UNHCR BEGINS REGISTERING IDPS IN KATANGA

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000730 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PHUM EAID CG SUBJECT: UNHCR BEGINS REGISTERING IDPS IN KATANGA REF: A. KINSHASA 638 ¶B. KINSHASA 584 ¶1. The UNHCR team that arrived in Mitwaba on April 25 (reftel A) began registering internally displaced persons (IDPs) on May 2. For the first time in the DRC, UNHCR is conducting individual registration -- long used in its work with refugees -- as a starting point for providing relief to IDPs. The agency anticipates registering 20,000 displaced in the Mitwaba area, with 500-1000 new IDPs (many stating that they have walked between 20 and 40 miles) reportedly arriving at safe-havens daily. UNHCR anticipates completion of this first phase of registration in Mitwaba over a two-week period, whereupon it may then proceed to Dubie. ¶2. The IDP registration represents the new UN collaborative "cluster" approach for humanitarian assistance. While UNHCR conducts registration, its NGO and UN partners are working to coordinate assistance. Medecins sans Frontieres (MSF) is addressing health needs and Action Contre la Faim (Action against Hunger -- ACF) is opening nutrition centers, while the World Food Program (WFP) has been airdropping food supplies (reftel B) and Caritas has been providing food, clothing and blankets. UNHCR reports that other NGOs will soon begin to supplement assistance efforts by providing additional non- food items with UNICEF support. DOUGHERTY