NWFP REQUESTS HELP TO SET UP IDP CAMPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 004993

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2017
TAGS: PGOV PTER MOPS PREF UNHCR EAID PK
SUBJECT: NWFP REQUESTS HELP TO SET UP IDP CAMPS

REF: PESHAWAR 748

Classified By: Anne W. Patterson, reasons 1.4 (b),(d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: Northwest Frontier Province (NWFP)
authorities have asked UNHCR and the Pakistan Red Crescent
Society (PRCS) for assistance in setting up IDP camps for
residents fleeing the violence in Swat. The central
government has yet to approve the request. Two potential
sites have been identified for the camps, although potential
numbers are still unknown. At this point, we have no clarity
on the number of potentially displaced persons or the
duration they might need shelter. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) UNHCR Islamabad confirmed that NWFP Home Secretary
Badshah Gul Wazir requested help from UNHCR and the Pakistan
Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to establish IDP camps for people
trying to escape the violence between militant extremists and
the Pakistani military in Swat. However, General Farooq of
Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has
yet to agree, so UNHCR cannot proceed. (Note: The same
disconnect between the central and provincial levels was also
a problem during the early stages of the flood relief efforts
this past summer. End Note.) UNHCR said they will do what
they can to urge movement on this but emphasized the real
pressure on General Farooq and the NDMA must come from the
governor and other authorities in NWFP.


3. (C) The plan would be to set up two camps. One site is
the Meera camp outside Shangla, the neighboring district
directly to the southeast of Swat. There was a large IDP
camp there following the October 2005 earthquake and the
basic elements apparently are still in place. The second
proposed site is the Benazir sports complex in Risalpur in
Nowshera District, just east of Peshawar District and two
districts south of Swat. About a ten minute drive from the
highway, the complex is surrounded by a ten foot wall that
makes it relatively safe and easy to guard. It can
accommodate about 100 families, with space to set up some 500
tents if necessary. Total capacity is estimated at 2,000 to
3,000 persons, plus ample covered space for storage. The
five buildings in the center were intended originally as a
hospital and have roofs and rooms, but the doors and windows
are open and the washrooms lack furnishings. Existing
boreholes require renovation and pump fittings for water;
electricity must be supplied. UNHCR would focus initially on
furnishing the buildings to make them functional; they have
8,000 tents, 35,000 plastic sheets, and a trained local
emergency team on stand-by. The PCRS has made arrangements
for 300-400 extended family packages, including tents,
plastic sheeting, and other non-food items. The Nowshera
Health Department would set up a basic health unit on site.


4. (C) At this time UNHCR has little sense of numbers, other
than an initial suggestion of about 300 families (roughly
2,000 people). Some families who are fleeing are finding
refuge with relatives. It is also unclear how long the IDP
camps might be needed. UNHCR confirmed the presence of 3,700
registered Afghans in the Swat valley, but none have come
forward to date for assistance and the request to assist with
IDPs is currently not an Afghan issue.


5. (C) COMMENT. In spite of UNHCR and PRCS readiness, it
is unclear if and when the central government will act on
this situation, and it is possible that Islamabad will not
support NWFP's request. We are in close contact with UNHCR
and will update potential numbers and GOP permission to act
as soon as more information is available.
PATTERSON