UNHCR ASKS SAG TO HELP RATHER THAN DEPORT IDPS

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 001662

SIPDIS

NEA/ARP JHARRIS AND JBERNDT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2019
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREF SA
SUBJECT: UNHCR ASKS SAG TO HELP RATHER THAN DEPORT IDPS
FLEEING

REF: A. 09 RIYADH 1494

B. 09 RIYADH 1538

C. 09 RIYADH 1593

D. 09 RIYADH 1524

E. 09 RIYADH 1558

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

SUMMARY
--------------


1. (C) UNHCR Deputy Regional Representative Dr. Hamdi
Bukhari informed Poloff that a third UNHCR cross-border
relief convoy was temporarily halted until a joint "gap"
assessment was completed by the International Red Crescent
(IRCRC) and UNHCR. The IRCRC expressed concern over
insufficient cooperation between the IRCRC and UNHCR, as well
as the belief that the IRCRC was effectively handling the
humanitarian situation in northern Yemen according to
Bukhari. Turning its attention to within Saudi Arabia,
Bukhari stated that the two main concerns of UNHCR-Riyadh
were the forcible return of Yemeni IDPs and UNHCR's
involvement with Saudi IDPs. Both issues have been addressed
via official letters to the SAG although UNHCR has yet to
receive a response according to Bukhari. End Summary.


INTERNATIONAL RED CRESCENT EXPRESSES CONCERN
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2. (C) In a November 17 meeting, Bukhari told Poloff that
the International Red Crescent (IRCRC) expressed concern that
UNHCR was not effectively coordinating cross-border
humanitarian relief efforts in the northern Alp/Mandaba
border region with the IRCRC which operates from within
Yemen. According to Bukhari, the IRCRC believes that their
organization has been providing sufficient humanitarian aid
in this region. In response to the IRCRC's concerns, UNHCR
will conduct a joint "gap" assessment with the IRCRC to see
if there are any gaps in humanitarian aid in the northern
Sa'ada region. Assessment results will indicate whether a
third UNHCR cross-border relief convoy is necessary (Note:
Although Bukhari indicated that the assessment should be
completed within a week, in a recent discussion on December
19, Bukhari stated that the assessment had not yet been
started due to IRCRC dragging its feet. End Note). Noting
the growing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in
the region, Bukhari felt that the new gap assessment would
confirm the need for additional UNHCR cross-border relief
convoys (ref A and B).


UNHCR RE-SHIFTING FOCUS
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3. (C) Bukhari stated that the regional UNHCR office in
Riyadh was "re-shifting its attention back to Saudi Arabia."
The forcible return of Yemeni IDPs and UNHCR's request for
involvement with Saudi IDPs are the two main issues stated
Bukhari (ref B). From Geneva headquarters, UNHCR officially
requested the SAG's participation in a joint discussion to
find a mutually acceptable solution to the issue of Yemeni
IDPs seeking asylum in Saudi Arabia. UNHCR believes that the
SAG should be doing more to protect Yemeni IDPs fleeing
conflict zones rather than simply deporting them back to
Yemen. UNHCR has also written to the SAG expressing their
readiness and support in assisting the SAG with Saudi IDPs.
According to Bukhari, part of UNHCR's motivation in working
with the SAG on this issue is to acknowledge and applaud the
efforts of the SAG in effectively providing for Saudi IDPs.
Bukhari indicated that if Saudi IDPs were relocated
permanently, UNHCR's expertise could benefit the SAG if
utilized. As of December 19, the SAG had not responded to
either of UNHCR's written requests according to Bukhari.


4. (C) Additionally, King Abdullah ordered that 10,000 new
housing units be built for Saudi IDPs relocated from the
Saudi-Yemen border due to the conflict. This order appears
to confirm reports that the SAG intends to create a 10km
"buffer" zone along the Saudi-Yemen border (ref C, D and E).
SMITH