Professional Documents
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CONTENT
AFGHANISTAN, 2010: An NRC vehicle in the rugged landscape of Afghanistan where NRC has had programme activities since 2003.
MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES EMERGENCY STANDBY ROSTERS ADVOCACY AND INFORMATION THE 2010 NRK TELETHON FINANCIAL STATEMENT
P P P P P P
3 5 31 36 44 49
the conflict is entering its 20th year, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. In many displacement situations, more effort should be put into local integration. The principle of burden sharing is often ignored in our part of the world, as Norwegian and European refugee and asylum policies becomes ever more restrictive increasingly compromising international law. In Gaza, I witnessed the protracted situation for one million refugees suffering from a manmade dignity crisis. The blockade continues to prevent people from exercising their freedom of movement and gaining access to humanitarian assistance. NRC, as shelter sector lead, is not able to import as much as a brick or a nail to rebuild houses destroyed by war. On my mission to Southern Sudan, I observed how colleagues were dealing with access impediments, which include armed fighting and lack of basic infrastructure, such as roads. Sudan is housing one of the largest IDP populations in the world with up to 5.2 million people displaced and new displacement is ongoing in the South and in Darfur. The country reached an important cross roads in 2010, with the long awaited referendum on secession between the North and the South coming up in January 2011. NRC opened new missions in Kyrgyzstan, Zimbabwe and the Philippines, and saw an overall increase in programme activity in our portfolio. The only country NRC exited from in 2010 was Timor Leste. NRCs advocacy efforts on increased humanitarian access and other
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prioritized issues, were further strengthened and reached larger audiences in the field as well as in the capitals. The NRC Emergency Roster is the most frequently used roster in the world, and secondments reached all-time high in 2010, with almost 2,000 man-months in the field. Internally, NRC experienced a great motivational boost when preparing for the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporations Telethon. Through our collaborative efforts in the field and head office, we managed to break previous records, raising 209 million NOK in support of NRCs work. These funds will be instrumental in supporting our independent response to the needs of refugees and IDPs in the next five years. For the first time in its 64 year history, NRC topped the one billion NOK budget mark. Recognizing NRCs ability to deliver, the EU, as well as both the Swedish and the British governments, are increasing its funding to NRC at a time when many institutional donors are cutting aid budgets. In the coming years, NRC will focus on further strengthening the quality, efficiency and accountability of its response. As Secretary General, I want to make sure that NRCs beneficiaries receive the maximum benefit from every dollar spent. NRC is concerned about the global trend of increased politicization of aid that puts pressure on humanitarian space. Donor attention is increasingly guided by political motives, rather than peoples needs. In some countries, our
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, APRIL 2010: Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson in Gaza in 2010, visiting a mother of seven, who witnessed her husband and son being shot and killed when Israeli forces demolished their house in 2008.
ELISABETH RASMUSSON has been Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council since 14 January 2008. She has a degree in Political Science from the University of Oslo and has had a long career in international humanitarian work. She has previously been Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Field Coordinator for the UN in Angola and Cooperation Coordinator for the International Red Cross in Colombia. She also headed the NRC office in Geneva, hosting the leading international database for Internally Displaced Persons (IDMC). Rasmusson joined NRC from her position as Senior Adviser to the UN Deputy Emergency Coordinator at the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Increased access to protection and assistance for people affected by displacement has been a global NRC priority since 2009.
ability to deliver independent humanitarian aid is hampered by military considerations and national legislation targeting NGOs. Another trend, which is cause for concern, is anti-terrorist legislation that in effect criminalizes parts of humanitarian operations. Through advocacy activities, NRC contributes to raising critical awareness of this and other issues that are challenging the implementation of aid in accordance with the humanitarian principles of humanity, independence, neutrality and impartiality. Increased access to protection and assistance for people affected by displacement has been a global NRC priority since 2009. All parts of NRC fundraising, media, logistics, administration, human resources and even the rosters are focusing on how to contribute to reaching this goal. NRCs capacity in emergencies is increasingly a key priority. Following the controversial presidential election in Cte dIvoire in November, tens of thousands of refugees fled to Liberia. NRC had substantially reduced its programme in Liberia and planned to exit in the near future, but quickly shifted gear and mobilized a largescale response. Moreover, NRC took on the responsibility for a number of sectors upon request from the UN. In Cte dIvoire, we were strongly reminded of the vulnerabilities of our national colleagues, who were also affected by the quickly escalating conflict. In 2010, climate related disasters continued to cause mass displacement. Such disasters are happening more frequently, also in areas already affected by conflict. This brings new
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PAKISTAN, AUGUST 2010: Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson meeting people displaced by the massive 2010 floods in Pakistan, who receive assistance from NRC.
programme challenges, as the general population in conflict areas is more vulnerable to crises, whilst authorities are less able to mitigate the negative impacts. NRC responded to the massive floods in Colombia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The latter experienced the worst flooding in its history, and the people will struggle with unmet recovery needs for many years to come. 20 million people were displaced when their homes and livelihoods were wiped out. NRC immediately responded by distributing tents and relief items in the North Western province, where we have been working for years. Thousands of Afghan refugees, who once again lost everything when their camps were washed away, received particular attention by NRC. The Pakistan flooding illustrated the importance of a targeted response, tailored to the special needs of girls and boys, men and women. NRC continued to put gender mainstreaming on the agenda in numerous national and international fora, with particular focus on the critical situation for displaced children and women. Through all our efforts across the world, NRC remains committed to critically assess its actions and pushing forward to help those who need us the most.
SUDAN, JUNE 2010: Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson visits a NRC teacher training programme in Southern Sudan. Country Director Julie McKay is standing to her left.
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Annual Report 2010
Programme Activities
Shelter reconstructing homes and schools NRC provides displaced populations with transitional shelters in camps or other temporary living quarters. An equally important part of the shelter strategy is providing long-term solutions. NRC constructs and repairs permanent housing for the displaced when integrating locally or when returning home. NRC also constructs and reconstructs schools and related infrastructure. Education Through a variety of education modules, NRC targets children and adolescents whose education has been disrupted by displacement. Catch-up classes help children and adolescents transfer into local schools. Where there are no schools, Accelerated Learning Programmes allow children and adolescents to complete basic education in half the normal time. A one-year Youth Education Pack offers literacy, life skills and vocational training to improve the self-reliance of young people. Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance NRCs Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities are designed to assist IDPs, refugees and returnees in making free and informed decisions about their future. ICLA activities focus particularly on housing, land and property rights and legal identity.
Annual Report 2010
Programme Activities
BURUNDI, NOVEMBER 2008: The UNHCR is using a biometric system to register refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as urban refugees in Bujumbura.
Photo: A. Kirchhof/UNHCR
settings, shelters and camps are set up in remote areas where there are no existing structures. It is also a matter of assisting IDPs in accessing existing structures, for instance within education and employment. Another example, is the need for a different approach to constructing shelters. In urban slum areas there is often no room for new shelters and property tenure challenges are different. Most importantly, it is a huge challenge simply to identify the displaced. They are often more absorbed in the host community than displaced people in rural areas. The question of how to deal with host populations, that might have similar needs to the displaced and are directly or indirectly affected by the displacement situation, is challenging humanitarian agencies to redefine its target groups and assistance methods. The guidelines were finalized and launched at the Global Shelter meeting in Geneva in December 2010. In 2011, the first experience-based assessments on how the guidelines actually work will be available. NRC is constantly monitoring and developing the urban response within its own programme activities, and continues to contribute to international efforts to develop efficient policies and guidelines.
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Annual Report 2010
Programme Activities
A SECOND CHANCE
NRC puts youth at the forefront of its education assistance.
In many conflict-affected countries more than 60 % of the population is under the age of 25, yet little humanitarian assistance targets youth. The young living in conflictaffected countries are at grave risk of being recruited to military groups and exposed to sexual violence and exploitation. And they often loose out on their right to education, which makes finding gainful employment difficult. Providing basic education opportunities for youth who never went to
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DRC, FEBRUARY 2011: YEP learners practising their skills at the foot of the Rwenzori mountains.
school is therefore a key component of the NRC education response strategy. The Youth Education Pack (YEP) aims to equip young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance protection, improve their livelihoods and help them become productive members of their communities. Through a one-year programme, YEP learners are taught how to read and write, as well as a marketable basic vocational skill. They are also trained in life skills such as health, conflict management and gender.
YEP gives youth a chance to become productive members of their societies, which is essential for peace and security in their communities. In 2010, NRC ran nearly 50 YEP centres in nine countries and more than 4,000 youth benefited from the YEP programme. NRC also made preparations to start up YEP in two new countries, Sudan and Zimbabwe. The YEP programme in East Timor phased out and NRCs five YEP centres were handed over to the Timorese government.
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Programme Activities
shelter, as well as food security and income generating activities for young people. The programme portfolio is only set to grow, and the approach offers exciting opportunities for tailoring programmes to meet the contextspecific needs of people in urban environments as well as rural settings. Despite the new interest, donor support for cash and voucher programming as well as NGO capacity to design and implement such programmes still lags behind the evidence. NRC is one of five agencies in the steering committee of the global Cash Learning Partnership (CALP). The CALP aims to ensure that cash and vouchers is a viable and accountable tool for humanitarian programming by promoting learning, coordination and capacity development within the humanitarian community. The CALP manages a global platform for information and training and has established coordination and training platforms in five focal countries (Niger, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Pakistan, Philippines). In May 2011, NRC will host a training and awareness event on the issue in Oslo in cooperation with the government, targeting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and Norwegian NGOs.
LIBERIA, NOVEMBER 2010: 20 men are gathered in the community building in the Kakata village, outside the capital Monrovia in Liberia, to learn about womens rights. They are part of the NRC initiative Wise Men, aimed at educating men on womens rights and gender based violence.
In recognition of the fact that differences in resources, needs and exposure to risks are often gender-based, NRC actively designs gender-sensitive programmes.
shade netting to reduce the temperature in the tent, plastic sheeting was provided to build fences around the tents. This way the female flood victims could move around more freely. For widows or women who were not able to collect the tents at the distribution points, the shelter kits were brought to them. The non-food items distributed included headscarves. An integrated gender focus in all programming does not, however, entail merely an approach sensitive to womens needs. It entails being sensitive to the different needs, resources and risk factors of both genders.
Annual Report 2010
Programme Activities
and international aid. As food prices increase, job opportunities decrease and wages fall even faster hampering the ability of the displaced to be selfsufficient and contribute to the host community. This is why NRC in 2010 made expanding and enhancing core activities within food security and livelihood support and development a priority for the next five years. In 2010, NRC carried out a range of innovative projects aimed at expanding the ability of refugees, IDPs and host communities to make a living and feed their families. Some of these programmes focused on ensuring families had immediate access to food in the middle of a new crisis such as for Ivorian refugees in Liberia. In countries such as Somalia and Iraq, NRC tried to expand the economic opportunities and ability of refugees or IDPs to cope in longerterm displacement situations. NRC was also involved in identifying
durable solutions and facilitating the return to a normal life in Afghanistan, South Sudan, Uganda and DR Congo through a combination of protecting the poorest, whilst trying to create new opportunities for families, by enabling them to produce more and get more value from their efforts through better access to markets. Through such programmes, NRC seeks to promote a reasonable life and to prevent malnutrition and excessive mortality rates. In addition, NRC tries to promote the contributions that the displaced can make to host societies and economies enhancing opportunity, lessening misery and promoting inter-communal harmony and innovation.
SUDAN, 2010: Conflict and displacement has been closely linked with food insecurity in South Sudan, and securing food supplies will be vital when it becomes an independent state in July 2011.
Programme Activities
Kyrgyzstan
Pakistan Myanmar
Liberia Colombia
Cote dIvoire
Timor Leste
Zimbabwe
amland
NRC AT WORK
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dskapstyrker
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BURUNDI
In 2010, Burundi continued on its path towards peace consolidation with its second round of democratic elections in the post-conflict period.
The elections started with peaceful municipal elections in May 2010 and were viewed by the international community have been fair. However, opposition parties alleged widespread fraud and subsequently boycotted the presidential, parliamentary and local elections. Violence in Bujumbura and major urban centres subsequently broke out for the next round of elections. The ruling party (CNDD-FDD) won the rest of the elections in a landslide. Only two other parties participated in the ensuing elections, winning some seats in the parliament. Leaders of the main opposition parties fled Burundi. Following the elections, human rights organisations have reported a series of human rights abuses and, in particular, politically motivated arrests, detentions and extra-judicial killings. To add to an already fragile post-conflict period, 2010 also saw the end of the UN Integrated Mission in Burundi, to be replaced in 2011 by a significantly reduced UN office (BNUB). NRC established programme activities in Burundi in 1997. The country office is in Bujumbura, and the field offices in Muyinga, Makamba and Ruyigi. NRC is engaged in all core activities in Burundi, except food distribution. The overall
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objective is to promote and protect the basic rights of returnees, IDPs and refugees, and to facilitate voluntary return and reintegration as durable solutions particularly by focusing on the most recent and the most vulnerable returnees and IDPs. Shelter contributed to the overall programme objective of supporting durable solutions by reinforcing the right to education. This was done, by allowing more children, including returnees, to have physical access to schools. The Shelter Programme constructed permanent classrooms in five provinces, benefiting at least 7,000 pupils, either by attending Teacher Emergency Programme (TEP) courses (catch-up classes) or reintegrating into the formal school system. The shelter programme also provided drains and an anti-erosion programme in one refugee camp. To promote reforestation, parents in targeted schools received tree seedlings. The education programme responded to protection needs by ensuring access to education and access to a livelihood for young people, through the Youth Education Pack (YEP). In relation to durable solutions, access to primary education is important in the fight against discrimination and social
exclusion. NRCs vocational training also meant that returning refugees had more opportunities to earn an income and become less dependent on agricultural activities as the only livelihood opportunity. With the signing of a tripartite agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Burundi and UNHCR at the end of 2009, 2010 saw the first voluntary repatriation of Congolese refugees. NRC participated in cross-border technical meetings focusing on protection and education issues. However, only a few hundred returned, as high insecurity remains in DRC. NRC continued its work in managing three refugee camps in close collaboration with UNHCR in 2010. NRC Burundis Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) programme responded to protection concerns regarding the non-restitution of property following return. The ICLA programme also reinforced the beneficiaries knowledge of human rights. The work in relation to land also supported durable solutions, as it is closely linked both with physical return, reconciliation (through mediation) and socioeconomic reintegration.
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CTE DIVOIRE
Internal armed conflict broke out in Cte dIvoire in 2002 and the country was split between a government controlled south and a rebel-controlled north. Hundreds of thousands of civilians were displaced, including civil servants working in the north, and indigenous and migrant communities from the western parts of the country. Fighting ended in 2007 with the signing of the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement. Elections, which have been continuously postponed since 2007, finally took place at the end of 2010 causing new political unrest. Incumbent president Laurent Gbagbo is in a power struggle with rival Alassane Ouattara. They both claimed victory in the 28 November poll that was meant to reunite the country after the civil war, but which has, instead, deepened divisions and triggered more violence. The result was renewed displacement, both internally and to neighbouring countries, mainly to Liberia. NRC has had a presence in Cte dIvoire since 2006, with a country office in Abidjan and field offices in Bouak (Centre-North) and Dukou (West). In 2010, core activities included Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) programmes,
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The post-electoral crisis in 2010 resulted in violence, new displacements and a deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
education, shelter (school rehabilitation) and food security, but activities were reduced during the year. The Food Securitys Programme was faced out in February and Shelter ended in May. Due to post-electoral insecurity, all NRC field activities were suspended from the November poll until the end of the year. The ICLA programme shifted its main focus from assisting displaced people in obtaining identity documents, to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) of land conflicts in the West in 2010. Main activities included sensitization and training of authorities and community leaders on civil rights and civil status, and on ADR through interactive theatre, in addition to providing direct assistance to rural communities in peaceful resolution of land conflicts. A study on cultural and administrative barriers facing Ivorian rural populations in obtaining legal identity documents which began at the end of 2009 was finalized and the report was launched in May. However, possible follow-up projects addressing some of the recommendations were never realized because of the post-electoral unrest. The ICLA programme continued to
support the education programme by assisting school children to obtain birth certificates that are essential for signing up for final exams. Catch-up classes enabling children to integrate into formal schools were finalized in July. Support was given to community schools targeting children in remote areas with no access to formal education. NRC kept on advocating for these schools to become formalized by the Ministry of Education and become
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part of the official school map. Due to the continued trend in Cte dIvoire, with a shift from humanitarian interventions to transitional and/or development support in the first part of 2010, it became increasingly difficult to obtain sufficient funding. In addition, the situation of NRC beneficiaries had considerably improved. Therefore, NRC had decided to phase out operations by the end of 2011. However, with the new political crisis and displacements,
CTE DIVOIRE, FEBRUARY 2011: The Abobo suburb of northern Abidjan has been the centre of intense fighting between forces loyal to the rival candidates in Novembers presidential election. These people carry their belongings as they leave the beleaguered district.
prospects for the country are not bright, and the future of NRC in Cte dIvoire will depend on the development of the situation.
Annual Report 2010
shasa. In 2010 NRC, implemented all five core activities, responding to humanitarian needs in both displacement and return areas. Through NRCs Rapid Response to Movement of Populations (RRMP), both IDPs and returnees were targeted with a multi-sectored approach. NRC has, in partnership with UNICEF, distributed non-food-items, constructed schools, improved the quality of public education and provided opportunities for children and young people to attend school and thereby improving their protection. NRC also constructed houses for returning refugees and the local population in North and South Kivu. NRC provided Camp Management in five camps in Masisi and one outside Goma. NRC coordinated humanitarian assistance in the camps. Also, in 2010, the Camp Management programme initiated return and protection monitoring to have a better understanding of the patterns of movement, causes of displacement and factors preventing return. Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities continued to be implemented in North and South Kivu, focusing on finding durable solutions to housing, land and property (HLP) problems. This work was done through local Commissions,
made up of representatives of the local community, to facilitate alternative methods for dispute resolution where the formal judicial system is absent. In addition, the ICLA programme did radio broadcasts and information campaigns focusing on HLP, as well as training and seminars for local authorities. The Emergency Food Security & Distribution (EFSD) programme distributed food to large numbers of IDPs in North and South Kivu. Also, school meals were distributed to
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students, all in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP). In South Kivu, innovative fish farming projects were implemented along traditional methods to provide food and livelihood opportunities for IDPs and returnees. Beneficiaries were also provided with farming tools and assistance in order to recover their livelihood. NRC has, in collaboration with UNHCR, implemented protection monitoring in North Kivu since 2007, identifying, reporting and following up
DRC, 30 APRIL 2010: The UN UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, visited Mwenga in South Kivu and the NRC food distribution activities. To his left, in an orange T-shirt: Former NRC Country Director Ulrika Mondlane.
on protection concerns in areas where military operations were planned or are ongoing. The Protection Monitoring programme ended in 2010, but will continue to be implemented through local Congolese NGOs trained by NRC.
Annual Report 2010
Mogadishu in South Central and Dadaab in Kenya. By striking an effective balance between acceptance strategies and security measures, NRC was able to expand access in 2010, despite the deteriorating security situation. NRC is a forerunner in innovative approaches to access in Somalia and is now among the main organisations engaged on the ground. NRC is also an active member of clusters and other coordinating bodies. The broad presence in Somalia and Kenya enables NRC to respond quickly to changes in the humanitarian situation. Funding increased to 168 million NOK, up from 105 million in 2009. Programme activities in Somalia in 2010 include providing shelter and sanitation, education and the distribution of food and non-food items to IDPs. NRC conducts increasingly successful educational projects. The basic education project, set up in 2009 in Mogadishu and the Afgooye corridor, was massively expanded, and by the end of 2010 comprised 15 learning centres (four set up in 2010 alone)
and more than 5,000 learners, who either started basic education for the first time or were able to continue the education that was interrupted by displacement. An additional five centres will be set up in 2011. NRC also runs four youth education (YEP) centres in Somaliland, teaching basic skills to adolescents who have never attended school, as well as various basic education programmes for IDP children in Somaliland and Puntland. In addition, NRC constructs and rehabilitates schools and trains teachers. As a response to the massive
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outflow of Somalis to Kenya, NRC is operating in the Dadaab refugee camps. In 2010, there were 65,000 new arrivals, and by the end of the year, 300,000 refugees lived in the camps where NRC is heavily involved in camp management. Activities in 2010 include camp management training for community members. NRC is recognized as the lead agency in Dadaab for shelter and sanitation. Education programmes are a priority also in Dadaab. NRC operates four YEP centres, where the 2009 agreement with Kenyan educational authori-
SOMALIA, JANUARY 2011: NRC Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson visiting one of 17 schools built by NRC in Mogadishu, Somalia.
ties to administer examinations was put into effect in 2010. 217 learners were examined. NRC also runs environmental programmes, comprising water and seedling projects. NRCs strategic objective continues to be reaching more beneficiaries in targeted areas. The goal is to reach 1.5 million people by 2013, twice as many as today.
Annual Report 2010
LIBERIA
In 2010, NRC took a leading role in assisting the sudden influx of Ivorian refugees in Liberia, while continuing its work with Liberian returnees.
Fourteen years of civil war in Liberia claimed 200,000 lives, left over a million people displaced and destroyed the countrys infrastructure and economy. Liberia has, since the 2003 peace agreement, moved towards recovery and development, but enormous challenges remain. Liberia continues to struggle with tensions related to ethnic differences, genderbased violence, land conflicts, unemployment, lack of education, poverty and lack of trust in the government. Although the return process of internally displaced Liberians is officially completed, humanitarian needs persist and durable solutions for the returnees are yet to be consolidated. NRC has worked in Liberia since 2003, with a country office in Monrovia, and field offices in Gbarnga, Kataka, Ganta, Sinje and Tubmanburg. The organisation provides protection and assistance to returnees in education, Information, Counselling, and Legal Assistance (ICLA) and through a pilot project dealing with sexual and gender based violence (SGBV). Towards the end of the year, the offices in Tubmanburg and Sinje were closed down.
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During the civil war, the education infrastructure in Liberia collapsed. Only one third of school aged children enrolled in primary-school in 2010, and illiteracy remains widespread. The education sector has particular difficulties in being able to respond to the needs of displaced and returning populations. In 2010, NRC facilitated access to education through the Youth Education Pack (YEP) programme and Accelerated Learning Programme (ALP). YEP assisted young people in becoming functionally literate and provided skills training. The ALP, which was phased out in 2010, has played a significant role in improving access and quality of education in the operational areas, as well as in encouraging families to return to remote communities where schools were destroyed during the conflict. Conflicts over access to, and control of, land were key factors underpinning the civil war, and are still common throughout Liberia. In 2010, NRC actively contributed to facilitate negotiations to resolve land and property disputes between individuals and communities. The level of violence and rape
against women remains alarmingly high, even if the nature of violence has changed. Today, intimate partners, rather than rebels and paramilitaries, commit sexual violence. In 2009, NRC initiated a two-year pilot project to strengthen SGBV response and prevention capacity in the Liberian judicial sector and other relevant bodies. A review of the project in 2010 indicates that all activities have been successfully implemented.
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At the end of 2010, the post-election crisis in Cte dIvoire led to an influx of Ivorian refugees in Nimba County. NRC, already present in the area, took on the responsibility of registering the first influx of refugees, in cooperation with UNHCR. As the security situation in Cte dIvoire has continued to deteriorate, and the number of refugees has grown, the humanitarian situation along the boarder is critical. The humanitarian community is slowly
LIBERIA, DECEMBER 2010: NRC staff members in Liberia, Oretha Lah (green jacket) and Mariam Falika, are getting ready to assess the situation among Ivorian refugees in Nimba County as part of the ad hoc registration team set up in December 2010.
building an emergency response. NRC will continue to assist Ivorian refugees in 2011, through protection monitoring, shelter, camp management, and distribution of food and non-food items.
SUDAN
NRC expanded its activities significantly in South Sudan in 2010, in the run up to the referendum.
More than 20 years of civil war resulted in over two million dead, four million internally displaced, half a million living as refugees and half the population living in absolute poverty. A 2005 Peace Agreement restored relative peace. However, inter-ethnic clashes and insurgent attacks continue to kill and displace people. In 2010, more than 223,000 were displaced. In a peaceful referendum in January 2011, the Southern Sudanese voted to secede from the North. There are many outstanding issues before the July 2011 secession, and the situation is volatile. NRC has been in Sudan since 2004, providing protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and returnees. From March 2009, the focus shifted exclusively to South Sudan. The country office is in Juba, with field offices in Aweil and Yei. New offices will be opened in Warrap state in 2011. NRC is engaged in four core activities: education, school construction, food security and distribution, and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). In 2010, there has been particular focus on new returnees, who have significantly increased in number since November 2010. NRC supports 40 Accelerated
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Learning centres run by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and implements an English course for teachers. NRC provides teaching and learning materials, school gardens, advocacy campaigns and trains teachers, Parent Teacher Associations and MoE officials. One centre is dedicated to street children. All training includes HIV&AIDS, child rights and gender awareness. In 2011, NRC will start up Youth Education Pack and adult literacy classes in three states, with a strong focus on gender equality. Four schools were completed and handed over to communities in May 2010. In April 2010, construction of an additional four schools began. A food security pilot project was started in May 2010 in Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NbeG) state aiming to train female returnees on irrigated vegetable crop production through Farmer Field Schools. 600 beneficiaries (542 women) have been trained and equipped with seeds and tools in 2010. Pilot results are impressive: all beneficiaries developed their own gardens. Food security & livelihood projects will expand into NBeG and Warrap States in 2011. The Emergency Preparedness &
Response project is supporting floodaffected people and returnees with essential food and non-food items. In 2010, more than 13,600 returnees received information on reintegration. This was done in 24 permanent information and counselling centres in Central Equatoria (CE) and NbeG, and 14 temporary mobile centres in CE. Returnees were also trained in human rights, IDP protection, land and property rights, land dispute resolution mechanisms and new land legislation.
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The land and property team opened 210 new cases and resolved 95 existing cases, and also helped to facilitate 10 state land workshops. The project produced two information films on land and property rights for returnees and on the 2011 referendum for use in community sessions both in Southern Sudan and amongst displaced Sudanese populations elsewhere. Beneficiary numbers will increase substantially in 2011 as the project grows, including expansion into Warrap state.
SUDAN, 17 November 2010: Food insecurity was a major concern in South Sudan in 2010. These women received tools and seeds from NRC, in order to enable them to grow their own crops and feed their families.
As co-lead of the central Protection Cluster and lead of the NBeG Protection Cluster, NRC is closely involved in advocacy on a range of issues related to returns. NRC is active in key coordination mechanisms at both state and sub-national levels. NRC will expand its activities and geographical scope significantly in 2011.
Annual Report 2010
UGANDA
NRC is gradually phasing out activities in Northern Uganda in the next three years, as sustainable return and resettlement is achieved.
Following the ceasefire agreement in 2006, Northern Uganda emerged from years of conflict. IDPs and former captives of the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) have returned to areas of origin or resettled elsewhere. Humanitarian emergency response has given way to recovery and development. Since the cessation of hostilities in 2006, there have been massive population movements from main camps to transit sites and finally to villages in Northern Uganda. By the end of 2010, an estimated 90 %, of IDPs had returned. NRC has been present in Uganda since 1997, with a country office in Gulu, field offices in Kitgum, Pader and Nakivale in the South West and a liaison office in Kampala. Despite positive trends, the situation for many displaced people is not durable. In 2011, there will still be a number of IDPs whose return is hampered by lack of access to land and the need for support to farm, rebuild homes and access basic social services. Vulnerability and poverty persist, and efforts are needed to ensure that these returns are sustainable. In the return areas, there is a
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great need to reconstruct basic infrastructure, such as schools, and the coping strategies of the population have been eroded a situation also affecting the fragile peace. Longer periods of drought, combined with shorter rainy seasons, undermine an already fragile self-reliance. LRA activities continue in countries surrounding Uganda. IDP returns have sparked disputes over access to land across the Acholi sub-region. Those most vulnerable to inheritance, land and property rights violations are the ones with the least potential to support themselves some of whom are still in camps. Returnees experiencing land disputes have a hard time achieving a durable solution and to engage in sustainable livelihood means. Despite the mechanisms available for resolving disputes, the judicial mechanisms are poorly implemented. Access to and trust in the formal system is limited. While NRC intends to phase out operations by 2014, its strategy is to bridge the gap between humanitarian assistance and long-term development
in Northern Uganda. Traditional humanitarian assistance, such as distribution of food and non-food items, camp management, emergency education and shelter, is rapidly being scaled down or phased out. Recovery assistance, such as food security and livelihood, education, school construction and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) needs to be maintained for a few more years. As one of few humanitarian agencies remaining in the North, NRC intends to continue operations in the region, focusing on effective recovery and reconstruction programming as part of its exit strategy, while still responding
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to remaining humanitarian needs. NRC will maintain an emergency preparedness and response capacity. 2011 will be the last year of the durable solutions programme supporting construction of huts and livelihood improvement for extremely vulnerable households from former IDP camps as they return home or resettle. NRC also continues its Food for Life programme component, providing food assistance to 76,431 refugees and asylum seekers in settlements in South West Uganda. The education programme is the backbone of the country programme and will remain so for the next few years, focusing on the implementation
UGANDA, NOVEMBER 2010: NRC project assistant Onencan Tonny Richard, in orange T-shirt, is teaching well maintenance to the village water source committee in Pabbo, a return village in the Amuru district. In 2010, NRC installed 29 water points in return villages and rehabilitated 12 in former camps.
of the new Accelerated Learning Programme that allows over-aged children and adolescents to complete basic education in half the normal time. Education will be supported by ICLA, food security and possibly by some school construction/rehabilitation activities.
Annual Report 2010
ZIMBABWE
In September 2010, NRC was formally registered by the government and could begin programme activities in Zimbabwe.
A spiralling political, social and economic crisis engulfed Zimbabwe for more than a decade, resulting in a massive humanitarian crisis. The situation has stabilised over the past two years, but humanitarian needs are still dire, especially among IDPs. Return to the location from where they were displaced is rarely an option and IDPs need assistance to achieve durable integration or resettlement. Even though the total current number of IDPs is unknown, up to one million people have had to leave their homes for different reasons since 2000. The expected large-scale return of Zimbabwean migrants from South Africa could also lead to increased humanitarian needs. There are significant vulnerabilities in the food security, education and health and sanitation sectors, due to lack of infrastructure and funds.
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Collaboration between the Government and humanitarian partners to address these issues is on the increase. NRC has worked to be approved for operations in Zimbabwe since the height of the crisis in 2008. Since the official registration came through in September 2010, NRC has worked to get the country office established in Harare and prepare for the roll out of programme activities in 2011. Mainly targeting IDPs and returnees from South Africa, the main focus of the programme will be on education and food security. Field offices have been set up in Chiredzi (Masvingo) and Chipinge (Manicaland). Programme activities will include improving access to quality basic education for displaced and vulnerable children, through the provision of teacher training, alternative basic education for out-of-school children
and youth, improvement of infrastructure and capacity building. The food security and livelihood activities will include assisting communities with agricultural and livestock production, improving access to markets and value addition, promoting community social safety nets and cash transfers, and increasing the ability to respond to hazards.
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NRC will mainstream gender and protection issues throughout all programme activities, and advocate enhancing the situation of NRCs target groups. In time, and where relevant, programme activities will be expanded to Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities.
ZIMBABWE, MARCH 2009: A woman administers a sugar solution to her child suffering from cholera, at Budiriro Polyclinic. The outbrake of cholera put yet another strain on the collapsing health system one of many challenges faced by Zimbabwe the past decade.
AFGHANISTAN
2010 was an extremely difficult year for humanitarian agencies operating in Afghanistan, due to deteriorating security.
In the ninth and most violent year of the international military intervention in Afghanistan, the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) began formulating exit strategies. At the same time the level of violence increased substantially. Through 30 years of conflict, three out of four Afghans have been displaced at some point. Displacement increased again in 2010, a trend expected to continue in 2011. Natural disasters also caused substantial displacement in 2010. The security situation severely limits access to protection for the displaced. NRC has been present in Afghanistan since 2002, with a country office in Kabul and field offices in Herat, Bamyan, Jalalabad, Maymana, Sari Pul, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz. As a result of the challenging operational environment, NRC reviewed all protection strategies in Afghanistan in 2010 in order to increase access and enhance staff security. Programming will be adapted accordingly. Work began on a comprehensive advocacy strategy, aimed at positioning NRC as an independent humanitarian organisation. The strategy will be finalized in 2011.
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In 2010, NRC has strengthened its emergency response in Afghanistan, responding to more than 20 rapid onset emergencies induced by conflict, natural disasters and spontaneous return. NRC specifically targeted IDPs recently displaced by conflict, as well as communities affected by rapid onset natural disaster. Increased partnership with national NGOs was implemented in an earthquake response in Samangan Province. With the collaboration of four local partners, NRC implemented emergency shelter activities. A small NRC satelite office was opened to support the partners. NRC engages in four core activities in Afghanistan. An extensive shelter programme targets returnees and the vulnerable host population in the provinces of Herat, Jalalabad, Kabul and Sari Pul. Education activities included the approval by the Norwegian Embassy of a three-year Youth Education Package (YEP) in Faryab and Nangarhar Provinces. Nine vocational centres are currently in operation. 15 education officials were trained on teaching methodology.
The Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) activities included assisting IDPs and returnees in resolving housing, land and property issues, as well as family law issues in particular inheritance obstacles for women. In total NRC registered 2,375 legal cases in 2010. Of those, 23 % involved women. The main objective for NRC advocacy in Afghanistan in 2010 was to
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advocate efficiently for durable solutions and prevention of displacement. For the first time since programme activities were set up in Afghanistan, NRC entered into national memorandums of understanding with government partners, Ministry of Womens Affairs, Ministry of Social and Labour, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Justice. NRC signed a three-year framework agreement with the Ministry of Refugees
AFGHANISTAN, OCTOBER 2010: An earthquake shook the remote village of Samangan on 19 April 2010. NRC is constructing 200 earthquake-proof homes in Darwazi Bala village.
and Repatriation to ensure that all NRC core activities and the organisations presence in the country is endorsed by its main governmental partner.
Annual Report 2010
PAKISTAN
When the 2010 floods hit Pakistan, NRC reacted quickly and expanded its relief efforts substantially in the country.
In July and August 2010 heavy monsoon rains in northwest Pakistan caused severe flooding in the Indus Valley. More than 20 million people were affected. Many of the victims were already affected by earlier catastrophes and internal conflicts. In addition, Pakistan has one of the biggest refugee populations in the world. 1.5 million of the 1.7 million Afghan refugees live in the floodaffected areas. NRC has had programme activities in Pakistan since 2001. Activities were previously run from the regional Afghanistan office targeting Afghan refugees. In early 2010, NRC established an independent country programme in Pakistan with a country office in Peshawar. Activities now include Pakistani IDPs fleeing military insurgence in the border areas with Afghanistan. Numbers are unclear, but there may be more than 1.4 million people displaced by conflict. The 2010 floods became a turning point for NRC and the country programme is now one of the most rapidly expanding within NRC. Three new field offices were opened in 2010 in the Kohat district, and Bajaur and Mohmand in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA provinces). NRC is the first internaNorwegian Refugee Council
tional NGO to set up activities in FATA. NRC now works with three groups of beneficiaries: conflict IDPs, Afghan refugees and flood affectees. For flood affectees, NRC distributed tents, blankets and other necessities. Because the NRC was already working in the hardest hit areas, where the floods began, it was able to respond quickly. An extensive shelter programme was put into operation, in addition to the emergency response, providing emergency and transitional shelter, as well as contributing to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of homes and infrastructure, such as irrigation channels. All beneficiary groups were targeted by various Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance programmes (ICLA). IDPs were assisted in obtaining new identity documents lost in the floods, but essential to receive aid, which is all controlled by Pakistani authorities. Afghan refugees continued to receive ICLA assistance, although return has dried up considerably over the past few years. Only 54,000 Afghan returnees were registered by UNHCR in 2009, compared to 95,000 in 2010 mainly due to insecurity in Afghanistan, military
offensives along the return route and the fact that the UNHCRs Voluntary Repatriation Centre in Peshawar was kept closed for months due to security threats. There are no durable solutions in sight for the Afghan refugees in Pakistan, as many are unlikely to return home and the Pakistani government refuses to let them integrate. All existing core activities were expanded in 2010, i.e. shelter, ICLA and emergency response. In addition, education was introduced as a new
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core activity in Pakistan. The goal is to rebuild schools lost in the floods, as well as in return areas, and contribute to strengthening the education sector through distributing school material and training of teachers and school administrations. The situation in Pakistan is extremely complex with the ongoing insurgency and military actions, particularly in the volatile FATA areas. New waves of IDPs are expected in 2011 and NRC is maintaining its capacity for emergency response. Access to people in need is
PAKISTAN, AUGUST 2010: The widows Meena (left) and Bibi are among the most vulnerable after the 2010 floods in Pakistan. They moved to a makeshift tent camp after the refugee camp where they have lived for years, was destroyed by the floods.
hampered by security concerns and strict military control over the movement of humanitarian agencies. Kidnappings and bomb attacks are frequent and increasing. NRC continuously focuses on increasing humanitarian access in Pakistan.
Annual Report 2010
MYANMAR
NRC expanded operations from the cyclone Nargis response, to assist conflict-affected populations in South East Myanmar.
In 2010, the worlds attention was drawn to the first parliamentary elections in Myanmar in 20 years. Meanwhile the humanitarian needs of populations affected by conflict and natural disaster persisted. The continued lack of donor support to humanitarian assistance delivered from inside Myanmar, due to Western sanctions, further aggravated the situation. NRC started programme activities in Myanmar in 2008, as a response to the humanitarian crisis created by cyclone Nargis. In 2010, NRC was able to expand its operations to the South East of Myanmar, capitalizing on the good reputation of the cyclone response. NRC has a country office in Yangon and field offices in Labutta, Moulmein and Myeik. The Nargis response Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar in May 2008, affecting 2.5 million people, killing 140,000, displacing 800,000 and leaving 140,000 dead
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or missing. Due to the decline in donor funding, humanitarian assistance will be required for several years to come. Shelter: Since 2008, NRC has constructed 2,767 secure, safe and durable family shelters with cyclone-resistant features. The shelter assistance has targeted those who have not been able to reconstruct their dwellings after Nargis, as well as those who were displaced by Nargis and have been relocated to existing villages further inland. The design combines local materials and reinforced structures to improve the resistance to future natural hazards. Another 3,580 village shelters in the Delta were strengthened with diagonal wall bracing and metal cyclone strapping. Schools: 29 permanent primary schools, which also function as community cyclone shelters, have been constructed by NRC since 2008. NRC also constructed nine river jetties and 11 footbridges,
providing crucial access to markets for these communities. The construction activities are complemented by onsite training and capacity-building, to increase disaster preparedness among affected villagers. South East Since independence in 1948, regions of Myanmar populated by ethnic minorities have been affected by armed conflict, and the country has been subjected to military rule since 1962. In the South East, ongoing conflict has disturbed the lives of millions, resulting in over 500,000 IDPs. Today, the
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State Peace and Development Council (now handing over power to an elected government) have signed ceasefire agreements with many groups. The largest, the Karen National Union, continues to clash with government forces and the area along the Thai border sees the greatest amount of conflict. NRC focuses on providing shelter assistance to two primary caseloads of IDPs: recent conflict-displaced families and the particularly vulnerable long-term forcibly displaced. A tailored shelter design for the conditions and culture in the area has been developed.
MYANMAR: Diagonal beams fitted to the house frame, are among the new building techniques applied by NRC, when building cyclone resistant houses in Myanmar.
Access to the areas has been obtained through a partnership with UNHCR. NRC is working in two areas providing protection and assistance to conflict affected IDPs located in Tanintharyi Division and Mon/Kayin States. NRC has established activities building durable shelter and schools and will soon begin work on health centre construction.
Annual Report 2010
PHILIPPINES
The country programme in the Philippines was set up in 2010, but is already set to close down by March 2011.
For almost 40 years, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has fought for independence in Mindanao. Despite peace talks detailing greater autonomy, a ceasefire agreement and international monitors, the conflict escalated in 2008, when the Supreme Court blocked a possible peace agreement. At least 600,000 people were displaced as a result of the fighting. The combination of violence and authority restrictions made access to the displaced difficult, and The Philippine Government has regularly downplayed the scope of the humanitarian crises to avoid international attention. NRC has been monitoring the situation in Mindanao since 2008 and sent an assessment mission to Mindanao in February 2010. Returns had already started, and at the beginning of 2010, Government, UN and NGO assistance increased. Based
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on the recommendations from the assessment, NRC decided to set up a country programme assisting returnees in constructing transitional and emergency shelters in return areas, as well as latrines and wells and providing non-food items. The project also has an Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) component assisting returnees in mapping out land rights and legal and administrative hindrances to durable solutions. The project, funded by ECHO, was well received by all stakeholders including local authorities, donors and beneficiaries. However the return process went faster than expected and the humanitarian needs, especially related to shelter, were less than anticipated. Assistance to conflict-affected communities in Mindanao has gradually shifted from humanitarian to early recovery
and development. By the end of the year, NRC concluded that there is no further need for the assistance offered by NRC Core Activity programmes, and the Philippine country programme will be closed down by the time the project, funded by ECHO, comes to an end in March 2011. The approximately 5,000 to 10,000 IDPs that remained by January 2011 were adequately handled by other agencies and organisations. However,
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the situation is still volatile and displacement in Mindanao is cyclic by nature. NRC will keep its registration with the authorities and maintain active partnerships with two local NGOs in order to monitor the situation closely. Should the peace process break down once again and result in armed conflict and new displacements, NRC will be able to react quickly and respond to the needs of the population affected by conflict.
PHILIPPINES, MAY 2009: The house of an internally displaced family in Cotabato City, on the island of Mindanao.
SRI LANKA
NRC contributed to durable solutions for, both, the long term displaced and returnees in Sri Lanka in 2010.
Armed conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which ended in mid-2009, resulted in chronic and multiple displacements of civilians for more than 20 years. By the end of 2010, an estimated 320,000 people remained internally displaced in Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, more than 190,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returned to their homes, but were still in need of protection and assistance and were struggling to find durable solutions in their shattered homelands. NRC has been present in Sri Lanka since 2004, with a country office in Colombo and field offices in Puttalam, Batticaloa, Trincomaale and Vavunya. NRC provides assistance to IDPs and refugees through the following core activities: Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA): NRC continued to implement one of the largest legal aid programs in Sri Lanka. Assistance was provided from NRC offices in Ampara, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, and Puttalam, employing international and national legal experts. At the end of 2010, the
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ICLA caseload had exceeded 55,000. Approximately 91 % were civil document cases and land and property cases. The programme cooperates closely with local government offices and has also launched partnership programmes with several key Sri Lankan organisations. In September 2010, ICLA signed an addendum to its memorandum of understanding with the Legal Aid Commission, in order to strengthen their capacity to provide legal assistance to the returnees through the secondment of NRC staff and operational support in Mannar, Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi. Two thematic reports Protracted Muslim IDPs from Jaffna in Puttalam and Their Right to Choose a Durable Solution and Death Certificates: Policy, Procedure and Challenges for Registries in Northern Province were also published. Shelter: NRC constructed and rehabilitated core houses and transitional shelters. Additionally, NRC constructed and rehabilitated water and sanitation infrastructure, distributed non-food items and provided livelihood support
to the war-affected returnees in Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Vavuniya, Mullaitivu and Jaffna districts. NRC was also an active participant in the Shelter/NFI Cluster coordination, which sets standards and coordinates activities in this sector. In 2010, NRC constructed 101 core shelters, completed 60 core shelter extensions and 89 core shelter renovations, constructed 800 transitional shelters and 249
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transitional shelter kitchens, completed livelihood support of 835 packages, and distributed 1,000 kitchen sets. In 2011, NRC will work with the returnees in the Northern Province to ensure sustainable return by providing shelter, water and sanitation and livelihoods activities as well as legal assistance through our partner, the Legal Aid Commission. We will also continue to assist and advocate
SRI LANKA, 17 JUNE 2010: NRC staff members are visiting a returnee family, who is constructing a new home in Trincomalee. NRC contributes skilled labour, materials and technical support, but the beneficiaries are also involved in the construction themselves.
for the rights of the old caseload of IDPs, by providing direct Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance in the Eastern and Western provinces.
Annual Report 2010
TIMOR LESTE
NRC closed down the Timor Leste country programme in 2010, handing over projects to national bodies.
Upon closing the country programme, NRC was awarded the honourable medal Order of Timor Leste for its efforts in assisting the conflict-affected population. NRC started its programme in Timor Leste in November 2006, working for the protection of people displaced by violence that year. NRC engaged in shelter construction, camp management and education. Following a planned exit strategy, NRC phased out Timor Leste throughout 2010, ending all activities by November after four years of humanitarian activities in the country. In 2010, NRC focused on projects enhancing the access to education by children and young people. School rehabilitation/construction By 1 July 2010, NRC had completed
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the construction of 30 rural schools in the districts of Ermera and Manatuto. In addition to classrooms, NRC also provided chairs and tables. A swing set was also set up in all 30 schools. All schools were equipped with sanitation according to Sphere standards. In 11 villages where, there was insufficient water, NRC has established over 20 km of water pipelines, in cooperation with the communities. All buildings are the property of the local communities, in partnership with national authorities. Education NRC has sought to increase educational opportunities and access to employment for young people in Timor Leste. NRC built five youth centres in Dili, Gleno and Manatuto, where NRCs Youth Education Pack
(YEP) provided an opportunity for young people, who had experienced violence and displacement, to learn marketable skills and thereby increase their access to employment. All centres continue to run the youth education programmes after NRCs closure, as other NGOs have taken over the responsibility. The Timorese government pledged funding for the centres
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in 2011 and there are good prospects for the centres to become independent national entities in the coming years. In addition NRC successfully implemented an on-the-job teacher-training model, lasting five weeks, in all 30 schools that have been rehabilitated by NRC; benefiting directly more than 4,400 children in rural areas.
TIMOR LESTE, MARCH 2010: Two Youth Education Pack (YEP) learners. NRC established three YEP centres in the capital, Dili, and two in rural areas during the course of its programme period in Timor Leste. These vocational training centres are still helping unemployed and vulnerable youth (including many young mothers) to learn practical skills, enhancing their employment opportunities.
IRAQ
Amid severe access challenges, NRC succeeded in setting up programme activities in Iraq in June 2010.
Iraq today is faced with a massive multi-layered displacement crisis both in size and complexity. An estimated 2.4 million Iraqis were displaced between 2003 and 2008. This figure, which includes both IDPs and refugees, is in addition to the one million Iraqis who had already been displaced by the policies of the former regime. 400,000 IDPs have returned to their areas of origin. Since 2009, the number of returnees has been significantly reduced underlining the fact that return is not a safe or viable option for everyone. Alternative solutions, temporary or durable, are needed. It is difficult to predict who will return home. NRC assessments found that approximately 80 % of the IDPs do not intend to return, of which the majority prefer to be locally integrated. The great majority of IDPs in Baghdad reside in informal settlements built on government land, where the government does not endorse provision of
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permanent homes by NGOs. This means that the level of assistance may vary significantly depending on local attitudes towards the displaced. As a result the majority of IDPs in the settlements are still in urgent need of durable solutions in the form of adequate housing, access to basic services and security. Setting up programme activities in Iraq has proven extremely difficult, due to security and bureaucratic challenges. However, in 2010, NRC conducted a successful Camp Coordination, Camp Management (CCCM) pilot project, in cooperation with UNHCR, aimed at IDPs in Baghdad where the NRC country office is also located. The CCCM programme was first set up in 14 settlements in the Khadumiya district. Since then, NRC has expanded the programme to cover 60 of the 116 IDP settlements in Baghdad. Approximately 120,000 IDPs reside in the settlements where NRC works in the district of Kadhumiya, Karkh,
Kharada, Al Rasyed, 9 Nissan, and Adhamiya. In order to improve coordination and to harmonize the approach by service providers in the IDP settlements of Baghdad, NRC initiated a district level coordination meeting in Khadumiya. NRC plans to conduct similar meetings in five additional Baghdad districts in 2011. On 28 December 2010, NRC also conducted a targeted voucher distribution of winterisation items to 279 of the most vulnerable IDP families in three Khadumiya settlements.
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Through this initiative, community participation and management capacity in these settlements improved. A camp management committee was established and the communities learned to participate actively in the planning and implementation of assistance programmes including raising public awareness and the need for identification, registration, complaints handling and community mobilisation on the day of distribution. NRC is an active member of technical working groups, working closely with the Ministry of Displacement and
IRAQ, 8 DECEMBER 2010: IDP children residing in an informal settlement in the Khadumya district of Baghdad, are preparing for school.
Migration, UNHCR, and UN-HABITAT on long-term solutions for IDPs. A broader response is planned for 2011 to address the needs of vulnerable returnees and IDPs in recognition of the fact that a holistic approach to protection and assistance requires broader inputs. In 2011, NRC hopes to include additional NRC core activities into its existing CCCM programme.
Annual Report 2010
LEBANON
In 2010, NRC widened its scope of action in Lebanon.
Displacement is a recurrent phenomenon in the history of modern Lebanon. In 1948, Lebanon became one of the main host countries of the massive wave of Palestinian refugees. Later on, the fifteen-year long civil war and the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon led to large-scale internal displacement of Lebanese (IDPs), as well as Palestinian refugees. In recent years, thousands of Iraqi refugees have sought refuge in Lebanon. NRC activities have targeted, both, Lebanese IDPs and Palestinian and Iraqi refugees. NRC became involved in Lebanon during the July 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, which resulted in massive, though short-term, displacement and the destruction of thousands of homes in the southern part of the country. NRCs head office is in Beirut, with field offices in Tripoli (north) and Tyre (south). Shelter has been NRCs main activity in Lebanon, initially focusing on rehabilitation of homes partly destroyed in the 2006 war. NRC has, however, gradually increased its involvement in Palestinian refugee camps and
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gatherings, where inadequate housing conditions represent health and security risks to its inhabitants. Since 2007, NRC has been a major NGO partner of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the construction of emergency shelters and reconstruction of houses destroyed during the battle over the Nahr al-Bared refugee camp. Education is the other NRC activity in Lebanon. NRC established an educational centre for Iraqi refugee children in 2007 to facilitate their inclusion in the Lebanese school system. Subsequently, the focus of the education programme has shifted towards adult refugees to enhance their skills and facilitate their entry in the labour market. NRC has also started an education project for UNRWA schools, in cooperation with the latter, and seeks to expand this cooperation further. This project targets schools in the Palestinian refugee camps of Ein al-Helweh and Nahr al-Bared, and aims to create a more inclusive school and to enhance parents involvement. In 2010, the final preparations were
made for introducing two new core activities to the Lebanon programme, with planned start-up in 2011: Camp Management (CM) and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). The CM project aims to improve the coordination of service provision in Palestinian camp settings. It will initially focus on camps where NRC is already present. The ICLA project will advocate the rights of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon and safeguard their access to secure housing and tenure. 2010 was a relatively calm year for Lebanon compared to preceding years following the insecurity caused by the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in 2005 and the July 2006 war. However, there are still widespread fears of, both, internal conflict and renewed hostilities with Israel. 2010 also witnessed a positive development for the Palestinian refugees, as the Lebanese parliament voted in favour of easing restrictions on their access to work.
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tions most notably during operation Cast Lead, initiated on 27 December 2008. The ongoing ban on the import of construction material still puts obstacles in the way of returning the displaced to their homes. Since 2009, NRC has been implementing an Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) programme in oPt. The objective of the ICLA programme is to counter the negative impact of the policies described above on Housing, Land and Property rights for Palestinians. NRCs ICLA programme is currently handling a large caseload of Palestinian legal complaints, working together with Palestinian and Israeli implementing partners. NRC has a head office in Jerusalem and field offices in Gaza and Ramallah. NRC initiated shelter activities in Gaza in 2008, prior to the Israeli military campaign, and participated in the UN-
led Displacement Working Group. Following the Israeli offensive, NRC set up programme activities in 2009: a shelter project, focusing on emergency repairs and the construction of new homes. While operational shelter activities in Gaza are on hold due to the Israeli ban on imports of construction materials, NRC is active as the Shelter Sector lead. This role entails the coordination of the emergency response and the discovery and avoidance of duplication in activities. NRCs lead role has been further consolidated in 2010 and this has also facilitated the expansion of its network in Gaza.
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With the imposition of a blockade on Gaza, following the arrival of Hamas to power in June of 2007, the economy has become increasingly dependent on aid. Industries, including export, have been severely curtailed or destroyed. The conflict in January 2009 destroyed substantial housing, schools and other public infrastructure and the ongoing blockade has made it impossible to initiate any significant reconstruction activities. By the end of 2010, funding was secured for a substantial increase and geographic expansion of NRC activities in the oPt, most significantly the introduction of education, ICLA and
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, 2010: Atta Abdul Jawwad Mohammed Jaber (50) has sought the assistance of NRC and its legal partner, The Society of St. Yves, to challenge the confiscation of his land in Hebron which was declared state land by the Israeli authorities in 2009. The case remained pending at the end of 2010. In this picture he sits on top of the ruins of his demolished home.
food security projects in Gaza. Through the education project, NRC has also become the only NGO partner of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in the education field in oPt.
Annual Report 2010
COLOMBIA
In Colombia, NRC combines activities addressing protection gaps with advocacy efforts.
Colombia continues to be affected by the four-decade armed conflict and generalized violence that puts civilians at risk. A new government took office in August and important policy and legislative initiatives are underway to address the protection needs of Colombias millions of victims and displaced. However, the displacement patterns remained unchanged and the results of these initiatives are still uncertain. 3.3 million people are internally displaced according to the government, over 4.9 million people according to reliable non-governmental sources. NRC has been in Colombia since 1991. From its country office in Bogota and field presence in Nario, Norte de Santander and Magdalena, NRC implements education, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) and an advocacy and public policies programme. Colombia has a strong legal and policy framework protecting the rights of IDPs, but implementation is lacking at a local level a fact central to NRC advocacy strategies. NRC works closely with State institutions, particularly in the judicial branch (i.e. the Constitutional Court, Supreme Court of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General in 2010).
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NRC relies predominantly on partners when implementing activities: National NGOs and public universities, as well as community-based organisations. IDP children are often left outside the educational system, making them vulnerable and more readily subject to recruitment into criminal activities, drug-trafficking and negative coping mechanisms. In 2010, NRC offered flexible accelerated learning programmes to children and young people who have been kept from school by conflict. The organisation also trained teachers and adjusted training materials. The Ministry of Education officially recognized the Peace Culture High School Model in the six municipalities where it has been implemented. NRC completed its learning programme for illiterate adults and its support to ethnoeducation programmes for Indigenous groups, and decided to pilot an education in emergencies programme. 14 Universities, all of which are part the NRC-UNCHR partnership Law and Displacement Network, and the Pastoral Social and Magdalena University, provided ICLA services to IDPs. An important achievement in 2010, which addressed impunity for acts of forced displacement, was NRCs sup-
port to the Attorney General in establishing a Special Unit on Forced Displacement. NRC offered an international workshop to all prosecutors in the Unit and signed an agreement to continue the partnership in 2011. NRC convened a special hearing in 2010, where NGOs involved in litigation of forced displacement and sexual and gender-based violence, presented the legal obstacles preventing access to justice to the Supreme Court. NRC also conducted a study on
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national registration and emergency humanitarian assistance to IDPs, which will form the basis for ICLA intervention and advocacy in 2011. NRC continued to strengthen the capacity of IDP organisations to participate and influence IDP policies. Technical training on formulation and implementation of IDP policies was also offered to public officers in priority municipalities. NRC has established good working relations with the Ombudsmans Office in the three regions and with
COLOMBIA, 19 AUGUST 2010: Pupils at the NRC Peace Culture High School in Pasto engaged these local children in peace study and communal activities as part of a community outreach assignment.
the Office of the Inspector General. NRC also has a presence in Ecuador, Venezuela and Panama. In 2010, NRC assisted Colombians in need of international protection with access to, among other things, refugee status determination processes, civil documentation and education.
Annual Report 2010
GEORGIA
In 2010, NRC continued to focus on durable solutions for the internally displaced (IDPs) in Georgia.
Secessionist fighting in the early 1990s in South Ossetia was followed by conflict in Abkhazia resulting in large displacement. In 2008, war erupted between Georgia and Russia over South Ossetia. While negotiations continue, the conflicts remain unresolved and return is not an option for the majority of the IDPs. At the end of 2010, over 200,000 people continued to be displaced in Georgia proper. The government is committed to providing durable housing solutions for IDPs. The IDP Action Plan was amended in 2010, but is still lacking vital sustainability and soft integration components currently provided by NGOs. NRC has been present in Georgia since 1994 and has offices in Tbilisi, Kutaisi and in Gali and Sokhumi in Abkhazia, providing durable solutions through shelter, livelihood support, education and Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) programmes. The role of the NRCs ICLA programme and advocacy remained
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strong in 2010, focusing mainly on facilitation of access to basic personal documentation and housing, land and property rights. Among other things, NRC participated in the technical expert group on privatization within the IDP Action Plan, contributed to the review of IDP legislation, and ensured security of tenure and access to documentation for IDPs, including NRC shelter beneficiaries. In 2010, there were 3,352 individuals who benefited from ICLA counselling and the ICLA lawyers processed 1,411 legal cases. A new cross-core-activity, set up in 2010, supports the sustainability of the privatization of IDP property, through formalization and training of owner associations. The initiative employs shelter and urban context camp management training methodology. In Abkhazia, the ICLA programme assisted returnees in Gali with basic documentation. Through the shelter programme in 2010, NRC transformed four collective centres into apartment buildings, constructed 23 individual houses,
partially repaired 20 homes and five collective centres, and distributed construction materials to 109 vulnerable families in Georgia proper. Some shelter beneficiaries were also provided basic livelihood support, securing the sustainability of their local integration. In Abkhazia, 96 houses belonging to returnees were repaired or constructed, and four schools in the Gali district were rehabilitated. 100 beneficiary households received NRC-designed prefabricated greenhouses.
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In 2010, NRC completed the first ever study of the quality of education and integration in Abkhaz public schools in Georgia proper. 4,157 children and young people participated in various NRC education activities, providing life skills and literacy training, as well as workshops for teachers in literacy training methodology. 723 young people participated in vocational skills training, facilitated in cooperation with state certified Vocational Education and Training centres. In alliance with
GEORGIA, APRIL 2010: Environmental education is part of NRCs life skills training modules. These internally displaced (IDP) children from Abkhazia are planting trees outside their collective centre in Tskaltubo.
five major universities in Georgia, NRC is developing a manual on Displacement Stress and Trauma for teachers and social workers to be piloted in teacher training institutions in 2011.
Annual Report 2010
KYRGYZSTAN
NRC set up programme activities in Kyrgyzstan in 2010, in response to displacement in the wake of sudden ethnic unrest.
On June 12, riots broke out in the south of Kyrgyzstan, as ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks clashed violently over four days. Many of the predominantly Uzbek neighbourhoods were looted and burned to the ground. At least 426 people of both ethnicities were killed, 300,000 people were internally displaced and about 75,000 people primarily ethnic Uzbek women, children and elderly people fled across the border into Uzbekistan. During the first days of unrest, the security situation hampered relief efforts. By the end of June, the international humanitarian community had mobilized and the UN-led cluster system was rolled out. Most of those displaced have since returned to their places of origin. Many returned and found their houses partially destroyed or in ruins. Following an assessment mission in the beginning of July, NRC set up an Information, Councelling and Legal
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Assistance (ICLA) programme in Kyrgyzstan at the beginning of September, with two field offices in the Osh and Jalalabad regions, and one in Bishkek. NRC later expanded with one more office in Alu-Buka in the Jalalabad region. The programme employed 11 ICLA lawyers through a local NGO, who focused on recovering and registering documentation to prove ownership to enterprise/business-property destroyed or lost during the June 2010 events. This included restoration of documents such as school certificates, university diplomas, driving licenses, work booklets, etc., which were not covered by other agencies and were relevant to the NRC programme. Swift response from the international community and efficient humanitarian aid helped stabilize the situation. If the current stability is upheld, NRC will phase out its programme activities in Kyrgyzstan by the end of May 2011.
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Annual Report 2010
Photo: NRC
vignett
HAITI, JUNE 2010: After the earthquake in Haiti in January, many victims settled in open spaces unsuitable for human habitation. NORCAP sent 46 secondees to Haiti in 2010
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NORCAP, 1,503 79 %
A YEAR OF CRISIS
NRC-operated rosters contributed a total of 1,899 man months to international humanitarian operations in 49 countries in 2010, representing a sharp increase in comparison to 1,590 man months in 2009. NORCAP alone contributed 1,503 man months to 12 UN standby partners, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Norwegian Refugee Council
The total volume of support from NRC-operated emergency rosters to international operations has grown continuously in recent years, reaching an all time high in 2010.
In line with the NORCAP priority of protecting civilians in natural disasters and complex emergencies, the involvement with agencies at the forefront of protection continued to grow in 2010. UNICEF and UNHCR have remained the largest recipients since 2008, while WFP has grown considerably in 2010. IOM is new on the list of the top four recipients, mainly due to secondments to their operations in Haiti. Support to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been a priority, and the result was a considerable increase. UNDP also received increased support. Secondments to OCHA has, on the other hand, decreased by two thirds since 2009 as OCHA is increasingly
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relying on internal capacity. The UN Human Settlements Programme (UNHABITAT) was a new partner in 2010. The highly specialised UN agency plays an important role in the early-recovery phase, but suffers from lack of resources. NORCAP contributed to UNHABITAT programmes in Iraq and Pakistan in 2010.
SUDAN, 2010: Christer de Saram Larssen was seconded to UNDP and the Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit (CPRU) in January 2010. His main tasks were to support CPRU through policy and strategy advice, and ensuring that programming was consistent with the political context.
Truls Brekke/FAO
bulk of the crisis was slow-onset, but NORCAP received, and was able to respond to, personnel requests in an early phase at first with Pakistani roster members, who did not need visas and could travel with ease in politically unstable areas. A total of 19 people were deployed to Pakistan in 2010, contributing close to 60 man months. SUDAN: Tension ran high in Sudan in 2010, in the run up to the January 2011 secessionist vote in the South Sudan referendum. At the same time, the humanitarian situation deteriorated in
the wake of decades of war and continued inter-south fighting and crisis in Darfur. Protection of civilians in complex emergencies is a NORCAP priority in general, and in Sudan in particular. There was a steady increase in deployments in 2010, in total 185 man months. HAITI: When the earthquake shook Haiti on 12 January 2010, more than 300,000 people were killed and an already severe humanitarian situation became desperate. The capital Port-au-Prince and its institutions were severely affected, including the UN headquar33
ters. The UN lost about 100 staff members and many survivors were sent out of the country due to the trauma they had suffered severely hampering relief efforts. NRC responded quickly. By 15 January, the first secondees were on their way. In total, 46 secondees were deployed to Haiti, the largest number in a single country in 2010, contributing more than 200 man months. YEMEN: The number of deployments to Yemen increased substantially in 2010, due to renewed fighting between the government and the al-Houthis. The
PAKISTAN, 7 SEPTEMBER 2010: A girl enjoying a cool drink at a water post in a displacement camp for flood victims in the Sindh province of Pakistan. 19 NORCAP secondees were deployed to Pakistan in the wake of the worst floods in its history.
so-called 6th War, which began in 2009, led to massive displacement from the conflict-affected districts in the Saada governorate. NORCAP seconded 15 roster members to Yemen in 2010, contributing substantially to the UN efforts to fill in protection gaps created by the massive exodus. NORCAP contributed with a total of 88 man months.
Annual Report 2010
HAITI, 2010: Three weeks after the earthquake, 1,300 national and international NGOs were registered in Haiti, highlighting the need for stringent coordination to avoid overlap. Contributing to better cluster coordination is a NORCAP priority. This picture is from a food distribution centre.
A STRATEGIC UN PARTNER
NORCAP is a strategic partner for the UN, contributing to improved international humanitarian response.
Traditionally, secondments have targeted field operations in a sudden crisis. However, NORCAP is increasingly contributing at a more central level to better coordination, capacity building and higher quality in relief efforts linking the humanitarian response phase to the crucial early recovery and stabilisation phases. In 2010, NORCAP has strengthened its strategic cooperation with two UN agencies in particular: UNICEF and UNHCR. NORCAP engaged in a bilateral dialogue with both agencies, in order to strengthen the strategic cooperation and increase secondments to central coordinating functions, which go beyond the traditional standby roster field support. Several other UN agencies increas34
ingly recognize the benefits of introducing external, highly motivated personnel particularly in change processes who often have different skills and specialities compared to regular personnel in an organisation or a cluster. For example, in 2010, NORCAP was asked to contribute to the UNWRA reform process. NORCAP secondees contributed to the development of a monitoring and evaluation programme to improve UNWRAs ability to measure its impact. The NORCAP secondees have contributed directly to the modernisation of UNWRA through targeted deployments in the field of communication and visibility. In Pakistan, a NORCAP secondee made a significant contribution to
FAOs public image. FAO acknowledges its shortcomings in getting its message across, in proving its vital function particularly in a post-crisis phase. By helping to raise the level of awareness about the efforts of FAO, the secondee contributed to generating increased funding. The cluster approach to coordinating relief activities has indisputable merits. However, it is widely recognized that the clusters need to be strengthened with a broader range of expertise. It is a NORCAP priority to contribute to clusters becoming even more efficient instruments in a humanitarian crisis. In 2010 NORCAP has deployed several roster members to vital cluster functions.
PAKISTAN, 7 SEPTEMBER 2010: Girls waiting for food distribution in a displacement camp for flood victims in Sukkur, Pakistan. More than 20 million people were affected by the 2010 floods. Many had to flee their homes.
on the simple fact that it ultimately reduces the human and financial costs from a disaster. In 2010, NORCAP personnel have been involved in several successful DRR activities. In Namibia, for instance, two secondees have worked closely with central government educational bodies to secure schools and train teachers in
how to respond when a crisis occurs. The secondees have also contributed to enhancing emergency preparedness and to develop a national response plan. NORCAP secondees have also contributed to DRR in Bangladesh, Burma, Fiji, Haiti and the Philippines, as well as to the protection cluster, particularly in Asia.
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In 2010, NRC commissioned the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) to produce the report The Role and Position of the Norwegian Standby Roster for Civilian Observers (NOROBS) in the Context of Norways Contribution to Civilian Peacemaking, Peacekeeping and Peace-building. The report makes recommendations on how NOROBS a sub-roster under the NORCAP umbrella can be developed to meet the needs of international operations, as well as how the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) can make better and more strategic use of the Norwegian civilian capacity
mechanisms at its disposal. NRC has broad and extensive operational and professional experience in deploying civilian observers on behalf of MFA and the UN. These include deployments to the Sri Lanka Monitoring Team (SLMM), Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH), European Monitoring Mission (EUMM), Nuba Mountains, Nepal (UNMIN) and Ache Monitoring Mission (AMM). In 2010, NORCAP prepared for the deployment of observers to the international monitoring team in Mindanao, Philippines. Two observers were dispatched in January January 2011.
Annual Report 2010
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AFGHANISTAN, 3 OCTOBER 2010: Afghan NRC staff members enjoying a cup of tea. With over 200,000 international and Afghan military personnel engaged in an intensifying conflict with opposition groups, humanitarian access has become extremely difficult in Afghanistan. Highly competent national staff is key to secure access to those in need.
two priority areas: increasing and maintaining humanitarian access in the field and promoting durable solutions for displaced people, particularly by addressing housing, land and property issues. The focus is to ensure consistency in the agencys advocacy messages, and to encourage decision-makers to reduce obstacles to access and durable solutions.
The real strength of the Global Advocacy Strategy is that it is closely linked to the practical fieldwork. In this capacity, it represents far more than an advocacy strategy. It represents a more interconnected way of working within the entire NRC organisation. The strategy has already been introduced in the daily work of NRC, but will be implemented in full in 2011.
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It also proposed a methodology to continue monitoring forced displacement as a result of rapid-onset disasters, with a breakdown between climate-related and geophysical natural disasters. In 2010, IDMC finalised a three-year road map to gradually build up its capacity for monitoring natural disasterinduced displacement. The annual monitoring will begin in 2011. The road map includes an advocacy strategy on raising awareness and
influencing the follow-up of the Copenhagen and Cancun Climate Change Conferences with information and analysis. The road map also includes strategies to strengthen the capacity of governments and civil society in disaster-affected countries to respond to the protection needs of IDPs. The objective of the project is to gain experience in monitoring disasterrelated internal displacement. This will enable IDMC to propose an integrated monitoring strategy for both conflict- and disaster-induced displacement where it has merit. It will also enable IDMC to create training and advocacy tools, in order to raise awareness of disaster-induced displacement and its protection
challenges. It will also provide knowledge on how to cover gaps identified during the quantitative and qualitative monitoring and analysis. Pakistan and Colombia have been identified as case studies. The outputs during the three-year period will include a strategy for the monitoring of disaster-induced displacement and analytical publications to help humanitarian actors and affected governments plan for, and respond to, disaster-induced displacement. It will also include training and advocacy tools, as well as a platform where partners, affected governments and donors can meet, discuss and decide on policy issues and challenges.
PAKISTAN, 7 SEPTEMBER 2010: The fields around Thul in Sindh Province, Pakistan, are completely inundated by the floods that have affected more than 20 million people and destroyed two million acres of crops throughout the country.
Norwegian Refugee Council
tation was well received in Brussels and generated substantial interest in this central European body. The revised IASC Framework on durable solutions for internally displaced persons (FDS) was published in 2010, based on input from field-based organisations such as the NRC. NRC was represented as the only NGO on the steering committee for the revision process through its Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC). The Framework describes the key rights-based principles that should guide the search for durable solutions and establishes the criteria that determine to what extent a durable solution has been achieved. The Framework forms the basis for NRCs assessments, monitoring, advocacy, training and capacity building on durable solutions. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and NRC co-organized a launch event for the Framework in Georgia in September 2010. The event coincided with the the final mission of the then UN representative of the Secretary General on the Human Rights of IDPs, Walter Khlin.
NRC-IDMC in Geneva plays an important part in the promotion of durable solutions through a number of initiatives. In 2010, IDMC organised the seminar IDPs in Protracted Displacement: Is local integration a solution? held in Geneva in January 2011. Participants came from a range of backgrounds, including governments with protracted internal displacement situations, national civil society organisations, UN agencies, international
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humanitarian, development and research organisations, as well as other experts. Field research was commissioned for the seminar and case studies on local integration of IDPs in Georgia, Burundi, Colombia, Serbia, Uganda and Sudan were discussed. The seminar concluded that political will is needed to make local integration a viable possibility for IDPs and that the efforts of both humanitarian and development actors must be mobilized to create conditions
MAY 2010, GEORGIA: NRC repairing a collective centre in Senaki, West Georgia, housing internally displaced people from Abkhazia. Turning such collective centres into habitable, privately owned flats is part of the durable solutions presented to the IDPs.
for sustainable integration of IDPs. IDMC is also in the process of developing training modules for national authorities and civil society on the FDS, to be field-tested in 2011.
Annual Report 2010
GLOBAL OVERVIEW:
The report Global Overview was launched in London on 17 May 2010. The annual report from NRCs Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) in Geneva remains the authoritative source on internal displacement worldwide. It is widely used as a reference tool by the UN, governments, international media and academic institutions. IDMC continuously updates its online database, which recorded 320,000 unique hits in 2010 representing a 13 % increase since 2009.
Internal Displacement
Global Overview of Trends and Developments in 2010
www.internal-displacement.org
FLYKTNING REGNSKAPET
ALT om mENNESKER P FLuKT vERdEN ovER
2010
www.flyktninghjelpen.no
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NORWEGIAN EDITION IN A NUTSHELL Circulation 15,000 4 issues annually Distributed free to 10,000 sponsors and stakeholders More than 1,000 copies sold via the magazine distributor Narvesen Funded by government grants, advertising and magazine sales
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AN ENGLISH PERSPECTIVE
In October 2010, NRC followed up the success of its Norwegian humanitarian affairs magazine, with an international edition.
The English language magazine Perspective features translations of articles from the Norwegian edition, as well as specially tailored material. The launch of an international edition, is a natural consequence of the NRC being engaged in more than 20 countries and of its commitment to contribute to setting the agenda on international humanitarian policies. The magazine was well received internationally, and will be published twice annually from 2011.
Photojournalist Alixandra Fazzina was honored at a special event in Geneva, hosted by BBCs news anchor and Hardtalk journalist Zeinab Badawi.
ENGLISH EDITION IN A NUTSHELL Circulaton 20,000 1 issue in 2010, 4 issues in 2011 Distributed to UN agencies, donors, academic institutions, the media, NGOs, and to policymakers and politicians worldwide. Sold in 15 countries, including USA, Canada, UK, France, Spain and Australia Funded by government grants, advertising and magazine sales
Norwegian Refugee Council
PHOTOJOURNALIST HONOURED
British Photojournalist Alixandra Fazzina was the 2010 recipient of the Nansen Refugee Award designed to honour people who work relentlessly for the rights of refugees. Fazzina was awarded the prize for her extensive photojournalistic work on the plight of people displaced by war and conflict. Her work, spanning two decades, has, among other things, resulted in the book A Million Shillings, Escape from
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Somalia. This was the first time a journalist was honoured. The award was set up in 1954, in memory of the Norwegian explorer and first High Commissioner for Refugees, Fridtjof Nansen. The awardworth, 600,000 NOK, is granted by the governments of Switzerland and Norway, and is administered by NRC. The winner may donate the money freely to a worthy cause.
Annual Report 2010
REPORTS
SIGNIFICANT ONLINE FACELIFT
The NRC web is Norways most comprehensive online collection of updated information on all aspects of forced migration, in English and Norwegian.
It contains news, statistics and information about displacement in more than 180 countries, and is an active channel for advocacy and information on all key issues. In preparation for the 2010 National Telethon, the Norwegian website underwent a comprehensive upgrade including a brand new look and information architecture, close integration of multimedia and Google maps, and a new up to date technical framework. The main goal of the upgrade was to provide our users with easier access to information about the worldwide refugee and IDP situation, and to give a more thorough presentation of NRC programme activities and global and national advocacy issues. In 2011, a similar upgrade will be implemented on the international, English language website. In the run up to the National Telethon, the NRC launched two separate websites: Blimed.no focused on recruiting and motivating volunteer Donation Collectors, and tva2010.no, which enabled the Norwegian corporate sector to support the Telethon by participating in a corporate relay. Both websites proved to be a success and were partly responsible for the recordbreaking end result of the 2010 telethon.
A them atic
repo rt
REPOR
ian Refu gee Cou ncil
, Dec emb
TS
er 2010
dan 20
displace m post-ref ent and reinte grat erendum Southern ion in Sudan
SUDAN REPORT 2: In the report Between a Rock and a Hard Place, NRC stresses that return and reintegration will pose a major challenge in a post referendum Southern Sudan, and asks all actors to cooperate to prevent a return movement that is poorly planned, politically motivated or results caused by intimidation.
FOLLOW NRC
Since 2009, NRC has incorporated social media in its online information strategy. The 2010, web upgrade included a closer integration with the NRCs social network profiles on Facebook and Twitter. As a result the number of people following NRC on Facebook rose from around 300 to almost 4,000 by the end of 2010.
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Photo: NRC
24 OCTOBER 2010: NRC focused on inspiring all Norwegians to be willing to donate, and to make it possible to do so. The volunteer donation collectors were instrumental in achieving this goal.
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The campaign The focus of the campaign was the fact that 43.2 million people have been displaced by war and conflict, and that many receive no aid. The money raised in the telethon will contribute to assisting more displaced people over the next five years. Seven countries were in focus: Afghanistan, Pakistan, DR Congo, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia, Sudan and Colombia.
The volunteers The volunteers are central to the telethon. 7,000 volunteers were engaged in recruiting donation collectors and organising the event. The volunteers engaged with local media, sports clubs, churches, schools, kindergartens, businesses, trade unions and many other groups and networks. County and local council members helped organise and coordinate the event on a voluntary basis.
OSLO, 11 OCTOBER 2010: Photographer Marcus Bleasdales pictures from DR Congo were the centre of attention during the telethon kick-off. The images were projected onto the Norwegian parliament building, Stortinget, while a string of well-known artists performed from an outdoor stage. The successful event resulted in substantial media coverage.
The donations The telethon raised 209 million NOK. It is the second largest sum ever raised in the annual telethon, and the largest amount raised by one organisation alone. The largest contribution by far, comes from the donations collected door to door. Particular focus was also put on raising donations from businesses, through a competitive donation relay. The strategy resulted in record-breaking business donations, amounting to 18 million NOK from 1,300 businesses. Focus on educational activities gave especially good results. Children in schools and kindergartens raised more than 4 million NOK. A survey immediately after the telethon revealed that 75 % of all Norwegians had donated, or were about to donate, money.
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The staff The NRC telethon secretariat was established on 1 January 2010. 54 staff members were employed for between 2 and 12 months: 16 in the central secretariat, the rest in district offices in all counties. The telethon secretariat cooperated closely with the NRC administration and the telethon manager reported directly to the Secretary General. The marketing and press working groups consisted of both telethon secretariat and NRC staff members. NRK had its own telethon production secretariat, cooperating closely with the NRC secretariat throughout the process.
The Internet www.tvaksjonen.no was the official web site of the NRK telethon, providing information on all aspects of the event. NRC decided to create an additional dedicated campaign site, www.blimed.no, to recruit volunteer donation collectors, raise donations and supply information even before the official web site was up and running. The donation web site www.tva2010.no was at the centre of the campaign to engage businesses. NRC actively engaged in social media, by promoting the campaign and by recruiting donation collectors through Facebook.
The media NRC succeeded in putting the plight of refugees and IDPs on the media agenda in the run up to the telethon stories that are normally under-reported. NRC set a new media record for the NRK telethon for the number of media mentions. In October 2010, the telethon was fourth on the list of the most frequently reported stories in the Norwegian media. In September and October the telethon was rated as the third most positive media event in a public opinion poll. One highlight: In an editorial, Norways biggest paper, Aftenposten, encouraged people to donate money to the telethon.
The donation collectors 100,000 volunteer donation collectors went door to door to raise money covering all collection districts. They collected more than half of the raised amount, 114 million NOK. NRC dedicated a lot of time and effort on recruiting, motivating and enabling the volunteer donation collectors in recognition of the fact that they are at the core of the annual telethon. The amount of money collected by the volunteers in 2010 was 14 % higher than the previous year.
KENYA, SEPTEMBER 2010: Prior to the telethon, Queen Sonja of Norway travelled to Daadab, the worlds biggest refugee camp. As the high protector of the annual telethon, the Queen helped put focus on the plight of refugees. In this picture, Queen Sonja is walking through Dadaab with NRC Country Director Hassan Khaire and NRC Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson.
OSLO, 29 SEPTEMBER 2010: Secretary General Elisabeth Rasmusson visits St. Sunniva School in Oslo, during the kick-off of a string of school events in the run up to the telethon.
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The song The famous Norwegian singer and songwriter, Sivert Hyem, created the song Prisoner of the Road especially for NRC and the telethon 2010. The song was launched on 10 October, and topped the official Norwegian music charts for two weeks. All proceeds were donated to the telethon. Prisoner of the Road was also the soundtrack for a promotional film about the telethon, produced by director Erik Poppe.
The Show The NRK telethon show on 24 October lasted 12 hours. A record-breaking audience of more than 2.1 million people tuned in at some point during the marathon broadcast. NRCs work and the situation of displaced people were presented through features and interviews. The footage of, and interview with, Queen Sonja of Norway, about her visit to the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, created a peak audience during the show. Celebrities helped man the phones live in order to encourage donations. A string of artists performed, including Odd Brresen, Vamp and ystein Greni.
OSLO, 24 OCTOBER 2010: TV veteran Dan Brge Aker and singer Haddy Njie hosted the NRK telethon show.
Photo: Roald Hvring/NRC
The future The money raised in the telethon will help secure NRCs work with refugees and IDPs across the globe for the next five years. It represents an important contribution to NRCs ability to respond quickly and efficiently to future crises.
The costs The administration costs of the telethon amounted to 30.7 million NOK, 12.2 % below the budgeted 35 million NOK. This is far less than previous telethons. The reasons behind the low administration costs are a combination of tight cost control and lower NRK fees.
OSLO, 2010: Singer and songwriter Sivert Hyem topped the Norwegian music charts with his emotive Prisoner of the Road.
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Financial Statement
nrcfadder.no
Photo: Erik Tresse/NRC
ZERO TOLERANCE
NRC operates in some of the most corrupt countries in the world. Prevention of corruption is therefore high on the agenda. The organisation has a zero tolerance policy and continuously works to develop stronger guidelines and mechanisms to assist staff and partners in their daily fight against corruption. Within the aid community, corruption may occur in the form of bribery, embezzlement, extortion, favouritism and nepotism. NRC has strong control mechanisms and follows the money closely all the way to the beneficiaries, in order to detect irregularities as early in the process as possible.
Annual Report 2010
COLOMBIA, AUGUST 2010: Andrs Felipe Ortiz (9) and his family have been displaced by the conflict in Colombia. He currently lives in Tumaco, and is one of the children featured in the NRC Sponsor a Child programme.
in administrative spending. 90,3% of the total operating revenue was spent on direct operational activities. The administrative costs of the NRK telethon were also considerably lower than for past Telethons.
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Financial Statement
Assistance (ICLA) accounted for 21 %, educational programmes 21 %, distribution of food and non-food items 12 % and Camp Management 3 %. Additional projects accounted for 2 % of total spending. NRC had programme activities in 21 countries in 2010: Burundi, Cte dIvoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Somalia, Liberia, Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar/Burma, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Iraq, Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian Territory (oPt), Colombia, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. In addition, NRC is collaborating with the Danish Refugee Council in Chechnya. Activities in Timor-Leste were terminated in 2010, while the Philippines, Zimbabwe, Kyrgyzstan and Iraq were added to the programme country portfolio. In the Philippines, the humanitarian needs proved to be less than anticipated. Hence, all activities will be phased out by the end of March 2011. NRC will keep its humanitarian registration in the country and monitor the
Annual Report 2010
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Financial Statement
situation closely, in order to be able to respond quickly if the situation deteriorates. Since May 2008, NRC has worked to establish programme activities in Zimbabwe. In September 2010, NRC was granted its registration. Activities were set up at the end of 2010, and will continue through the spring of 2011. The primary focus will be educational and food security activities for internally displaced people (IDPs), as well as the host population. Where relevant, programme activities will be expanded to include Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA). In addition, NRC will offer assistance to Zimbabweans who are expected to return from South Africa. NRC set up programme activities in Iraq in June 2010. Humanitarian access represents a huge challenge. However, NRC, in collaboration with UNHCR, was still able to conduct a successful pilot project aimed at IDPs in Baghdad. Programme activities in Iraq in 2010 included camp coordination and camp management. In 2011, NRC plans to expand with other core activities, i.e. Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance, education, and building homes, schools and infrastructure. In June 2010, clashes between ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan caused massive displacement. The situation quickly stabilized, and the majority chose to return. However, tensions remained high. NRC contributed with Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance regarding land and property rights. If the situation remains calm, programme activities will be closed
Norwegian Refugee Council
down during the first half of 2011. In 2010, NRC applied for registration in Iran, in order to set up programme activities. The registration came as a response to a request from Iranian authorities, asking the international community to share the burden of aiding the approximately one million Afghan refugees living in the country. At the same time, Norwegian authorities signalled that they would contribute funds. After several delays, NRC was finally granted registration in January 2011. Activities will be set up through the course of 2011. NRC also applied for registration in Yemen in 2010, in order to assist refugees from the Horn of Africa, as well as IDPs fleeing from the conflict in North Yemen. By the end of the year, NRC had still not been granted its registration. NRC hopes the registration will come through in 2011 so that programme activities can be set up. In Pakistan, NRC has been engaged in programme activities aimed at Afghan refugees since 2001/2002, and earth quake victims since 2005. The programme activities were part of a regional initiative, and Afghanistan and Pakistan shared the same Country Director. However, in 2009 the Afghanistan and Pakistan programmes were split, and in January 2010 Pakistan got its own Country Director. The changes will enable NRC to provide better assistance and protection to IDPs in Pakistan, who have fled from military offensives and natural disasters. NRC programme activities in Pakistan increased considerably in the wake of the Indus Valley
floods, which affected 20 million people through the course of July and August. NRC expanded its programme activities in Somalia significantly in 2010, in spite of the fact that Somalia is among the most difficult countries for humanitarian organisations to work in. NRC gained access thanks to an extensive strategy, which efficiently balances the need to increase local acceptance of NRC as a humanitarian organisation with the necessary security precautions. Today, NRC is one of the few humanitarian organisations still operating in South and Central Somalia.
NRC also expanded its involvement in Sudan significantly in 2010, in the run up to the referendum on the secession of South Sudan on 9 January 2011. NRC focused particularly on preparing for mass return in the wake of the secession. Emergency standby rosters The mandate of the emergency standby rosters is to support and contribute to international operations at all stages of a crisis. In addition, Norwegian Capacity to International Operations (NORCAP) contributes to monitoring and early
warning, rebuilding and development of sustainable structures and democracy. The goal is for NORCAP to consist of 850 men and women from different professions, who are ready for deployment to international operations within 72 hours. The emergency standby rosters turnover in 2010 amounted to NOK 164 million.
DRC, 2008: A girl in the Mugunga Camp for internally displaced people in North Kivu one of the camps where NRC runs programme activities. 2.1 million people were displaced in North and South Kivu and the Orientale Province at the beginning of 2010.
Photo: Truls Brekke/NRC
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Financial Statement
LIBERIA, JANUARY 2011: NRC Country Director in Liberia, Astrid Sletten, oversees the registration of thousands of refugees, who have fledd the November 2010 post election violence in Cte dIvoire.
In addition to NORCAP, and in cooperation with the UN and The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), NRC has developed a range of thematic and specialized emergency rosters: The Protection Capacity Standby Project (PROCAP) and Gender Standby Capacity Roster (GENCAP) provide experts on protection and gender, respectively. The Mediation Support Unit (MSU) consists of recognized experts on peace mediation. The Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS) was set up in cooperation with the British humanitarian organisations Merlin and Helpage, and consists of specialists on assessing humanitarian needs in a crisis. In a mutual agreement, NRC and Norwegian Centre for Human Rights discontinued its cooperation on The Norwegian Resource Bank for Democracy and Human Rights (NORDEM) in 2010. The 2010 activities within the emergency rosters were dominated by the natural disasters in Haiti and Pakistan, where NORCAP personnel were seconded to a range of UN organisations. In Africa and the Middle East, Sudan and Yemen were the largest recipients of support. NORCAP personnel also contributed to UN efforts during the short crisis in Kyrgyzstan. The support to international operations by emergency standby rosters operated by NRC, has increased significantly in 2010. At any given
Norwegian Refugee Council
secondment agreements with 11 UN organisations, as well as with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Two agreements, with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and World Health Organization (WHO) respectively, came to an end in 2010. They are now under revision. The specialized thematic rosters, PROCAP and GENCAP, also have running agreements, comprising recruitment of and administration of personnel, with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The Mediation Support Unit has signed an agreement with United Nations Department of Political Affairs (DPA). Advocacy and information NRC is continuously advocating the rights of refugees and internally displaced people in its programme countries, international fora and in Norway. In 2010, NRC focused particularly on the need to facilitate return as well as capacity building locally. NRC issued two reports on the situation in Sudan through the course of the year. To enhance its advocacy efforts on the need to expand humanitarian access, NRC implemented a newly developed Global Advocacy Strategy in 2010. Special focus was put on Sudan, Afghanistan and Somalia. NRCs Internal Displacement
Annual Report 2010
time, 150 people have been on assignment. In total, the emergency standby rosters have contributed 1,899 manmonths in the field in 2010. Almost 80 %, that is 1,503 man-months, were NORCAP secondments. From 2009 till 2010, the volume of NORCAP support to international operations increased by 497 man-months. The
specialized thematic rosters and NORDEM accounted for the remaining 20 % of the man-months in the field. NORCAP received a total of 480 requests for personnel assistance in 2010, of which 390 resulted in secondments. There were 90 cancellations, 60 occasions where other standby partners filled the positions,
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11 annulments, 10 occasions where the suggested candidate was not accepted and 5 occasions where the candidate himself declined the offer or did not obtain a visa. The UN is NORCAPs largest partner. In the past few years, UNICEF and UNHCR have received the most secondments. NORCAP has signed
BURUNDI, 2009: NRCs Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) project assists IDPs and returnees in Burundi and many other countries with essential documentation, which enables them to enter school, secure tenure to land or repossess lost property, among other things.
Financial Statement
also boosted public attention towards the plight of refugees and IDPs considerably. NRC set a new telethon record regarding the number of media mentions. In October 2010, the telethon was fourth on the list of the most frequently reported stories in the Norwegian media. The telethon was also an administrative success. NRC managed to build an efficient and highly committed secretariat, which contributed to considerably lower administrative costs than for previous telethons. The Telethon revenues will be put to use in Afghanistan, Pakistan, DR Congo, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, Occupied Palestinian Territoriy and Colombia, as well as in new programme countries. Monitoring Centre (IDMC) in Geneva is monitoring the situation for internally displaced people in approximately 50 countries. Its comprehensive database is accessible through the Internet, as well as through the annual publication Global Overview. The database is the authoritative source on internal displacement worldwide. It is extensively used as a reference tool by the UN, governments, international media and academic institutions. In 2010, IDMC took an important step towards closing the information gap on climate-induced displacement based on a study from 2009, which for the first time indicated the extent of climate-induced displacement and
Norwegian Refugee Council
provided a monitoring methodology. In 2010, the methodology has been integrated into a three-year plan for monitoring climate- induced displacement. IDMC is also contributing to capacity building on how to handle internal displacement nationally and locally in many countries. In 2010, IDMC has focused particularly on promoting the ratification of the historic Kampalaconvention on the rights of the internally displaced which was adopted by the African Union (AU) in 2009. IDMC conducted training activities within civil society and for Parliament members in AU member countries on the issue.
NRC is collaborating closely with several UN organisations, the EU and other international organisations in the field and through liaison offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York. The 2010 telethon NRC was awarded the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporations telethon 2010. This was the fifth time around for the organisation since 1974, and the event generated 209 million NOK, the second largest amount collected in the history of the telethon. The money collected constitutes a considerable contribution to NRCs assistance to internally displaced people and refugees over the next five years. The telethon
52
Organisational management, finances and income sources Since the fiscal year 2008, NRC has applied the Norwegian preliminary accounting standard for non-governmental organisations. In accordance with this, the telethon revenues were included in full in the 2010 accounts. This alone contributed to an increase of 209 million NOK. However, as the money will be spent over the next five years, they have been excluded from the following evaluation of NRCs level of operational activities. Even when excluding the telethon revenues, total operating revenues increased 8 % compared to 2009 to well over one billion NOK. 95 % was spent on
operational activities. Short-term assets amounted to 639 million NOK by the end of the year, while short-term debts amounted to 306 million NOK a ratio of 2,1, which is considered satisfactory. The financial liquidity is sound and the organisation has no long-term debts. As a substantial portion of income and expenses is based on foreign currencies, NRC is exposed to fluctuating currency rates. Donors carry the brunt of the currency risks, but the organisation actively uses currency forward contracts to minimize the risks. With no interest-bearing debt, NRC is not adversely affected by interest rate fluctuations. Higher interest rates generally improve financial results. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is still the most important donor and strategic partner in most programme countries, as well as in the management of the emergency standby rosters, supplying personnel to UN humanitarian operations. NRC puts great emphasis on continuously developing this close relationship. In 2010, NRC also received substantial funds from foreign donors in most programme countries. The biggest foreign contributors were UNHCR, SIDA, ECHO, The European Commission, UNICEF, USDOS, DANIDA and USAID. NRC continued to work towards increased funding from these and other international
Annual Report 2010
bodies. The efforts gave positive results also in 2010, and funds from foreign donors now represent 48% of NRCs total revenues from institutional donors. 179 million NOK of the 195 million NOK positive net results in 2010 can be attributed to the telethon. It will be added to equity with external restrictions. The remaining NOK 16 million of the positive results will be added to other equity, and is in line with the 2009 results. A major reason for NRC managing to maintain a positive result, is the fact that most of the private donors, recruited through the TV2 live Artists Gala in December 2008, continued their support throughout 2010. The magazine Perspektiv and field reports from NRCs programme countries, contributed considerably to the continued support of private donors by keeping them informed about NRCs activities. The support from private donors is essential to NRCs freedom of action and ability to respond quickley and efficiently to the humanitarian needs of refugees and IDPs around the world. In addition to those contributing through the telethon, more than 35,000 people contributed financially to NRC in 2010, through raffles, individual donations, purchasing Perspektiv and the Child Sponsorship Programme. The positive results can also be
SOMALIA, 15 SEPTEMBER 2009: A learner at one of NRCs Youth Education Pack (YEP) learning centres in Somalia. This girl is training to become a tailor.
53
attributed to the fact that NRC has increased its level of activities considerably in the past few years, without a corresponding hike in administrative costs. The telethon revenues will be of great importance to the NRC activity level and financial situation in the next five years. The revenues will be placed as bank deposits and in bond and money market funds in accordance with placement instructions issued by NRC and the NRK Collection Counsel. The accounts are presented upon the assumption of continued operations. The Board of Directors confirms that the conditions for continued operations are in place. Organisational initiatives and human resources NRC had 2,700 employees by 31 December 2010, of which 2,300 were national and 127 international employees in the field offices. 142 people were employed at the head office in Oslo, including 16 in the telethon secretariat, and 133 were seconded through the emergency standby rosters. Work environment NRC is actively engaged in maintaining and ensuring good working conditions within the organisation. This is important in order to attract competent and dedicated employees, as well as to keep and develop the staff in line with organisational strategies and goals. In 2010, NRC has focused particularly on a more long-term approach to staff training, in different fields of expertise. Once more, management training has
been at the centre. The organisation has developed several arenas and initiatives where management and management training has been at the core. The management-training programme for national employees continued in 2010. In addition, NRC began work on a talent programme for potential Country Directors. In July 2010, NRC joined Abelia, a trade and employers association, in order to strengthen its competence as an employer and become an even more professional international knowledge-based organisation. NRC conducted an internal staff survey at all field offices during the spring of 2010. The aim of the survey was to get feedback on staff satisfaction with the quality of support functions at the head office, in crucial service areas. The survey results formed the basis of concrete initiatives to improve field support. The Work Environment Committee (AMU) met five times during 2010. The issues dealt with were, among others: sick leave, the status of the Activity Plan within the corporate health services, the establishment of an AKAN committee (The Workplace Advisory Centre for issues relating to alcohol, drugs and addictive gambling), the work load in the head office, as well as a new Inclusive Workforce deal and a new deal with Center for Stress and Trauma Psychology. The organisation also conducted health, safety and environment training for safety representatives and AMU members, as well as training in ergonomics for all head office staff.
Annual Report 2010
Financial Statement
In 2010, as in previous years, the management at the head office and the main international offices conducted appraisal interviews with all staff. The management met regularly with union representatives and the Secretary General conducted regular collective staff meetings at the head office. Sick leave The sick leave rate at the head office was 2.9 % in 2010, which is 30 % less than in 2009 and 2008. The sick leave rate is thus considerably lower than in other businesses and organisations in Norway. This is an indication of a sound work environment and dedicated staff. NRC puts great emphasis on maintaining a low sick leave rate. Implementation of the possibilities and responsibilities embedded in the agreement on an inclusive working environment were continued. This entails a continuous focus on following up staff on sick leave and assisting those on long-term
sick leave in returning to work. Equality, discrimination and accessibility As of 31 December 2010, 62 % of the staff at the head office were women and 38 % men. At the Country Director level, there were 38 % women and 62 % men, while the head office management with staff responsibilities consisted of 57 % women and 43 % men. The head office top management consisted of three women and three men, and the Board of Directors consisted of 50 % men and 50 % women. At the head office, 9 % of employees were of foreign origin (definition: individuals who have immigrated to Norway themselves, and whose parents were both born abroad). Men employed at the head office earned approximately 1.8 % more than women. The NRC recruitment and personnel policy ensures equal opportunities
and rights, irrespective of ethnic background, national origin, language, religion or beliefs, and seeks to prevent discrimination. As of 31 December 2010, the NRC head office had no employees with reduced physical capacity. Environment NRC continuously works to minimize the environmental impact of its activities. Among the initiatives is a continuous focus on reducing transport and minimizing the environmental strain caused by camps. The work of the Board In 2010, the Board and the administration have focused particularly on the risk factors, which affect NRCs ability to carry out its mandate. The main goal of NRC is to provide relevant and high quality assistance to as many refugees and internally displaced people as possible. The main risk factors where identified
Oslo, 9 May 2011
as increasingly restricted access to the target groups in conflict zones, cost efficiency and operational accountability. At the initiative of the Board, the administration developed a project plan, in order to improve quality, cost efficiency and accountability. 2010 was characterized by close cooperation between the Board and the administration. The Board wish to express its gratitude to all staff for their remarkable efforts. The Board conducted 6 meetings, including 2 board seminars, and handled 70 issues through the course of the year. The 2010 Board consisted of: Chairman of the Board, Bernt Bull, and Deputy Chairman, Vidar Helgesen, as well as Kaci Kullmann Five, Gisele Marchand, Trygve G. Nordby, Kari Vogt, Bjrn Frde and Skjoldvor Fjeldvr. The staff representatives were Merethe Nedreb and Martin Suvatne, with Bente Rydland and Petra Storstein as their vice-representatives.
Three Board members stepped down at the end of the year: Kari Vogt, Bjrn Frde and Skjoldvor Fjeldvr. They were replaced by: Turid Lgreid, Ahmed A. Madar and Cecilie Hellestveit, who were elected at the first Board meeting in 2011. The coming fiscal year NRC has been assisting displaced people for more than 60 years. The activities in 2010 consolidate NRCs position as a competent and efficient organisation, taking action in war and conflict-torn areas with widespread displacement. Despite major challenges regarding safety and access to people in need in many conflict-torn countries, NRC will continue to assist refugees and internally displaced persons in areas where needs are most profound. The need for a continued effort to assist NRC target groups is substantial, and the Board is certain that NRC is in a position to handle future challenges and fulfil its mandate.
Accounts
Notes
2010 533 110 481 215 1 014 325 8 646 209 246 31 015 2 166 1 452 252 525 7 074 -1 784 5 290 0 1 272 140
2009 561 045 370 001 931 046 10 254 26 670 3 500 1 099 41 523 10 176 -680 9 496 0 982 065
Notes
2010
2009
REVENUE Contributions from Norwegian donors Contributions from foreign donors Total contributions from donors Lotteries and games Telethon funds Sponsors Webshop / sale of products Advertisments in NRC magazine Total fundraising Financial income Financial costs Net financial income Other income TOTAL REVENUE
OPERATING COSTS Humanitarian activities; Shelter (building of homes and schools) Education Information, Councelling and Legal Assistance Camp Management Emergency Food Security & Distribution Other Total direct costs to Programme Activities Emergency Standby Rosters Advocacy and Information Project Support at Head Office 319 604 167 516 165 738 90 637 23 431 14 547 781 475 149 979 41 042 48 069 278 711 173 978 159 208 58 168 30 287 18 852 719 204 131 943 33 493 40 310
5 2 2
1 020 564
5 863 5 319 30 730 8 162 265 4 632 1 605 50 713
924 949
6 707 7 724 9 502 3 650 6 657 1 364 28 897
21 511 21 511
55
Balance sheet
Notes
2010
2009
Notes
2010
2009
ASSETS Long term assets Long term receivables Fixed assets Total long term assets Short term assets Short term receivables, donors Short term receivables Shares and bonds Bank deposits and cash Total short term assets Total assets 8 6 35 1 966 2 001 64 311 22 253 60 881 491 348 638 793 640 794 35 492 527 52 834 17 901 58 069 317 457 446 261 446 788
EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Equity Foundation capital Contingency fund Other equity Equity with external restrictions Total equity Short term liabilities Trade accounts payable Government fees Project funds received as advancements Other short term liabilities Total short term liabilities 1 000 49 000 106 557 178 598 335 155 1 000 49 000 90 155 0 140 155
10 2,10
7 9
640 794
446 788
Oslo, 9 May 2011 Bernt Bull Chairman of the Board Vidar Helgesen Deputy Chairman of the Board
56
Accounts
Notes
Net result
195 000
935 -19 052 2 228
21 511
935 -14 824 8 391
Depreciation of fixed assets Increase(+) / Decrease(-) of project advancements Change in other short term receivables & liabilities
179 111
16 013
0 0
0 0
173 891
317 457
12 141
305 315
491 348
317 457
57
Notes
projects. Other items are classified as fixed assets/ long-term liabilities. Shares and bonds are measured at their actual value on the balance sheet day. Long-term assets are valued at the lowest of acquisition cost and fair value. Write-downs to fair value are carried out when the decrease in value can not be considered temporary, and must be considered necessary according to generally accepted accounting principles. The write-downs are reversed when the basis for write-downs no longer exists. Longterm liabilities are included in the balance sheet at fair value on the balance sheet day.
In addition there is a rapid wear and tear and high risk of loss of the assets.
Receivables
Receivables are included in the balance sheet at face value less deduction of provisions for expected loss. Provisions for bad debts are based upon individual assessments of each receivable.
Non-earmarked contribution from private sponsor Non-earmarked contribution from business and other partners Earmarked contrib. from private sponsors, business and others Total contributions
Foreign exchange
Balance sheet items in foreign currencies are converted at the exchange rate at the day of balance, except receivables and liabilities in projects, which are valued at acquisition cost. Bank deposits and cash holdings acquired for usage in donorfinanced projects, are also maintained at the rate of acquisition, because this is the rate used when the donors approve and compensate for costs paid in foreign currencies. Foreign exchange gains and losses are included as financial items in the Profit and Loss.
Fixed assets
Fixed assets with an expected economic useful life of more than three years and a cost of more than NOK 15 000, are capitalized in the balance sheet and depreciated over their economic useful life. Maintenance of fixed assets are charged directly to p&l, while additional investments and/or improvements are added to the purchase price of the fixed asset and depreciated accordingly with the same. Fixed assets procured for usage in the field are charged directly to Profit and Loss at the time of procurement. This because the purchase cost is covered in total by donor and the asset will normally be at the donors disposal at the end of the project.
Non-earmarked contribution from private sponsors, is mainly from monthly support from our 9000 sponsors. We received earmarked contributions at 3.8 mill NOK to be used for the victims after earthquake in Haiti and 1.75 mill NOK to be used for the victims of the flood in Pakistan.
Spesification of Telethon funds (NRK 2010) Fundraised amount Fundraised costs Telethon-funds used in 2010 (-) Interest on fundraised amount 2010 (+) Netto TV-aksjonsmidler til disposisjon pr 31/12
Telethon funds should be placed in an separate bank account, where interest from this account will be used for program activities too. These funds have to be used and spent in a period of 5 years and in compliance with activities specitied in our application. Use of Telethon funds will be audited yearly and reported to NRK (NRKs Innsamlingsrd).
58
Notes
The Secretary General was in 2010 paid NOK 927.659 in salaries and NOK 7.396 in other allowances, in total NOK 935.055. No remunerations was paid to the Board members in 2010. The fee to Ernst & Young AS for ordinary audit for 2010 is estimated to NOK 248.000 (ex VAT). In addition, NOK 4.241.065 was paid for project audits performed in Norway and abroad. These audits were performed by a number of different auditors. The audit fees are included under Administration costs and Direct costs on Humanitarian activities, respectively. At the end of the year there were 142 employees at the head office in Oslo and 2.300 local employees in other countries. In addition, 293 employees were employed by NRC in Oslo, for service abroad. A total of 901 persons were employed by NRC in Oslo in 2010 for service abroad. All employees paying tax to Norway are members in The Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund; NRCs pension sheme. The secondees; who work for miscellenous UN-organizations abroad, were incorporated as members of the above mentioned pension scheme from January 1st 2010.
Support costs at Head Office Project support to Humanitarian activitie Indirect support functions Total support costs Distributed between Humanitarian activities Administation Lotteries and games Other fundraising Specification of costs by activities Direct costs on Humanitarian activities Indirect costs on Humanitarian activities Administration costs Fundraising Total operating costs Specification of costs by type Project materials etc Salaries and social costs Other operating costs Depreciation of fixed assets Total operating costs
2010 41 252 9 798 51 050 48 069 1 376 229 1 376 972 495 48 069 5 863 50 713 1 077 140 2010 595 867 444 525 35 813 935 1 077 140
3,8 % 0,9 % 4,7 % 4,6 % 0,1 % 0,0 % 0,1 % 90,3 % 4,5 % 0,5 % 4,7 % 100 %
2009 35 075 8 190 43 266 40 310 1 364 227 1 364 884 640 40 310 6 707 28 897 960 554 2009 509 623 407 659 42 188 1 084 960 554
37 % 0,9 % 4,5 % 4,2 % 0,1 % 0,0 % 0,1 % 92,1 % 4,2 % 0,7 % 3,0 % 99 %
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Asia Afghanistan Philippines Georgia Iraq Kyrgyzistan Lebanon Myanmar Nepal Pakistan Palestine Territories Russia/Central Asia Sri Lanka Timor Leste Secondments Total Asia Africa Burundi Ivory Coast Congo D.R. Liberia Somalia/Kenya Sudan Uganda Zimbabwe Other countries Secondments Total Africa Europe Switzerland/Belgium Norway Secondments Total Europe America Colombia Secondments Total America Other Total project-revenue Donors share (ex secondments)
Norwegian Refugee Council
39 664 20 871
9 505 2 306
7 658
5 876
6 223
1 299
2 66 94 -8
1 497 8 536 21 498 16 362 10 198 6 098 8 746 12 083 61 407 205 464 12 768 6 867 25 098 31 817 69 886 21 443 27 769 3 264 29 44 704 243 643 5 624 5 929 15 456 27 009 17 744 15 178 32 922 509 037 44 % 633 584 584 92 285 11 % 1 619 3 767 3 767 265 0 0 0 42 966 5% 0 29 699 3% 0 17 215 2% 0 1 440 0 2 004 9 417 9 417 16 713 2% 0 15 992 1,9 %
60
3 244 545 90 25
2 549
8 123
2 742
3 021 1 578
5 156
11 220 7 658 123 5 392 4 041 7 373 1 807 1 692 3 600 0 7 985 508 6 2 435 4 557 358 2 299 1 362 8 618 7 810 0 0 0 14 242 1 844 0
1 723 3 480 3 612 6 862 106 2 453 2 581 1 083 473 1 723 0 3 427 2 299 18 895 517 10 301 490 723 517 11 513 3 449
104 194 1 766 38 256 3 384 1 489 24 853 22 068 90 49 589 21 151 6 098 24 041 12 083 74 725 383 788 37 228 29 780 86 796 37 574 173 813 41 204 48 529 3 264 2 689 58 232 519 109 27 831 8 422 16 179 52 432 43 007 15 178 58 185 811
104 735 3 333 38 397 4 489 1 773 24 853 23 068 90 51 056 22 416 6 098 24 565 12 083 74 725 391 683 37 617 29 780 87 662 37 574 173 813 41 204 48 561 3 270 2 988 58 232 520 700 27 831 8 422 16 179
32 808
53 479
20 278
374
6 189 1 086 -15 4 223 11 829 11 087 -42 25 662 3 304 10 921 31 908 10 860 2 124 8 655 5 570 2 858 1 845 296 114 51 794 36 106 1 619 265 22 688 27 885 1 440
32 6 298 1 592
11 220 9 556 3 600 7 373 0 4 006 2 004 0 4 006 0 0 8 046 0 11 815 1,4 % 0 9 792 1,2 % 8 046 8 560 1,0 % 0 6 992 0,8 % 0 27 182 0,6 % 0 5 272 0,6 % 0 0 0 3 427 9 792 514 6 992 12 941
3 449 811
89 989 89 850 11 % 11 %
Acquisition cost as per Jan 1st 2010 Investments in 2010 Divestments in 2010 Acquisition cost as per Des 31st 2010 Accumulated depreciation/write-downs as per Jan 1st 2010 Depreciation in 2010 Divestments in 2010 Accumulated depreciation/write-downs Dec 31st 2010
Net book value at Dec 31st 2010
In 2001, 10 of Norways largest humanitarian organizations started a co-operation on games on the internet. In this connection, two companies were established: De 10 Humanitaere AS where each organization paid in NOK 15.000 for 10% of the share capital. In addition, each organization granted a loan of NOK 100 000 to De 10 Humanitaere AS, of which NOK 20 000 is not yet paid back. The loan, totalling NOK 1 mill, was used to acquire 51 % of the company Norskespill.no AS.
33 %
NRCs head office on four floors in Grensen 17 Oslo, is rented from Sylen Eiendom AS. The rental contract runs until 1. July 2013, the annual rental fee is approx NOK 5 million.
2010
2009
Other equity as per Jan 1st Transfer (from) / to Other equity Other equity as per Dec 31
Name
Acqusition cost
Value 31.12.09
Inv./(sale) 2010
Amount
DnB NOR Likviditet (IV) DnB NOR Obligasjon (III) DnB NOR Obligasjon 20 (III) Total bonds
0 0 0 0
Other equity is not within restrictions to what it can be used for. In addition there is paid-in capital at 50 MNOK. If total equity gets lower than 50 mnok, the Board has committed itself to implement extraordinary measures. Unused Telethon funds (179 mill NOK) is within strict regulations for use, and are therefore placed separate in the balance sheet, as Equity with external restrictions. These funds have to be used in 5 years, see also Note 2.
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Auditors Report
62
List of acronyms
ACAPS ADR ALP AU CALP CCCM CIVCOM CM CPRU CTP DRR ECHO EFSD FAO FDS GENCAP HLP IASC ICLA ICRC IDMC IDPs IOM MoE MONUC = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = The Assessment Capacities Projects Alternative Dispute Resolution Accelerated Learning Program African Union Cash Learning Partnership Camp Coordination and Camp Management Cluster The Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management Camp Management Crisis Prevention and Recovery Unit Cash Transfer and Voucher Programs Disaster Risk Reduction European Commission Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection The Emergency Food Security & Distribution UN Food and Agriculture Organization Framework on Durable Solutions The IASC Gender Standby Capacity Housing, Land and Property Inter-Agency Standing Committee Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance The International Committee of the Red Cross Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre Internally displaced people IntSernational Organization for Migration Ministry of Education United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo MSU MSF NFI NGOs NOK NORAD NORCAP NORDEM NOROBS NRC NRK OCHA OSCE = = = = = = = = = = = = = the Mediation Support Unit Mdecins Sans Frontires Non-Food Items Non Governmental Organizations Norwegian currency (Kroner) The Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation Norwegian Capacity The Norwegian Bank of Resources on Democracy and Human Rights Norwegian Standby Roster for Civilian Observers Norwegian Refugee Council Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Protection Capacity An InterAgency Project Rapid Response to Movement of Populations Sexual and Gender Based Violence Teacher Emergency Program United Nations United Nations Childrens Fund United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees United Nations Development Program United Nations Human Settlements Program United Nations Relief and Works Agency World Food Program Youth Education Pack
= = = = = = =
MONUSCO =
COVER PHOTO: DRC, 27 OCTOBER 2008: Two boys fleeing from the town of Kibumba, as a tank from the Congolese army moves up behind them. The telltale image was central to NRCs visual communication during the NRK 2010 telethon.
Cover photo: Walter Astrada/AFP Photo/Scanpix
Publisher: The Norwegian Refugee Council PO Box 6758 St. Olavs Plass 0130 Oslo
Design and layout: Cox Oslo Norwegian Refugee Council Editing completed: June 2011 ISBN: 978-82-7411-217-9