLY
EMPTY THE REST OF THE MONTH. WFP INTENDS TO
ULTIMATELY CUT THE DISTRIBUTION TIME DOWN TO THREE OR
FOUR DAYS.
14. BAGIRISHYA ALSO DISCOVERED THAT MANY OF THE FOOD
MONITORS HAD BECOME OFFICE-BOUND AND DISPATCHED THEM
ALL TO THE FIELD. THE MONTSERRADO CAMP MONITORS
VISIT THE CAMPS EVERY DAY; THE UP-COUNTRY MONITORS
VISIT TWO TO THREE TIMES A WEEK. THE MONITORS
OVERSEE FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, ADDRESS PROBLEMS THAT
ARISE, AND WORK WITH WFP'S IMPLEMENTING PARTNER TO
INCREASE EFFICIENCY. THE MONITORS WILL ALSO SOON BE
TRAINED IN POST-DISTRIBUTION MONITORING, SO THAT WFP
WILL HAVE A BETTER IDEA OF HOW LONG THE FOOD IS
LASTING AND HOW IT IS USED.
15. IN RESPONDING TO THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION ISSUES,
WFP/LIBERIA IS TAKING STEPS TO ENSURE THAT ALL FOOD
AID MONITORS ADDRESS PROMPTLY AND ADEQUATELY ALL
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2519
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 0467F6 061716Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6784
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2390
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2917
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 04 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
GENDER ISSUES DURING FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS, WHICH
INCLUDE ENFORCING THE POLICY OF WFP'S COMMITMENTS TO
WOMEN AND DISCOURAGING ALL ACTS THAT TEND TO ABUSE
FEMALE BENEFICIARIES DURING AND AFTER THE
DISTRIBUTIONS.
16. WFP IS ALSO DISCUSSING WITH WORLD VISION (WV)
AND PREMIERE URGENCE THE POSSIBILITIES OF ONE OR BOTH
NGOS ASSUMING THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR SYSTEMATIC POST-
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
DISTRIBUTION MONITORING. THE QUESTION OF FUNDING HAS
TO BE RESOLVED, HOWEVER.
17. IN ADDITION TO THE INCREASED MONITORING, WFP IS
ESTABLISHING FOOD COMMITTEES IN EACH CAMP COMPOSED OF
60 PERCENT FEMALES AND 40 PERCENT MALES. FORMED IN
COORDINATION WITH THE LRRRC, THE COMMITTEES WILL ALSO
MONITOR FOOD DISTRIBUTIONS AND REGISTER
COMPLAINTS/PROBLEMS PROFFERED BY THE IDPS.
MEMBERSHIP ON THE COMMITTEES IS FOR SIX MONTHS AND
THE MEMBERS ARE ELECTED.
18. BAGIRISHYA HAS RESURRECTED THE COMMITTEE ON FOOD
AID (CFA) AND SERVES AS ITS CHAIR. IT IS COMPOSED OF
WFP, UNHCR, NGOS, THE LRRRC, AND DONORS. THE CFA
MEETS EVERY OTHER WEEK AND PROVIDES A FORUM FOR ALL
PARTNERS TO DISCUSS ISSUES AND PROBLEMS AND TO FIND
SOLUTIONS WITHIN THE GROUP. ALL PARTNERS WELCOMED
THIS MOVE.
19. BAGIRISHYA HAS ALSO ORGANIZED A CFA TECHNICAL
COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF SELECTED CFA MEMBERS AND
OTHER AGENCIES WORKING WITH FOOD AID. THE TECHNICAL
COMMITTEE ADVISES THE CFA ON POLICY MATTERS AND
ENSURES THAT DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE CFA ARE EXECUTED.
--------------
WFP AND IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS
--------------
20. IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS, WFP HAS SIGNED
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 04 OF 09 061633Z
AGREEMENTS WITH VARIOUS NGOS TO WORK AS IMPLEMENTING
PARTNERS (IPS),DISTRIBUTING WFP FOOD IN THE CAMPS.
WFP IS PROVIDING SOME TRAINING TO ITS IPS ABOUT THE
CORRECT METHODS OF DISTRIBUTING THE FOOD: HOW TO
CHECK THE CARDS, HOW TO SCOOP THE RATIONS FOR EACH
FAMILY SIZE, ETC. THE IP AGREEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
A. BONG COUNTY IDP CAMPS (ALL 7): LUTHERAN WORLD
FEDERATION (LWF)
B. MARGIBI COUNTY, KAKATA (IDPS): ADRA
C. NIMBA COUNTY, GANTA (IDPS): UNITED METHODIST
COMMITTEE ON RELIEF (UMCOR)
D. MONTSERRADO IDP CAMPS:
BLAMASEE AND WILSON TOWN: LIBERIAN ISLAMIC
UNION FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (LIURD)
SAWEGBEAH, PLUS IDPS IN VOA AND ZUANNAH TOWN
REFUGEE CAMPS: WORLD VISION (WV)
JAHTONDO AND RICKS INSTITUTE: ADRA
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2520
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 04680A 061717Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6785
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2391
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2918
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 05 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
E. MONTSERRADO REFUGEE CAMPS (ALL 4): LIBERIAN
ISLAMIC UNION FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT
(LIURD)
--------------
RATION SIZES
--------------
21. WFP IS CURRENTLY PROVIDING IDPS A RATION EQUAL
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
TO 1,800 KILOCALORIES (KC) PER DAY, WHICH IS 300 KC
SHORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD OF 2,100 KC PER
DAY. UNDER THE ASSUMPTION THAT THOSE LIVING NEARER
TO MONROVIA WOULD HAVE GREATER ACCESS TO ADDITIONAL
COPING MECHANISMS, WFP'S NEW PRRO (WHICH BEGINS IN
JANUARY) PLANS TO PROVIDE THE IDPS IN MONTSERRADO
WITH 1,800 KILOCALORIES (KC),WHILE THE RATION FOR
THOSE IN CAMPS UP-COUNTRY WOULD INCREASE TO 2,100 KC.
AFTER VIEWING THE AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION OUTSIDE SOME
OF THE BONG COUNTY CAMPS, HOWEVER, THE USAID TEAM
RECOMMENDS THE DECISION REGARDING RATION SIZE SHOULD
BE BASED ON VULNERABILITY AND/OR NUTRITIONAL
ASSESSMENT RATHER THAN A NOTIONAL DETERMINATION OF
COPING MECHANISMS AND URGED WFP TO MAKE DECISIONS
REGARDING RATION SIZE AFTER CONDUCTING ASSESSMENTS.
--------------
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY AROUND THE CAMPS
--------------
22. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT IDPS ARE BEING PROVIDED
LAND FOR PLANTING AROUND THE CAMPS IN BONG, AS WELL
AS IN MONTSERRADO. WHEREAS IN FEBRUARY, THE AMOUNTS
OF LAND PROVIDED TO THE IDPS WERE VERY SMALL AND IDP
MOVEMENTS WERE GREATLY RESTRICTED OUTSIDE THE CAMP,
TODAY THE SITUATION IS MUCH IMPROVED. THERE SEEMS TO
BE NO PROBLEM NOW WITH IDPS FREELY MOVING IN THE
AREA, AND THE FIELDS WITNESSED BY THE TEAM WERE TRULY
IMPRESSIVE. THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION
OF THE U.N. (FAO) PROVIDED SEEDS LAST SPRING, AND THE
HARVEST WILL BE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO WERE ABLE TO
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 05 OF 09 061633Z
PLANT.
23. THE IDPS FROM LOFA ARE AN INDUSTRIOUS BUNCH AND
WANT TO CONTINUE THEIR ACTIVITIES. DURING A
DISCUSSION WITH THE USAID TEAM, THEY ASKED FOR
VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS MORE AGRICULTURAL
SUPPORT. AS BONG AND LOFA COUNTIES ARE CONSIDERED
THE BREAD BASKETS FOR THE COUNTRY, IT IS CRITICALLY
IMPORTANT THAT IDPS FROM THESE COUNTIES BE ABLE TO
CONTINUE AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY IN THEIR TEMPORARY
LOCATIONS.
24. THE IDPS IN JAHTONDO CAMP IN MONTSERRADO HAVE
BEEN GIVEN 189 ACRES OF LAND FOR PLANTING, AND ARE
HOPING TO GET MORE TO ACCOMMODATE ITS 16,383
INHABITANTS. PLOTS, WHICH ARE SHARED BY TWO
FAMILIES, ARE 132 X 82.5 FEET IN SIZE. THE IDPS IN
JAHTONDO HAD PLANTED CASSAVA, COW PEAS, AND GROUND
NUTS. SOME OF THE SEEDS HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED BY FAO.
LRRRC TOLD THE USAID TEAM THAT IT HAD SEEN THE IMPACT
OF FAO'S WORK IN LIBERIA, WHICH WAS CERTAINLY WELCOME
NEWS.
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2522
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 046815 061717Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6786
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2392
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2919
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 06 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
--------------
NUTRITIONAL STATUS
--------------
25. ACTION CONTRE LA FAIM (ACF) IS ADDRESSING
NUTRITIONAL PROBLEMS IN LIBERIA AND TOLD THE USAID
TEAM THAT THE NUTRITIONAL SITUATION WAS PRECARIOUS,
BUT FAR FROM A DISASTER. MALNUTRITION RATES HAD
PEAKED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, THE END OF THE HUNGRY
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
SEASON BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER.
26. ACF REPORTED THE NUMBER OF SEVERELY MALNOURISHED
BENEFICIARIES (LESS THAN 70 PERCENT WEIGHT FOR
HEIGHT) IN THE THERAPEUTIC FEEDING CENTERS (TFCS) WAS
ALREADY BEGINNING TO DECLINE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF
SEPTEMBER. THERE WERE 180 IN THE TFC IN THE VOA CAMP
(MONTSERRADO COUNTY) AND 40 PERCENT OF THOSE WERE
FROM THE LOCAL POPULATION. ACF REPORTED THE SAME
TREND IN ITS TFC IN PHEBE IN BONG COUNTY. OUT OF THE
80 TFC BENEFICIARIES IN BONG, 45-50 PERCENT WERE FROM
THE LOCAL POPULATION. ACF ATTRIBUTED THIS TREND TO
THE INCREASED BURDEN PUT ON HOUSEHOLDS ACTING AS HOST
FAMILIES TO IDPS, AS WELL AS THE DISRUPTION IN
AGRICULTURE CAUSED BY THE UPROOTING OF OVER 200,000
PEOPLE. SUCH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF SEVERELY
MALNOURISHED BENEFICIARIES FROM THE LOCAL POPULATION
IS WORRISOME AND MERITS CLOSE MONITORING, EVEN THOUGH
THE OVERALL NUMBERS ARE STILL SMALL.
27. ACF SAID THE AVERAGE LENGTH OF STAY FOR
MODERATELY MALNOURISHED IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING
CENTERS (SFCS) WAS THREE TO FOUR MONTHS. THE
RECOVERY TIME IS LONGER THAN NORMAL BECAUSE THE SFC
RATION IS BEING SHARED WITH THE FAMILY OR
SOLD/BARTERED BECAUSE OF THE INCREASED NEEDS.
NUMBERS IN THE SFCS IN MONTSERRADO COUNTY WERE
BETWEEN 2,000 AND 2,500, WHEREAS NUMBERS IN THE SFCS
UP-COUNTRY TOTALED APPROXIMATELY 1,000.
--------------
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 06 OF 09 061634Z
NEEDS OF HOST FAMILIES
--------------
28. AS STATED ABOVE, THE LOCAL POPULATIONS ARE
BEGINNING TO FEEL THE BURDEN OF THE GROWING NUMBERS
OF DISPLACED. IT SEEMED THAT EVERY LIBERIAN THE
USAID TEAM MET WAS HOSTING EXTENDED FAMILY DISPLACED
FROM THE NORTH. THE BURDEN THAT SUCH EXTRA FAMILY
MEMBERS (SOMETIMES AS MANY AS 10 OR MORE) CREATES ON
AN ALREADY POOR FAMILY IS SIGNIFICANT. AS A RESULT,
MANY IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAVE NOTICED AN
INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF DESPERATION AND IN THE
NUMBER OF PEOPLE BEGGING.
29. THE NEEDS OF THE HOST FAMILIES MAY SOON HAVE TO
BE ADDRESSED. WFP IS HOPING TO TAKE AN INITIAL STEP
TO IDENTIFY VULNERABLE POPULATIONS BY STARTING WITH A
VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS AND MAPPING (VAM) STUDY. THE
USAID TEAM FULLY SUPPORTS THIS INITIATIVE, AS THE
NEEDS OF HOST FAMILIES ARE AN ISSUE THAT COULD GROW
IN IMPORTANCE OVER TIME. ALREADY THE NUMBER OF
HOSTING FAMILIES IN AND AROUND MONROVIA IS TROUBLING.
AS PROVIDING ANY KIND OF ASSISTANCE NEAR MONROVIA IS
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2525
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 04681D 061717Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6787
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2393
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2920
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 07 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
LADEN WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR FRAUD, CREATIVE
APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING THESE NEEDS WILL BE
NECESSARY.
--------------
POSITIVE CHANGES
--------------
30. THE LRRRC STAFF SEEM MUCH MORE ENGAGED THAN THEY
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
DID IN FEBRUARY. THEY ARE TAKING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN
THE CAMPS, THEY ARE MUCH MORE INVOLVED IN THE PROBLEM-
SOLVING PROCESS, AND SEEM NOW TO BE MORE MOTIVATED
AND CONCERNED ABOUT THE WELFARE OF THE IDPS.
31. LIKEWISE, THE MORALE OF THE U.N. COUNTRY TEAM
HAS SUBSTANTIALLY RISEN. THE ADDITION OF THE U.N.
RESIDENT COORDINATOR/ HUMANITARIAN COORDINATOR MARC
DE BERNIS HAS HAD A VERY POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE
TEAM'S MORALE. HE HAS MADE GREAT STRIDES IN PULLING
THE TEAM TOGETHER, IN ADDRESSING SOME OF THE KEY
ISSUES REGARDING THE STATUS AND CONDITION OF THE IDPS
(INCLUDING PROTECTION ISSUES),AND IN WORKING WITH
THE GOVERNMENT ON THESE ISSUES. THE WORK OF OCHA HAS
ALSO GREATLY IMPROVED.
--------------
REFUGEE OPERATIONS
--------------
32. WFP CURRENTLY PROVIDES FOOD ASSISTANCE TO
APPROXIMATELY 22,500 SIERRA LEONEAN REFUGEES WHO ARE
ACCOMMODATED IN FOUR CAMPS IN MONTSERRADO COUNTY. AS
STATED ABOVE, LIURD IS THE DISTRIBUTION PARTNER AND
LWF IS CONDUCTING POST-DISTRIBUTION MONITORING (PDM)
WHICH WAS BEGUN AFTER THE FEBRUARY VISIT OF FFP.
LWF'S PDM METHODOLOGY AND REPORTING HAVE PROVEN TO BE
INADEQUATE, HOWEVER. WFP INTENDS TO ADDRESS THIS
PROBLEM.
33. WFP, THROUGH THE LIURD, PROVIDES A RATION OF
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 07 OF 09 061634Z
APPROXIMATELY 1,800 KC PER DAY PER REFUGEE. IN THE
MEETING WITH THE REFUGEES, THEY ASKED THE USAID TEAM
FOR A VARIETY OF THINGS RANGING FROM BETTER SALT TO
LARGER RATIONS TO SUITCASES FOR THE TRIP HOME. ONE
REFUGEE EVEN COMPLAINED THAT THE COMPUTER TRAINING HE
HAD RECEIVED FROM UNHCR WAS INAPPROPRIATE TO HIS
SITUATION. THE USAID TEAM STRONGLY ENCOURAGED THE
REFUGEES TO RETURN TO SIERRA LEONE IN THE NEAR
FUTURE.
--------------
FOOD REQUIREMENTS
--------------
34. UNDER ITS CURRENT PROTRACTED RELIEF AND RECOVERY
OPERATION (PRRO),IT WAS ANTICIPATED THAT WFP/LIBERIA
WOULD REQUIRE A TOTAL OF 16,476 METRIC TONS (MT) FOOD
AID TO PROVIDE FOR A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 112,000
BENEFICIARIES (JANUARY - DECEMBER 2002),WHICH
WFP/LIBERIA IS CURRENTLY FAR EXCEEDING (FEEDING OVER
223,000 IN NOVEMBER). FY 2002 USAID/DCHA/FFP TITLE
II EMERGENCY CONTRIBUTIONS TO LIBERIA WERE 5,480 MT
FOOD COMMODITIES OR 2.8 MILLION USD, REPRESENTING
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2526
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 046822 061718Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6788
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2394
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2921
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 08 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
ABOUT 33 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL PRRO FOOD REQUIREMENTS
FOR LIBERIA. WFP REPORTS THAT THE PIPELINE IS FINE
THROUGH THE END OF 2002.
35. THE NEW PRRO FOR COASTAL WEST AFRICA WAS
APPROVED AT THE OCTOBER WFP EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
AND BEGINS JANUARY 1, 2003. IT REQUESTS 30,305 MT
FOOD FOR 12 MONTHS FOR LIBERIA. BY COINCIDENCE, THE
NEW PRRO INCLUDES COTE D'IVOIRE AND ALSO CARRIES WITH
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
IT A CONTINGENCY MEASURE TO ACCOMMODATE AN ADDED
BENEFICIARY LOAD OF 50,000, IF NEEDED. THE
CONTINGENCY WAS ORIGINALLY WITH LIBERIA IN MIND, BUT
COULD BE ACTIVATED FOR ANY OF THE FOUR COUNTRIES OF
THE PRRO.
--------------
RECOMMENDATIONS
--------------
36. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS FOR WFP AND
USAID:
-- WFP NEEDS TO REMAIN VIGILANT ABOUT THE
REGISTRATION PROCESS FOR THE CURRENT CAMPS AND NEW
IDPS. THE NEW PROCESSES WFP HAS PUT INTO PLACE ARE
WELCOME AND EFFECTIVE, BUT IT IS A DYNAMIC PROCESS
THAT REQUIRES CONSTANT ATTENTION.
-- WFP SHOULD BASE THE SIZE OF THE IDP RATION ON
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENTS RATHER THAN ASSUMPTIONS
REGARDING COPING MECHANISMS AS THEY RELATE TO CAMP
LOCATION.
-- AS MANY OF WFP'S RELATIONSHIPS WITH ITS IPS ARE
FAIRLY NEW, WFP SHOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE WORK OF
THE IPS' DISTRIBUTIONS FOR THE FIRST FEW MONTHS TO
ENSURE EFFICIENCY.
-- WFP SHOULD WORK TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING A VAM STUDY
OF HOST FAMILIES TO DETERMINE LEVEL OF VULNERABILITY
OUTSIDE THE IDP CAMPS. WFP/LIBERIA WILL HAVE TO
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 04 ROME 05421 08 OF 09 061634Z
DETERMINE HOW THIS WILL BE FUNDED. USAID/DCHA ALSO
NEEDS TO CONSIDER HOW ASSISTANCE IN AND AROUND
MONROVIA MAY BE PROVIDED TO HOST FAMILIES IF DEEMED
NECESSARY IN THE FUTURE.
NOTE: TO THIS END, USAID/DCHA/OFDA ALREADY IS
FUNDING WFP/VAM WORK IN GUINEA SO THAT WFP CAN BETTER
TARGET VULNERABLE IDPS AND THEIR HOST FAMILIES.
WFP/SIERRA LEONE, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE THREE
OTHER FOOD PIPELINE AGENCIES, HAS RECENTLY SUBMITTED
A VAM PROPOSAL TO USAID/OFDA FOR CONSIDERATION. THE
SEC RECOMMENDS THAT WFP ENSURE A COMMON REGIONAL VAM
METHODOLOGY IN THESE THREE COUNTRIES AND THAT
USAID/OFDA CONSIDER SUPPORTING SUCH A REGIONAL
APPROACH.
-- WFP SHOULD SOON BEGIN POST-DISTRIBUTION
MONITORING (PDM) IN THE IDP CAMPS. FUNDING IS AGAIN
AN ISSUE THAT MUST BE RESOLVED.
-- THE PDM THAT IS ONGOING IN THE REFUGEE CAMPS
NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED AND IMPROVED, AS THE REPORTS ARE
UNCLASSIFIED
UNCLASSIFIED PTQ2527
PAGE 01 ROME 05421 09 OF 09 061634Z
ACTION AF-00
INFO LOG-00 NP-00 AID-00 AMAD-00 CIAE-00 COME-00 CTME-00
SRPP-00 EAP-00 EB-00 EUR-00 E-00 UTED-00 FDRE-01
TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 NSAE-00 OES-00 OIC-02 OMB-01
SEC-01 SSO-00 STR-00 TEST-00 TRSE-00 USIE-00 R-00
PRM-00 SAS-00 /005W
-------------- 046829 061718Z /38
P 061523Z NOV 02
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6789
INFO USMISSION GENEVA
NSC WASHDC
USDA FAS WASHDC 2395
AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN
AMEMBASSY CONAKRY
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
AMEMBASSY ABUJA
AMEMBASSY BAMAKO
AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
AMEMBASSY DAKAR
AMEMBASSY OUAGADOUGOU
AMEMBASSY LONDON
AMEMBASSY TOKYO
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
USEU BRUSSELS 2922
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 02 ROME 05421 09 OF 09 061634Z
JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J3/J4/J5
HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE//ECJ4-ID-HA
UNCLAS SECTION 09 OF 09 ROME 005421
SIPDIS
FROM AMEMBASSY ROME
GENEVA FOR RMA
NSC FOR JDWORKEN
USAID FOR A, DCHA, OFDA, FFP
STATE FOR AF, IO, DAS/PRM
USDA FOR FAS/EC/PDD TILLSWORTH AND
FAS/ICD KRAMER, LEBLANC
USUN FOR MLUTZ
NAIROBI FOR REDSO AND OFDA/ARO
DAKAR FOR NESTES AND KSTURR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EAGR AORC PREF EU WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN EU EAID WFP UN
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: WFP ADDRESSES A GROWING NUMBER OF
INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS
SERIOUSLY LACKING PERTINENT INFORMATION.
-- WFP/LIBERIA IS ABSENT AN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM
OFFICER. ALTHOUGH THE NATIONAL STAFF MEMBER IS QUITE
COMPETENT, THIS POSITION NEEDS TO BE FILLED SOON.
THE WFP REGIONAL OFFICE IS AWARE OF THIS NEED.
37. MINIMIZE CONSIDERED. HALL
UNCLASSIFIED
PAGE 03 ROME 05421 09 OF 09 061634Z
UNCLASSIFIED
>
2002ROME05421 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED