COMMISSION STAFF WORKING PAPER /* SEC/2011/1000 final */
Table of
Contents Stability
Instrument Article 4.1 and 4.2 Building capacity to address specific global and
transregional threats - Progress reports. 3 Trans-regional
actions in the areas of organised crime, trafficking, protection of critical
infrastructure, threats to public health and the fight against Terrorism
(Article 4.1 IfS Regulation, priority 2) 4 Actions
in the area of risk mitigation and preparedness relating to chemical,
biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials and agents (Article 4.2
IfS Regulation) 12 Stability
Instrument Article 4.3 Crisis Preparedness - Peacebuilding Partnership -
Progress report 14 Crisis
Preparedness (Article 4.3 IfS Regulation) 15 INSTRUMENT
FOR STABILITY: OVERVIEW 2010 COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS. 18 IFS
CRISIS RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS 2010 DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF
CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS. 19 IFS
CRISIS RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS 2009 DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF
CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS. 20 IFS
CRISIS RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS 2008 DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF
CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS. 21 IFS
CRISIS RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS 2007 DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF
CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS. 22 IFS
LONG-TERM COMPONENT: 2009 COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS BY COUNTRY, REGION AND
PROJECTS 23 IFS
LONG-TERM COMPONENT: 2008 COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS BY COUNTRY, REGION AND
PROJECTS 24 IFS
LONG-TERM COMPONENT: 2007 COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS BY COUNTRY, REGION AND
PROJECTS 25 IFS
CRISIS PREPAREDNESS: Status and Description of individual Projects. 26 Stability Instrument
Article 4.1 and 4.2
Building capacity to address specific global and transregional threats -
Progress reports Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Trans-regional
actions in the areas of organised crime, trafficking, protection of critical
infrastructure, threats to public health and the fight against Terrorism (Article 4.1 IfS Regulation, priority 2) Title of IfS Decisions || Annual Action Programmes for Article 4.1 IfS (priority 2) adopted in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Type of measure || Trans-regional actions in the areas of organised crime, trafficking, protection of critical infrastructure, threats to public health and the fight against terrorism Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || AAP 2007 on 17/12/2007; AAP 2008 on 10/11/2008; AAP 2009 on 25/09/2009; AAP 2010 on 15/12/2010 Amount(s) || Committed: € 58,293,377; Contracted: € 45,000,202; Paid: € 17,131,137 1 Fighting organised crime on the cocaine route Illicit drug trafficking, one of the major activities of organised crime worldwide, profits from insufficient international cooperation, regulatory inconsistencies, political obstacles and lack of governance over the global financial markets. Cocaine trafficking from Latin America via the Caribbean towards West Africa and on to Europe, for example, is facilitated by the lack of regional and interregional cooperation. Illicit trafficking in drugs is closely connected with other forms of organised crime. Cocaine trafficking across these regions is complemented by high volumes of illicit financial flows which are instrumental to the concealment, laundering and investment of the proceeds of crime. A specific programme has been designed to support the fight against organised crime on the cocaine trafficking routes. The "Supporting the fight against organised crime on the cocaine route" programme addresses all regions along the routes from Latin America to Europe, with a special focus on West Africa, where the threat has appeared more recently and the gap in capacity is high. It encompasses the trans-regional dimension by creating cooperation links between West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The aim of the programme is to strengthen the capacity for international cooperation between the law enforcement, prosecution and judicial authorities of the regions concerned. The interventions focus on building anti-drug capacities at selected airports (AIRCOP) and seaports (SEACOP) in West Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and on establishing trans-regional frameworks for judicial cooperation, training, joint investigations and operations as well as information sharing. The activities are being carried out by the law enforcement, border control and customs authorities of the EU Member States as well as with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Interpol. One of the programme’s components deals with money laundering. The action is under way in Latin America and seeks to establish gradual links with West Africa. In this case, implementation takes place with regional law enforcement and anti-money laundering institutions, starting with the Financial Action Task Force of South America against Money Laundering (GAFISUD). Another major component targets the American Policy Community (AMERIPOL), its Member States and other essential stakeholders. A coordination and monitoring support mechanism is being established to ensure coherence between actions and complementarity with existing international mechanisms. The programme was launched under the 2009 Annual Action Programme and all of its components were confirmed and extended in the 2010 Annual Action Plan. In 2010, progress on the programme included preparatory and identification activities for the Annual Action Programmes 2010 and 2011 and the launch of implementation work for the projects identified under the Annual Action Programmes 2009 and 2010. Two preparatory studies for identifying actions for the Annual Action Plan 2010 were undertaken by experts mobilized through the Expert Support Facility. A first study assessed the needs and identified specific activities to support the capacity of law enforcement, judicial and prosecuting authorities of Latin American and Caribbean countries with the involvement of the American Policy Community (AMERIPOL). The second study specified the technical elements for the setting up of a Coordination and Monitoring Support Mechanism to promote coherence in the implementation of the projects related to the fight against organised crime on the cocaine route programme. Meanwhile, implementation activities have been ongoing since early 2010 for the Airport Communication Project (AIRCOP), involving international airports in West Africa and Brazil and including work for the Establishment of Joint Airport Interdiction Task Forces (JAITF) and for their connection with international law enforcement databases and communication networks. Within the Airport Communication Project, a very successful operation named COCAIR, organized by the World Customs Organisation in partnership with Interpol and UNODC, was carried out in June 2010 at 25 international airports mainly located in West Africa. The operation lasted for 7 days leading to 25 significant seizures including more than 1 ton of chemical precursors, 1.800 kg of cannabis, 12 kg of cocaine, as well as illicit money, small arms and African works of art. The EU is contributing € 4.8 million (decided in 2009 and 2010) to the Airport Communication Project Concrete activities were implemented in 2010 also for the Seaport Communication Project (SEACOP), with a contribution of €1,999,180, for the Support for the capacity of law enforcement, judicial and prosecuting authorities of Latin American and Caribbean countries with the involvement of AMERIPOL project, with a contribution of €3.5 million (decided in 2009 and 2010) and for the Support to money laundering efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean project, with a contribution of €697,500. For this last project, the Financial Action Task Force of South America against Money Laundering (GAFISUD) acts as implementing partner and has organised a cycle of training activities and information exchange on modalities of control of the non-banking financial sector and the non-financial sector with the involvement of the representatives of all the member countries. On March 22nd 2010 a validation workshop was organised in Brussels, bringing together around 60 participants from relevant services from selected partner countries in West Africa and Morocco, as well as representatives of EU Member States with the aim of discussing current developments and future steps of implementation of both air and maritime -based trafficking. A similar workshop, with around 50 participants, was organised on 14-15 June 2010 addressing primarily Latin American and Caribbean countries to discuss the strengthening of law enforcement and judicial cooperation. Forward planning for the Annual Action Plan 2011 is ongoing through the launch of a preparatory study on supporting the fight against money laundering in West Africa. 2 Fighting organised crime on the heroin route The "Fight against trafficking and organised crime on the heroin route" programme was set up to fight illicit trafficking to and from Afghanistan along the heroin trafficking routes. Traffickers take advantage of the lack of regional cooperation and weak law enforcement capacity. The same organised crime networks are also involved in the trafficking of human beings to the EU. Dealing with trafficking along the heroin routes therefore goes hand in hand with fighting organised crime in the Caucasus, the Black Sea Basin and the Western Balkans. A first major project to support the fight against trafficking to and from Afghanistan was launched in 2009. It focused on law enforcement cooperation between Central Asian countries, with a strong emphasis on Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, and involved the ten countries of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO). A new project is planned for 2011, providing support for the fight against organised crime including trafficking in human beings, along the heroin routes in the Black Sea Basin and, ultimately, in the Western Balkans region. In 2010 progress on the programme included ongoing implementation activities for the project identified in the Annual Action Programme 2008 and identification studies for the Annual Action Programme 2011. The project Fight against trafficking from/to Afghanistan has a budget of €9.5 million and is structured in five components involving different partner organizations. Each component has advanced in 2010: For "Project Coordination" and "Strengthening the political and technical capacities of the ECO Secretariat", the new Operative Coordinator officially started work in Teheran on 12 June 2010; For "Further reinforcing I-24/7 as the central communication system for information and intelligence exchange at the regional and trans-regional levels", a coordination workshop was held at the Interpol premises in Lyon on 8-9 March 2010. Officials from the beneficiary National Central Bureaus of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan (2 per country) were briefed on the project's scope, functionalities, I-24/7 and site surveys for the upgrading of systems. Site surveys took place place in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The National Central Bureaus of the three countries received a draft Technical Modernization Architecture and a list of equipments to be delivered. The three National Central Bureaus approved the plan and procurement is underway; For "Developing a network of border control cooperation units at land/air/sea ports of entry for container control to stem the flow of drugs, precursors and other illegal trafficking", training programmes were prepared and a training handbook printed in English. Translation into Russian is in progress and translation into Dari and Pashtu is foreseen. Ports needs assessments were conducted in Kazakhstan leading to a recommendation to establish three joint port control units at Aktau, Astana and Almaty. A detailed action plan is being created and the first training will start in 2011. The assessment also took place in Afghanistan and Azerbaijan. For "Establishing a network of forensic laboratories in the ECO region, notably with regard to drugs, precursors and forged documents, but possibly also other elements of evidence", a training mission was undertaken with the Counter Narcotics Police of Afghanistan (CNPA) forensic laboratory in Kabul. Preliminary assessments of the forensic laboratories in Iran and Afghanistan and initial trainings on laboratory equipment in Afghanistan took place. Two identification studies were launched at the end of 2010 for assessing needs and provide elements for a next phase for the "Fight against trafficking and organised crime on the heroin route programme" and for an action to Fight against human trafficking on the heroin route to be included in the Annual Action plan 2011. 3 Fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons Small arms proliferation fuels and sustains conflicts, illicit trafficking, gang violence and urban criminality. The Instrument for Stability contributes to international efforts to fight the proliferation, accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons. In 2010, the European Union continued to promote the issue of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in all multilateral fora and in political dialogue with third countries. The EU has also addressed the destabilising effects of the proliferation and trafficking of SALW, firearms and explosive materials through continuing implementation of concrete projects with a trans-regional dimension. In Central America, the EU continued supporting the Central American Small and Light Weapons Control Programme (CASAC), implemented by the Central American Integration System (SICA) under the umbrella of UNDP, in its efforts to fight the illicit trafficking of firearms and explosive materials in Central America and neighbouring countries. The project is implemented by UNDP; it has a budget of €1 million and will be running until the end of 2011. The project pursues a double goal: 1) improve the security situation in the region and 2) contribute to the process of regional integration in line with the main objective of the EC’s Regional Strategy Paper on Central America 2007-2013. The contribution of the EU project to the CASAC initiative has shown so far a positive impact on establishing the foundation of a regional structure and long-term strategy to fight the illegal trafficking of arms in the region contributing to building knowledge, raising awareness, and promoting regional cooperation aiming at a common vision. In Africa, the EU continued supporting the Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA), located in Nairobi, in the fight against illicit accumulation and trafficking of firearms and explosive materials within the framework of the Africa-EU strategic partnership. The project implemented by RECSA has a budget of €3.3 million and was foreseen by the Annual Action programme 2008. During 2010, the project finalised an extensive consultation process among the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the African Union (AU) and national governments allowing for the establishment of a clear roadmap for the effective implementation of project activities on how best to achieve the expected results, which include inter alia.: National Focal Points (NFPs) and National Actions Plans (NAPs) established; Regional Police Chiefs Cooperation Organizations (RPCOs) strengthened; Capacity and cooperation between national law enforcement agencies (police, border guards and customs) improved within and among countries. The project aims at complementing efforts at national and sub-regional levels, whilst taking into account specificities and needs in each region. Both programmes' emphasize strengthening coordination at regional and sub-regional levels, in line with the activities of the regional organisations (SICA resp. RECSA). The Annual Action Programme 2010 contains two components to prevent the proliferation of firearms and explosive materials in selected regions of Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean: Promoting the implementation of international agreements against the illicit manufacture and trafficking of small arms and light weapons, in combination with capacity building for law enforcement agencies in Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa. For this project, UNODC will act as implementing partner and the EU will contribute with €2.3 million. The main activities include the adoption of an adequate institutional and legislative framework at national and regional level, capacity-building and training for development of required skills and capacities of actors involved in firearms control matters, assistance to States in improving their capacity to gather and analyze relevant information related to firearms and generate reliable empirical information and evidence on illicit trafficking in firearms and ammunition; Development of a stolen and lost firearms database by Interpol that will draw information from a number of pilot countries initially and from all 188 Interpol member countries eventually. For this project, Interpol will be the implementing partner and the EU will contribute with 0.7 Million €. The main objectives are to create a centralized tool for tracing and tracking of stolen and lost firearms, to provide a means to identify the trafficking routes of these firearms, to enable Interpol member countries access to insert, update and query a centralized international database for lost and stolen firearms and the consolidation of separate member-country data into one database. Finally, the EU supported the African Union with technical assistance in the preparation of the basic elements of an African Union Small Arms and Light Weapons Strategy. The Strategy was formally adopted by the AU-Regions Steering Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons in August 2010. 4 Enhancing maritime security and safety along critical maritime routes Maritime transport faces a number of multi-dimensional security issues. Piracy and armed robbery against ships are a serious and rising threat to maritime trading routes (representing by far the largest proportion of world trade by volume), humanitarian deliveries and regional stability. The "Critical Maritime Routes" programme was designed to support the fight against this particular form of organised crime by supporting the capacity of coastal states to ensure security and safety along critical maritime routes. It addresses the ‘hot spots’ of risks and threats crossed by major shipping lanes. The programme focused initially on the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, where the safety of navigation is challenged by the archipelago structure of the Straits coupled with high-intensity naval traffic and shipments of hazardous and noxious materials, by armed robbery at sea and, to a lesser extent, by piracy incidents. Taking into account the sharp deterioration of the security situation in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden, the focus of the programme has shifted to include that area. Recently, the programme extended its reach to the Gulf of Guinea with a focus on piracy and armed robbery. The IfS has been involved in the maritime security and safety dossier since 2008 as a long-term complement to other EU programmes under the European Development Fund (EDF), EUNAVFOR operation "ATALANTA" and other broader international efforts (foremost the IMO and national initiatives). IfS has been providing related technical and general support for fighting piracy and armed robbery in the above mentioned regions. In 2010, progress on the programme included ongoing implementation activities for the projects identified in the Annual Action Programmes 2009 and 2010 and identification studies for the Annual Action Programme 2011. In the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden the programme supports the implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), under the aegis of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), through a consortium of EU Member States' Experts. The DCoC provides a framework for cooperation among coastal and user states for the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships. A project for enhancing maritime security and safety through information sharing and capacity building started in September 2010 for an initial duration of 36 months with a budget of €4 million. In December 2010, a second phase allocating an additional budget of €2 million was decided. The project provides technical assistance for the setting up of a regional training centre in Djibouti and a regional maritime information sharing centre in Yemen. Another action of the Critical Maritime Routes programme enables the national law enforcement agencies to combat maritime piracy and robbery on the high seas through effective pro-active investigations, by specifically providing them with the necessary training and equipment to conduct investigations and to identify and dismantle piracy networks and their supporters. The project was contracted in December 2010 with a budget of €1.6 million and for a duration of 36 months. The implementing partner is INTERPOL and the focus has been placed initially on Seychelles, Kenya, and, as far as feasible, Somalia (Somaliland and Puntland). In the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, the programme supports existing cooperation by contributing to better safety of navigation. The action will be ongoing until the end of 2012 and has been allocated an indicative budget of €0.5 million. In this context, the EU provided a contribution to the IMO Trust Fund in December 2010 that supports co-operation among stakeholders towards enhancing safety and marine environment protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and specifically supports the project "Capacity Building on Hazardous and Noxious Substances Preparedness and Response". Furthermore, the programme supports networking and the enhancement of expertise on maritime affairs and contributes to risk analysis and container monitoring. The action will be ongoing until the end of 2011 with indicative budget of €0.35 million. In this framework, a European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) Workshop on "Container Traffic Monitoring and Maritime Safety in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore" took place in Singapore on 26 October 2010. In the Gulf of Guinea, EU Member States' Experts assessed and identified measures to tackle in particular piracy and armed robbery against ships, as well as other threats to maritime security and safety. The study is focusing initially on Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, São Tomé and Equatorial Guinea. It will be followed by an exploratory phase in 2011. In addition to the above mentioned projects, a pilot project on piracy, maritime awareness and risks began in 2010 and is being implemented by the JRC. The initial scope, focusing on selected countries in the regional around the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Yemen, Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles), has been extended to the Gulf of Guinea region (Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and São Tomé e Principe). The activities include identification and assessment of technical means and practices that can be used to contribute to maritime domain awareness, chiefly by supporting gathering and sharing of information. This pilot project is independent of any action under the Instrument for Stability and its activities remain complementary to those under the Critical Maritime Routes programme. 5 Capacity building in regions afflicted by terrorism The "Support for Preventing and Combating Terrorism" programme was devised under the Instrument for Stability to support capacity building in priority regions afflicted by terrorism, thereby contributing to the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Strategy and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. In Mali, Mauritania and Niger, national law enforcement and judiciary services are being strengthened with a view to enhancing regional cooperation. The Commission also plans to cooperate with Southern and Eastern Asia on the implementation of the UN Counter-Terrorism Strategy in cooperation with the UN Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate (CTED). Particularly on counter-terrorism assistance, synergy with the Instrument for Stability crisis response component is relevant. Under the short-term crisis response component of the Instrument for Stability, a €15 million capacity-building programme supporting law enforcement and judicial capacities started in March 2010 in Pakistan, while in Yemen, measures address law enforcement, criminal justice, de-radicalisation and conflict resolution. The long-term component of the Instrument for Stability dealing with trans-regional threats to security is taking these ongoing actions into consideration when planning future interventions. For Pakistan, for example, the planned long-term programme is seeking long-term solutions to provide continuity for the ongoing short-term action in this field. In 2010, progress on the programme included ongoing implementation activities for the project identified in the Annual Action Programmes 2008 and identification studies for the Annual Action Programmes 2010 and 2011. Implementation activities have been ongoing for the " Support the fight against terrorism in the African continent: Strengthening the African Centre for Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT) and the African Union Focal Points" project with a contribution of €585,000. The activities implemented by ACSRT are following a very slow pace due to the low institutional capacity of the Centre. Two preparatory studies to identify actions for the Annual Action Plan 2010 were undertaken by experts mobilized through the Expert Support Facility. A first study targeted the Sahel region. The team of experts in charge of the preparation of the "Counter-terrorism Sahel" project had the opportunity to implement 6 training sessions on issues such as crisis management, intelligence data management and awareness raising for magistrates and justice auditors. Some equipment was also provided to the tribunal and the State Security Department in Nouakchott. The second study focused on "Counter-terrorism in South Asia: pre-feasibility assessment of a South Asia Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation in Dhaka". The objective of the Centre was to implement a staff development programme for South Asia to train law enforcement and judiciary personnel in the skills necessary for tackling terrorism and transnational crime. After completion of the study, the Bangladeshi Prime Minister did not agree with the launch of such a Centre . The first regional seminar on counter-terrorism cooperation was organised in Nouakchott from 7-8 December 2010. The seminar "L'évolution de la menace au Sahel et les réponses institutionnelles" was attended by 12 participants from Mali, 24 from Mauritania and 2 from Niger and by the EU Counter terrorism Coordinator Mr Gilles De Kerckhove. Two other preparatory studies were launched to identify actions for the Annual Action Plan 2011 on Counter-terrorism in Pakistan and on Counter-terrorism cooperation in South East Asia. 6 The Expert Support Facility (ESF) Due to the highly sensitive and technical nature of IfS actions in the areas of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks mitigation and trans-regional threats to security, the identification of priorities and the design and implementation of programmes are most appropriately performed by experts from specialized organizations. Moreover, EU efforts in the areas of IfS will be complementary to the ongoing and planned activities of Member States. Therefore, close coordination and the participation of Member States' experts in implementing the programmes is important to ensure that synergies are maximised with the expertise available in national administrations. To this end, the Commission has established the Expert Support Facility under the IfS. The overall objective of the ESF is to contribute to the aims of the long-term component of the IfS by guaranteeing the best use of human resources in terms of identified priorities and anticipated responses, while ensuring enhanced coordination with other bilateral or multilateral donors, in particular (but not exclusively) EU Member States. Through the ESF, experts from EU Member States Agencies, Departments, Ministries and specialist public or semi-public organisations make their specific knowledge and expertise available in order to provide more effective technical assistance to beneficiaries and to support the implementation and preparation of trans-regional and multi-purpose projects and programmes. Since 2008, approximately 100 multi-disciplinary experts from 17 different EU Member States covering 60 different organisations and institutions have carried out more than 100 fact-finding visits and missions to IfS relevant regions. The Framework Contract established in 2009 with 60 organisations in EU Member States provides for a structured and efficient procedure to mobilise the experts. In 2010, 10 ESF experts assignments have been assessing needs in beneficiary countries, providing technical elements and detailed planning for implementation and starting preparatory activities for the "Fighting organised crime on the cocaine route", the "Fight against trafficking and organised crime on the heroin route", the "Support for preventing and combating terrorism" and the "Critical Maritime Routes" programmes. Identification activities were launched both for the 2010 and the 2011 Annual Action programmes. For the "Fighting organised crime on the cocaine route" programme, experts missions produced a needs assessment to support the capacity of law enforcement, judicial and prosecuting authorities of Latin American and Caribbean countries with the involvement of AMERIPOL and a detailed proposal for setting up a Coordination and Monitoring Support mechanism for the Cocaine Route programmes. For the AAP 2011, an expert mission will assess the feasibility of an action to support the fight against money laundering in West Africa. For the "Fight against trafficking and organised crime on the heroin route" programme, experts will provide a coherent concept for extending ongoing anti-trafficking activities and will assess the situation and provide technical elements for an action to reduce all forms of trafficking in human beings. The results of the studies will provide a guide for the inclusion of the actions in the AAP 2011. In the context of the "Critical Maritime Routes" programme, the ESF missions played a major role in the conception of a “documentation, educational and training centre” to be located in Djibouti and of an “information sharing centre” to be located in Sana’a to improve regional cooperation in the Horn of Africa region and to encourage key players to fulfil their regional responsibilities. In the Gulf of Guinea region, a prefeasibility mission was deployed to assess measures to improve maritime security and safety which could be included in the AAP 2011. For the "Support for preventing and combating terrorism" programme, experts provided an implementation concept and preparatory activities to regional cooperation in the Sahel as well as a prefeasibility study on counterterrorism assistance in South Asia. For the Annual Action Programme 2011, two experts missions are assessing the feasibility of actions on Counter-terrorism in Pakistan and on Counter-terrorism cooperation in South East Asia. By end of December 2010, the ESF completely used the budget of €5.3 million (priority 2) decided between 2007 and 2010. An additional €1.5 million committed in 2010, as part of the Annual Action Plan (AAP) for 2010, will be used by end 2011. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Actions in the area of risk
mitigation and preparedness relating to chemical, biological, radiological and
nuclear (CBRN) materials and agents
(Article 4.2 IfS Regulation) Title of IfS Decisions || Annual Action Programmes for Article 4.2 IfS adopted in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 Type of measure || Risk mitigation and preparedness relating to chemical, biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials and agents Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || AAP2007 (17/12/2007) – AAP2008 (05/12/2008), AAP2009 (30/11/2009) – AAP2010 (26/11/2010) Amount(s) || Committed: €124,500,000 Contracted: €89,741,467 Paid: €51,862,538 The long-term part of the Stability Instrument (Budget Headings 19.06.02.01 and 19.06.03) Priority 1 (Article 4.2) - 19.060201 - Risk mitigation and preparedness relating to chemical, biological radiological and nuclear (CBRN) materials and agents The “Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) risk mitigation (priority 1 of the Instrument for Stability) aims at improving the safety culture by spreading best practices and raising the general level of security and safety awareness and culture. On the basis of the Strategy 2007-2011 and the Indicative Programme 2009-2011 the fourth (2010) Annual Action Programme (€ 40 million) was defined and adopted in November 2010 (C_2010_8156). It provides funding for the establishment of four new CBRN Centres of Excellence; for thematic actions to be implemented in the framework of the "Centres of Excellence" initiative; for improving capabilities against biological threats; for contribution to the new Nuclear Material Laboratory (NML) in order to enhance the capability of the IAEA Safeguards Analytical Service and for alternative employment of former weapon scientists and engineers through support to ISTC/STCU (International Science and Technology Centre in Moscow / Science and Technology Centre in Ukraine in Kiev). All activities defined in three previous (2007, 2008 and 2009) Annual Action Programmes for priority 1 were entirely contracted and started. Whereas historically activities in most fields related to this part of the Stability Instrument were concentrated on the former Soviet Union, the programme’s geographical coverage has now been extended to Mediterranean Basin, Middle East, South East Asia, Central Asia, South Caucasus and Africa. The total number of involved countries newly involved is now about 40 Different domains were covered separately till 2010 (e.g. export control of dual-use goods, illicit trafficking, redirection of former weapon scientists, bio-safety and bio-security culture). From 2010 onwards, the "Centres of Excellence" initiative should provide a single and integrated platform for actions in all these domains. The first phase of the "Centres of Excellence" initiative (concepts, methodology and pilot projects) was fully implemented in 2010. In parallel, a conference and a seminar to present EU policy and instruments concerning CBRN risk mitigation took place in the Middle East and in South East Asia (Amman in May 2010, Jakarta in July 2010). Several information missions in South East Asia countries were conducted by United Nations (UNICRI) and Joint Research Center (JRC) to prepare the first round-table meeting of the National Focal Points of South-East Asia, which took place in Manila in November 2010 (the decision on the location of the Centre of Excellence for South East Asia has not been taken yet). As a result of the conference held in Brussels in December 2010, the Regional Secretariat for the Middle East will be established in Amman. In 2010, it was also decided to extend the initiative to other regions (Mediterranean Basin, Central Asia, South Caucasus and Africa). In the meantime, specific actions were implemented to mitigate CBRN risks: (i) Border monitoring activities to enhance the detection of radioactive and nuclear materials at identified borders crossing and/or nodal points in the Republic of Georgia, and at Southern borders of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan with Afghanistan and at the airport of Kabul; (ii) Knowledge management systems in North Africa and Mediterranean Basin to contribute to develop sustainable cooperation in the area of trafficking of CBRN materials; (iii) Improvement of the bio-safety of the Ukrainian anti-plague station in Simferopol (Ukraine) by providing a well-equipped facility in line with national Ukrainian and international standards. Previous actions continued in 2010: (i) Projects to tackle threat of proliferation by strengthening cooperation with non-EU countries in the field of export control, to identify necessary changes and improvement in export control system and to offer "tailor-made" solutions were conducted in around 20 countries; (ii) Support for the professional redirection of former weapons scientists and engineers in Iraq through their employment in a comprehensive decommissioning, dismantling and decontamination of nuclear facilities; (iii) Support for capacity building for health security in the Mediterranean Area and South-East Europe by enhancing and strengthening the preparedness for common health threats and bio-security risks at national and regional levels in the Countries of EpiSouth Network (17 non EU countries and 10 EU countries); (iv) Improvement of the bio-safety and bio-security in the Central Asian region by raising the scientific and technical skills of personnel working at relevant laboratories and (v) Support to ISTC and STCU in Moscow and Kiev, which cover the professional redirection of former weapons scientists in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. The results of the first evaluation of the programme results were made available in July 2010. They covered three main areas: export control of dual–use goods, combating illicit trafficking of CBRN materials, and redirection of former WMD scientists' and engineers' knowledge to peaceful activities. For reasons of coherence and completeness, this evaluation covers the period 2004-2009 as the activities under the areas evaluated started before the IfS Regulation came into force. The evaluation results were taken into consideration in the definition of the new Strategy and Indicative programme 2012-2013 for the priority 1. A second evaluation phase will take place in 2011. Stability
Instrument
Article 4.3
Crisis Preparedness - Peacebuilding Partnership -
Progress report Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Crisis Preparedness
(Article 4.3 IfS Regulation) Title of IfS Decisions || Annual Action Programmes for Crisis Preparedness 2007-2010 Type of measure || Pre- and post-crisis capacity building Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || 21/12/2007, 31/03/2008, 30/06/2009 and 31/03/2010 Amount(s) || Committed: € 40,000,000; Contracted: € 26,322,224 – Paid: € 15,269,994 The crisis preparedness component (Article 4.3) of the Instrument for Stability - also known as the Peace-building Partnership (PbP) – provides support for long-term measures aimed at fostering co-operation between the EU and a series of implementing partners. Between 2007 and 2010, forty-two actions have been put in place, for a total of €26,5 million. These actions focus on i) building the general capacity of non-state actors to respond to crises situations (49%); ii) co-operating with international organizations and with regional organizations (28%); and iii) working with relevant Member State bodies on the training of police and civilian experts to participate in stabilization missions (23%). In 2010, the Peace-building Partnership mobilized a total of €20 million. This amount - taken together with the €5 million allotted under the 2009 Annual Action Programme - represents a significant portion of the €30-39 million allocated under the 2009-2011 IfS Multi-Annual Indicative Programme. Funding for 2010 focused on: i) Fostering dialogue – particularly with civil society organizations - on peace-building issues. To this end, a Civil Society Dialogue Network - managed by the European Peace-building Liaison Office (EPLO) for the benefit of all peace-building non-state actors - was launched. This Network is intended to serve as a discussion forum with a view to providing input to the EU policy-making processes on peace-building issues. Two policy level meetings were held in 2010 relating Peace-building and Situations of Fragility (9 November), and to Women’s Participation in Peace Processes (23 November), respectively. ii) Strengthening the capacity of non-state actors with respect to, inter alia, a) Mediation and Dialogue; b) the EU approach to situations of fragility and conflict; c) Women, peace and security; d) and Human Security (including responsibility to protect). In this regard, calls for proposals will be launched by selected EU Delegations by mid 2011. iii) Addressing the issue of the potential of natural resources to fuel conflict and, conversely, establishing the role natural resources play in averting conflict and building lasting peace. The second phase of the project on Natural Resources and Conflicts kicked off, focusing on strengthening the ability of national stakeholders, the UN Interagency Framework Team for Preventive Action and other international counterparts to analyze, prevent and resolve disputes over land and natural resources; minimizing tensions over land and natural resources; and developing sustainable solutions for achieving peace by systematically applying and further developing practical tools and trainings (currently piloted in four countries) and policy guidance. These activities have been complemented by support for natural resources experts in the stand-by team of UN’s Mediation Support Unit. iv) Strengthening the capacities of national and international partners of the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) to improve: assessment of risk and the understanding of the root causes of disasters; the real-time application of lessons from previous post-disaster reconstruction and recovery experiences; and access to international best practice in real-time to countries vulnerable to disaster risk. This action aims to link also with the on-going cooperation on post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) funded through UNDP under the Peace- building Partnership 2008 Annual Action Programme. Implementation of the UNISDR action is planned to commence in 2011. v) Building the capacity of international organizations in relation to the Integrated Approach to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR). The overall objective of the action is to improve - in partnership with the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group (IAWG) on DDR - the conduct of DDR in complex peace-keeping operations, as well as in post-conflict and peace-building environments. vii) Training civilian and police experts from EU Member States for participation in civilian stabilization missions, In this regard, following a call for proposals from national public sector bodies from EU Member States, funding is being provided to ENTRi (Europe’s New Training Initiative for Civilian Crisis Management), a capacity-building project involving 13 participating EU partners designed to strengthen the capabilities of staff working in civilian crisis management missions. A further action, funded under the 2010 Annual Action Programme, relates to the training of EU police officers for deployment in civilian crisis management operations, while also expanding its scope to include police officers from (a) non-EU countries contributing to CSDP missions and (b) African countries. In this regard, a call for proposals from relevant specialized national public sector bodies of the EU Member States will be finalized in 2011. Further examples of Peace-building Partnership actions – funded under previous Annual Action Programmes, but whose implementation continued during 2010 – include: - Co-operating, notably with UNDP and the World Bank, on setting up a platform for co-operation on post-crisis needs assessments for natural disaster (PDNA) and post-conflict scenarios (PCNA), including strategic co-ordination, development of joint methodologies for post-crisis assessments, joint deployment of assessment teams, joint training, joint recovery planning and monitoring. - Supporting mediation activities: a number of actions were developed to follow up on the 2009 EU concept on Mediation and Dialogue – for example, continued co-operation with the UN’s Mediation Support Unit and training for senior officials and staff involved in CSDP missions. Mediation and dialogue is also included as a priority area in the capacity-building calls for proposals for non-state actors and it is also suggested as a potential element in the action relating to the training of civilian experts to participate in stabilization missions. - Improving post-conflict assistance data by supporting the establishment of a Peace-Building Assistance data-base by the UN Peace-Building Support Office to improve government capacity for aid management in selected post-conflict countries, and to provide enhanced aid data - notably to national governments and to donors in-country. - Addressing gender issues in conflict intervention. In this regard, five gender related actions with a global scope, ranging from Africa to Asia and from Eastern Europe to Latin America have been funded under the PbP between 2007 and 2010. - Implementing the co-operation with the African Union and the League of Arab States on enhancing their early warning networks - Contributing to the International Dialogue on Peace-Building funded via the OECD-DAC secretariat, and to monitoring the implementation of the Principles for Good International Engagement in Fragile States and Situations - Finally - in addition to the multi-year police training action funded under the 2010 Annual Action - a project funded under the 2009 Programme in partnership with the German Bundespolizei started in 2010 aiming to train police experts from EU Member States. INSTRUMENT FOR STABILITY: OVERVIEW
2010 COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS BUDGET
HEADINGS 19.06.01.01 and 19.06.07 [Art. 3 and 4.3], 19.06.02.01 [Art. 4.2] and 19.06.03
[Art. 4.1] IFS CRISIS RESPONSE AND
PREPAREDNESS 2010
DECISIONS AND
COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS (BUDGET
HEADING 19.06.01, ARTICLE 3 AND 4.3 OF THE IFS REGULATION) IFS CRISIS RESPONSE AND
PREPAREDNESS 2009
DECISIONS AND
COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS (BUDGET
HEADING 19.06.01, ARTICLE 3 AND 4.3 OF THE IFS REGULATION) IFS CRISIS
RESPONSE AND PREPAREDNESS 2008
DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS (BUDGET
HEADING 19.06.01, ARTICLE 3 AND 4.3 OF THE IFS REGULATION) IFS CRISIS RESPONSE
AND PREPAREDNESS 2007
DECISIONS AND COMMITMENTS, STATUS OF CONTRACTS AND DISBURSEMENTS (BUDGET
HEADING 19.06.01, ARTICLE 3 AND 4.3 OF THE IFS REGULATION) IFS LONG-TERM COMPONENT: 2009
COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS
BY COUNTRY,
REGION AND PROJECTS (BUDGET
HEADINGS 19.06.02 AND 19.06.03, ART. 4.2 AND 4.1 OF THE IFS REGULATION) IFS LONG-TERM
COMPONENT: 2008 COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS
BY COUNTRY, REGION AND PROJECTS (BUDGET HEADINGS 19.06.02 AND 19.06.03, ART. 4.2 AND 4.1 OF THE IFS
REGULATION) IFS LONG-TERM COMPONENT: 2007
COMMITMENTS AND PAYMENTS
BY COUNTRY,
REGION AND PROJECTS (BUDGET
HEADINGS 19.06.02 AND 19.06.03, ART. 4.2 AND 4.1 OF THE IFS REGULATION) IFS CRISIS PREPAREDNESS: Status and
Description of individual Projects (BUDGET
HEADING 19.06.01, Art. 4.3 OF THE IFS REGULATION, the Peacebuilding Partnership) || Peace-building Partnership actions under the Annual Action Programme 2007 – Actions ongoing in 2010 No || Title of the action || Description || Organisation || Partner(s) || Starting date || Contracted in € || Paid in € 1 || Recovery to serve – Building civil society to stimulate recovery from the conflict and the tsunami || The overall objective is to strengthen conflict prevention, crisis management and peace building in Sri Lanka. The specific objectives are: 1. to improve civil society capacity in conflict prevention, crisis management and peace building ("the core competencies") in the target districts of Sri Lanka; 2. to promote networking between the target districts and representatives of national civil society to strengthen those competencies; 3. to codify and disseminate best practice learned from the action. || Arbeiter Samariter Bund Deutschland || Law & Society Trust; Peace & Community Action; Social Scientists Association || 1/07/2009 (36 months) || 728,606.66 || 343,518.19 2 || Strengthening Capacity to Design, Monitor and Evaluate Peacebuilding Programming || The overall objective is to improve the quality and effectiveness of civil society and government peace-building and conflict prevention programming, Specific objectives are: 1, to critically evaluate assumptions underpinning peace-building programming in Nepal, Sudan and Eastern DRC, 2, to pilot means to demonstrate impact, and to build local capacity in DM&E of peace-building programming, || CARE International UK || International Alert || 1/03/2009 (33 months) || 750,000.00 || 147,070.00 3 || Youth Peace Advocates in Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina || The overall objective is to increase stability and peace, and promote a culture of human rights amongst youth and the community in general throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina, The specific objective is to stimulate improvements in the socio-economic life and the attitudes and behaviours of the youth of three municipalities in Eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, || Stichting Care Nederland || Youth Organisation ‘Odisej’ (Bratunac) Youth Council Srebrenica, Youth Council Vlasenica || 1/01/2009 (35 months) || 485,000.00 || 388,000.00 4 || Political Participation of women from Afghanistan, DRC and Liberia in Peace and Security Policy || The overall objective is the empowerment of women activists, NGO staff and women’s organisations in Afghanistan, DRC and Liberia to participate in peace and security policy planning, making and implementation, and more specifically, to empower women to take an active role in decision making at civil society and state level regarding their access to human security and engagement in political processes, || Medica Mondiale || Law & PAIF, Goma/DRC ; ISIS (Europe) || 1/03/2009 (36 months) || 695,651.00 || 317,205.00 5 || Preventing inter-community conflicts in East Africa || The overall objective is to contribute to effective conflict-prevention strategies to address inter-community tensions around natural resources in East Africa, More specifically, it aims at enhancing operational capacities of CSOs in Kenya, Sudan and Uganda to effectively prevent/manage intercommunity tensions and to engage with national, regional and international institutions on peace-building issues, || Minority Rights Group || EWC; OPDP; CECORE; PDA || 1/01/2009 (36 months) || 683,794.00 || 325,902.00 6 || Scientific and Technical Support to the African Union’s Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) || The overall objective is to provide training and technical support to strengthen the capacity of the CMD to deploy and operate a fully functional and sustainable Continental Early Warning System, The action more specifically aims at supporting the adaptation and extension of early warning systems based on systems used by the EU, and at developing customization for the PSD of the Commission’s remote sensing and modeling services, including those developed by the Joint Research Centre, || DG Joint Research Center || - || 21/07/2008 (30 months) || 999,865.00 || 699,905.50 7 || EC/UNDP collaboration to advance the post-crisis needs assessment and early recovery agendas || The overall objective is to increase the timeliness and resilience of post-crisis recovery efforts by the European Commission, the United Nations, national governments and other international actors through well coordinated assessment of needs and response programming, || United Nations Development Programme || - || 7/11/2008 (21 months) || 1,249,971.00 || 1,187,472.00 || Peace-building Partnership actions under the Annual Action Programme 2007 – Actions closed in 2010 8 || European Union Police Forces Training || The overall objective is to reinforce knowledge and skills of practitioners and to enhance inter-operability between police units susceptible to jointly engage in EU operations, || Gendarmerie nationale || - || 29/03/2008 (12 months) || 635,000.00 || 561,156.15 9 || Training for civilian crisis management and stabilization missions || The overall objective is to consolidate and bring to a completion the work of the European Group on Training (EGT), The action more specifically aims at: 1, completing the final phase of training for Member States’ experts identified for participation in EU Civilian Response Teams; 2, building consensus around a European training standard for deployment in international missions, compatible with UN, World Bank and OSCE requirements; 3, establishing a system of accreditation for training organisations; 4, supporting the transfer of EU training modules to the African Union and other intergovernmental bodies with similar training needs; 5, strengthening the civilian training capacities of the member states, || International Alert || Zentrum für Internationale Friedenseinsätze; Scuola Superiore di Studi Universitari e di Perfezionamento Sant'Anna; CMI; French MFA; Escuela Diplomática; Folke Bernadotte Academy; Austrian Study Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution; International Training Center (Hungary); Lithuanian MFA; Dutch MFA; Egmont Institute; Danish Emergency Management Academy; Instituto Nacional de Administração INA; Estonian MFA, Polish Perm, Rep, to the EU; Romanian MFA; Czech MFA; Centre for European Perspective; Irish Department of Foreign Affairs; Latvian MFA, || 1/03/2008 (19 months) || 803,976.00 || 750,176.00 10 || Roundtables/ conference: Beyond Annapolis || The overall objective is to contribute to building the capacity, within Palestinian and Israeli societies, to transform and overcome the conflict and help create conditions favourable to the peace process by: 1, promoting the dissemination of new ideas, a || Middle East Publications – Palestine-Israel Journal || - || 1/01/2009 (12 months) || 40,000.00 || 36,985.38 11 || P,R,T, – Permanent Round Table on Instruments for Stability in East African Countries || The overall objectives are: 1, to promote the creation of a PRT on Instruments for Stability in East Africa Countries between Non State Actors in order to collect, analyze, disseminate data and historic memories on the recent conflicts, best practices for || Istituto per la Cooperazione Universitaria ONLUS || Strathmore University of Nairobi || 1/05/2009 (6 months) || 40,000.00 || 40,000.00 12 || Natural resources, conflict prevention and Peace-building in Africa || The overall objective is to develop the understanding – among EU policy makers, civil society organisations and African regional and sub-regional organisations – of the relation between natural resources and conflict in Africa and to enhance the capacity || Madariaga European Foundation – College of Europe Foundation ACCORD – The African Centre of Constructive Resolution of Disputes, || - || 15/01/2009 (10 months) || 40,000.00 || 31,428.00 13 || Enhancing Civil Society’s Role in Conflict Prevention and Peace-Building in Cyprus || The overall objectives are: 1, to contribute (a) towards decreasing the possibility of further conflict or crises and (b) towards creating more efficient peace-building and reconciliation measures; 2, to increase communication and thus understanding of th || Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs || - || 19/12/2008 (12 months) || 40,,000,00 || 23,125,49 || Total amount AAP 2007: || 7,191,863.66 || 4,851,943.71 || Peace-building Partnership actions under the Annual Action Programme 2008 – Actions ongoing in 2010 No || Title of the action || Description || Organisation || Partner(s) || Starting date || Contracted in € || Paid in € 14 || Development of a Civil Society Network for Conflict Transformation in the Archdiocese of Bukavu, to prevent re-emergence of conflict in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo || The overall objective is to enable church-based actors in South Kivu to prevent re-emerging conflict through enhanced field-based political analysis and systems for early warning, The action more specifically aims at: 1, developing the operational capacity of a network of church-based civil society actors to undertake field-based conflict analysis and facilitate community mediation/dialogue; 2, developing a system of indicators for monitoring post-conflict recovery; and 3, establishing a conflict-knowledge base, || Catholic Agency For Overseas Development || Caritas Bukavu, Diocesan Olame Women’s Centre || 1/08/2009 (35 months) || 520,926.00 || 253,960.00 15 || Conflict prevention in Kosovo || The overall objective of the action is to promote sustainable peace by encouraging greater civil society leadership and political participation among Kosovo’s youth, More specifically, the action aims at fostering the creation of the Kosovo Conflict Prevention Group, a local youth leadership body intended to both model and promote action and advocacy by youth for civil society networks and conflict prevention mechanisms, || Care Deutschland – Luxemburg e,V, || - || 1/04/2009 (35 months) || 744,000.00 || 437,310.08 16 || Institutionalising Capacity of Non-State Actors for Track II and III Peace Building and Delivery of Conflict Sensitive Humanitarian Assistance || The overall objective is to contribute to reduced levels of violent conflict in urban areas in Haiti through more effective Track II & III peace building, to the development/codification of best practice for transformation of protracted social conflict, and the development of best practice for conflict sensitive interventions in fragile states, The action more specifically aims at increasing operational capacity of key civil society actors to engage in effective preventive and remedial peace-building work in Haiti, and at delivering conflict-sensitive development and emergency assistance, || Concern worldwide || Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation || 1/04/2009 (35 months) || 750,000.00 || 142,252.80 17 || Strengthening civil society in northern Uganda for conflict early warning and prevention || Overall objective of the project : to contribute to stability and peace in northern Uganda by strengthening the capacity of civil society so as to be come a solid basis for an effective early warning mechanism for crisis prevention and peaceful conflict resolution, which will address (re)emerging tensions, long-term confidence building measures and improve the post-conflict situation in Northern Uganda, || European Union Perspective || Human Rights Network - Uganda (HURINET (U)); Africa Centre for Peace & Conflict Studies of the University of Bradford, || 1/07/2009 (29 months) || 559,391.00 || 289,280.50 18 || Early Warning Systems: from analysis to action || Overall objective of the project: To increase understanding of the factors which catalyse violence and turn fragility into open, widespread violence, and of the systemic blockages and policies which constrain institutions from acting fully and promptly on available analyses, Specific objective(s) for this project, as stated in the Decision: - To provide locally-derived knowledge and expertise on conflict-prone contexts; - To assist EU institutions, member states’ ministries and other key organisations to overcome systemic constraints to effective and timely response; - To strengthen the capacity of local organisations to advise on and influence actions to prevent violent conflict prevention, || International Alert || Search for Common Ground (Search), Interpeace, NEP/CES (Peace studies group of the centre for social sciences- University of Coimbra), Saferworld (SW), Partners for Democratic Change International (PDCI), Netherlands Institute for International Affaires (Clingendael), Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP), Adelphi Research, Fundación para las Relaciones Internacionales y el Diálogo Exterior (FRIDE), Associates: European Peacebuilding Liaison Office (EPLO), EGMONT and Non violent Peace Force || 1/07/2009 (35 months) || 1,500,000.00 || 703,259.09 19 || Human Rights Networks Peace building Capacity Project (HRNP CP) || The overall objective is to contribute to the reinforcement of the Haitian civil society sector in order to strengthen democracy and provide tools to prevent, manage, and recover from crises, The action more specifically aims at fostering cooperation and organization within the civil society sector through reinforcement of organizational and technical capacity of RNDDH’s departmental networks and broadening the understanding – at the local level – of the rights and responsibilities of citizens as well as the role and limits of the state, || Stichting Interkerkelijk voor Ontwikkelijkssamenwerking || National Human Rights Defence Network (RNDDH) || 1/04/2009 (35 months) || 589,598.00 || 117,631.95 20 || Strengthening non-state actors' capacities to prevent and resolve conflicts in areas affected by post election violence in Kenya || The overall objective is to reduce violent community conflicts in Kenya, The action more specifically aims at strengthening the capacities of non-state actors in 3 provinces in Kenya as means of mitigating community conflicts by improving their knowledge base and know-how in early warning mechanisms, informal mediation, field-based political analysis, policy oriented conflict research and policy dialogue, || Konrad Adenauer Stiftung e,V, || CJPC of the Kenyan Episcopal Conference; Mount Elgon Residents’ Association, Associate Community Initiative Action Group - Kenya (CIAG-K), || 1/07/2009 (29 months) || 750,000.00 || 474,032.00 21 || Development of post-crisis needs assessment (PCNA) and transitional results frameworks || The overall objective is to enhance the efficiency of the PCNA methodology, the post-conflict response capacity of the UN system and international partners – including regional organizations and civil society actors – (building on the existing Post-Conflict Needs Assessment methodology and lessons learned from its implementation to date), and to strengthen the partnership of the EC, the UN and the WB, || United Nations Development Programme || - || 20/12/2008 (28 months) || 709,763.00 || 567,810.00 22 || Strengthening Dialogue through the Ohrid Framework Agreement || The overall objective is to strengthen the dialogue among all ethnic communities in Macedonia, with focus on the issues of non-majority ethnic communities in the context of the process of EU integration, through the establishment of links of communication among the non-majority communities, civil society, national and local governments and international community, || Association for Democratic Initiatives || Macedonian Center for International Cooperation (MCIC) || 11/09/2009 (12 months) || 40,000.00 || 37,425.85 23 || Reconciling for the future: European perspective for the Western Balkans || The overall objectives are: 1, to help improve the dialogue between civil society actors engaged in post-conflict reconciliation and EU policy-makers; 2, to help consolidate the networking of civil society actors for reconciliation and inter-ethnic co-operation; 3, to help improve a shared awareness on causes and consequences of the recent conflict; 4, to enhance the co-operation of both state and non-state actors for effective reconciliation in the region; 5, to improve research/analytical ground work to underpin future policy and decision making, || Association of Local Democracy Agencies || Local Democracy Agencies in Mostar, Osijek, Central Serbia; Centre for peace and non-violence; Centre for regionalism – Associates: City of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina; City of Nis, Serbia; City of Osijek, Croatia, || 18/09/2009 (12 months) || 31,776.23 || 15,888.12 24 || Strengthening European partnerships for crisis prevention and response: Civil society peace-building round tables for Georgia || The overall objective is to contribute to the EU’s improved ability to anticipate, analyse, prevent and respond to crisis situations by facilitating a peace-building partnership between EU institutions and Georgian specialised civil society actors, || Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft Österreichische Vereinigung zur Förderung der wissenschaftlichen Forschung || Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Human Rights (BIM, Austria); International Centre on Conflict and Negotiations (ICCN) || 16/10/2009 (10 months) || 40,000.00 || 36,695.91 25 || Development of early warning system in conflict affected Shida Kartli region of Georgia || The overall objective is to contribute to peace-building process and stability in Georgia and the region, The action more specifically aims at: 1, establishing a mechanism for revealing conflict potential developments in the conflict-affected Shida Kartli region – adjacent to South Ossetia – through setting up an early warning system; 2, engaging civil society actively in discussions concerning conflict prevention, peace building and crisis management; 3, strengthening the EU's relevant institutions capacity of conflict prevention and crisis response with regard to Georgia; 4, fostering partnership between the EU and local civil sector in the field of crisis management and peace building, || Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development || Pro NGO! e,V, || 1/09/2009 (11 months) || 39,995.53 || 39,990.17 26 || Gender and Civil Society Oversight of Security Sector Reform || The overall objective is to create better gender awareness for stakeholders involved in SSR and hence efficacy in implementation of SSR planning, policy and programmes through including gender perspectives, The specific objective is to enable stakeholders to identify gender perspectives in twelve SSR thematic areas and in contextual situations, || International Security Information Service Europe (ISIS) || The Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces || 1/02/2009 (12 months) || 39,800.00 || 38,340.26 27 || Palestinian-Israeli Roundtables: Israel-Gaza Strip Passages Regime – Scenario Analyses and Policy Recommendations || The main objectives of the action are to: 1, bring together Palestinian and Israeli civil society members for joint research, thereby laying the foundations for cooperation on issues pertinent to both sides; 2, hold roundtables during which the issue of the Gaza Strip-Israel passages is researched and examined in light of various potential political scenarios; 3, provide the EU, as well as local governments, with valuable research and information focused on economic activity between Israel and the Gaza Strip; 4, ensure that local, regional and international decision-makers and EU representatives understand the importance of economic issues pertaining to Israel and the Gaza Strip; 5, allow non-state actors to provide policy advice, be involved in processes of reconciliation and conflict resolution, and strengthen their capacities to provide early warning of potential crisis situations in regard to trade activity between Israel and the Gaza Strip, || The Peres Center for Peace || - || 27/11/2009 (17 months) || 40,000.00 || 20,000.00 || Peace-building Partnership actions under the Annual Action Programme 2008 – Actions closed in 2010 28 || Strengthening Capacities for the Consensual and Sustainable Management of Land and Natural Resources || The overall objective is to develop systematic tools and frameworks through the UN and EU for national stakeholders and international counterparts to build their national and local capacities for the peaceful and sustainable management of land and natural resources, and assist in the prevention, management, and resolution of violent conflicts related to land and natural resources in pre-, post-, and in-conflict situations, || United Nations Development Programme || UNEP; UN-Habitat; UNDESA; DPA, PBSO || 20/12/2008 (23 months) || 500,000.00 || 400,000.00 29 || European Union Police Forces Training || The overall objective is to enhance mutual understanding, inter-operability, sharing of best practices, knowledge and skills in the sectors of Criminal Investigations, Scientific Investigations, Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT), Close Protection, Improved Explosive Ordnance Devices (IEOD), Human Rights in policing, Integrated Police Unit (IPU) and Formed Police Unit (FPU), || Arma dei Carabinieri || - || 1/05/2009 (7 months) || 678,700.00 || 542,960.00 30 || Empowering the reconciliation process in the Western Balkans || The overall objective is reconciliation in Western Balkan countries – targeting fYR Macedonia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina – through empowering the improvement of interethnic relations as the foremost development factor, || Center for Civic Initiative || Common Values – Skopje || 18/03/2009 (10 months) || 39,885.00 || 30,682.60 31 || Advancing EU’s Human Security agenda through civil society partnership and policy dialogue || The overall objective is to facilitate a ‘bottom-up’ approach to EU DDR and SSR policy and programming in order to enhance human security in post conflict/settlement contexts, The specific objective is to increase information exchange between relevant civil society actors and EU representatives on issues central to achieving a ‘bottom-up’ approach to EU DDR and SSR policy and programming, || International Alert || - || 5/01/2009 (12 months) || 39,969.00 || 31,672.75 32 || Towards EU peace building policies based on post-war experiences of future EU accession states || The overall objective is to facilitate relevant civil society organizations' ability to propose the provision of policy advice to EU institutions on issues relating to conflict prevention, crisis management and peace-building, The specific objective is to build capacities of Balkan civil society actors for contribution to EU peace-building and conflict prevention policies, || Centre for Peace Studies || Heinrich Boll Foundation, Brussels || 20/04/2009 (15 months) || 39,350.00 || 35,549.86 || Total amount: || 7,653,153.76 || 4,214,741.94 || Peace-building Partnership actions under the Annual Action Programme 2009 – Actions ongoing in 2010 No || Title of the action || Description || Organisation || Partner(s) || Starting date || Contracted in € || Paid in € 33 || Standby Team Cluster of Natural Resource Mediation Experts || The project will enable the Mediation Support Unit (MSU) of the UNDP A to quickly provide natural resources expertise to United Nations mediators as well as to peacemaking efforts led by Member States, international, regional and sub-regional organisations and other entities involved in peacemaking, || United Nations Department of Political Affairs || - || 8/10/2007 (46 months) || 499,967.00 || 399,967.00 34 || Support to Aid Information Management Systems for Peace-building, including the piloting of a Peace-building Assistance Dashboard || The objective of the project is to support and improve Aid Information Management Systems in post-conflict countries; provide key donors such as the European Commission with added aid information, thereby contributing to the implementation of their international commitments for aid coordination and aid effectiveness, || Peace Building Support Office || - || 28/07/2010 (24 months) || 499,457.00 || 399,566.00 35 || Support to International Dialogue on Peacebuilding || The objective of the action managed by the OECD DAC Secretariat is to support Round II of the monitoring survey of the Principles for Good International Engagement in Fragile States (in six or more fragile states) and to support the work of the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding between fragile states and development partners following its first global meeting in April 2010, including through a range of INCAF specific activities that are intended to inform the two above processes and that align with European Commission and Stability Instrument priorities, || Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development || - || 16/12/2010 (18 months) || 600,098.00 || 330,579.00 36 || Scientific and Technical Support to the African Union's Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) – Phase II || The aim of the project is to develop global professional and technical networks for early warning among relevant international, regional and sub-regional organizations (such as the African Union, the League of the Arab States, etc,) through co-operation and capacity-building, including sharing existing best practices and tools and developing local capacity and working practices || DG Joint Research Center || - || 20/01/2011 (18 months) || 753,546.58 || 301,418.63 37 || Strengthening crisis response capacities of the League of Arab States || The project aims to strengthen capacities of the Arab region in crisis forecasting, prevention and response through enhanced cooperation between the Secretariat General of the League of Arab States (SGLAS), the European Commission (EC) and, when appropriate, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), || Secretariat General of the League of Arab States (SGLAS) || UNDP || 20/11/2010 (24 months) || 1,925,190.00 || 1,092,436.00 38 || European Union Police Forces Training || The project aims to train 600 members of the European Police agencies, police units from third countries and national police experts in 2010, It has been planned to perform two training sessions of two weeks each including a permanent change of training and exercises, || Bundespolizei || || 3/05/2010 (7 months) || 698,948,04 || 559,158,43 || Total amount AAP2009: || 4,977,206.62 || 3,083,125.06 || Peace-building Partnership actions under the Annual Action Programme 2010 – Actions ongoing in 2010 No || Title of the action || Description || Organisation || Partner(s) || Starting date || Contracted in € || Paid in € 39 || Strengthening Capacities for the Consensual and Sustainable Management of Land and Natural Resources: Phase 2 || This Action is the second phase of the EU/UN project on NR related conflict, It builds on the success of the first phase by developing training elements, knowledge products, early warning systems, and policy advocacy efforts and implementing them in pilot countries, The aim of the project is to strengthen the ability of national stakeholders, the UN and other international counterparts to analyze, prevent and resolve disputes over land, and natural resources; minimize tensions over land and natural resources; and develop sustainable solutions for achieving peace, || United Nations Development Programme || UNEP; UN-Habitat; UNDESA; DPA, PBSO || 1/06/2010 (23 months) || 1,000,000.00 || 559,186.00 40 || Civil Society Dialogue Network || The project aims to promote and develop a robust dialogue mechanism, at a European level, between civil society and the EU institutions on peace-building issues, in order to contribute to strengthening international and regional capacity to anticipate, analyse, prevent and respond to threats to stability and human development posed by violent conflict and natural disasters, as well as to improve international co-operation in post-conflict and post-disaster recovery, and to influence, mentor and monitor dialogue at field level || European Peacbuilding Liaison Office || - || 28/07/2010 (36 months) || 2,000,000.00 || 607,904.00 41 || Integrated Approach to Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) || Provide effective and integrated UN responses to support DDR processes through enhanced coordination and pooling of resources within and beyond the UN system contributing to securing and consolidating long-term peace and security in conflict and post-conflict countries, || United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group || - || 1/07/2010 (17 months) || 1,500,000.00 || 1,123,649.00 42 || Europe’s New Training Initiative for Civilian Crisis Management || The overall objective is to support the provision of enhanced training opportunities to a broad range of targeted professional experts requiring preparation for participation in civilian crisis management type missions, including those of the European Union (EU), United Nations (UN), Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), African Union (AU), and others, || ZIF Berliner Zentrum für Internationale Friedenseinsätze gGmbh (Centre for International Peace Operations) || Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR); Crisis Management Centre Finland (CMC); Centre for European Perspective (CEP), Slovenia; Danish Emergency Management Agency (DEMA); Ecole nationale d’administration (ENA), France; Folke Bernadotte Academy (FBA), Sweden; International Alert, United Kingdom; International Training and Civilian Crisis Management Centre (IT&CCMC), Hungary; Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael (NIIB); Royal Institute for International Relations (Egmont), Belgium; and Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies (SSSUP), Italy, || 10/01/2011 (24 months) || 2,000,000.00 || 829,445.00 || Total amount AAP 2010: || 6,500,000.00 || 3,120,184.00 || || || || || || || || Grand total amount AAP 2007-2010: || 26,322,224.04 || 15,269,994.71 || || || || || || || || AAP 2007: || 7,191,863.66 || 4,851,943.71 || AAP 2008: || 7,653,153.76 || 4,214,741.94 || AAP 2009: || 4,977,206.62 || 3,083,125.06 || AAP 2010: || 6,500,000.00 || 3,120,184.00 Table of
Contents Stability Instrument Crisis Response - 2007-2010 Overview.. 4 Stability Instrument Crisis Response Global Reach – Overview
Map. 5 Stability Instrument Crisis Response Exceptional
Assistance Measures adopted in 2007 – 2010 Progress reports by Country and
Location. 6 Afghanistan. 7 African Union (Addis Ababa) 9 Armenia. 12 Bangladesh. 14 Belarus. 16 Bolivia. 17 Bosnia
and Herzegovina. 20 Burundi 22 Central
African Republic. 24 Comoros. 26 Cuba. 29 Democratic
Republic of Congo. 31 Ecuador 33 Georgia. 35 Haiti 38 Honduras. 42 Indonesia
(Aceh) 44 Kenya. 46 Kosovo (under
UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999)) 48 Kyrgyz
Republic. 51 Laos. 54 Lebanon. 56 Republic
of Moldova. 60 Myanmar
(Burma) 63 Nagorno-Karabakh
region. 65 Nepal 67 Nicaragua. 69 occupied
Palestinian territory. 71 Pakistan. 74 Peru. 79 Philippines. 81 Senegal 84 Seychelles. 86 Sierra
Leone. 88 Solomon
Islands. 90 Sri
Lanka. 92 Sudan. 94 Syria. 97 Thailand. 100 Timor-Leste. 102 Western
Balkans (Regional Actions) 105 Western
Balkans (Regional Actions) 108 Yemen. 111 Zimbabwe. 114 Stability
Instrument Crisis Response - 2007-2010 Overview Stability Instrument Crisis Response Global Reach –
Overview Map Stability Instrument
Crisis Response
Exceptional Assistance Measures
adopted in 2007 – 2010
Progress reports
by Country and Location http://eeas.europa.eu/ifs/index_en.htm
Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Afghanistan Title of IfS Decision || Afghanistan – Support to women’s rights and political participation || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Rule of Law - Support for implementing UNSC Resolutions 1325 and 1820 Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 27/07/2010 Amount(s) || € 1,000,000 Contracted: € 359,990.80 Paid: € 287,992.64 Start Datet || 16/09/2010 End Date || 16/09/2011 Context of Instability The situation in Afghanistan has continued to deteriorate and poses a great challenge to the international community. Delays in inaugurating the new Parliament, following the 2010 parliamentary elections, are hampering the ability of the Government to engage in effective reform to improve the lives of the Afghan people. Widespread insecurity further impedes progress. Women are particularly affected. Indeed, there is a striking difference between women’s rights under the law and their actual participation in public and political life, as dictated by culturally acceptable norms and values. Women’s civil and political rights are enshrined in the Constitution, which preserves the equality of all citizens and explicitly provides for the respect of international instruments ratified by Afghanistan, including the 1979 Convention for the Elimination of All Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and the 1966 International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). However, in reality, women’s participation in political processes, such as the recent Peace Jirga and elections (as candidates, voters and administrators), is severely limited. Of the 336 female participants in the 2010 Peace Jirga, none were involved in planning the event. Widespread cultural opposition to women in public life, women’s limited access to education and resources and their poor representation in key institutions put them at a disadvantage. Women in public life face a significant deterrent in violent attacks. In recent years, women parliamentarians, provincial council members, civil servants and journalists have been targeted by anti-government elements, local traditional and religious power-holders, by their own families and communities, and in some instances by government authorities. Though President Karzai and other political leaders have reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to women's rights, the National Action Plan for Women remains largely unimplemented. Short Description This IfS project was developed as a result of the continued scarcity of women representatives on the Afghan public and political scene. 2010 saw the 10th Anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security, as well as the adoption of the EU Plan of Action on Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment in Development. The project purpose is to support women’s rights in Afghanistan and to reinforce implementation and awareness of UNSCR 1325 among all stakeholders. The project is intended to boost female participation in political and public life and, in particular, peace-building efforts. Monitoring of UNSCR 1325 in Afghanistan. The main objective of this action is to support the local organization “Afghan Women’s Network” (AWN) in launching a country-wide monitoring exercise to assess the implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Afghanistan. This is the first initiative of its kind ever launched in the country. Activities include the development of indicators and benchmarks in relation to UNSCR 1325 implementation, data collection at countrywide level (security situation permitting), workshops and panel discussions based on the results of a country monitoring report to be issued by AWN and establishing an online scoreboard as a real-time source of information on the level of implementation of UNSCR 1325 in Afghanistan. Activities and State of Play The project developed a questionnaire for gathering data on the implementation of 1325. This questionnaire was shared with AWN members in Kabul and other provinces, as well as with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA). Meanwhile, focal points and AWN member organisations for project implementation were identified in 8 regions in of Afghanistan (mostly those where there are high levels of conflict). Training in the use of the questionnaire as a monitoring tool will take place shortly for these focal points. On the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325, AWN representatives participated in a week-long event in New York as panellists and participants in a series of sessions on the topic. They presented an initial report with recommendations on the progress of UNSCR 1325 implementation in Afghanistan and discussed the role of Afghan women in relation to UNSCR 1325. This report will form the basis of a more substantial publication which will be translated to Dari and Pashto and will be publicly available through an official launching event. While in New York, AWN members took part in the Cyber dialogue organised by the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, enabling them to share the 2010 achievements in women's political participation in Afghanistan and women’s role in leading positions. They also presented work on the formulation of the Afghan High Peace Council and the role of its women members. In November, AWN co-organised a one-day conference in Kabul on Afghan women on the 10th Anniversary of UNSCR 1325. This activity was not financed by the EU, but contributed to the overall goal of the EU-funded project, in providing a forum to brainstorm and raise awareness on UNSCR 1325 and an opportunity for new participants to enter into the discussion. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response This action fits into the broader EU focus on gender in development as reflected in various policy documents such as the joint Commission and Council "Comprehensive EU Approach to the Implementation of UNSCR 1325 and 1820 on Women, Peace and Security" and the above-mentioned EU Action Plan. The EU and Member States take every opportunity in their regular political dialogues and in high-level fora to emphasise the importance of strengthening and supporting women's rights and participation in society. The EU funds several other projects in Afghanistan to strengthen the presence and capacity of women in civil society, public and political life under its European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights and Non-State Actors and Local Authorities in Development. These include resource centres, media initiatives and training to strengthen women's ability to engage in advocacy and to assert and realise their rights. Gender is a cross-cutting consideration in the majority of EU-funded programmes and projects in Afghanistan. Implementation
of Instrument for Stability (IfS) Programmes in the African Union (Addis Ababa) Title of IfS Decision || (1) EU Planners to Support the AU Strategic Planning and Management Unit (SPMU) (2) Support to AU election observation missions in African countries affected by unstable environments || Copyright: Wikipedia.org Type of measure || Support to Regional Peace-building Capacity Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || (1) March 2009 - (2) May 2009 Amount(s) || (1) EU planners to SPMU Contracted: € 1,088,050 Paid: € 891,325 || (2) IfS 2008/033 – 09/008 Contracted: € 1,000,000 Paid: € 400,000 Start Date of Project || (1) April 2009 - (2) August 2009 End Date || (1) June 2010 - (2) February 2011 Context of Instability Somalia has remained a fragile and conflict-afflicted country notwithstanding the presence of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM +/- 8,000 troops). It was necessary to enhance the planning capacity of the Strategic Planning and Management Unit (SPMU) as expeditiously as possible so that it could provide the necessary support to the mission in Mogadishu. EU support demonstrates the Europe’s response capacity and the how complementarity can be achieved between the 1st and 2nd action pillars of the Treaty. This IfS action should be viewed as a signal of our continued commitment to support the AU in its aims of fostering peace and sustainable development in Somalia. On the other hand, since the new wave of Africa’s democratisation in the early 1990’s, elections have been one of the greatest achievements of participation and political inclusiveness in most African countries. At the same time, in a number of countries, elections have led to violence and political conflicts, aggravating ethnic and communal divisions thereby threatening social order and economic development. To boost democratic practices and enhance stability in Africa, the AU has invested, considerable efforts in developing a wide range of protocols and principles promoting democracy, peace and stability, including for governing elections. However, resurgence of election-related conflicts such as the post-election crisis in Kenya of December 2007, Zimbabwe in 2008 or more recently in Ivory Cost in 2010, underlined the need to improve the implementation of AU mechanisms so as boost their effectiveness and legitimacy in preventing, managing and resolving electoral conflicts. One of the main tools used by the AU for this purpose in countries holding elections, and especially those experiencing, and/or emerging from, violent conflicts are the election observation and monitoring missions (EOM). In observing elections, AU missions aim to promote the integrity of the electoral process and the credibility of the outcome by analysing the transparency of the election process as well as the extent of a “level playing field” for key electoral stakeholders. Some of the key questions assessed include the neutrality and impartiality of the election and political authorities as well as the security forces during the election process. It is important to secure AU capacity to deploy effective and professional EOMs in case of emerging crises, in order to contribute to the pre-emption and mitigation of conflicts during and after elections at country and sub-regional levels. Short Description The first project relates to a capacity building/training programme financing the deployment of four EU planners to the Strategic Planning and Management Unit (SPMU) within the AU Commission Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD). The programme aimed to strengthen AU PSOD strategic management, planning and operational capacity in relation to its Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and to ensure co-ordination of African and international support to the Mission and between PSOD, AMISOM and security sector related programming in Somalia through deployment of experts on human resources, budget, engineering and communications. The overall objective of the second project was to contribute in preventing and mitigating electoral-related conflict in Africa, by supporting and facilitating the deployment of African Union Election Observation Missions (EOM) in African countries affected by crisis, emerging crisis or post-conflict situations in accordance with regional and international election observation standards to which the AU has adhered. Activities and State of Play In October 2008, the Commission of the African Union (Department of Peace and Security) submitted a formal request to the EU for external staff support to the SPMU of the PSOD in the areas of budget, personnel, communications and civil engineering. AU was critically understaffed in these areas at a time when AMISOM depended heavily on the SPMU to provide such expertise. The European Commission recruited 4 planners for the AU SPMU among candidates put forward by EU Member States. This short term assistance (€ 1.1 million under the PAMF) is provided on the same legal basis as the earlier IfS support to the SPMU (Article 3(2)(a) and (l) IfS Regulation) on the understanding that this assistance does not constitute an operation having military or defence implications. The EU planners were deployed in April 2009 as civil engineering, budget, personnel and communications officers for a period of 14 months to June 2010. The SPMU was renamed Plans & Operations Unit (POU) and improved in terms of staffing and structure but continues to face capacity constraints and remains short of a strategic planning unit in line with European standards. Developments need to be seen in the context of decisions of the 2009 AU Summit in Sirte which called for the integration of the SPMU into the permanent structures of the AUC Peace Support Operations Department (PSOD). This is a positive step which should contribute to strengthening the AU capacity to plan, support and co-ordinate its peace support operations in Africa. The election project provided €1 million to the “Electoral Assistance Fund” of the Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU) within the Department of Political Affairs at the AU Commission which is entrusted with coordinating and developing AU election observation. The bulk of the programme covered travel, per diem and other costs of electoral observers associated with five elections, the scale of which depended on other donor’s contributions. However, the programme faced obstacles which led to a considerable under-utilisation of funds. EU funds were used for the AU EOM to the legislative elections in Comoros in December 2009 and the Presidential elections in Guinea in 2010. The Comoros face a crucial constitutional reform and it was essential to ensure a free, fair and transparent election to consolidate democratic principles and political stability. The AU EOM was complementary to the international support given to the national Electoral Commission for the organisation of the elections, which included a particular contribution of the IfS. A strong and credible AU election observation capacity will contribute in an important way to uphold the rule of law and the democratization process in Africa Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response IfS support to the SPMU needs to be seen in the context of the strong EU involvement in the situation in Somalia. A fully fledged EU naval operation to fight against piracy (NAVFOR ATALANTA) was launched in December 2008 and is complemented by flanking IfS measures providing support to Kenya and Seychelles to allow the trial of detained piracy suspects in those countries. An ESDP mission providing training to Somali forces was deployed in 2009 (EUTM – Uganda). The Commission is also providing important financial support from the African Peace Facility (APF) to the AU peace keeping mission in Somalia. More globally, there are obvious linkages with other capacity building measures being financed by the EU, most notably from the APF, within the general framework of the EU-Africa Strategic Partnership. The election observation support fits well with the Africa-EU Partnership on Democratic Governance and Human Rights and is fully linked to the activities of the 2008-2010 action plan in support of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance. IfS assistance is complementary to international donors’ assistance to AUC, including EU Member States and paves the way for a more structured EU support under longer term financial instruments. Finally, the project supports political dialogue with the AU and the country targeted, particularly to prevent conflict over electoral outcomes. This complements EU assistance to African elections, such as EU Election Observation Missions and specific support to the organisation or domestic monitoring of elections with EDF, EIDHR or IfS financing. Implementation
of Instrument for Stability (IfS) Programmes in Armenia Title of IfS Decision || Urgent Policy Advice on Reforms to the Government of Armenia (Phase 1) Extension of Reform Advisory Team (Phase 2) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || High Level Policy Advice Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || Phase 1: 05/11/2008 Phase 2: 03/09/2009 Amount(s) || Phase 1: € 810,000 Contracted: € 803,484 Paid: € € 803,484 || Phase 2: € 2,000,000 Contracted: € 2,000,000 Paid: € 1,800,000 Start Date of Project || Phase 1: 17/11/2008 || Phase 2: 01/10/2009 End Date || Phase 1: 30/09/2009 || Phase 2: 31/07/2010 Context of Instability Following violent demonstrations and clashes in Yerevan in the aftermath of Presidential elections on 19th February 2008, the Government of Armenia declared a temporary “state of emergency”. Political tensions remained acute. Against this background the new President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, expressed his intention to work intensively on confidence building in order to stabilise the situation and to reopen a dialogue with the opposition as soon as possible. The President asked the EU to provide advisors to support his programme of reforms and to ensure the continuation of the reform process in line with the EU-Armenian European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) Action Plan. Short Description The project was designed to support key Armenian institutions (including the legislative, executive and judicial powers) in the development and implementation of Armenia's own reform agenda, notably the implementation of the EU-Armenia ENP Action Plan. The EU Advisory Group provides high level political and technical advice to design and steer the implementation of reforms to support the modernisation process underpinning democracy, good governance, rule of law, and market economy. It includes advice on inter alia strengthening democratic structures, combating fraud and corruption and enhancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in line with Armenia’s international commitments. In light of the positive assessment of the project’s first phase, a second phase extended it to July 2010, with ENPI funding continuing support as of October 2010. Activities and State of Play The programme provided policy advice to senior government officials via the deployment of 14 advisors to the Presidential Administration, the Prime Minister’s Office, the Parliament, the Human Rights Defender, the Ministries of Finance, Economy and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Economy. Advice was focused on: (i) strengthening democratic institutions including separation of powers, judicial independence and improved functioning of local government as the National Assembly; (ii) strengthening respect for human rights including developing the Human Rights Defenders Office in line with European and international standards, developing the latter as the National Preventive Mechanism within the terms of OPCAT and assistance in drafting a Human Rights Protection Plan; (iii) enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of public administration, including the introduction of e-government, an ethics code, establishment of a unitary and transparent recruitment system as well as improved professional training for public servants alongside advice on reform of law enforcement bodies as set out in the National Security Strategy and the ENP Action Plan; (iv) assisting with the promotion of pluralism in public media as well as promoting media professionalism; (v) supporting economic, social and public finance management reforms, including preparations for the negotiation and future conclusions of a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA) with the EU, advice on public debt management as well as target advice on sanitary and phyto-sanitary (SPS) regulations, technical barriers to trade (TBT) and intellectual property rights (IPR) with view to future full alignment with the EU acquis. A concrete example of the impact of advisors role was the adoption of the Customs Anti-Corruption Action Plan by the State Revenue Committee in February 2010. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The EU has agreed an ambitious ENP Action Plan with Armenia. The IfS project addressed the causes of internal instability while at the same time supporting reforms in line with the ENP Action Plan. An evaluation of the two phases of the EUAG was completed in September 2010, and following the positive recommendation a third phase of EUAG started on 25 October 2010 with ENPI funding of EUR 4.2 million. Implementation of Instrument for Stability (IfS)
Programmes in Bangladesh Title of IfS Decision || Programme of support for the restoration of socio-economic stability and strengthening of community resilience in areas affected by cyclone AILA in Bangladesh || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Post-Disaster Recovery Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 10/06/2010 Amount(s) || € 5,000,000 Contracted: € 5,000,000 Paid: € 3,767,183 Start Date of Project || 01/07/2010 End Date || 30/12/2011 Context of Instability EU-Bangladesh relations date back to shortly after Bangladesh's creation as a state in 1971, and reached a new level of partnership with the Cooperation Agreement of 2001. This Agreement considerably broadened the scope of co-operation, to include trade and economic development, human rights, good governance and the environment. Bangladesh ended two years of military rule in December 2008, after largely peaceful and credible elections saw the Awami League voted back into office. The elections represented a step towards developing a more effective democracy, but significant challenges still remain for South Asia’s poorest country. In the aftermath of the democratic transition, political parties face the ongoing challenge of making parliament work. Bangladesh is faced with several challenges that transcend partisan politics such as weak judicial and law enforcement agencies, ethnic conflict, poor relations with regional neighbours, poverty, illiteracy and low development indicators (particularly for women). Hurricane AILA struck Bangladesh on 25 May 2009. Although damage was concentrated in a smaller geographic area than during cyclone SIDR in 2007, a large number of critically important polder embankments were severely damaged, wiping out livelihoods within the polders and rural road infrastructure. The delayed repair of the polder embankments has resulted in a protracted relief situation. Short Description The overall objective of the project is to contribute to stability and rehabilitation in the coastal areas of south-western Bangladesh devastated by cyclone AILA. Specifically, it provides urgently needed support for the recovery and rehabilitation of rural infrastructure and livelihoods in affected coastal areas. In addition, it aims to promote socio-economic stability and to strengthen the economic and physical resilience and protection of communities against future natural disasters. Activities and State of Play The project has two components, each one featuring a number of major activities: 1) Promoting socio-economic stability through livelihood support; 2) Strengthening community resilience and preparedness. The local implementing partner, BRAC, a leading NGO in Bangladesh, started its work on 1 July 2010. Project beneficiaries were selected from occupational groups affected by cyclone AILA using a set of predefined criteria for each category of beneficiary: female-headed households, vulnerable children, the disabled, the elderly with no income-earning household members, ethnic minorities and other socially excluded groups are particularly targeted. The project is implemented in 5 upazillas (sub-districts) in 3 districts. The impact of the cash-for-work component was double: providing urgently needed income to buy food and other essentials, while re-establishing crucial rural infrastructure to re-launch income generation and markets. Components such as small business, fish pond rehabilitation, tricycle van and vegetable production have already achieved an excellent impact. Other components, such as social forestry, will be longer term. In many cases, the project goes beyond livelihood rehabilitation due to the use of high-quality inputs and close technical supervision. BRAC is coordinating closely with the Government and local authorities on AILA rehabilitation programmes. There has been strong support and government presence, which has been instrumental in mobilising farmers to accept agricultural innovation by attending community meetings and providing training. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response This action is linked to the post-AILA relief phase, for which DG ECHO has already contributed over €22 million, and the longer-term development of the affected areas. It was designed to support reconstruction, complementing DG ECHO emergency assistance and linking up with DG ECHO disaster preparedness activities (DIPECHO) and EU development support to reduce disaster risk and improve food security. The EU Delegation to Bangladesh ensures complementarity with planned and ongoing DG ECHO activities and assistance from other development partners Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Belarus Title of IfS Decision || Support for domestic election observation || Copyright: Collins Bartholomew Ltd 2010 Date of Adoption of IfS Decision Amount(s) || 12 August 2010 Contracted: €448,366 Contracted: as of 31/12/2010 €441,300 Paid: as of 31/12/2010 €353,040 Start Date of Project || 11 August 2010 End Date || 11 April 2011 Context of Instability Elections as a key instrument of political participation and civic involvement in democratic states are especially affected through the restriction of civic rights and liberties. Since the constitutional changes in 1996, no elections in Belarus have managed to meet OSCE standards, according to OSCE/ODIHR assessments. The project presupposes that misconduct of elections could increase the risk of political instability in the country. Enhancing transparency during the Presidential elections was crucial for preventing conflict and destabilization over the electoral outcome. Short Description The project addressed the lack of civic control and transparency of the 19 December 2010 Presidential elections in Belarus by empowering a network of civic organisations to organise, all over the country, a fully-fledged domestic monitoring of the election process and the election itself. Activities and State of Play The observation campaign consisted of three main types of activities: (1) training sessions for the observation team (long-term observers, short-term observers, journalists, and lawyers), (2) monitoring of all stages of the Presidential elections, including election day and the post election period and (3) organization of a public information campaign in Belarus and abroad though regular email newsletter and international press conferences. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response As it focused on long-term domestic election observation, the project complemented the international OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission. The project was fully in line with the EU strategy for Belarus. It contributed to the implementation of the main priority area of the EU development cooperation, namely support for democracy, respect for human rights and the development of civil society. It was rendered more effective by associating the independent media sector and NGOs. The project also offered an additional tool (complementary to OSCE/ODHIR reports) for the EU to properly assess the conduct of the elections in light of the review of the EU’s sanctions towards Belarus and EU’s approach towards this country more generally. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Bolivia Titles of IfS Decisions || (1) Comprehensive Study on the Legal Demand of the Coca Leaf in Bolivia (2007/ 19663) ; (2) Promotion of political dialogue and effective democratic institutions (2009/21873) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Dates of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 15/11/2007 (under the “PAMF” Facility); (2) 05/10/2009 Amount(s) || (1) € 1,000,000 Contracted: € 999,953 Paid: € 910,953 (2) € 4,000,000 Contracted: € 3,925,706 Paid: € 3,246,350 || Start Dates of Project || (1) 01/02/2008 (2) 01/09/2009 || End Dates || (1) 31/01/2010 (2) 31/07/2011 Context of Instability Over the past few years, Bolivia has experienced a series of social, economic and political conflicts, resulting in a deepening of divisions. On the one side, the movement linked to the Central Government of President Morales (MAS) is supported by mainly the rural, indigenous poor and the lower middle-classes. On the other side, the Eastern Departments of the so-called “Media Luna” draw support primarily from the business sector as well as from the non-indigenous population. After his election in 2005, Evo Morales became Bolivia’s first indigenous president and embarked on a course to “re-found” the country through the drafting of a new constitution. This process has driven the two camps even further apart, at times accompanied by violent demonstrations. In the run-up to general and local elections and the subsequent phase of implementation of the Constitution into secondary legislation, to be approved 180 days after the convening of the Assembly, the tensions between the both camps can rapidly increase. However, the broad electoral victory of President Morales in the December 2009 elections seems to have secured apparent stability. Nonetheless, the polarisation risks tend now to shift to the regional level. At the same time, the complex issue of drug-trafficking is another potential destabilising factor. Short Description Two programmes under the IfS have been put in place during the last two years in order to help prevent conflict and to reduce the main threats to stability. (1) “Comprehensive Study on the Legal Demand of the Coca Leaf in Bolivia”, was decided in early 2008 with the aim of helping the authorities in framing an anti-drug national policy. Its objective is to generate official technical information regarding the licit consumption, marketing and industrialisation of the coca leaf as well as average productivity per hectare order to improve and strengthen Bolivian anti-narcotics policy. The second programme, (2) "Promotion of Political Dialogue and Effective Democratic Institutions in Bolivia", adopted in October 2009, addresses the immediate political and institutional challenges in the run-up to the general and local elections, held in April 2010, in order to help mitigate social and political conflict. In particular, the programme is designed to provide assistance to the organisation of the elections, to the promotion of non-violent dialogue, to the legislative reform process and to the fight against drugs. The credibility of the electoral process and the legitimacy of democratic institutions would be at risk if these issues were not addressed in the short run. Activities and State of Play (1) The Study on the Coca Leaf has completed seven of the eight countrywide statistical surveys and scientific studies foreseen. The studies have analysed the changes in consumption patterns and industrialisation of coca production in Bolivia generating information on the ancestral and ritual use of coca leaves. The study on productivity of coca production in the different production areas could not be completed under this action: its conclusions had not been presented by the Bolivian authorities by the end of June 2011. The results will support the formulation of a new legal framework for coca production, industrialisation and commerce, announced by the government for mid 2011. Since January 2010, overall project coordination including future follow-up, has been assumed by the Ministry of the Interior, which replaced a High-Level Commission. (2) “Promotion of Political Dialogue and Effective Democratic Institutions in Bolivia” began in September 2009 by supporting civil society election-related activities which aim to guarantee transparent and peaceful Presidential elections. Complementary to EU Member States' contributions, the programme built upon the local observation capacity of “Bolivia Transparente”, a national consortium of eleven NGOs which deployed around 4,000 domestic observers on the date of the Presidential election, 6 December 2009. The programme also supported the “Fundación Boliviana para la Democracia multipardiraria” which has guaranteed citizens’ access to comparative and impartial information on the electoral programmes of the main candidates. Support to the institutional capacity of the Electoral Commission has also been provided, jointly with UNDP, to ensure the continued management of the new biometric voters' register and the functioning of the Electoral Commission in line with the provisions of the new constitution. These activities complement and build on the recommendations of EU Election Observation Missions, which will feed into the drafting of secondary electoral legislation. With regard to the promotion of dialogue, agreements with the social movements representing indigenous populations, workers, and peasants, have been concluded serving as the basis for the construction of national dialogue. The intra- and inter-regional dialogue process, which includes the resource rich regions of Santa Cruz and Tarija, has advanced with the appointment of facilitators accepted by opposing factions and has had a noticeable change in attitudes. The action to strengthen the role of journalism in the promotion of stability organised nine seminars with high level experts from Bolivia, the Andean region and from the EU with very positive results. The Venice Commission is supporting the legislative process, having delivered preliminary expert opinion on draft legislation, in particular in the electoral and judicial fields. Finally, thanks to specific EU support in the fight against drugs, the UN Office for Drugs and Crime UNODC) has maintained a limited presence in La Paz which should help to advance the dialogue between the Government of Bolivia and the international community. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The IfS action is in line with the EU country strategy. It has contributed to the implementation of the three priority areas of EU development cooperation, namely: creating economic opportunities for decent work; the fight against production and trafficking of drugs; and sustainable management of natural resources. The IfS initiative not only reduced political conflict and strengthened democratic institutions but also increased the effectiveness of Bolivia’s public administration through the development of its legal framework. The new provisions of the constitution concerning economic activities and decent work, drugs, water management and environment, will require secondary legislation to be implemented, which will alter the framework in which EU cooperation operates. The IfS activities relating to the fight against drug-trafficking complement the programmes under regular EU cooperation financing. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Bosnia
and Herzegovina Title of IfS Decision || (1) Explosive Remnants of War (2) Explosive Remnants of War, phase 2 || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Post-Conflict Recovery Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 24 June 2008 (2) 16 November 2009 Amount(s) || (1) € 2,720,000 Contracted: € 2,720,000 Paid: € 2,448,000 (2) € 2,086,000 Contracted: € 2,086,000 Paid: € 1,129,927.44 Start Date of Project || (1) 1 July 2008 (2) 1 January 2010 || End Date || (1) 31 December 2009 (2) 30 June 2011 Context of Instability Since the end of the war in 1995, Bosnia and Herzegovina has made progress towards political stability and economic well-being. The country’s major concern is its future development and European integration, as opposed to the humanitarian concerns of the late nineties. Although problems persist, there is peace and stability, albeit fragile, throughout the country. Tax and customs law reforms are slowly leading towards a single internal market, the defence and security sectors were significantly reformed in 2006 and 2007, the country is a member of the NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) and it has signed the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union in June 2008. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement in December 2006. However, the country is still left with a wide dispersion of Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) which has an impact on the country’s accession towards the European and North-Atlantic integration. The presence of ERW represents a significant security threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina and may bring elements of regional instability due to the lack of capacity on the part of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Armed Forces to safeguard the ammunition storage sites. It is estimated that the Bosnia and Herzegovina Armed Forces has around 20,000 tonnes of ammunition surplus to its future needs. The ammunition is old and chemically unstable, requiring urgent safe disposal. Short Description In June 2008, after the adoption of the revision of the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) National Strategy 2008-2012, the Commission adopted a first IfS project addressing the threats posed by ERW in Bosnia and Herzegovina for €2.72 million. The programme was completed by the end of 2009. However, given the scale of the problem and the volume of ERW to be destroyed, a new follow-up Interim Response Programme was adopted for an additional 18 months. Both programmes support the state institutions dealing with ERWs and the destruction of remaining ERW by: i. upgrading their ammunition disposal capacities; ii. proceeding with environmentally-friendly industrial demilitarisation operations for ammunition and explosives; iii. reducing the ammunition storage and safeguarding requirements of the Bosnia and Herzegovina armed forces in support of defence reforms and completion of the transition of personnel. From 2010, the support will moreover build up the Disaster Management capacities of the country. The projects are implemented in partnership with UNDP. Activities and State of Play Demilitarisation activities are ongoing and over 6,800 tonnes of ammunition have been already destroyed. With the support of the project, Bosnia and Herzegovina started fulfilling its obligations under the Convention on Ban of Cluster Munitions by destroying of 75,000 pieces of cluster munitions type KB 1. Thanks to project support, It is expected that Bosnia and Herzegovina Armed Forces will become cluster-munitions-free by 2012. In addition, the project provided highly specialized technical expertise to the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the destruction of high-hazardous munitions such as air-fuel and cluster bombs and rocket warheads. The project provided equipment for the industrial processing of ammunition through energy saving and recycling processes (Autoclave machine, High Pressure Water Flush machine, and Ammunition Disassembly/Pull-Apart machine) that has accelerated the destruction of ammunitions and increased the safety of personnel and local populations living in the affected areas. Infrastructure has been upgraded and improved to dispose of ammunition in line with EU safety regulations and NATO standards related to destruction and storage processes. In addition, the project has continued to support the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the ministries of Interior in developing the Central Registry for Weapons and Military Equipment Movement Control as well as the harmonization of weapons-related legislation with the respective EU Directives. Moreover, the action supported implementation of the Safer Communities initiatives focusing on improvement of safe and security environment within selected communities. Finally, the project has received high political endorsement to continue expeditious disposal of ammunition. This was confirmed during the National Conference for Implementation of Small Arms and Light Weapons Strategy held in May 2010. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The project complements other EU activities financed under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and the CFSP budget, contributing effectively to wider international efforts to stabilise and demilitarise Bosnia and Herzegovina. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Burundi Title of IfS Decision || Support for the Demobilisation and Transitional Reintegration Process || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation, Reintegration and Demobilisation Date of Adoption of IfS Decision Amount(s) || 22/07/2009 € 4,000,000 Contracted: € 4,000,000 Paid: € 4,000,000 Start Date of Project || 11/12/2009 || End Date || 30/06/2011 Context of Instability Since the early 1990s, the Great Lakes region has been embroiled in a series of closely interlinked conflicts. In Burundi, the most recent period of violence started in 1993 and officially concluded with the signature of the Arusha Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in 2000. Democratic elections were held in 2005 following the successful conclusion of the political transition process, resulting in the election of President Pierre Nkurunziza. Despite these positive developments, a rebel group - the Palipehutu-FNL - remained active. Hostilities between the Government and the group continued even after the signature of the Comprehensive Ceasefire Agreement in September 2006. The peace process has stalled since but considerable progress was achieved in the December 2008 Declaration of the Summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Great Lakes region, which included renewed commitments by the Government of Burundi and the Palipehutu-FNL towards peace. One of the main challenges for the full implementation of this Agreement was the de-mobilization, and reintegration of the FNL combatants (and FNL dissidents) which needed to be done in the run-up to the 2010 general elections. In March 2009 a Partnership for Peace in Burundi was created. In November, the Partnership approved the conclusion of the current peace mission and at the end of the year, the last South African troops protecting the FNL leaders left. It is now the responsibility of the Government (advised by the UN Peace Building Commission) to ensure the consolidation of the peace process. Short Description Against this background and in order to maintain peace in view of the 2010 elections, it was crucial to ensure immediate support to help ex-combatants move away from their roles during conflict and help them reintegrate as members of society. Thus a Multi-donor Trust Fund, led by the World Bank, provides support to the national disarming, demobilisation and reintegration process (DDR). Activities and State of Play The programme provides targeted support to vulnerable groups such as women, children and the disabled. The demobilisation activities started after the official surrender of FNL weapons to the Burundian army on April 2009, and ended on 10 August 2009. A resettlement kit and personal orientation was given to all 4.950 demobilized FNL ex-combatants and 1,554 dissidents. Furthermore, over 1,670 people with a disability and 626 children benefited from a special programme. Activities for the transitional reintegration of the former combatants have now started. The EU contribution represents around 20% of the total cost of the programme (26.6 million US$). Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response Demobilization, reinsertion and reintegration in Burundi is part of a broader post-conflict recovery programme supported coherently by the international community. UNDP put in place a short-term programme to demobilise FNL-sympathisers (10,000), thereby preventing any revival of the rebellion among those not covered by the DDR project. The process has long term implications and must be accompanied by a successful reform of the security system, an area in which Belgium and the Netherlands are the lead donors. The EU is committed to peace and development in Burundi: the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes has visited Burundi several times. Aid contributions from the EU and its Member States - France, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden and United Kingdom - comprise about 70% of the total aid. FNL has become a political party but following its boycott of the 2010 elections and the hiding of its leader Agathon Rwasa, the party split and the government hurried to recognise, in August 2010, the anti-Rwasa wing (only official FNL since then). Most other opposition parties also boycotted the elections and their leaders went into exile. The EU missions in Bujumbura encourage the government and the opposition to develop a political dialogue. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Central
African Republic Title of IfS Decisions || (1) Support to national conciliation and prevention of conflict (2) Security System Reform Team of Experts (3) Support for measures to mitigate the social effects of restructuring of the armed forces || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Security System Reform Date of Adoption || (1) 07/07/2008; (2) 18/09/2008 (under the “PAMF” Facility); (3) 17/12/2008 Amount(s) || (1) € 1,100,000 Contracted: € 1,100,000 Paid: 990 000 (3) € 5,150,000 Contracted: € 5,059,850 Paid: € 4,213,415 || (2) € 2,000,000 Contracted: € 1,829,844 Paid: € 1,483,059 Start Dates of Projects || (1) 01/11/2008 - (2) 28/10/2008 - (3) 01/06/2009 End Dates || (1) 31/10/2010 - (2) 27/10/2010 - (3) 31/05/2011 Context of Instability The Central African Republic (CAR) is a fragile state among the poorest countries in the world in a post-conflict situation and bordered by a number of unstable countries including Sudan (Darfur), Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Its borders are porous, the authority of the State is seriously constrained outside Bangui, the capital and its Treasury is struggling to address arrears in public employee salaries and other payments. The security and humanitarian situation has deteriorated steadily with increasing violence generated from regionally-based political opposition and from banditry beyond Government control, leading to the deployment of peacekeeping missions (EUFOR CHAD until March 2009, subsequently replaced by MINURCAT and MICOPAX) which help to secure parts of the territory. In 2008, progress towards ending decades of conflict was made when a Comprehensive Peace Agreement was signed committing two of the main rebel groups to disarm, and in early 2009, a Government of national unity incorporating rebel leaders was established. In addition, the Government started to advance with reforms of the security sector and in particular, the restructuring of the army. Rapid support to democratic consolidation and security sector reform (SSR) is crucial to resolve former and ongoing conflicts and to prevent new outbreaks of violence, especially with view to the next elections. However, during 2010 the DDR process decelerated, the level of insecurity increased, in particular in the north and north-east. Moreover, legislative and Presidential elections were postponed twice and re-scheduled for January 2011. Short Description Since 2008, the IfS was deployed to underpin a sustainable resolution of the crisis. The overall objective of three IfS projects is to contribute to CAR’s political stabilisation and to respond to the country’s post-conflict needs: (1) Support to national conciliation and prevention of conflict - to facilitate national conciliation and democratic reforms before the 2011 elections, empowering the National Council for Mediation (NCM) as an effective mechanism of conflict prevention, management, resolution, and of good governance; (2) Security System Reform Team of Experts – to support the CAR Government at a strategic level in the initial phase of implementing the SSR strategy; and (3) Support for measures to mitigate the social effects of restructuring of the armed forces - to kick-start the SSR process by facilitating the retirement of a number of ageing army personnel, helping the reform of the armed forces, as incorporated in the 2009 military planning law. Activities and State of Play (1) Support to national conciliation and prevention of conflict - Over the last two years, the project provided a solid basis for the future role and work of the National Council of Mediation (NCM) by supporting its work as conciliator and ombudsman through assistance, training and expertise: it enhanced the strategic framework of the NCM; it supported the NCM role for national reconciliation; it provided the equipment and renovation of the NCM permanent premises; and it put in place a complaints system. (2) Security System Reform Team of Experts - This project provided institutional support and technical advice to the main ministries and institutions involved in Security Sector Reform and promoted donor coordination and cooperation. Five EU experts, including a Head of Mission, two security experts, a public finance expert and a spatial planning expert, and two UNDP governance and justice experts were deployed between October and December 2009. They contributed to developing and implementing a reform strategy including the establishment of an atlas (cartography) of spatial use and drafted an annual budget. A revised comprehensive security strategy was presented to the donor community, including projects focusing on strengthening operational capacities, training, ethics, and management. In addition, four experts supported national authorities in the field of economic development, political dialogue, spatial planning and public finance. A second socio-economic cartography was developed allowing for the identification of a project for reintegration of ex-combatants under the EDF. (3) Support for measures to mitigate the social effects of restructuring of the armed forces – This project provided a retirement package for army personnel qualified for retirement in 2007. Approximately 700 individual files of military and police officers were validated and the payment of the individual packages was completed by the end of 2010. With fair terms to return to civilian life the government could launch an ethnically and regionally-balanced recruitment drive, reintegrate ex-combatants into the force, and recruit 2,500 new soldiers. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The IfS is a significant part of the EU’s commitment to the peace process in CAR, complementing EU support by EUFOR CHAD, the African Peace Facility, with the Central African Multinational Force (MICOPAX) and development instruments. New EU support to the development of the rule of law and disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) to restructure the army, enhance the rule of law and reintegrate ex-combatants is planned, and is crucial for the stabilisation of the country. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Comoros Title of IfS Decision || Financial support to the preparation of parliamentary elections in the Union of Comoros || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Support related to election processes Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 4 November 2009 with retroactive effect (under the ‘Third Facility for urgent actions involving Policy Advice, Technical Assistance, Mediation and Reconciliation for the benefit of third countries in crisis situations’) Amount(s) || € 1,000,000 Contracted: as of 31/12/2009: € 1,000,000 Paid: as of 31/12/2009: € 950,000 Start Date of Project || 14/10/2009 End Date || 13/10/2010 + 6 months extension up to 13/04/2010 Context of Instability After the separatist crisis in 2007 and military intervention in 2008, Comoros is still considered as a post crisis country. It is in the middle of a crucial constitutional reform (including elections to the legislature) which, if successful, can consolidate democratic principles and institutions. Following the Constitutional revision of May 2009, Comoros is experiencing a fragile transition, compounded by high public debt, high levels of rural poverty, isolation due to insularity, poor infrastructure and economic and energy vulnerability. Against this background, the relations between the Union's Government and the three autonomous islands' executives contribute to the risks of political instability. The urgency of the intervention was linked to the very tight electoral timetable and to tensions between the Union's and Islands' executives and opposition over the implementation of the constitutional revision. Since April 2009, neither the Union Parliament nor Islands' assemblies have convened. The combined legislative elections (Union Parliament and Islands’ assemblies), due to take place in early 2009, have been postponed twice, due to lack of resources and capacity. The legislative elections that took place in December 2009 were an important milestone in the whole process. Transparent, well organised elections are essential for the formation of a credible, legitimate Parliament and to provide a balance of power within governmental institutions. Short Description The EU gave a positive answer to a request by the Comorian authorities for financial support, by providing assistance through a multi donor basket fund managed by UNDP, which provided direct support to the Electoral Commission. The project supported a wide range of activities related to the preparation and organisation of the elections. Funding, which notably covered expertise and staff, procurement of Election Day materials and logistic costs, was provided under the conditions that the Comorian electoral process would be credible, which included: a) an independent Electoral Commission; b) a credible registration of voters; c) indelible ink to avoid multiple-voting; d) dialogue mechanism set up; e) existing laws and constitutions respected; and finally a credible international observation. The project was implemented by the UNDP’s office in the Union of Comoros. Activities and State of Play The overall aim of the action was to make elections in Comoros not only possible but also more transparent and legitimate. The following key issues were identified to improve the electoral process with a view to increasing transparency and integrity: · increased capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission to better manage elections; · improved political environment through dialogue mechanisms for conflict resolution; · sensitisation and information campaigns; · improved capacity of the Constitutional court to deal with electoral issues, through equipment and assistance; enhanced capacity at national level to ensure electoral transparency– media and voter education, assistance to institutions and civil society organizations; · increased gender dimension in the electoral processes – participation of women in all electoral phases. Elections took place peacefully in December 2009. Results were accepted by all parties and the National assembly and three Islands Councils were put in place. A 6 month extension was given to UNDP in order to complete the second phase of the programme, which included a revision of the electoral lists and code for better sustainability. However, these activities could not be completed as foreseen because of Presidential elections in December 2010. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The action is complementary to other international efforts to support the process and consolidate international assistance within the UNDP Trust Fund. Other donors including France and the Arab League have also expressed an interest to contribute. While an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) was not deployed, an African Union EOM was funded under a recent IfS financial support measure to facilitate the deployment of AU EOMs in African countries affected by crisis, emerging crisis or post conflict situations. The European Union supports Comoros’ socio-economic development through the EDF, mainly in infrastructure and education sectors. Since Anjouan's 2007/08 separatist crisis, the EU is also strongly involved in the reconciliation process, along with other international partners under the lead of the African Union. A focus on good governance and institutional capacity building characterises the EU approach and interventions in Comoros. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Cuba Title of IfS Decision || Programme in Support to Post-Hurricane Rehabilitation in Cuba || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Post-Disaster Recovery Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 17/03/2009 Amount(s) || € 7,500,000 Contracted: as of 31/12/2009: € 7,500,000 Paid: as of 31/12/2010 € 6,303,026 Start Date of Project || April/May 2009 End Date || First semester 2011 Context of Instability Hurricanes Gustav, Ike and Paloma, which hit Cuba between August and November 2008, damaged or destroyed over 500.000 houses, required the temporary evacuation of some three million Cubans and caused overall damage and losses estimated at almost USD 10 billion. The hurricanes also destroyed vast amounts of crops and significantly damaged agricultural production capacity throughout the country. This was the case in particular in the provinces of Camaguey, Granma, Holguin, Las Tunas, the Isle of Youth and Pinar del Rio. Following the Council Conclusions of 23 June 2008 lifting the diplomatic measures against Cuba, EU political dialogue with Cuba was re-launched after years of interruption and EU co-operation with Cuba formally resumed in October 2008. EU contribution to post-hurricane rehabilitation was therefore considered as necessary in view of the extent of the damage but also particularly timely in the context of EU-Cuba relations. It was welcomed by the Cuban authorities. Short Description The IfS supports post-hurricane rehabilitation in Cuba by helping rehabilitate essential agricultural production capacity in the six worst-affected provinces. Rehabilitation is a vital stage between emergency relief programmes (including the already completed ECHO programmes) and longer term development programmes in the agricultural sector. The programme is implemented through grant contracts signed directly with partner organizations which consist of four European NGO led respectively by Welthungerhilfe, Intermón Oxfam, CISP (Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli) and FOS – Solidaridad Socialista. Common local counterparts for all projects are the Cuban agricultural associations ANAP, ACPA and ACTAF. Projects were implemented in 14 municipalities in the six beneficiary provinces, supporting more than 240 productive entities (essentially farmers' cooperatives), with 43,866 direct beneficiaries overall. One of the projects focused more specifically on urban agriculture. Activities and State of Play The interim response programme was designed in close cooperation with the Cuban authorities. It was decided to focus activities thematically (i.e. on agriculture as the country's key rehabilitation priority), geographically (i.e. on the six priority provinces) and in size (i.e. small number of large projects to achieve greater critical mass and impact). Agriculture was identified as the key rehabilitation priority as much of the country’s rural food production depends on small and medium farms and co-operatives whose productive capacities (irrigation systems, tools and machinery, productive buildings, power supply, fences etc.) were destroyed or badly damaged during hurricanes. The bulk of the programme budget was used to rehabilitate and upgrade these productive capacities, with view to rapid recovery and ideally surpassing pre-hurricane food production levels in the affected provinces. Activities also took account of the need for disaster risk reduction (DRR), e.g. by putting in place more resilient or removable infrastructure to face new hurricanes. Training on disaster risk reduction was also provided. The IfS programme is clearly perceived as a joint endeavour and has been instrumental in helping re-open doors for EU cooperation with Cuba. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The focus of the IfS programme helped to ensure the link between the DG ECHO-funded humanitarian response to hurricanes (two humanitarian response programmes totalling € 4 million were adopted and executed by means of 11 projects) and the subsequent development projects designed on larger scale - Food Facility & Food Security Thematic Programme (FSTP). Most IfS partner-NGOs were involved in the ECHO programme and most are also involved in the 2010 FSTP calls for proposals. In June 2009, the Commission signed an € 11.7 contribution agreement with UNDP for the "PALMA" project (Spanish acronym for "programme of local support to the modernisation of agriculture"). The objective of PALMA is to decrease the country’s dependency on imported food, by increasing agricultural production through support to cooperatives, individual farmers and the related local entities of rural municipalities. In addition to the UNDP-implemented action, a further € 12.1 million out of the FSTP programme is to be implemented through NGOs. Clearly the activities of the IfS-funded projects have been closely coordinated with both of the above thus ensuring the effective links between relief, rehabilitation and development (LRRD), hence reducing the negative effect of food price rises Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Democratic
Republic of Congo Title of IfS Decision || (1) Support for peace & stabilisation in eastern DR Congo (2) Establishment of an integrated system for human resources management within the Congolese National Police (PNC) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Regional peace building capacity & Security Sector Reform Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 20/06/2008 - (2) 16/08/2007 Amount(s) || (1) € 10,000,000 Contracted: € 9,996,733 Paid: € 7,012,745 || (2) € 5,000,000 Contracted: € 4,979,663 Paid: € 4,727,865 Start Date of Project || (1) various projects from 17/11/2008 (2) various from 27/02/2008 End Date || (1) all components ended in 2010 except the police project which runs until mid 2011 (2) various component end dates in 2010 Context of Instability Tensions and conflicts between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and some of its eastern neighbours have their roots in both local factors and the region’s history. The DRC and its neighbours have made progress along the road to peace and stabilisation since 2002 and this, together with a successful political transition, led to the 2006 elections. However, tensions still remain in a number of areas in eastern DRC despite encouraging developments on rapprochement between the DRC and Rwanda. On the one hand, the joint Rwanda/DRC military operations against the FDLR rebels have contributed to weaken the FDLR, and to improve the humanitarian situation in a number of areas, but on the other hand they have also led to renewed suffering of the populations in the war-torn areas. The Ihusi Agreement of 23 March 2009 marked the rapprochement between the government and ex-military rebel groups. Although the integration of the former armed groups was achieved formally, their real integration into the country's political and military system has progressed slowly. The context remains extremely volatile and could easily deteriorate, given the fragility of the process. Short Description The IfS is supporting a range of security sector and stabilisation related actions in the DRC through 1) a € 10 million programme in support of peace and stabilisation in eastern DRC; 2) a separate € 5 million Security System Reform (SSR) measure to support the establishment of an integrated system for human resources management within the Police Nationale Congolaise. Activities and State of Play (1) Support for peace and stabilisation in eastern DRC: This programme is made up of a cluster of four complementary components: · targeted policy and technical assistance in support of ongoing peace, stabilisation and reconciliation processes in eastern DRC (implementing partner: International Alert); · promotion of confidence-building measures between the DRC and its eastern neighbours (particularly Rwanda), through support to the relevant authorities to improve cross-border cooperation on patrolling national parks straddling the borders of the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda (implementing partner: Africa Conservation Fund or ACF); · support for the deployment and establishment of Congolese national police in eastern DRC (financing agreement with the Congolese National Police); · improving security and access conditions for isolated or cut-off rural communities through the opening up of key access roads in the Kivu provinces. During 2010, good progress was made on the improving security and access for the local population through the opening up of rural access roads in Masisi and Rutshuru and in the zones of Kamango. These routes, in particular in Kamango, facilitated the redeployment of the administrative authorities and the security forces into these areas. These actions have also contributed to the creation of employment through ‘cash for work’. The project with the national park authorities, implemented with the ACF, contributed not only to cross-border cooperation between different bodies but also to the weakening of the revenue sources of the FDLR. In fact, the IfS actions facilitated the conduct of various operations against the illegal exploitation of charcoal. These operations were accompanied by project support for the production and distribution of alternative sources of energy (briquettes) for the local population. (2) Establishment of an integrated system for Human Resources Management within the Congolese National Police (PNC): This action facilitated police reform aimed at improving the overall delivery of policing services to the DRC population. Project activities included reorganising, training and providing new centralised office accommodation for staff in the PNC’s Human Resources, Budget and Finance Directorates and informatics services. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response These IfS actions are complementary to other Commission-managed SSR activities under the EDF, and all of these EU actions are implemented in close coordination with the two CSDP civilian missions in the DRC: EUSEC and EUPOL. (1) Support for peace & stabilisation in eastern DR Congo: This IfS programme has contributed to the wider UN ‘Stabilisation Plan’ for eastern Congo. Meanwhile, the Commission has implemented significant EU humanitarian aid as well as wide ranging recovery, reconstruction and development actions financed under the European Development Fund (EDF) in eastern DRC. (2) Establishment of an integrated system for Human Resources Management in the Congolese National Police: The reorganisation of the Congolese National Police is based on new human resource management procedures supported by newly developed software which will henceforth enable the centralisation of all data collected nationwide. This last activity is to be implemented by IOM with complementary EU funding under the European Development Fund (EDF). Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Ecuador Title of IfS Decision || Strengthening Human Security in the Northern Border Area of Ecuador (FOSIN) IfS-RMM/2010/244-667 || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Exceptional Assistance Measure Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || Commission Decision C(2010) 3697 of 10/06/2010 Amount(s) || € 3,000,000 Contracted: € 3,000,000 Paid: € 2,400,000 Start Date of Project || 1 August 2010 || End Date || 31 January 2012 Context of Instability The Northern region of Ecuador, bordering on Colombia, is one of the most insecure zones in South America. This is due to a combination of interdependent factors such as the clandestine incursions of Colombian rebel forces and other irregular groups, the influx of Colombian refugees, the activities of drug-related organized crime, the constant violation of human rights and abuse of particularly vulnerable population groups and trafficking of human beings. The living conditions of the population in Ecuador's northern border area are severely affected by the critical security situation, further exacerbated by the humanitarian crisis of having at least 70,000 Colombian refugees in need of international protection This context presents an acute threat to stability, law and order, the protection of human rights and, generally, to the security and safety of Ecuadorian and Colombian individuals living in the Ecuadorian northern border area. This emerging crisis requires an urgent intervention in order to help pre-empt a violent escalation of the situation, to support peace and stabilization and to foster human security. Short Description The project aims to decrease the level of violence and insecurity in the Ecuadorian northern border area, reducing the incidence of local population groups becoming involved in illegal activities and promoting cross-border peace and development. It will support inter alia the establishment of community-based security systems to be agreed between public institutions, law enforcement bodies and civil-society organizations in the Northern provinces and actions to improve the protection of the basic human rights of highly -vulnerable population groups. Support will also be available for dialogue processes bringing together population groups and public authorities in the border zone so as to encourage local actors to assume their responsibilities in dealing with the crisis situation and fostering peace-building measures. Activities and State of Play This project focuses on three components: - strengthening security systems between communities, local authorities, civil society and the law-enforcement bodies in the border region, in order to mitigate the effects of the security crisis; - measures to help prevent human rights violations as well as the improvement and institutionalisation of restitution mechanisms regarding the rights of vulnerable population groups; - promotion of a dialogue process on the functions and responsibilities of local agents on both sides of the border so as to help overcome the crisis situation and foster local development. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The programme builds on the EU's long-standing cooperation activities in the northern border region under the Development Cooperation Instrument and different thematic instruments in the areas of cooperation with local governments, universities, civil society groups, environment protection, rights of Human Rights defenders, indigenous populations, migrant women and children’s rights. Thus the programme will actively reinforce the EU commitment to the safety and security of the northern border and also assist the EU peace-building efforts and commitments in Colombia. All this takes place, in close dialogue with other EU actors in the field, including joint or bilateral actions of EU Member States. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Georgia Title of IfS Decision || (1) Support to Mitigate the Consequences of the recent armed Conflict in Georgia (CRIS 2008/20612) (2) Support confidence building measures and de-conflicting after the armed conflict in Georgia in August 2008 (CRIS 2009/21737) (3) Support for Georgian efforts to overcome its political crises and to deepen its democratic reforms (CRIS 2010/22374) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Post-conflict assistance, confidence building measures, technical assistance Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 05/12/2008 (2) 22/07/2009 || (3) 15/04/2010 Amount(s) || (1) € 15,000,000 Contracted: € 14,999,172 Paid: € 13,969,581.95 (2) € 14,000,000 Contracted: € 13,999,443 Paid: € 11,181,074.46 || (3) € 7,850,000 Contracted: € 7,844,999.99 Paid: € 6,287,482.35 Totals || Committed: € 36,850,000; Contracted: € 36,843,614.99; Paid: € 31,438,138.76 Start Date of Project || (1) 05/12/2008; (2) 22/07/2009; (3) 15/04/2010 End Date || (1) 31/12/2009; (2) 31/12/2010; (3) 31/12/2011 Context of Instability Since the break-up of the Soviet Union, two unresolved conflicts in Georgia’s regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia have undermined stability. Both entities aspired to break away from Georgia and declare their independence. At present while they are recognised as part of Georgia by the EU and most international actors. A period of growing tensions in both breakaway regions escalated in August 2008, when Georgia engaged in an armed conflict with Russia and separatist groups from South Ossetia and Abkhazia. After mediation by the EU, the parties reached a ceasefire agreement on 12 August 2008. After the August 2008 war, the break-away regions unilaterally declared their independence, which in the interim has been recognised by Russia, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Nauru and Vanuatu. An EU monitoring mission (EUMM) was established on 15 September 2008 and is still in place, monitoring and analyzing the stabilization process. However, continued refusal of access to the breakaway regions for the EUMM results in asymmetrical implementation of the Mission’s mandate. While sporadic incidents are reported along the administrative boundary lines, no serious violations occurred in the last months of 2010. The EU continues to support peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia, while fully respecting Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The EU has been one of the biggest contributors to conflict resolution and confidence building efforts in Georgia since 1990s, mainly through the European Neighbourhood Policy Instrument. After the August 2008 war, the EU-funded programmes in the breakaway region of South Ossetia came to a practical standstill. In the breakaway region of Abkhazia and adjacent areas in Western Georgia however, EU projects are still ongoing and the EU remains the largest donor. However, the Georgian "State Strategy on Occupied Territories”, its Action Plan and the “Modalities for Conducting Activities in the Occupied Territories of Georgia" (all under the Law on Occupied Territories) adopted by the Georgian Government in 2010 impose some restrictions on donors and their implementing partners that carry out international assistance projects in the breakaway regions. A strict implementation of these ‘modalities’ by the Georgian government could impede all ongoing and future activities and confidence building projects in the break-away regions. Short Description (1) Support to Mitigate the Consequences of the recent armed Conflict in Georgia – This project supported IDPs and returnees and their integration into Georgian society to remove the long-term threat to the country’s political stability posed by a large IDP and returnee population. It focused on support for IDPs and returnees, in particular on winterization of housing and on early recovery activities, as identified in the UN Flash Appeal (carried out in October 2008). (2) Support confidence building measures and de-conflicting after the armed conflict in Georgia in August 2008 – The project has 4 components: (i) confidence building, people-to-people contacts in Georgia, including in regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, in order to help prepare the ground for a long-term peaceful solution to the conflict, (ii) support to democratisation in Georgia, (iii) support the socio-economic integration of IDPs, and (iv) assistance in Abkhazia, in particular to civil society capacity building and support to returnees in the Gali district. (3) Support for Georgian efforts to overcome its political crises and to deepen its democratic reforms – This project supports activities in the following five areas: (i) Election Media Support; (ii) Support to a planned repatriation and integration process of the Muslim Meskhetians; (iii) Confidence Building Early Response Mechanism (COBERM); (iv) Support to the State Ministry of Reintegration; (v) Introducing the concept of transitional justice in the Georgian-Abkhaz context. Activities and State of Play (1) Support to Mitigate the Consequences of the recent armed Conflict in Georgia – A total of 9,595 IDPs received a living space or saw an improvement in their living conditions. Efforts were put into facilitating dialogue between IDPs and host communities and in supporting IDPs advocacy for their rights as well as cooperate with local authorities. 23 infrastructure projects, including hospitals, sewage/drainage systems, schools, kindergartens, public buildings, water supply systems and gas supply systems were carried out. Over 500 students enrolled in the VET centre set up in one of the cities with the highest rate of IDP population. More than 3,000 loans were distributed among vulnerable IDPs. (2) Support confidence building measures and de-conflicting after the armed conflict in Georgia in August 2008 – Activities provided strong support for the socio-economic reintegration of IDPs. It also focused on strengthening the media, confidence building measures, community mobilisation and enhancing the electoral system. In this respect, 48,000 members of the election administration were trained. Mechanisms were established allowing for a permanent coordination among the IfS projects and with other actors present in the area, including international and local NGOs, donors, and International Organisations. With regard to IDPs, 122 community-based projects were carried out, 10,000 people received vocational training, 22 agricultural groups were created, 10,660 self-reliance or micro grants distributed, 55 Community Centres were set up and 37 Community Development plans designed with the participation of IDPs, host communities and local authorities. In Abkhazia, more than 1,700 persons received legal counselling, 98% of the population of age 0-17 was vaccinated against polio, around 16,900 people benefited from 72 completed infrastructure projects, such as rehabilitation and water supply for medical health points and school canteens, internet services for schools, renovation of medical points, kindergartens, sports and play facilities Some 600 young people took part in training on conflict prevention, leadership, civic education, tolerance. (3) Support for Georgian efforts to overcome its political crises and to deepen its democratic reforms –COBERM has proven to be an extremely valuable tool, with more than 250 project ideas received, resulting in support for 68 small confidence-building projects However, there are indications that the Government of Georgia (GoG) may wish to directly link all EU projects to the new Action Plan under the Georgian 'State Strategy for the Occupied Territories: Engagement for Cooperation' and Modalities, as adopted in July and October 2010. In such a scenario, NGOs from Abkhazia and South Ossetia might not be able to take part in the programme Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response IfS actions in Georgia were developed in cooperation with the EUSR and the later deployment of the EUMM monitoring mission in October 2008. They are in line with the EU strategy in the South Caucasus and complement EU humanitarian aid and assistance provided under European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) annual action plans in the aftermath of the August 2008 conflict. The inherent flexibility of IfS has been key in allowing the EU to be present in the conflict-affected areas (particularly Abkhazia) and bring other stakeholders in such as local and international NGOs, International Organisations and other donors. The impact of the IfS interventions has been high. However, if a practical ‘way forward’ is not found for the implementation of the Georgian “State Strategy”, its Action Plan and Implementing Modalities, continuity of IfS interventions and consolidation of their impact through mainstream development assistance programmes under ENPI cannot be guaranteed. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Haiti Title of IfS Decision || (1) Rehabilitation of the Martissant quartier - Port-au-Prince (2) Human Rights Networks Peace Building Capacity Project (3) Programme to Support the Restoration of the Haitian Government's Crisis Preparedness Capacity (4) Programme in Support of Presidential and Legislative Elections || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation, Capacity Building, elections Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || (1) 22/12/2007; (2) 31/03/2008; (3) 27/07/2010; (4) 19/10/2010 Amount(s) || (1) € 3,000,000; Contracted: € 2,926,213; Paid: € 2,522,120 (2) € 589,598; Contracted: € 589,598; Paid: € 235,975 (3) € 20,000,000 Contracted: € 19,999,990; Paid: € 11,851,522.61 (4) € 5,000,000; Contracted: € 5,000,000; Paid: € 4,500,000.00 Start Date of Project || (1) 15/02/2008; (2) 01/04/2009; (3) 01/10/2010; (4) 20/10/2010 End Date || (1) 14/08/2009; (2) 31/03/2012; (3) 01/04/2012; (4) 20/04/2012 Context of Instability[1] Haitian progress towards becoming a more democratic and prosperous state since the collapse of the the Duvalier dictatorship has been unsteady. Instability and economic deterioration under a series of military and civilian governments, exacerbated by episodic coup d'états, have characterised the country's recent history despite considerable international attention. A peaceful environment prevailed nonetheless after the election of President René Préval in 2006, supported also by the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). The Haitian Government crafted a poverty-reduction and economic-growth strategy (PRGS) deal with the country’s dysfunctional institutions, poor governance, corruption, crime, drug trafficking and environmental vulnerability. However, soaring world prices for food and fuel in 2008hit the already extremely vulnerable Haitian population disproportionately leading to social unrest and political crisis. Demonstrations were contained by MINUSTAH and the Haitian Police but the situation ultimately provoked the ouster of the prime minister and no government for five months. Moreover, in the midst of this political crisis, 4 devastating hurricanes severely hit Haiti, killing over 800 persons and visiting destruction on livelihoods and infrastructure estimated at 15% of GDP. Some analysts called 2008 a ‘lost year’ for Haiti. On 12 January 2010, Haiti was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, the country's worst in 200 years. Its epicentre was the capital of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas. Other districts such as Leogane, Gressier and Carrefour, suffered large scale destruction, with up to 90% of buildings destroyed in some places. Haitian Government figures estimate the disaster cost over 230,000 lives with additional 300,000 injured. Public buildings and infrastructure, homes and businesses were destroyed leaving more that 1 million people homeless living in tents or outdoors in some 450 improvised caps in Port-au-Prince. The capacity of the State to effectively administer the country weakened considerably with the loss of many State buildings (Presidential Palace, Parliament, key Ministries) and key staff members. The earthquake interrupted much-advanced constitutional reform as well as preparations for legislative elections, originally planned for February 2010. Consequently, the mandates of all the members of the Chambers of Deputies as well as one third of the Senate expired on 10 May. On 16 April 2010, the Government issued a decree extending the State of Emergency, initially declared on 16 January, by a further 18 months. Under the provisions of the State of Emergency, on 24 June the Government issued decrees giving the Conseil Electoral Provisoire (CEP) the mandate to conduct presidential elections, setting 28 November 2010 as the date of both the first round of Presidential and legislative elections. The electoral process in post-earthquake Haiti was a huge challenge for weak Haitian administration to deal with electoral lists' verification (especially amid so many IDP camps), weak political parties (with the exclusion the important political groups Lavalas) all of which announced a low-turn out risk. There were accusations of a flawed process during the whole organisation of the polls despite a large scale presence of OEA MOE, widely supported by international community. Publication of first-round Presidential results led to political unrest at the end of November, and required the intervention of an additional "OEA verification mission" which finally changed the run-off candidates to the detriment of the leading candidate. This conflict delayed the electoral deadlines and final results for presidential elections were only announced on April 21st 2011. Michel Martelly was declared new elected President of the Republic of Haiti. Legislative results were also highly controversial, as the leading party (Inité, the only one to have actual representation in all national circumscriptions) was again accused of fraud. A new "OEA verification mission" was again formed but with mixed results this time as the Electoral council refused to incorporate all recommended modifications in results. A national electoral dispute group later endorsed part of OEA's results. Voters' turn-out was, as expected, the lowest in democratic history of Haiti, weakening both newly elected President and a legislative body much divided and potentially hostile to the presidency. Massive recovery and reconstruction challenges still need to be addressed together with continuing need to reform governance (to consolidate the democratic process and to create new opportunities for economic growth. In this respect, the associated humanitarian challenges and risks need to be taken into full account. Short Description (1) Réhabilitation of the Martissant quartier - Port-au-Prince: provides for the rehabilitation poor Martissant neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince, exposed to high levels of violence due to the practical absence public authority. (2) Instrument de stabilité - Préparation aux situations de crise: aimed to foster cooperation and organisation within civil society by strengthening the organizational and technical capacity of the National Network of Human Rights Defence broadening local understanding of civic rights and responsibilities in relation to the role and limitations of the State. (3) Programme to Support the Restoration of the Haitian Government's Crisis Preparedness Capacity: aimed to restore rapidly the government and administration’s capacity to address most urgent needs following the devastating 12 January 2010 earthquake. (4) Programme in Support of Presidential and Legislative Elections: promoted political stabilisation supporting the electoral process for the 2010 Presidential and legislative elections in order to offset a political crisis associated with an unconstitutional situation and risks of renewed instability. Activities and State of Play (1) FOKAL completed a socio-demographic and economic diagnosis alongside a study on risks and disasters in the area. A participatory process with local organizations took place around the theme of citizenship in the park as from late November 2008 with a third phase of dialogue process beginning in October led by CONCERN and the implementation of a labour-intensive waste collection programme by OXFAM between June and August 2008. (2) 10 department networks of 15 people were established to work on project management, risk management and disaster response as well as on socio-economic and cultural rights. Training sessions on women’s empowerment were also held in the 10 departments, enabling activists to document living conditions in the camps of those displaced after the earthquake. (3) The project provides technical assistance for supporting the displaced population through a cash-for-work early recovery programme implemented by UNDP. It also reinforced the Haitian civil protection system (IMG) including the construction of a Haiti Crisis Room for Civil Protection (Joint Research Centre) and strengthened Haiti’s institutional base and enhancing Haitian leadership in and ownership of the recovery process (Club de Madrid) (4). The programme supported the organisation of the Presidential and legislative elections through a UNDP Basket Fund, with the technical partnership of the UN-Peace-keeping Mission to Haiti (MINUSTAH) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) over an 18 month-period. Specifically, operations included inter alia acquisition of electoral materials, execution of the payroll for electoral personnel, establishment of an IT network between the Conseil Electoral Provisoire’s (CEP) main office and their regional offices as well as training of electoral staff within the CEP; support to a voter communication, information and civil education programme; a vote tabulation centre, updating of electoral lists and development of an electoral dispute-resolution system. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response All IfS Interventions in Haiti are line with EU strategy and complement interventions under other assistance programmes such as the European Development Fund (EDF) as well as d interventions of EU Member States' in Haiti in the areas of crisis prevention, disaster prevention and civil protection, governance and political stabilisation. Since 2006, Haiti has been identified as a fragile-state, much in need of development-cooperation actions (under EDF & other instruments) as well as of rapid stabilising operations, beyond the humanitarian mechanisms offered by ECHO. This has been the particular case since January 2010 when EU had not only to engage in humanitarian rapid intervention but in reconstruction commitments which require long and complex programming efforts. In this context, IfS was key to rapidly identifying and launching a large disaster-preparedness project helping to reassure Haitian authorities that EU commitments were being maintained. Implementation of Instrument for Stability (IfS) Programmes in Honduras Title of IfS Decision || Promoting Democratic Governance and Reconciliation in Honduras || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation, Capacity Building, elections Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 08/07/2010 Amount(s) || € 1.150.000,00 Contracted: € 1.150.000,00 Paid: € 754,361 Start Date of Project || 01/09/2010 || End Date || 28/02/2012 Context of Instability Honduras has just experienced its deepest political, institutional and social crisis since democracy was restored in the early 1980s. On 28 June 2009, the Honduran armed forces intervened in political life, forcing the democratically-elected President Manuel Zelaya into exile. On the same day, the Honduran Congress deposed Zelaya and the President of Congress, Roberto Micheletti, was nominated interim President, leading a de facto Government for the next 7 months. The general election held in November 2009 was conducted in a generally transparent manner and marked a turning point in the resolution of the crisis. The election of President Lobo and his programme of national reconciliation have brought institutional stability but the overall political situation of the country remains fragile, with serious economic and democratic challenges and a high degree of social polarisation as well as weaknesses regarding the protection of human rights. Such a situation constitutes a major threat to any possible agreement to implement necessary reforms. Short Description The project supports the ongoing national reconciliation process with view to strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and implementing necessary social and political reforms. Its specific objectives are: 1) To strengthen democratic governance by facilitating the establishment of platforms for social and political dialogue. 2) To promote respect for human rights by strengthening the regulatory mechanisms for human rights actors. 3) To support national reconciliation through technical assistance to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established in May 2010. 4) To build up conflict prevention capacities of media actors in order to facilitate their participation in the reconciliation process. Activities and State of Play The project covers 4 components: 1) Political Platforms for dialogue and reforms: establishment of platforms for social and political dialogue among national, regional, and local actors on essential political and institutional reforms, including strengthening civil society capacity to effectively participate in platforms. It supports the Supreme Electoral Tribunal in the organisation of public information workshops and consultations on political and electoral reforms. It led discussions with the Truth Commission, the National Congress and the Government about possible reforms. Some ongoing analytical work related to the political and institutional situation, such as the future PAPEP project, was financed. Additionally, in October 2010, two international experts conducted a high-level fact-finding mission to discuss the necessary conditions for the development of a political platform for dialogue and reforms. 2) Strengthening of the National System for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights: this includes research and assessment, promotion of dialogue and technical support for the development of a national human rights strategy led by the Government; support for the implementation of the relevant Constitutional provisions and enabling civil society to regain confidence in national mechanisms. Discussions took place with the Human Rights Commission of the National Congress, the Minister for Human Rights, National Committee on Prevention of Torture, Special Prosecutor for Human Rights and civil society organizations. These discussions resulted in agreement on joint development initiatives in the coming months and provision of technical and political support for the creation of the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights. Additionally, a review process for the publication of international human rights instruments has been launched. It is important to note that this component is implemented by the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. 3) Support to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission established in May 2010 to assist in analyzing the past events, recollection of information related to human rights violations. Within the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), a team of four high level experts was contracted in order to investigate the complaints of human rights violations. Their report, finalised in early 2011, will be an important part of the TRC's final report, expected to be published by May 2011. 4) Media participation in the Reconciliation process: activities will include the diffusion of relevant information linked to the dialogue process and specialised training and capacity building on the role of the media in a polarized democracy. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The IfS action is consistent with parallel EU initiatives to provide support to selected NGOs and Human Rights defenders under the EIDHR as well as an ongoing EU integrated support programme for the security sector. The action will help ease tensions in the country and will contribute to the implementation of the key priority areas of the EU development cooperation identified in the Country Strategy Paper for Honduras, particularly support to security and justice sectors, social cohesion and poverty reduction. Very few donors are working on governance and the International Response to the crisis has been limited in term of cooperation projects, except in the Human Rights field where the IfS action is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the institutional framework for promotion and defence of human rights. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Indonesia
(Aceh) Title of IfS Decision || Support to Post-Conflict Governance in Aceh Province, Indonesia (1) Aceh Peace Process Follow-Up (2) Accompanying Measures in Indonesia for the Aceh Peace Process (3) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation, Mediation and Political Dialogue Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 13/10/2008 (1) 2/06/2010 (2) 29/11/2010 (3) Amount(s) || (1) € 3,000,000 (2) € 610,000 Contracted: € 2,997,648 Contracted: € 610,000 Paid: € 2,945,679 Paid: € 212,630 3) € 3,500,000 Contracted: € 3,499,998 Paid: € 527,995 Start Date of Project || (1) 17/11/2008 (2) 2/6/2010 (3) 12/2010 || End Date || (1) 30/09/2010 (2) 3/12/1011 (3) 7/2012 Context of Instability In August 2005 the Helsinki Accord was signed between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) ending over 30 years of conflict and committing the parties to a common vision of new and peaceful future for Aceh based on the principle of decentralised governance within the unitary state of Indonesia. The EU actively supported the negotiations leading up to the Helsinki Peace Agreement. The Government of Indonesia invited the EU and five ASEAN countries to set up the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) to oversee the implementation of the first stages of the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding establishing the Peace Agreement. The 15 month Aceh Monitoring Mission, an ESDP civilian crisis management mission, was tasked to monitor the decommissioning and demobilisation of former GAM combatants and concluded successfully in December 2006. Since then, the EU continues to support the peace process beyond the key demobilisation and de-commissioning phases. Short Description The purpose of IfS activities in Indonesia is to contribute to safeguarding a stable and sustainable post-conflict environment in Aceh. The Aceh Governance Stabilization Initiative (1) aimed to support the establishment of a legal framework to safeguard the legitimate interests of Aceh by adhering to the local autonomy law (LoGA) and to provide the Governor and other stakeholders with analysis on further implementation of the Peace Process. The Aceh Peace Process Follow-Up Project, (2) aimed to increase trust between the parties and stakeholders to sustain the Process by improving communication channels and consolidating existing conciliation mechanisms while the Accompanying Measures (3) support local governance reform, police reform, re-integration of ex-combatants and monitoring, analysis and coordination Activities and State of Play The Aceh Governance Stabilization Initiative (AGSI) deployed advisors to the Governors’ office contributing to administrative and certain land reform measures though the issue of oil and gas funds remain unaddressed at project end. The activities of the Peace Process Follow-Up prepared and facilitated a structured dialogue process consisting of the 3 work packages (i) visit of former Finnish President Ahtisaari (CMI) to meet the parties in a roundtable to discuss outstanding issues, (ii) Mediation and facilitation support including preparatory trips and consultations, (iii) expert advice to the parties, stakeholders and CMI on issues of international law, decentralization and power -sharing between levels of government, public administration management, fiscal issues, reintegration, transitional justice, mediation-training, gender sensitivity and monitoring and evaluation. President Ahtisaari visited Aceh and Jakarta in November 2010, resulting in re-engagement of the Government of Indonesia in the province. The visit also led to further work on the identification of outstanding issues under the MoU, which will be the subject of further talks in 2011 and reinvigoration of the role of civil society in the Peace Process. The Accompany Measures commenced in early 2011 as four separate but linked actions (i) deployment of a conflict-prevention expert to monitor and analyse key developments and support coordination and synergy between EU funded actions (Peace process follow up and Accompanying Measures); (ii) the Aceh District Response Facility aims to establish a Response Facility in the provincial administration to address urgent governance needs of 11 selected post-conflict districts, particularly those geographically isolated. (iii) Aceh police reform to consolidate and embed community policing reforms launched under the earlier Aceh Peace Process Support package of 2006-7 (iv) re-integration of ex-combatants including securing sustainable employment for ex-combatants and other at-risk groups, delivering essential livelihood support to conflict-affected communities and increasing the social reintegration of ex-combatants and developing partnership with government law enforcement agencies. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and international Response IfS activities in Aceh build upon and consolidate EU support for the Aceh Peace Process provided since 2005. Initial support via CMI mediation brokered the peace talks in 2005, leading to the mobilisation of the Aceh Monitoring Mission in the ESDP framework in cooperation with ASEAN and subsequent delivery the 25 million Aceh Peace Process Support programme in 2006-7 which included electoral support, judicial, police and public administration reform as well as support to former GAM combatants. While the situation in Aceh continues to improve, key democratic institutions remain weak with evidence of rising corruption and a tense political environment linked to the 2011 elections. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Kenya Title of IfS Decision || EU assistance in support of the trial and related treatment of piracy suspects || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Support to judicial system Date of Adoption of IfS Decision Amount(s) || 13 May 2009 € 1,750,000 Contracted: € 1,750,000 Paid: € 1,400,000 Start Date of Project || 1 May 2009 (retroactive) || End Date || 30 April 2011 (no-cost 6-month extension) Context of Instability Combating piracy along some of the world’s major shipping lanes off the Horn of Africa is a high priority for countries of the region as well as the wider international community. Apart from the impact on security, the disruption of trade caused by piracy crisis damages the already fragile economies of many developing countries in the region. The EU is actively engaged in the fight against piracy through the conduct of the CSDP naval operation EU-NAVFOR Atalanta, which contributes to protecting UN World Food Programme (WFP) urgent humanitarian deliveries by sea to Somalia as well to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. In March 2009, the EU concluded an agreement with Kenya to allow piracy suspects detained by the Atalanta naval operation to be transferred to Kenya for trial. The agreement is in the process of being renegotiated. Short Description The Kenyan authorities asked the EU for practical assistance to support the country’s efforts to ensure the trials and related treatment of transferred piracy suspects. Aware of the resource and other constraints faced by the Kenyan authorities and conscious of the critical contribution which their engagement makes to the overall international efforts to combat piracy, the EU agreed to provide assistance. The IfS crisis response package supports Kenya’s prosecution, police, judicial and prison services, by focusing on various capacity and logistical shortfalls associated with the trial and detention of piracy suspects. Activities and State of Play The EU secured the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) as its implementing partner. UNODC’s Nairobi regional office demonstrated capacity to quickly mobilize assistance on the ground in Kenya. The project has been implementing the following activities effectively : · comprehensive reviews of the relevant legal frameworks of Kenya and also the Seychelles and Tanzania, setting out recommendations for legal development in the short, medium and long-term; · support to the Kenyan police service through critical assistance with logistics, travel, training (particularly for evidence-handling) and the provision of secure exhibit rooms; support for the prosecution service through training, logistical support, on-line legal resources and drafting of handover routine for transfers of piracy suspects; · improvements to the court operations including the development of courtroom facilities for piracy and other large trials in Mombasa, facilitation of court attendance by foreign witnesses, provision of interpreters, defence services, on-line legal resources and technical equipment; support for the conduct of extensive reviews of remand caseloads, which resulted in significant reductions in court and prison overload in Mombasa; · substantial improvements to conditions for all prisoners at Shimo La Tewa prison in Mombasa, including a reduction in overcrowding, a doubling of the capacity of sanitation and water supply services, repainted facilities, better-equipped kitchens, procurement of basic mattresses and blankets and the enhancement of prison medical services. Technical assessments were also conducted at four other prisons where convicted pirates may be held. UNODC intends to undertake additional rehabilitation work in those prisons with funding from other donors. Working closely with the Kenyan authorities, the project has contributed to ensuring that trials are conducted in a fair and humane manner and within a sound legal framework. Practical support delivered by the EU/UNODC seeks to improve the efficiency of trials within the operational constraints faced by the Kenyan authorities. In order to ensure continued assistance for new and ongoing cases within the Kenyan court system, the project has been extended at no cost until April 2011. A similar action supporting the judicial system for the prosecution of suspect pirates is being implemented in the Seychelles. It is possible that new actions will involve other countries in the region willing to join the international efforts in fighting piracy acts. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The EU and other donors will need to consider how to meet future funding requirements for ongoing needs to support trials in Kenya running through 2011 and appeals running until the end of 2012, while prisons will need continuing support on the basis of piracy sentences running until 2018. It is important that EU Member States, the UNODC and other international actors continue with and build upon the initial measures address some of Kenya’s more immediate short-term needs. Kenya will also benefit from the implementation of the Eastern and Southern African and Indian Ocean region's strategy on maritime security endorsed in 2010 and supported by the EU. This strategy involves five regional organisations and the affected countries and is aimed at establishing a comprehensive approach to fight piracy and improve maritime security. This IfS action is an important complement to the EU’s CSDP anti-piracy naval operation Atalanta as well as wider efforts of the EU and international community to tackle piracy. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Kosovo
(under UNSC Resolution 1244 (1999)) Title of IfS Decision || (1) Support for the vetting of judges (2) Support for the establishment and functioning of the International Civilian Office in Kosovo (Phase 1+2) (3) Conflict Prevention in Kosovo || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation, Regional Peace building Capacity Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 20/02/2008 (2) 11/12/2007. Amount(s) || (1) € 5,000,000 Contracted: by Dec 09: € 5,000,000 Paid: by Dec 09: € 3,456,954 (2) € 20,000,000 Contracted: by Dec 09: € 19,930,205 Paid: by Dec 09: € 19,930,205 || Totals: Committed: € 25,000,000 Contracted: € 24,930,205 Paid: € 23,387,159 Start Date of Project || (1) 09/04/2008; (2) 28/02/2008 || End Date || (1) 08/04/2010; (2) 30/06/2010 Context of Instability Following Kosovo’s declaration of independence on 17 February 2008, attention turned to consolidation, amid continued risks to stability in the North and Serbia’s refusal to recognise Kosovo's independence. The EU has repeatedly declared that Kosovo has a clear European perspective, in line with the rest of the Western Balkans. The EU remains committed to playing a leading role in ensuring the stability of Kosovo through a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) mission in the area of rule of law through its Special Representative and its contribution to the International Civilian Office. The European Commission provides recommendations and policy advice on how to ensure progress in Kosovo’s European reform agenda and address the priorities identified by the Council in the European Partnership for Kosovo. It also provides substantial financial assistance to Kosovo. Short Description (1) Support for the vetting of judges - The project contributed to the establishment of an independent judiciary and prosecution service to administer Kosovo’s justice system in a professional and transparent manner, thus building public confidence and trust in the rule of law The creation of a commission to conduct a comprehensive review of all appointments for judicial and prosecutorial positions in Kosovo is mandated by Section 7 of UNMIK Regulation No. 2005/25, which calls for the establishment of an ‘Independent Judicial and Prosecutorial Commission (IJPC)’. (2) Support for the establishment and functioning of the International Civilian Office in Kosovo – The objective of this project was to finance the operational costs of the International Civilian Office (ICO) in Kosovo for its first two years of operation (2008-10), up to a total of € 20 million thus contributing to the stability of the region at large. Other ICO donors are the United States, Switzerland, Germany, Norway, Czech Republic and Austria. (3) Conflict Prevention in Kosovo The project aimed at promoting sustainable peace by encouraging greater civil society leadership and political participation among Kosovo’s youth. Specifically aimed to foster the creation of the Kosovo Conflict Prevention Group, an indigenous local youth leadership network body intended to both model and promote action and advocacy by youth for civil society networks and conflict prevention mechanisms. Activities and State of Play (1) Support for the vetting of judges –More than 300 judges in total were appointed to the Supreme Court, the Special Chamber and KPA (Kosovo Property Agency) Appeal Panel, District, Municipal Courts and Municipal Courts for Minor Offences, were public prosecutors for the State Prosecutor’s Office and District and Municipal Public Prosecutor Offices. An Independent Judicial and Prosecutorial Commission was established within the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) to conduct a comprehensive, Kosovo-wide review to vet and select individual’s prior to appointment. Some 60% of all judges and prosecutors are new - a major rejuvenation of the Kosovo judiciary resulting in an increase of public confidence in the judiciary with fair and transparent selection processes. Finally, ethics exams recognized by KJC now form an integral part of selection and recruitment. (2) Support for the establishment and functioning of the International Civilian Office (ICO) in Kosovo The mandate of the International Civilian Representative, assisted by the International Civilian Office, is to support and supervise the implementation of the Comprehensive Settlement Proposal (CSP) Full implementation of the CSP should promote stability, multi-ethnicity and the rule of law in Kosovo, with prosperity and freedom for all inhabitants. In 2009, a second and final IfS contribution of €10 million was allocated to ICO. Since July 2010, the EU continues to co-finance the ICO through IPA funds. (3) Conflict Prevention in Kosovo The project contributed to the establishment and launch of the Kosovo Conflict Prevention Group (KCPG). The online Early Warning System providing up-to-date information on potential or current conflict situations for the benefit of KCPG activities was posted under www.conflictprevention-ks.org. A first brief Early Warning Report was subsequently produced for the period between August 2009 and June 2010. The next report will focus on most problematic sites (i.e. Mitrovica and Klina) including inputs from civil society organizations and youth volunteers. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The three projects were complementary to the Commission’s IPA programme for transition assistance and capacity building in Kosovo and the CSDP Rule of Law mission EULEX in Kosovo. The overall added value of the IfS is that the EU can activate effective assistance in a relatively short period of time. Moreover, IfS funds were used to fill urgent gaps (i.e. the "Vetting" Project) or to provide assistance in areas not covered by other donors (i.e. the "Support for the establishment and functioning of the International Civilian Office"). All areas covered by IfS funded projects are considered as areas of high political priority. Moreover, activities are complementary to the Commission’s IPA programme for transition assistance and capacity building in Kosovo and the CSDP Rule of Law mission EULEX in Kosovo. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Kyrgyz
Republic Title of IfS Decision || (1) Support to Constitutional Reform (2) Support to Judiciary Reform (3) Support to the return of Stability and Democracy to the Kyrygz Republic (Policy Advice and Mediation Facility –PAMF 4-) (4) Commission Decision on adopting the Exceptional Assistance Measure under the Instrument for Stability to support the "Promotion of Democracy and Stabilisation in the Kyrgyz Republic" (Financial Decision) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Support to strengthening political stability and crisis response to inter-ethnic violence by fostering protection of human rights, conflict sensitive media reporting and reconstruction of destroyed homes. Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 17/03/2008 (2) 17/01/2008 (3) 27 July 2010 (4) 10 December 2010 Amount(s) || (1) € 1,500,000 Contracted: € 1,500,000 Paid: € 1,425,000 (2) € 2,500,000 Contracted: € 2,369,447 Paid: € 2,329,100.53 (3) € 1,900,000 Contracted: € 1,900,000 Paid: € 1,173,938.52 (4) € 5 350 000 Contracted: € 2,000,000 Paid: € 0 Start Date of Projects || (1) 15/08/2008 (2) 19/11/2008 (3) 15/07/2010 onwards (4) from August 2010 End Date || (1) 14/08/2010 (2) 18/05/2010 (3) during 2011 (4) during 2012/2013 Context of Instability After the 2005 revolution and subsequent adoption of a new Constitution in 2007, in a context of constant political and social instability, IfS actions (1) and (2) were mobilised to help move Kyrgyzstan towards stability by advancing the rule of law and good governance. Following the 7 April 2010 popular uprising the ousting of President Bakiev and the ensuing Kyrgyz–Uzbek inter-ethnic conflict in the south, some signs of political stabilisation emerged in the Kyrgyz Republic. A new Constitution, which put an end to the omnipotent presidential power and strengthened the role of the Parliament, was passed by referendum on 27 June 2010. Free and competitive elections followed on 10 October 2010 and a heterogenic government was formed in December 2010. However, the Kyrgyz Republic is still marked by volatile politics and adverse regional dynamics linked to its choice of governance. Particularly difficult is "the negative peace" situation in the south, where there are few conditions in place for reconciliation between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek ethnic communities. The aftermath of the June 2010 violence, in which several hundred ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks lost their lives, remains the most difficult obstacle to stabilisation. The dire economic situation and absence of opportunities for sustainable development aggravate the situation. 2011 will be crucial for the Kyrgyzstan’s stabilisation. With Presidential and partial local elections ahead, the new Government will face numerous challenges. Restoring government authority throughout the country and pursuing reforms in line with the international standards, will top be top of the Government's agenda. The balance between security and stability and the truth - responsibility for the June violence - and reconciliation will need to be struck in order to ensure sustainable development. Short Description The EU responded to the crisis in Kyrgyz Republic by using the Instrument for Stability (IfS) to strengthen state Institutions, such as the Parliament and the Ministry of Justice. IfS interventions assist with institutional reform and with the implementation of a stable legal framework which should bring the latter in line with the new Constitution. IfS interventions also focus on mitigating the effects of the inter-ethnic conflict in the south. Assistance is also provided to UN OHCHR to foster protection of human rights and initiatives aimed at promoting conflict-sensitive media reporting. Particular emphasis is put on the reconstruction of destroyed homes and restitution of property documents. Activities and State of Play (1) "Support to the Constitutional Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic", supported improvements to the legislative, outreach and oversight capacity of the Kyrgyz Parliament as the key organ of Constitutional reform. The 7 April uprising, inauguration of the provisional Government and the subsequent creation of a Constitutional Assembly have created a new supporting environment for Constitutional development. (2) "Support to Judiciary Reform in the Kyrgyz Republic", ended in May, soon after 7 April uprising against President Bakiev. The EU Delegation has closely followed and taken action to ensure that the implementation of this politically very sensitive project would not be hampered by obstacles such as the on-going re-organisation of the judiciary and penitentiary system in the Kyrgyz Republic. The high level of ownership by all beneficiaries and the practical and timely support that the project provided helped in this respect. (3) Specific measures were taken to address Kyrgyz Republic’s need for immediate support to restore governance institutions following the successful Constitutional referendum. The Kyrgyz Republic Election Support Project, aims to align electoral legislation with the new Constitution, reform the voter register and assist the Central Election Commission with election administration as well as provide training and technical assistance to all election stakeholders. The Venice Commission of the Council of Europe provides institutional and legal support for the development of the secondary legislation. Developing political leadership for democratic transition is a key component of stability, in this case undertaken by the Club of Madrid under the leadership of Vaira Vike-Freiberga, the former President of Latvia. President Rosa Otunbayeva, and other senior national and international stakeholders showed strong support involvement with a Club of Madrid project. The Institute for Public Policy, a leading think tank in Bishkek, provides an alternative platform for discussion of topical issues in Kyrgyz Republic in order to broaden discussions beyond the narrow circle of experts through its web site and by inviting foreign experts, under Chatham House rules, hence strengthening Decision Making Capacities and Dialogue in a very tense environment. Supported by the Finnish NGO Crisis Management Initiative, an Independent International Commission of Inquiry (Kyrgyzstan Inquiry Commission) was established on the initiative of the Kyrgyz government. It aims to provide a comprehensive Report on the inter-ethnic violence which took place 10 – 14 June in the south of Kyrgyz Republic. (4) Promotion of Democracy and Stabilisation in the Kyrgyz Republic aims to preserve democratic stability and prevent new conflicts by facilitating the continuing transition to parliamentary democracy with peaceful inter-ethnic relations between Kyrgyz and Uzbeks communities. It has three components: - Institutional support to the implementation of the new legal framework provides assistance to the main actors implementing the reform programme in line with the new Constitution-the Ministry of Justice, the Parliament, the Ombudsman Institute, the Chamber of Accounts and civil society partners engaged with the civil control mechanisms; - Civil monitoring for human rights’ protection and conflict prevention monitors and promotes the respect of human rights at national and local level, encourages inter-ethnic reconciliation and oversees national policies and budget transparency in order to help fight the culture of impunity and promote social integration in particular in the south of the Kyrgyz Republic; - Supporting media reform and strengthening conflict sensitive reporting enables the transfer from state to public service broadcasting and improves journalistic professionalism within the private sector when reporting on conflict-sensitive issues. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The programme’s several components are fully consistent with IfS objectives supporting the development of democratic institutions, good governance and the rule of law in post-crisis situations. Its actions are fully in line with the EU Strategy for Central Asia creating synergies with on-going programmes such as EIDHR and allowing for follow-up by other EU instruments, such as the specific Central Asia Rule of Law Initiative under the EU Strategy for Central Asia and the Development Cooperation Instrument. The EU is the main donor addressing current challenges. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Laos Title of IfS Decision || (1) Informal Dialogue Between the Hmong Diaspora and the Government of Laos (2) Practical Measures to implement a Dialogue between the Hmong Diaspora and the Government of Laos (GoL) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || (1) Reconciliation (2) Reconciliation Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 30/07/2009 (PAMF 3) (2) 30/07/2009 (PAMF 3) Amount(s) || (1) € 149,331; Contracted: € 149,331; Paid: € 120,000 (2) € 540,839; Contracted: € 540,839; Paid: € 432,671 Start Date of Project || (1) 18/12/2009; (2) 30/06/2010 End Date || (1) 31/12/2009; (2) 01/06/2011 Context of Instability Straddling across four countries, China Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the Hmong are mountainous people who have never felt fully integrated in the nation-states which emerged at end of the colonial era. As US support for the Hmong ceased after its withdrawal from the region in 1975, the communist Pathet Lao succeeded in overthrowing the royalist Lao government, leaving the Hmong exposed to accusations of treason. A mass exodus of some 300,000 migrants (almost a third of the total Lao Hmong population in the country) began, mostly to camps in Thailand. In subsequent years, many were resettled in the United States (250,000), with smaller numbers being accepted by France (15,000) and Australia (2,000). Of the Hmong population that remained in Laos, between 2,000-3,000 people were sent to “re-education camps”. Other Hmong (estimates vary between 10,000-20,000 people) escaped to remote mountain regions. At first, these loosely-organised groups staged attacks against Pathet Lao and Vietnamese troops. Others remained in hiding to avoid conflict. Initial insurgency activities launched by these small Hmong militias led to military counter-attacks by Government forces. Short Description In recent years, the Government of Laos (GoL) has been more eager to find a long-lasting solution to the Hmong issue and to "normalise" its relationship with the Lao Hmong Diaspora. To this end, the GoL accepted an offer of confidential mediation by the Henry Dunant Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. The mediation was to take place in Switzerland, where representatives from the GoL and the Hmong Diaspora would meet to explore the possibility to end the conflict. The process was to take place in two phases: A first phase to assess the willingness of both sides to engage in negotiations and a second phase to establish Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) that may lead to a final agreement. Activities and State of Play (1) The first phase of the project was implemented satisfactorily and both sides agreed to proceed to phase 2. (2) The second phase of the project started in mid-2010. At the outset, it had to face some delays due to a funding gap and the need for reassurances that there remained a political commitment. This added unexpected delays. However, both parties are confident that recent changes in the leadership of the Hmong Diaspora (General Vang Pao died recently in the US), will provide added impetus to the process. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response With this project, the EU is at the heart of the international response in relation to the long-term solution of the Lao Hmong conflict. There is no certainty as yet, given the delicate nature of the dialogue, as to whether there is scope for wider co-operation at a political level, in the future. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Lebanon Title of IfS Decision || (1) Support to the Return and Reintegration of Palestinian Refugees Displaced from Nahr el Bared Camp (2) Promoting Political Stabilisation and National Reconciliation in Lebanon by Strengthening the Democratic Legitimacy of its Parliament (3) Support to the Special Tribunal of Lebanon (4) Provision of adequate shelter for displaced Palestine refugee families and support to Palestinian civil society || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Political Stabilisation, Electoral Support, Support to Displaced Populations, Rule of Law Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || (1) 20/12/2007 (2) 15/12/2008; (2); (3) 21/04/2009 (4) 12/05/2009 Total Amount(s) || (1) € 6,800,000 (2) € 4,000,000 Contracted: € 6,729,560 Contracted: € 3,481,663 Paid: € 6,729,560 Paid: € 3,435,835 (3) € 1,500,000 (4) € 5,126,000 Contracted: € 1,500,000 Contracted: € 5,126,000 Paid: € 1,300,000 Paid: € 4,100,800 Start Dates of Projects || (1) 28/03/2008; (2) 25/12/2008; (3) 01/06/2009; (4) 01/07/2009 End Dates of Projects || (1) 28/03/2010; (2) 21/06/2010; (3) 30/05/2011; (4) 29/07/2010 Context of Instability Lebanon’s protracted political crisis dates from the prolongation of former President Emile Lahoud’s mandate in 2004. In 2005, the crisis was intensified by the assassination of Primer Minister Rafik Hariri, reaching its peak in 2006 with the war with Israel. The one-month 2006 war resulted in significant human losses and heavy damage to civil infrastructure. In 2007, as a result of the conflict between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the extremist Fatah Al-Islam group, some 27,000 Palestine refugees were displaced from the Nahr el-Bared camp (NBC) and its adjacent areas in northern Lebanon. These displaced refugees took refuge, mainly in the Beddawi camp with an already pre-existing concentration of Palestinian refugees, and in other Palestinian refugee camps further south. In May 2008, Hezbollah turned its weapons inwards for the first time, launching a military operation against Sunni opponents, and taking over West Beirut. The assault was prompted by the government’s decision to reassign the pro-Hezbollah Beirut airport security chief and to investigate the group’s independent telephone network. Fighting spread to Tripoli and the Chouf Mountains, resulting in many casualties. The Government subsequently reversed its decision and Qatari mediation halted the deteriorating situation. The Doha Accord of 2008 resulted in the election of Michel Suleiman as president, a decision on a national unity government giving the opposition a “blocking third” and new rules for the 2009 parliamentary elections. The issue of Hezbollah’s arms was to be addressed by the new President in the context of the National Dialogue. Efforts to form a government after the June 2009 parliamentary elections only succeeded in late November on the basis of a power-sharing formula between the Hezbollah-led March 8 opposition and the March 14 majority. The new cabinet had the difficult task of tackling a wide range of issues, including passing much needed reforms to improve the country's political, administrative, and economic performance. This proved too ambitious for a consensus-based government, especially amid the tension created by speculation over the indictments to be issued by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) for the assassination of former PM Rafiq Hariri. The tension mounted towards the end of 2010, ultimately jeopardizing national unity and provoking a new political crisis. At a regional level, 2010 also witnessed strengthened relations with Syria and Iran, but renewed tension with Israel (an exchange of fire along the Blue Line provoked casualties on both sides). Despite the end of the civil war (1975-1990) some twenty years ago, Lebanon is prone to repeated cycles of violence and an enduring perceived or real threat of wide-scale conflict. While it is vulnerable to fluctuating regional and international developments, which impact directly on local security, Lebanon’s fragile political fabric, weak judiciary and state administration fail to act as effective buffers. Moreover, national mechanisms (exclusive to the political leadership) established at times of consensus also fail to address contentious national issues in a meaningful manner. Short Description and Objectives (1) ) Support to the Return and Reintegration of Palestinian Refugees Displaced from Nahr el Bared Camp - Following the fighting between the Lebanese army and the terrorist group ‘Fatah al Islam’ in the Nahr el Bared Palestinian refugee camp in Northern Lebanon in 2007, this IfS action aimed to facilitate the return and reintegration of the displaced population (30,000 Palestinian refugees) through assessments in the Nahr el Bared (NBC) and Beddawi camps, planning the reconstruction of the devastated NBC, rubble removal, support to refugee livelihoods and institutional support to the Lebanese government to coordinate the recovery and reconstruction process. (2) Promoting Political Stabilisation and National Reconciliation in Lebanon by strengthening the Democratic Legitimacy of its Parliament - This project contributed to the conduct of parliamentary elections in line with international standards, thus increasing the legitimacy of the new Parliament in the path towards political stabilisation. It supported the Lebanese Ministry of Interior and Municipalities (MoIM) and the newly created Supervisory Commission on the Election Campaign (SCEC) in implementing the electoral reforms adopted by Parliament in September 2008 following the Doha Agreement and the Boutros Commission's recommendations. (3) Support to the Special Tribunal of Lebanon (STL) - In 2007, the UN Security Council decided to establish an international tribunal to bring to justice all those allegedly responsible for the attack of 14 February 2005 in Beirut that killed the then Lebanese prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and 22 others - UNSC Resolution 1757 (2007). In March 2009, the Tribunal started to work facing a financial gap to cover the costs related to providing victim’s redress and outreach activities to raise people's awareness about its work. Both activities are crucial to reinforce the role of the STL and its linkages with the Lebanese judiciary, thereby supporting government efforts to re-establish public trust and contribute to truth and reconciliation. (4) Provision of adequate shelter for displaced Palestine refugee families and support to Palestinian civil society - In light of continued need amongst affected refugee families and in parallel with the NBC reconstruction and recovery plan, UNRWA launched a new appeal for relief and early recovery assistance. In response, an IfS project was adopted in early 2009 with a twofold purpose: to facilitate refugees’ access to temporary shelter and relieve families from heavy financial pressures; while empowering community-based organisations so that they can play an active role in recovery activities. This included provision of rental subsidies (a monthly allocation for families currently renting temporary accommodation pending relocation in the reconstructed camp), ground rent for temporary shelters, collective centres, clinics and schools, gasoline supply for generators, and support to strengthening civil society in Northern Lebanon. Activities and State of Play (1) Support to the Return and Reintegration of Palestinian Refugees Displaced from Nahr el Bared Camp – (i) In cooperation with UNRWA, 8 packages of rubble (totalling an estimated 525,000m3) were sorted, treated and removed from NBC, including the disposal and the re-use of a large bulk of it; 13,000 pieces of unexploded ordnance were also discovered in the process; (ii) The approval of the NBC Reconstruction Master Plan by the Lebanese Council of Ministers and all other stakeholders; (iii) The active participation of over 500 NBC families in the formulation of an urban plan for the detailed design of reconstruction Packages 1 and 2; (iv) The disbursement of 750 business reactivation grants to NBC businesses damaged by the conflict, to the value of €1.9 million, which now also include medium-sized enterprises; (v) The completion of a comprehensive socio-economic assessment of Palestine refugees from NBC and the neighbouring Beddawi Palestine refugee camp. In terms of institutional support, a comprehensive reconstruction strategy was presented at the international Donor Conference in Vienna on June 25, 2008. A contribution for reconstruction was subsequently funded under ENPI (€8 million). (2) Promoting Political Stabilisation and National Reconciliation in Lebanon by Strengthening the Democratic Legitimacy of its Parliament - The IfS project focused on three areas: (i) support to the Supervisory Commission on the Election Campaign (SCEC), in the form of advisory assistance and provision of all IT/media monitoring equipment; (ii) support to the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities in implementing its supervisory mandate, particularly logistical operations before election day including the purchase of international standard polling equipment (transparent ballot boxes, standardised voting booths, polling station kits, indelible ink and uniforms for polling staff, etc.); and (iii) computerisation of the results system at the level of the 26 electoral districts, and the electronic transfer of results to a National Results Centre in Beirut. The project contributed to capacity building for the newly created SCEC and the smooth running of operations by MoIM on election day. It was therefore extended upon request of the MoIM to allow more technical assistance to consolidate the reform process in view of the 2010 municipal elections. (3) Support to the Special Tribunal of Lebanon (STL) - The action helped the Tribunal (i) to develop a comprehensive outreach strategy, implemented both from its headquarters in the Netherlands and from its field office in Beirut, including inter alia dialogue with the media, training workshops for legal practitioners, the dissemination of information material and communication activities towards a wider public; (ii) to implement a national Visiting Professional programme for young Lebanese lawyers and an Internship programme for students from a wide range of countries; iii) the establishment of a law library to support the judicial process and iv) language services in the Tribunal’s three official languages and to render its work accessible to the Lebanese public. Activities responded to the need to foster a good understanding of the Tribunal’s work and to engage in dialogue with all levels of Lebanese society with regard to the Tribunal’s activities. (4) Provision of adequate shelter for displaced Palestine refugee families and support to Palestinian civil society - UNRWA was able to ensure that up to 3,215 displaced families (approximately 16,375 individuals) of NBC had access to temporary housing for nearly 18 months from January 2009 to July 2010. The following results were achieved: an average of 3,143 displaced Palestine refugee families from NBC who were living in rented accommodation received financial support for adequate housing; UNRWA was able to continue renting the property on which the temporary shelters, schools, and health clinics were erected; UNRWA was able to provide electricity to the above mentioned shelter units by providing fuel for the generators; a mapping exercise was conducted to identify existing capacity of community-based organisations. Four capacity building workshops were conducted in order to enhance their effectiveness. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response IfS support in Lebanon is in line with the overall EU and international efforts to establish sustainable peace and stability in Lebanon. The IfS has provided the necessary bridging between humanitarian assistance interventions (through ECHO) and follow-up programmes under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI). Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Republic
of Moldova Title of IfS Decision || (1) Support to the Preparation of Elections (2) Democracy Support and Confidence- Building Measures (2 Components) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Date of Adoption of IfS Decision Amount(s) || (1) 27/01/2009 (under PAMF 2 Facility) (2) 09/09/2009 (1) € 2,000,000 Contracted: € 2,000,000 Paid: € 1,400,000 (2) € 6,000,000 Contracted: € 6,000,000 (CBMs: €2,000,000) Paid: € 2,802,900 (CBMs: €1,875,700) Start Date of Project || (1) 27/01/2009 (2) 09/09/2009 || End Date || (1) 30/06/2010 (2) 30/06/2011 (extended to 31/12/2011) Context of Instability Since Romania’s accession to the European Union in 2007, Moldova shares a common border with the EU. Moldova’s leadership declared its desire to join the EU but efforts to resolve the dispute with the breakaway region of Transnistria have failed so far and the country requires more domestic reforms. The electoral campaign for the April 2009 parliamentary elections was marked by police and judicial harassment of the opposition and State-media bias. Abuses of laws adopted in line with n the EU-Moldova Action Plan did not cease despite numerous mediation efforts, including the EU. The political crisis was aggravated by the failure of the political forces to establish an open and constructive dialogue, leading to the dissolution of the new parliament one month after its inaugural session and the widespread use of hate speech in media and public meetings. The electoral environment and the events that followed the 5th April parliamentary elections revealed the country’s political fragility, adding to its economic weakness and geopolitical vulnerability. New elections were held in July 2009, marked in turn by allegations similar to those raised before the April 2009 elections. This time the opposition parties won and managed to establish a reform-minded and pro-European government providing hope for future development. However, Moldovan society remains deeply split over fundamental issues of democratic governance and the economic crisis nourishes growing social frustration. The April elections were followed by massive demonstrations. The police intervened and many citizens were arrested. Many instances of torture and ill-treatment occurred and were documented during the visit of the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights. An additional challenge stems from the protracted conflict over Transnistria, marked by a strong mistrust between the two sides of the Nistru/Dniester river, following the 1990's conflict, and by two decades of divergent development paths. This permanence of the conflict prevents a full fledged development of Moldova in its territorial integrity, while it maintains a "grey zone" with high risks in terms of organized crime, smuggling and trafficking, Short Description (1) Support to the preparation of elections - In the absence of available ENPI funding, IfS support was provided to help make the elections in April 2009, and subsequently in July 2009, more transparent and legitimate. (2) Democracy support and confidence-building measures - This second IfS project responded to the crisis following the controversial elections in April 2009 contributing to the restoration of Moldova’s political stability and democratic credentials. The first component, the Democracy Support Programme, was designed to support the Moldovan authorities in the investigation of April 2009 events, to strengthen the capacity of police on democratic riot measures, to train the prosecutors and judges to investigate efficiently torture and iil-treatment, but also to ensure a strong media in the country and to reinforce the participation of the civil society in the legislative process. The Moldovan Parliament is also one of the beneficiaries of the Programme. Weakened by its perceived loss of legitimacy, the Moldovan government sought external support to move towards compromise on its guiding principles for a resolution of the Transnistrian conflict. The project aimed to support the establishment of robust guarantees for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Moldova and to help a peaceful and lasting resolution of the conflict in Transnistria. The Confidence-Building Measures project is implemented via a separate component. The project addresses the needs of vulnerable communities, with a specific focus on the Transnistrian region of Moldova, around three main areas: Business Development; Communities Empowerment; and Civil Society Organisations (including capacity building). The general philosophy is to promote local development, technical cooperation between the two banks of the river, and ''reintegration" of the Transnistrian region into Moldovan economy and infrastructure networks. Activities and State of Play (1) Support to the preparation of elections: The project addressed key issues linked to improvement of the electoral process including improved voter register and handling of electoral information; enhanced participation of citizens abroad through improved consular services; increased capacity of the Central Electoral Commission to better manage elections; increased transparency of the electoral process – media and voter education; improved electoral legislation and related judicial issues. When new elections were called in July 2009 some of the activities were redirected to support the preparation of the new elections. (2) Democracy support and confidence-building measures: a) Support to the restoration and strengthening of democratic institutions, such as the national human rights structures (in particular the Ombudsman’s Office and the national torture preventive mechanism) and the Audiovisual Coordinating Council, and support to the establishment of independent oversight systems. b) Guaranteeing the rule of law, by ensuring that police investigations and judicial processes conform to international and domestic human rights standards while also democratising the political space, including the media landscape, and the functioning of the State institutions, such as the Parliament. These activities are essential elements to resolving social tensions and constitute the best deterrent to a repetition of the April events. The involvement of civil society and the effective implementation of Council of Europe and OSCE standards and recommendations and human rights commitments under the ENP Action Plan are crucial. c) Support for a national “truth and reconciliation” process. Through support to an impartial, transparent and effective investigation of the April events and to the institutions tasked with such an investigation, the project contributes to political conciliation and social unity in a profoundly divided society. A renewed sense of coherence based on the European values will play an important role in re-affirming Moldova’s statehood thus helping with negotiations over the future status of the Transnistrian region. d) Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) This specific project has brought significant achievements in terms of cooperation between both banks of the river, promoting partnerships and exchanges of experience in the field of health and infrastructures (for instance by progressively reintegrating Transnistria into the Moldovan perinatal system), joint study visits in the EU for businessmen from both banks or small scaled projects (Reproductive health, media, local tourism) jointly implemented by civil society organizations from both banks of the river. While the situation in Transnistria remains tense in 2011, notably in the prospect of the so-called "Presidential elections", cooperation on the ground is on-going. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response These IfS projects support the strategic EU policy goal of upholding Moldova’s democratic transition and European orientation which is all the more essential as the June 2009 Council adopted negotiating directives for an EU-Moldova Association Agreement which the Commission started on 12 January 2010. It is worth mentioning that the political crisis is still on-going in the Republic of Moldova. New elections may be organised in autumn 2011 or in early 2012. The Government recently launched a comprehensive reform of the justice sector and of the Ministry of Interior and other law-enforcement institutions. Given that, the Democracy Support Programme could further assist the main stakeholders in dealing with these issues. With regard to Transnistria, the EU is planning to launch in 2011 an ambitious €13,1 million Confidence Building Measures programme under the ENPI. This programme will notably build on the successes registered under the on-going CBM project and will aim at linking more closely the cooperation on the ground with the dialogue process at a political ("5+2" format) and technical level ("Working groups"), marking the increasing involvement of the EU as regards conflict settlement in Moldova. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Myanmar
(Burma) Title of IfS Decision || (1) Strengthening UN Good Offices in Burma/Myanmar - Support to the Office of UN Special Envoy Gambari (extended until 06/2010) (2) Post-disaster support after Cyclone Nargis (3) Support to civil society initiatives on democracy and media || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation, Post-Disaster Recovery, Capacity Building Support Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 23/11/2007 (2) 17/12/2008 (PAMF 2) and 30/07/2009 (PAMF 3) (3) 26/06/2009 Amount(s) || (1) € 574,615; Contracted: € 574,615; Paid: € 439,170 (2) € 695,680; Contracted: € 695,680; Paid: € 556,544 (3) € 2,150,000;Contracted: € 1,989.098; Paid: € 1.181.766 Start Date of Project || (1) 01/01/2008; (2) 06/2009 (3) Various, earliest on 08/2009 End Date || (1) 06/2010; (2) 02/2010; (3) Various, latest 06/2012 Context of Instability (1) In 2007, harsh repression by the ruling military of peaceful civic protest, initiated mostly by Buddhist monks, generated widespread international condemnation, including the adoption of additional EU sanctions. These latter continue to prohibit non-humanitarian aid or development programmes, with notable exceptions. These exceptions are projects in support of human rights, democracy, good governance, conflict prevention, and civil society capacity-building. International efforts to secure a long-term solution to Myanmar’s problems have been spearheaded by the ‘good office’ efforts of the UN, led by the UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari. (2) In May 2008 Cyclone Nargis caused devastating loss of life and widespread destruction in the Delta Region of Myanmar with an estimated 140,000 people killed or missing along with massive disruption to the livelihoods of survivors. The ASEAN-UN International Pledging Conference of 25 May 2008 stressed the importance of a credible multi-sector needs assessment. The Tripartite Core Group (TCG) bringing together ASEAN, the Burmese Government and the UN, was established to facilitate operations and assessments in the affected areas. It is an ASEAN-led mechanism. (3) Under military rule since 1962, Burma/Myanmar is considered one of the most repressive and isolated states in Asia. Credible reports of Human Rights violations abound and sporadic armed conflicts between the central government and the ethnic minorities which represent some 40% of the population have been recurrent over the last 50 years. In this context, the announcement by the Government of national elections in 2010 presented a challenge and an opportunity for the international community. Short Description (1) UN Special Envoy Gambari’s dialogue with the country military rulers towards democratisation and reconciliation included discussions on the release of people arrested during the 2007 demonstrations, access to prisons by ICRC, and broadening of the constitutional process. In parallel, the good offices of the UN Secretary General pursued contacts between the regime and the “opposition” (mainly Aung San Suu Kyi) on the constitutional debate; and socio-economic issues. (2) In response to Cyclone Nargis, a “Post-Nargis Joint Assessment” was carried out with IfS financing to ensure that early recovery measures were integrated into the humanitarian response and to establish a foundation for a comprehensive monitoring system through Periodic Reviews. (3) In order to benefit from the limited window of opportunity for greater political activism in the run-up to the 2010 elections and beyond. Five projects supporting capacity building for agents of change were financed. Their focus was advancing the role of civil society and a free media in the construction of a democratic society. A sixth project focuses on providing capacity building to newly elected pro-democracy members of parliament Activities and State of Play (1) The contribution to the UN Special Envoy’s office covers the cost of research, support staff, and external expertise. Support to the UN Special Envoy was extended in April 2009 until June 2010 (2) The “Post-Nargis Joint Assessment” reviews started in September 2008 running until February 2010. The first Periodic Review was published In December 2008 financed by a substantial UK contribution. Additional IfS financing was necessary to ensure follow-up in support of the ASEAN initiative for the two remaining Periodic Reviews covering the period April to December 2009. (3) The results of four of the five projects covering civil society and addressing issues such as free media and ethnic minorities are highly successful despite working in a difficult environment. They have delivered leadership skills and capacity-building skills inside the country while providing training in journalism, disarming, de-mobilization and reintegration skills (DDR) and assistance for ethnic minority leaders in exile. A sixth project to provide capacity building for pro-democracy elected members of parliament and political parties starts implementation in 2011. It will focus on policy formulation and parliamentary work political parties (party organisation, policy formulation, campaigning) and developing local NGOs involved in politics (governance). Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The good offices of the UN, through the work of the Special Envoy are complemented by the work of the EU Special Envoy Fassino, which further enhanced the policy dialogue on Myanmar/Burma between the UN and the EU. Complementing these public diplomacy channels, in 2008 the IfS provided support by financing a widely distributed report, mapping conflict in the country (including the ethnic dimension), and the continuation of parallel informal dialogue channels through the Finnish peace-building NGO Crisis Management Initiative (CMI) led by Martti Ahtisaari. In addition to the IfS programme, the Commission is also implementing further actions to support democratisation work by non-State actors in Myanmar/Burma, through the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights and support of NGOs through the Non-State Actors thematic instrument. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Nagorno-Karabakh
region Title of IfS Decision || Support to the peaceful settlement of the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh || Copyright: JRC Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 26/02/2010 Amount(s) || € 2,000,000 Contracted: € 2,000,000 Paid: as of 31/12/2010 € 999.944,71 Start Date of Project || 1 June 2010 || End Date || 1 December 2011 Context of Instability Formal negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) conflict are held under the OSCE Minsk Group auspices since 1994 with no major progress reported. The EU is not part of this format. Negotiations are conducted on the basis of Basic Principles (so called "Madrid principles") of 2007. Several meetings have taken place at the level of Presidents. The latest was held on 5th March 2011 in Sochi, with the next scheduled in Kazan). In parallel with the negotiations, several incidents have taken place along the Line of Contact while the domestic rhetoric in both Armenia and Azerbaijan has toughened with the result that military spending of both countries has increased. The Line of Contact runs very close to some oil pipeline installations which could be severely affected in an armed conflict. The volatility of the situation and the risks of escalation of violence remain a reality. While the EU is not directly involved in the peace talks, it provides full political support to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group. The EU's increased commitment to the region, in the context of the Eastern Partnership, indicates that the EU could play a more assertive role and complement the activities of the Minsk Group efforts. Short Description The European Partnership for the Peaceful Settlement of the Conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh (EPNK) is a consortium of Europe-based NGOs working with local partners to enact initiatives which will cumulatively contribute to a peaceful settlement of the NK conflict. The project focuses on three specific areas of work: 1) Media initiatives: increasing capacity of a range of mass media groups as well as alternative resources to provide balanced and challenging media coverage which will reduce barriers to progressing towards conflict resolution 2) Conflict affected groups: strengthening the capacity of conflict-affected groups to engage in conflict-resolution processes, contributing to the cumulative growth of a critical mass of social groups actively engaged in the peace process. 3) Public policy: facilitating an inclusive and effective public policy environment in support of a negotiated settlement. Activities and State of Play The following are some examples of activities that have taken place: - Publication of a monthly journal published in Nagorno-Karabakh which offers analysis of various aspects of the conflict. - More than 40 film screenings (over 1000 viewers) took place across the region and in London of short films made by young people from the region on conflict related topics. Each screening was followed by a moderated public discussion on the topics raised. - Consultation and subsequent design and implementation of peace building training workshops by and for young leaders from all sides of the conflict divide. - Workshops have been held in Cyprus and the North of Ireland on the topic of how these conflicts can be used as case studies to broaden and deepen the understanding of the NK conflict. - A number of focus group sessions among women in IDP communities and at universities took place to discuss the role of women in the community and in the peace building process. - Consultations throughout the region with local stakeholders and subsequent organisation in Tbilisi of a joint dialogue and expert workshop with young leaders. - A wide–ranging political dialogue was conducted with interviews of key stakeholders in Armenian and Azerbaijan, culminating in the publication of two reports highlighting the political views on the conflict and the peace building process. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and international Response The EPNK programme of confidence building on Nagorno-Karabakh is the only concrete EU activity that addresses the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It works at the levels of civil society and the community. Complementing the EU’s formal political support to the negotiations within the Minsk Group, and alongside increased engagement with the countries of the South Caucasus at the bilateral and multilateral levels within the Eastern Partnership, an active supporting role to the peaceful settlement of the NK conflict is relevant. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Nepal Title of IfS Decision || Programme of Measures under the Instrument for Stability Providing Support to the Peace Process in Nepal || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation, Regional Peacebuilding Capacity Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 19/12/2008 Amount(s) || € 5,950,000 Contracted: € 5,000,000 - Paid: 2.500.000 Start Date of Project || 8/2009 || End Date || 12/2012 Context of Instability After more than a decade of insurgency, Nepal witnessed a return to democracy when King Gyanendra was forced to step down in April 2006 in face of mass protest, paving the way for the start of a serious peace process. Parliament was reconvened and the mainstream seven-party alliance set out to implement a roadmap to democracy – including the promulgation of an Interim Constitution in 2007 and the election of a Constituent Assembly (CA) in 2008 to rewrite the Constitution in line with the parties' agreement with the Maoists. The drafting of the new Constitution has been delayed and the deadline of 28 May 2011 for drafting the new Constitution will not be met, particularly due to the major issues of federalism, the form of the executive and the electoral system. Another extension of tenure for the CA appears inevitable. In the coming years, rehabilitation and integration of combatants will be of paramount importance to bring progress on the peace process and further build trust between the parties. At the core of these challenges is the need for political consensus between the political parties in the CA. It is therefore important that the international community remains actively engaged the peace process. In this context, it was crucial to prioritise assistance that supports the rule of law, justice and security matters such as, cantonment management and rehabilitation of combatants Short Description The overall objective of the project is to contribute to the consolidation of the fragile peace process in Nepal by supporting, through the multi-donor Nepal Peace Trust Fund (NPTF), the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Its specific objectives are to provide for promotion of security and transitional justice; support to the constituent assembly; elections and peace building initiatives at national and local levels; cantonment management and integration/re-integration of Maoist combatants; reconstruction of public infrastructure; and assistance to conflict affected persons and communities. Activities and State of Play NPTF supported activities are grouped under four clusters: (1) Cantonment Management and Rehabilitation of Combatants; (2) Conflict Affected Persons and Communities; (3) Security and Transitional Justice; (4) CA and Peace Building initiatives at national and local levels. Support to reconstruction of public infrastructure is seen as a cross cutting theme across supported sectors. (1) Support to Cantonment Management and Rehabilitation of Combatants: A total of 20 projects are financed by NPTF. Areas of support range from construction and maintenance of physical infrastructure including access and internal roads, temporary residential buildings, communication and provision of essential services such as health, sanitation, water supply, electricity, alternate energy sources and communication facilities to the Maoist combatants. A project to support institutional development of the Secretariat under the Special Committee on the Supervision, Integration and Rehabilitation of NCP(M) Maoist Army Combatants (SCSIRMC) has also been launched. (2) Conflict Affected Persons and Communities: One project to support transport, education for children and reconstruction or maintenance of damaged houses is in operation for the internally displaced (IDPs) since September 2007. (3) Security and Transitional Justice: A project to reconstruct the police units damaged during the conflict and another on strengthening the mine action activities is financed to date. Specifically on Mine Action, the Government has prepared a draft national technical standards and guidelines for Mine Action Strategy (2010-2012) and Annual Work Plan which will improve awareness of communities at risk of mines and in turn reduce landmines incidents. (4) CA and Peace Building Initiatives at National and Local Levels: A total of 11 projects are financed. Seven projects are with the Election Commission of Nepal (ECN), which supported successful conclusion of the CA elections/bi-elections. The Election project focuses on developing a fair and credible voter roll with photographs for more effective, accurate and transparent civil registration during elections. Other projects include public consultation for constitution making to Constituent Assembly Secretariat (CAS) and three projects on institutional development and capacity building of the Peace Fund Secretariat Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The EU encourages political stability and multiparty democracy in Nepal. With the deployment of a large Election Observation Mission in April 2008, the EU actively supported Nepal’s Peace Process, which led in May 2008 to the abolition of the monarchy by the Constituent Assembly and the establishment of a Republic. The NPTF also receives bilateral EU support from several Member States, namely the UK, Finland and Denmark. EU development cooperation with Nepal aims to contribute also to peace and stability. The EU Country Strategy Paper (2007-2013) will support stability and peace building activities, Education for all, trade facilitation and economic capacity building. This includes follow-on support of €22 million to the NPTF to extend and continue the Peace Process in Nepal. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programme in Nicaragua Title of IfS Decision || Programme of Support for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Areas Affected by Hurricane FELIX in Nicaragua || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Post-Disaster Recovery Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 10/06/2008 Amount(s) || € 7,490,000 Contracted: € 7,450,000 Paid: € 7,375,500 Start Date of Project || 03/01/2009 End Date || 28/02/2011 Context of Instability Political relations between the EU and Nicaragua have been shaped by the San José Dialogue, launched in 1984. The EU also supported the Esquipulas Process aiming to restore peace to the region and to Nicaragua through a negotiated solution to the armed conflicts. Nicaragua is a signatory to the 1993 EU-Central America Framework Cooperation Agreement and to 2003 Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement. Nicaragua is the biggest country in Central America but its GDP per capita is the second lowest in the Americas. At least 46% of its 5.5 million inhabitants live in poverty with 17% in extreme poverty. Persistent structural problems and recurrent natural disasters create a vulnerable economy, dependent on external aid and remittances from migrants. Short Description The measure supports the social and economic recovery of communities in Nicaragua’s North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) severely affected by Hurricane Felix on 4 September 2007. This action links the relief phase, for which the Commission had already provided € 6 million through DG ECHO, and the longer term reconstruction and development of the affected areas. This IfS programme provides much-needed extra assistance for recovery and rehabilitation in a particularly hard-hit and abandoned region. The programme is part of a coordinated, nationally-owned disaster recovery framework designed to build on previous and ongoing emergency interventions and to link up with forthcoming disaster preparedness programmes and longer term development support. It further promotes the sustainable recovery of critical water sanitation infrastructure and of livelihoods and income generation assets. Activities and State of Play National and local authorities and civil society organisations identified water and sanitation as one of the main priorities of the affected population. Long-term, sustainable actions were proposed including inter alia design and construction of appropriate hurricane, storm-resistant water and sanitation systems; improved sanitation in public buildings, hygiene promotion with public health awareness and implementation of a local-regional monitoring system of drinking-water quality. Rehabilitation of the livelihoods of the affected population was the second priority focusing on agricultural and fishery-based livelihoods and the re-establishment of income generation to facilitate the return to pre-hurricane Felix income levels and conditions. By the end of 2010, 13 of the 25 approved actions were complete with results exceeding goals by almost 50%. Other actions will follow in 2011. In addition, an exchange workshop on best practices and lessons learned on LRRD (Link between Relief, Rehabilitation and Development) took place alongside the establishment of a customised baseline monitoring system for the 25 proposed actions in cooperation with UNDP and a series of eight EU visibility and stakeholder training actions. A further eight visibility actions are planned for 2011 including a planned colloquium with donors and main regional and local stakeholder groups on how to advance the development agenda for the RAAN region. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response Since inception, the IfS action has focused on ensuring complementarities with DG ECHO interventions and other programmes during and after the hurricane in a longer development perspective, using an LRRD approach. Globally, the IfS action is considered successful by beneficiary communities and by, local and regional authorities, mainly for its positive impact on livelihood recovery and its targeting of the local economy. This success is also due to the good integration of local communities into project design and implementation. Moreover, the IfS has been used as a means to promote harmonisation, alignment of resources and synergy among donors and projects in the region. In this regard, good examples are: · Sharing of information and resources between the IfS programme and EuroSolar to enhance the impact of water sanitation system on the schools assisted by both programme; · Strengthening of the “Drinking Water and Sanitation” roundtable, bringing together donors, civil society and regional actors; · The IfS approach is used as a reference by other donors in the design of future interventions, mainly in the water and sanitation. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in occupied
Palestinian territory Title of IfS Decision || (1) Gaza Post-Conflict Early Recovery (2) Middle East Peace Process I and II || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Post-Conflict Recovery, Reconciliation and Mediation Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || (1) 5/06/2009, amended on 21/12/2009 (2) 1/08/2009; 17/06/2010 Total Amount(s) || (1) Decision: € 20,000,000; Contracted: € 19,646,092; Paid: € 18,302,540 (2) Decision: € 2,000,000; Contracted: € 1 998,059 Paid: € 1,049,687 Start Dates of Projects || (1) 04/02/2009; 17/07/2009 (2) Refugees 08/06/2010; High level contact group 09/06/2010 Transatlantic Advocacy Group 13/04/2010; Shape the Future 15/12/2010 Bitterlemons 01/03/2011; End Dates of Projects || 1) 01/2011 (2) Refugees 07/12/2012; High level contact group 08/08/2011 Transatlantic Advocacy Group 13/10/2011; Shape the Future 14/12/2011 Bitterlemons 31/08/2012 Context of Instability The EU has, over the past years, provided support to Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. It has also supported the Palestinian Authority in building the institutions of the future democratic state. The post-Annapolis peace negotiations, however, broke down in the run up to the 2008-2009 Gaza conflict. This military action, compounding the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip in place since 2007, triggered the complete meltdown of Gaza’s economy. In addition to the 1400 lives lost, thousands lost their livelihoods. The international community (including the EU) committed itself to reconstruction at the February 2009 Sharm el Sheikh Donor Conference, but this proved impossible due to the blockade. The socio-economic situation of the inhabitants has further deteriorated, in particular as regards health, environmental conditions and crucial public infrastructure. The Palestinian internal division persists and the plight of the civilian population in the Gaza Strip, half of which are children, continues to worsen. Repeated attempts have been made by the international community since 2009 to reinvigorate, speed up or restart the peace process through direct negotiations. US-sponsored talks were launched on 2 September 2010, but reached an impasse shortly after the end of the settlement moratorium on 27 September, which the Israeli government did not extend, despite calls from the US Administration, EU and UN. To date the peace process remains stalled. Short Description and Objectives (1) Gaza Post-Conflict Early Recovery - The € 14.5 million Gaza post-conflict early recovery programme, was adopted by the Commission on 5 June 2009 to contribute to reconstruction and sustainable development after the January 2009 conflict. The measure supports the UNRWA Job Creation Programme (€ 13 million), and the UNMAS programme of clearance and disposal of unexploded ordinances (€ 1.5 million). Later in 2009, the deterioration of public health among the refugee population in Gaza required urgent action to prevent a public health crisis and two additional components were added. These components provide support to the UNRWA Primary Health Care Programme and to the Special Environmental Health Programme in Gaza. The additional components added € 5.5 million, creating an overall programme of € 20 million (2) Middle East Peace Process, reinvigorating final status negotiations through high level dialogue and advocacy activities. Actions implemented consist of o a series of seminars by Chatham House on the implementation of a final status agreement about refugees with the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders from the region and the international community. (‘Refugees’) o the creation of a high level contact group, by the Toledo International Centre for Peace, specifically focusing on using the Arab Peace Initiative (‘High Level Contact Group’) o the support of a high-level transatlantic advocacy group, by the US Middle East Project (‘Transatlantic Advocacy Group’) o three public web-based discussion fora under the name "Bitterlemons" focusing respectively on discussions by opinion makers on the Israel-Palestinian conflict, the wider regional conflict and the ramifications and possibilities contained in the Arab Peace Initiative.(‘bitterlemons’) o Under an action called “Shape the Future” implemented by Search for Common Ground, the production of a docu-drama showing the advantages of a peace agreement for everyday life in the region. The production is to be released ahead of the deadline for statehood set by PM Fayyad, and will be shown on television as well as to specific audiences through a series of events. (‘Shape the Future’) Activities and State of Play (1) Gaza Post-Conflict Early Recovery I and II - The programme supported actions such as clean-up operations and reinvigoration of the private sector through a “cash for work” scheme, as well as primary health care and environmental protection. These early recovery actions were implemented by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The programme also supported the clearance and safe disposal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and other hazardous remnants of war carried out by the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS). The following results were achieved: UNRWA delivered emergency primary health care and urgent environmental protection activities for a five month period through 17 primary health care centres and through maintenance of environmental infrastructure and conditions. By February 2010 UNRWA was able to provide employment opportunities to some 25,468 Gazans with private companies, UNRWA services, local utilities and service providers and in solid waste management. Five explosive ordnance disposal teams were deployed and coordinated by UNMAS. The teams assessed 956 potentially affected sites, and 75 training sessions were provided on general UXO safety, training of trainers in UXO safety and rubble removal. (2) Middle East Peace Process, reinvigorating final status negotiations through high level dialogue and advocacy activities: Under the project implemented by Chatham House, two seminars took place in September and December 2010, respectively, on "International Institutions and an Implementation Mechanism for Palestinian Refugees" in Geneva and on “Host Countries and an Implementation Mechanism for Palestinian Refugees" in Jordan. The Arab Peace Initiative Contact Group, led by the Toledo International Centre for Peace, met once in 2010. The meeting saw the emergence of a relative consensus about the framework within which to see the API as a catalyst in reinvigorating negotiations. The project “Transatlantic Advisory Group” produced analyses and periodic assessments of progress in the peace process throughout 2010 and conveyed policy recommendations to policymakers in the U.S. and Europe. Activities under the other two projects will start in 2011. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response (1) Gaza Post-Conflict Early Recovery - The Gaza post-conflict early recovery programme has provided vital early recovery actions in the Gaza Strip during a time when normal response mechanisms, with the exception of humanitarian aid, were blocked by the continuing closure by the Israeli authorities. The programme assisted in immediate recovery in the Gaza Strip, beyond ENPI funds allocated for Palestinian Authority salaries and social benefits. (2) Middle East Peace Process, reinvigorating final status negotiations through high level dialogue and advocacy activities - The actions provide crucial support to reinvigorate the peace process which has slumped for several years now, beyond the means available through the Partnership for Peace and other calls for proposals under ENPI. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Pakistan Title of IfS Decision || Decisions Specific to Pakistan: (1) Support to Electoral Reforms (2) Civilian capacity building for law enforcement in Pakistan (3) Support to Post Crisis Needs Assessment in Pakistan (PCNA) (4)Support post-crisis reconstruction and development in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Baluchistan (5) Early Recovery from Floods: Local governance rehabilitation programme (6) Early Recovery from Floods: Media-Floods Response Programme || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Rule of Law, Security System Reform, Post-Conflict Recovery (1 to 4 and 7) Response to natural disasters (5 & 6) Dates of Adoption of IfS Decisions || (1) 18/08/2009 (2) 18/12/2009 (3) 30/11/2009 (4) 02/07/2010 (5) & (6) 17/12/2010 Amount(s) || Decisions Specific to Pakistan: (1) € 2,400,000 Contracted: € 2,387,720 Paid: € 1,301,560 (2) € 15,000,000 Contracted: € 15,000,000 of which € 11,500,000 (contract 2A) € 3,500,000 (contract 2B) Paid: € 3,450,000 (3) € 300,000 Contracted: € 300,000 Paid: € 300,000 Total contracted (Actions resulting from both Specific and Global Decisions) || (4) € 15,000,000 Contracted: € 15,000,000 Paid: € 5,000,000 (5) € 15,000,000 Contracted: € 0 Paid: € 0 (6) € 3,000,000 Contracted: € 0 Paid: € 0 Paid: € 1,879.20 Totals: Total commitments (Decisions Specific to Pakistan): Committed in 2010: € 33,000,000 Total Committed: € 50,700,000 Contracted in 2010: € 30,306,264.00 Total Contracted: € 32,693,984.62 Paid in 2010: € 9,154,976.4 Total Paid: € 10,053,439.2 Start Dates of Projects || (1) 11/12/2009; (2A) 01/03/2010; (2B) 23/12/2010 (3) 30/10/2009; (4) 02/09/2010; (5) 01/11/2010; (6) 1/1/2011; End Dates || (1) 11/06/2011; (2A) 30/08/2011; (2B) 22/12/2011; (3) 18/08/2010 (4) 02/03/2012; (5) 31/10/2011; (6) 30/6/2012; 31/12/2010 Context of Instability Pakistan is at the centre of the international security debate, with its political system facing numerous challenges, including the fight against radical Islamist movements as well as the urgent need to improve credibility and effectiveness of its civilian institutions. While the February 2008 elections passed relatively peacefully with results accepted, the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) emphasised profound electoral problems persist in Pakistan. The EOM recommendations were generally accepted by all stakeholders, including the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The difficult security situation in parts of the country, in particular those close to the border with Afghanistan, southern Punjab and Sindh is the most visible aspect of crisis. An insurgency continues in large parts of the border region, including challenges posed by non-state actors to the writ of the state and a consequent gradual deterioration of law and order in the crisis-hit areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP, formerly North West Frontier Province, NWF) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). In 2009, in the wake of attempts by insurgents to override the government’s writ in even the settled districts of KP, the Government of Paksitan (GoP) responded resolutely to attempts to liquidate state authority. Military operations and pitched battles (including guerrilla warfare) caused internal mass migration of colossal proportions from the embattled areas of KP and FATA. GoP led an early recovery process, in particular to address the IDP needs but also to re-establish administrative control in the affected settled districts emerging slowly from major conflict. In 2010, 1.2 million IDPs in KP, FATA and Balochistan continue needing substantial support for transitional and developmental activities both in the host areas and also after their return. While the Pakistan Security Report for 2010 noted an 11 % decrease in violent incidents and terrorism due to the military action against militants and improved surveillance, it was not uniformly felt across the country, particularly in the urban areas of Sindh, Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan. Moreover, this development has not translated into sustainable peace and administrative control in KP and FATA as the goal of inclusive and effective governance has not yet been achieved Security developments in Pakistan impact on its neighbours and the wider world. Peace and stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan are closely interlinked and impacts also on Europe’s security. For this reason, the EU and Member States provide assistance to consolidate the rule of law and good governance through bilateral and multilateral actions and a variety of institution and capacity-building projects. The EU currently provides assistance on electoral reform and non-military technical cooperation to strengthen civilian control and oversight over the security system and to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement and judicial authorities. In 2010 the Instrument for Stability (IfS) has been the major source of funding for these interventions. The monsoon floods that hit Pakistan in the summer 2010 caused one the biggest humanitarian catastrophes of recent years. They affected over 20 million people, flooding 1.9 million houses in more than one third of the country's surface (84 out of 121 districts) causing unprecedented damage to livelihoods, community networks and infrastructure. The economic and social impact will be felt for years to come. The EU reacted swiftly: the total EU humanitarian contribution following the floods at EUR 423 million (May 2011), of which EUR 150 million is managed by the European Commission (DG ECHO) with additional assets being provided through Member States transport capacity. The IfS action complements humanitarian and reconstruction efforts, by addressing immediate governance, justice and public transparency issues, To this end, the IfS financed the Local Governance Rehabilitation and Media-Floods Response programme. On 15 October, the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) held its ministerial meeting in Brussels. The meeting adopted the first Joint Communiqué of the Friends through which FoDP endorsed the Post Crisis Needs Assessment for KP and FATA, with a commitment to support all its recommendations and for the GoP to lead on its “urgent implementation". Short Description (1) Support to Electoral Reforms – this project contributes to enhancing the capacity of parliamentary and election authorities. It builds on the recommendations of the EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) of 16 April 2008 on the February elections, by focusing on (1) Increased Electoral Reform activity by the Federal Parliament (namely the National Assembly) (2) Improving the framework for local elections through reporting and assistance to the provincial assemblies; and (3) Improved media coverage of electoral reform issues and the local elections. (2A) Civilian capacity building for law enforcement in Pakistan - this project aims to strengthen law enforcement agencies by 1) supporting the institution and capacity building of the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NACTA); 2) improving the capacity of the provincial forces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab to handle counter-terrorism investigations; 3) improving the ability of law enforcement agencies to handle media relations; 4) Supporting the Criminal justice system in Punjab; and 5) Improving the understanding of governance issues in the border areas of Afghanistan. (2B) Procurement of equipment for Civilian Capacity Building of Law Enforcement in Pakistan - the project includes the provision of non-military, non-lethal equipment to improve the counter-terrorism capacity of the police forces in KP and Punjab. The EU technical assistance will undertake an equipment needs assessment in consultation with Pakistani beneficiaries preparing their procurement. (3) Support to Post Crisis Needs Assessment in Pakistan (PCNA) –, In July 2009 GoP requested the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to conduct a Post Crisis Needs Assessment (PCNA) to provide a peace-building strategy for creating conditions for sustainable and peaceful development for KP and FATA. (4) KP/FATA/Balochistan Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). The Multi-Donor Trust Fund supports reconstruction and development after the 2009 conflict while addressing governance issues to prevent further conflict in KP, FATA and Balochistan. (5) IfS Floods Response: Local governance rehabilitation programme. This project focuses on restoration of local government functions, community participation and rule of law. in 31 flood- affected districts throughout Pakistan, i.e. Azad Jammu Kashmir, Baluchistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, KP, Punjab and Sindh. (6) IfS Floods Response: Media-Floods Response Programme. This project aims at improving communication on recovery and reconstruction efforts, and shall be implemented by Internews in Sindh, Punjab, KP and Baluchistan. Activities and State of Play (1) Support to Electoral Reforms Activity in 2010 was primarily focused on advocacy to bring the electoral reform back on the political agenda and the establishment of a high-level, all-party parliamentary mechanism to address the issue. A series of meetings on electoral reform were held with oarty political leaders and other political figures (including the Speaker of the National Assembly) between April and November 2010, resulting in President Zardari’s and the Pakistan People’s Party support to uphold the role of the existing parliamentary Sub-Committee on Electoral Reforms. Activities in support of local elections focused on providing expertise to the provincial assembly of Balochistan to review its Local Government Acts regulating the conduct of local elections in terms of consistency with Pakistan’s international obligations and good democractic practice. (2A) Provision of technical assistance for Civilian capacity building for law enforcement in Pakistan (1) Two high-level advisors to NACTA developed initial training and an equipment-needs analysis as well as curricular planning within the framework of Pakistan’s CT strategy. Advice was provided on developing NACTA’s Ordinance and organizational structure. In parallel, workshops on CT and counter-extremism took place with national and international stakeholders. Pakistani ownership is critical to ensure the component’s ultimate success. (2) Two simultaneous training cycles were organised for 580 police training officers in the provincial police Punjab and KP on issues such as crime scene management, investigation, forensics, CT and criminal intelligence. Service Level Agreements were subsequently signed to ensure a 3-year post training tenure for trained police trainers within specialised police units with view to underpinning sustainability. (3) Training sessions were organised on how to handle media relations including personal coaching for senior police officers on developing media strategies to address very limited media awareness within law enforcement agencies. (4) In Punjab, training was delivered for district and central prosecutors on terrorist-related crime and related investigation management as well on organizational development and human resources. The focus was on improving investigation standards and enforcing case review guidelines. Further joint training for police and prosecutors is planned (5) Work on this component aims to establish a more informed baseline on the tribal areas in order to identify ways to improve governance and deliver aid more effectively. It will accelerate on the baiss of the results of the Post Crisis Needs Assessment. (2B) Procurement of equipment for Civilian Capacity Building of Law Enforcement in Pakistan The Equipment Needs Assessment identified the required bomb disposal and anti-improvised explosive device (IED) material for procurement and the required training on its use, warranty and maintenance. In December 2010, an agreement was signed with UNOPS for the main procurement on the basis of the latter’s experience in police equipment procurement for a 12 month period (3) Support to Post Crisis Needs Assessment in Pakistan (PCNA) - The PCNA exercise was completed in September 2010 with the active participation of the Government of KP and FATA Secretariat in its technical preparation and subseqnet decision-making at PCNA Heads of Institutions. It endorsed by the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) Ministerial Meeting in October and approved by GoP in November. The FoDP Joint Communiqué confirmed support for all PCNA recommendations providing a basis for follow up and implementation. (4) Multi Donor Trust Fund. Project selection commenced in September after donor approval of the financing strategy presented by the MDTF Secretariat. FATA will receive 35% of funds and KP 53% with Baluchistan allocations at some 12%. Funds are directed to restore damaged infrastructure, improve local and provincial governance service-delivery through line departments such as health and education as well as livelihood support for the internally displaced as well capacity building and institutional strengthening for local government ministries and agencies. In February 2011, the MDTF Secretariat organised a workshop for the donors, announcing the launch of the first project: Emergency Recovery Project for USD 35 million in KP and FATA, which will grant direct income support to households. Implementation of the fund is administered by the World Bank in cooperation with provincial governments and GoP. (5) and (6): IfS Post Floods programmes. Projects are due to be contracted in February 2011. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response (1) Support to Electoral Reforms - The IfS action is subject to donor coordination on electoral reforms in Pakistan via the multilateral Election Support Group (ESG). Some activities (support electoral-related activity at federal level) are to be continued under the long-term overarching programme under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI) on support to elected representatives. Implementation of this programme is to start late 2011. (2A+B) Civilian capacity building for law enforcement in Pakistan - The actions are complementary to the EU’s overall policy in South Asia, in particular its commitments to intensify cooperation with Pakistan on counter-terrorism. Currently follow-up measures are being studied and considered for each of the programme's component. These measures could fall under both Commission’s geographic financial instruments and the IfS. Consultations are ongoing with EU Member States and other international stakeholders, US, Australia, Canada and UNODC with view to creating maximum synergies. (3) Support to Post Crisis Needs Assessment in Pakistan (PCNA) (4) Multi Donor Trust Fund. The Government of KP and FATA remain firmly committed to implementing and following up the PCNA including establishing structures to coordinate all its activities and interventions in a peace-building perspective. The FoDP Ministerial meeting in October 2010 endorsed the same. In addition, the PCNA recommendations provided a basis for activities undertaken through the MDTF for KP, FATA and Balochistan to which EU is contributing €15M. (5) & (6): Early Recovery from Floods. GoP and UNDP and the EU are coordinating early recovery and reconstruction activities. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Peru Title of IfS Decision || (1) Social Peace and Stability in Emerging Crisis Areas in Peru (2) Rehabilitation after the Earthquake in Southern Areas of Peru || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Regional Peace-building Capacity, Reconciliation, Post-Disaster Recovery Dates of Adoption of IfS Decisions || (1) 25/04/2008 (2) 25/08/2008 Amount(s) || (1) € 2,533,000 Contracted: € 2,533,000 Paid: € 2,344,862 (2) € 3,000,000 Contracted: € 3,000,000 Paid: € 2,000,000 || Start Dates of Projects || (1) 01/02/2009; (2) 30/10/2008 End Dates || (1) 01/02/2011; (2) 31/10/2010 (including extensions) Context of Instability The EU has long supported the Peruvian Government’s efforts to strengthen democracy, modernise the state, fight against poverty and promote respect of human rights. The EU supported the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission created in 2001 to report on the years of political violence and to provide recommendations to promote peace and reconciliation. However, recurrent social conflicts and drug production and trafficking remain destabilising factors. Moreover, Peru is vulnerable to natural disasters and exposed to earthquakes. In August 2007, a powerful 7.9 magnitude earthquake hit the coast of Peru, killing at least 337 people and injuring hundreds more. Short Description (1) Social Peace and Stability in Emerging Crisis Areas in Peru - This IfS project supports a programme, run by UNDP together with the Conflict Analysis and Prevention Unit (UAPC) of the Prime Minister’s Office (PCM), to promote social peace and stability in areas experiencing emerging crises and to ensure recovery after natural disasters. It works with and specifically supports the Conflict Analysis and Prevention Unit (UAPC) in the Prime Minister’s Office (PCM). (2) Rehabilitation after the earthquake in Southern areas of Peru - This IfS programme provides urgently needed support for the reconstruction of the three provinces of Castrovirreyna, Yauyos and Huaytara located in the southern part of Peru, severely affected by the earthquake of 15 August 2007, in which many lives were lost and almost 100.000 houses destroyed or damaged. Activities and State of Play (1) Social Peace and Stability in Emerging Crisis Areas in Peru - The project established conflict prevention offices in 9 regions in the country and in each Ministry at national level during 2009 and started training of public officials working in these offices during 2010. It also elaborated a draft public policy on conflict prevention and management, a map of emerging crises and conflicts as well as an early warning system located in the Prime Minister’s office. Following conflict between police, military and indigenous groups in Bagua in June 2009, it was necessary to support the crucial role of the Prime Minister’s office in established dialogue round tables. Other activities in 2010 include developing training courses on conflict prevention including a recognised university diploma as well training for journalists on their reporting and information roles before and during conflicts. (2) Rehabilitation after the earthquake in Southern areas of Peru - The primary project focus was to rehabilitate water and sanitation infrastructure and re-establish sustainable livelihoods and income generating activities at local level. The main beneficiaries were the communities which received the €8 million ECH0 emergency humanitarian aid between April 2007 and April 2008. This amounted to approximately 50,000 people from the estimated 260,000 people affected by the earthquake.. Under the project, 5500 families from 90 villages located in 17 districts of the 3 provinces of Castrovirreyna, Yauyos and Huaytara received support through 160 co-financed small projects. 43 houses were built, 43 irrigation systems were rehabilitated (covering 1553 ha of agricultural land), 1167 persons received training in water & sanitation systems management and 743 persons received training in risk management. Most importantly, 81% of beneficiaries said that the project improved their quality of life. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response (1) Social Peace and Stability in Emerging Crisis Areas in Peru – The action is fully in line with the EU Country Strategy and a previous EU project under the Rapid Reaction Mechanism. The Country Strategy Paper 2007-2013 includes – directly or indirectly - support to actions related to some of the project’s components. The 2008 Annual Action Programme for Peru focused directly on integrated development of the poorest regions of the country, including those most affected by violence and drug-trafficking. (2) Rehabilitation after the earthquake in Southern areas of Peru - DG ECHO and its disaster preparedness programme DIPECHO were linked to this programme. Moreover, German co-operation (GTZ) enhanced project implementation with its own complementary development activities. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Philippines Title of IfS Decision || (1) Support to the Peace Process in the Southern Philippines (2) EU Justice Assistance Mission (EUJAM), subsequently renamed Europe-Philippines Justice Assistance Programme (EPJUST) (3) EU Participation in the international organs established to support the peace process in the South of the Philippines || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || (1) Peace-building capacity, mediation and reconciliation; (2) Support to rule of Law in the context of Extra-Judicial Killings: (3) Civilian protection; peace-building capacity, mediation, and reconciliation Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 17/12/2008; (2) 17/04/2009; and (3) 28/09/2010 Amount(s) || (1) € 1,000,000 (2) € 3,900,000 Contracted: € 1,000,000 Contracted: € 3,296,756 Paid: € 950,000 Paid: € 2,803,110 (3) € 3,000,000 Contracted: € 1,986,000 Paid: € 1,031,104.2 Start Date of Project || (1) 2009; (2) 2009; and (3) 2010 End Date || (1) 2010; (2) 2011; and (3) 2012 Context of Instability (1) Violent conflict was first ignited in the Southern Philippines when some “Moro” groups launched an armed struggle for ancestral homelands, which developed into a quest for autonomy. Conflict has claimed more than 120,000 lives over the last three decades, with some 600,000 were displaced from their homes by the end of 2008. Ceasefire negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been underway since 1997 but have repeatedly broken down, most recently following a Supreme Court Decision that an agreement on Ancestral Homelands was unconstitutional. The peace process has been further complicated by reports of cooperation between elements of the armed group and international jihadist groups. After renewed hostilities sparked by the Supreme Court's intervention, the situation improved in July 2009 when a Suspension of Military Operations (SOMO) and a Suspension of Military Actions (SOMA) were announced by the Government and the MILF respectively. Peace talks resumed in December 2009 which continued until the end of the Arroyo administration in June 2010 (see below). (2) Much debate has taken place on the number of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances since 2000. Reconciling Government figures (around 150) and those of leftist groups (around 1200), a study by the University of the Philippines established the number of politically-motivated killings between 2001 and 2010 at 305. The impunity behind these crime remains particularly problematic as only 4 tried cases have resulted in convictions, a rate of just over 1 %. While the number of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances fell from 2007 to early 2009, they rose again in the run-up to the 2010 Presidential elections. Despite a strong commitment from the new President to fight these most abhorrent crimes, the spate of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances continues unabated with may convictions still to be secured. (3) On 15 September 2009 the Government and MILF agreed to establish an International Contact Group (ICG) governmental and non-governmental partners, mandated to assist the Parties in the negotiations and help implement any resulting agreements. On 9 December 2009 the mandate of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) tasked with monitoring compliance with earlier-brokered agreements in the areas of security; civilian protection; humanitarian, rehabilitation, and development; and socio-economic assistance was renewed. In May 2010, the EU accepted to man and lead the humanitarian, rehabilitation, and development component of the IMT. Short Description (1) The project objective was to support the peace process in the southern Philippines, through the activities of two international NGOs (CHD, NVPF) and one national NGO Network (MPC) active in promoting peace. (2) The project provides technical support to the key State agencies responsible for the investigation, prosecution, and trial of cases of extra-judicial killings and enforced disappearances both centrally and in select pilot regions and, in addition, supports civil society in witness protection and monitoring. (3) This new action supports the international role in the renewed peace process in the southern Philippines through monitoring the Parties’ compliance with their humanitarian, rehabilitation and development commitments as well as , providing NGO support to the ICG and the IMT civilian protection component. Activities and State of Play (1) The first project component implemented by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (CHD) works with the Government of the Philippines, MILF, MNLF, other governments, civil society and the Organization of Islamic Conference to monitor, prepare and facilitate renewed dialogue. The key activities of the Nonviolent Peace Force’s (NVPF) include regular patrolling and stable protective presence in most vulnerable communities, especially in buffer-zones or other volatile areas, documenting human rights violations and other specific threats to civilians in cooperation with the regional offices of the Human Rights Commission of the Philippines with a specific emphasis on encouraging women’s engagement. The grassroots work of the Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC) broadens the consultation processes to ensure transparency, participation and ownership of the peace process. Areas of attention include human rights, peace advocacy, women’s participation in peace, mediation and skills-building in conflict affected areas. MPC acts as a local umbrella organisation for some 35 local NGOs. (2) The project provides advice, training and mentoring to criminal justice system actors and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on criminal intelligence, crime scene protection, investigative techniques, inter-agency coordination and case management. Assistance is also provided for witness protection and personal security to the former as well as to civil society organisations on investigative journalism, human rights advocacy and information-sharing. In addition, capacity-building for the police and armed forces is delivered alongside support for CHR on human rights education, revision of its training system and curricula, Finally, the project supports a National Monitoring Mechanism, bringing together state agencies and civil society organisations to assess progress in addressing the issue. (3) Support is provided for EU lead-role in monitoring the humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects of the agreements signed as well as the parties’ observance of international humanitarian law and human rights. In addition, it supports an NGO role in protection by the training and deployment of a combined force of 400 Civilian Protection Monitors. In addition, it supports political dialogue within the International Contact Group, chaired by Malaysia, through a specialized NGO. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response (1) (3) IfS projects are complemented by support to address the root causes of the conflict through the multi-donor Mindanao Trust Fund (MTF) for community-based development programmes with the Bangsamoro Development Agency as well as humanitarian assistance Cooperation in Mindanao focuses on health development for indigenous communities, food security and civil society capacity-building. Follow-up actions are currently being considered either under the Development Cooperation Instrument (DCI). (2) Under the DCI, a € 10 million follow-up programme will continue and expand the cooperation undertaken with the EPJUST Programme as well as a previous action on access to justice. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Senegal Title of IfS Decision || Technical support to the organisation of the trial of Hissène Habré || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Transitional Justice Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 27/11/2009 (under Transitional Justice Facility) Amount(s) || € 200,000 Contracted: € 200,000 Paid: € 160,000 Start Date of Project || 06/12/2009 End Date || 05/12/2010 Context of Instability The former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré, who lives in exile in Senegal, is allegedly responsible for the killing of thousands of people during this tenure as head of state (1982-1990). Killings include massacres against ethnic groups, politically-motivated murders and physical torture. In 2005, Belgium indicted Hissène Habré under its universal competence for crimes against humanity, torture, war crimes and other human rights violations. At the end of 2006, the procedure was suspended after Senegal’s commitment to try the dictator on behalf of the African Union (AU). In January 2008, the Commission deployed a mission of high-level EU experts to help the Government of Senegal in preparing for the trial’s organization. This mission established a roadmap setting out the measures to be taken to ensure a sound organization of the trial. These included the need for a revision of some legal texts, the definition of the prosecution strategy, the revision of the budget and other organizational requirements. The Senegalese authorities have made significant efforts to adapt the national judicial framework to allow the trial to be held Senegal. However, there is still urgent need to finalize the budget and the prosecution strategy in order to ensure a timely trial as discussed between Senegal, the AU and EU. The trial will help to promote peace and stability in the ongoing Chadian crisis and act as a precedent to uphold accountability and check the culture of impunity in the African continent. Short Description Following February 2009 request of the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Governments for the trial’s budget to be finalized quickly and the call of the AU-EU troika on the various parties to cooperate to provide technical support to this end, the EU deployed specialized high-level experts to help the authorities and other key actors to organize the trial i The expertise is deployed for short terms periods at the request of the relevant authorities and in consultation with the African Union and the international community. The assignment of each specific mission is established in a joint manner in line with requirements and achievements. Activities and State of Play Three missions to Dakar took place in December 2009, then May and June 2010. The EU deployed three experts, including the Deputy Registrar of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon as team leader who worked closely with two representatives of the African Union Commission. These missions focused on the preparation of a budget and the establishment of funding modalities for the trial, in agreement with the Senegalese authorities, EU Member States and the international community. A budget was presented at a Donor roundtable in November 2010 in Dakar. The mission report included proposals regarding : (i) the prosecution strategy, outreach , witness-support and protection (ii) the budget (iii) the physical structure to host the trial (iv) a model for the management of international contributions. Of the approximate total cost of € 8,5 million, the EU pledged a contribution of €2 million under the IfS. The United Nations Operations Projects Service (UNOPS) developed an implementation mechanism for managing trial funds. However, a rule by ECOWAS’ regional court on the Habré trial cast doubt on whether it could finally be held in Senegal as expected. Discussions are ongoing between Senegal and the AU, in order to define a special status that would set up an international court functioning within the Senegalese justice system. The challenge will be to maintain the costs within the approved budget. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response This action complements EU Member States bilateral contributions to the organization of the trial as well as the EU's efforts in the fight against impunity in the African Continent deployed under different instruments. The support is also coherent with the IfS support to the EU-AU expert meeting on universal jurisdiction which was held in Brussels and Addis in the first half of 2010. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Seychelles || Title of IfS Decision Type of Measure Date of Adoption of IfS Decision Amount(s) || EU assistance in support of the trial and related treatment of piracy suspects Support to judicial system 8 October 2009 €780,000 Contracted: as of 31/12/2010: €780,000 Paid: as of 31/12/2010: €342,000 || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb || Start Date of Project || 24 February 2010 Start Date of Project || 24 August 2011 Context of Instability Combating piracy along some of the world’s major shipping lanes off the Horn of Africa is a high priority for the countries of the region and the wider international community. Apart from the impact on the overall security situation, the disruption of trade caused by piracy is damaging the already fragile economies of many developing countries in the region. The EU is actively engaged in the fight against piracy through the conduct of the CSDP naval operation EU-NAVFOR Atalanta, which aims to contribute to the protection of UN World Food Programme (WFP) urgent humanitarian deliveries to Somalia as well as to the protection of other vulnerable sea vessels and the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. In October 2009, the EU concluded an agreement with Seychelles to allow piracy suspects detained by the Atalanta operation to be transferred to Seychelles for trial. In this way, Seychelles is the second country in the region after Kenya to have signed a transfer agreement with the EU. Short Description The Seychelles authorities asked the EU for practical assistance to support the country’s efforts to ensure the trials and related treatment of transferred piracy suspects. Piracy trials pose significant demands on the limited capacities of the criminal justice system of this small country. IfS assistance aims to support the conduct of piracy trials and related activities, as well as to ensure that these processes are fair, humane and efficient and take place within a sound rule of law framework. Activities and State of Play The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) which is the EU implementing partner for the Kenya antipiracy project - is also implementing the Seychelles project. The project has been effectively implementing the following activities: · Legislative review and assistance with amendments to relevant legislation; · Prosecutorial support, including jurisprudence on piracy and production of handover guidance; · Enhancement of IT and office equipment (provision of transcription equipment, refurbishment of specific premises, digital fingerprint recognition equipment and cameras, repair of two police vehicles for transportation of suspects) and coverage for participation of senior Seychellois representatives in key international meetings; · Police / Coast Guard support, including an investigator and specialised trainings such as on “law of the sea and naval organisations"; · Witness and trial support, including witness expenses, interpreters, transcription of trials, costs of defense and enhancement of security arrangements in the court; · Workshop for judges on piracy-related offences; · Support to prison service, including rectification of shortages of drinking water and of damaged or blocked drainage, provision of proper and secure door locks, recruitment and training of a Parole Officer, training on prison management for prison staff, assistance with the introduction of proper prison routines and regional learning exchanges with Kenya and other countries; · Provisions for visibility and publicity, including press conferences, press releases and brochures. Working closely with the responsible Seychellois authorities, the project has contributed to ensuring trials are conducted in a fair and humane manner and in a sound rule-of-law framework. Seychelles (one of the world’s smallest states with the biggest maritime exclusive economic zones) is much affected by piracy (notably on tourism, shipping lines and fishery) and is particularly keen on supporting the international efforts and prosecuting piracy suspects. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response This IfS action complements the EU’s CSDP anti-piracy naval operation Atalanta and to wider efforts of the EU and the international community to tackle piracy. However, the Seychelles' contribution to the joint fight against piracy is restricted by its limited prison capacity, why alternative options for detention of pirates outside Seychelles are sought. It is important that EU Member States, the UNODC and other international actors continue with and build on the initial measures which are addressing some of the Seychelles’ more immediate short-term needs. Seychelles will also benefit from the implementation of the Eastern and Southern African and Indian Ocean region's strategy on maritime security endorsed in 2010 and supported by the EU. This strategy involves five regional organisations and the affected countries and is aimed at setting a comprehensive approach to fight piracy and to improve maritime security. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Sierra
Leone Title of IfS Decision || CTN Sierra Leone, a Model for Public Service Broadcasting in Support of Transitional Justice Processes || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Rule of Law and Transitional Justice Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 20/03/2009 (under the IfS Facility for urgent actions involving transitional justice initiatives) Amount(s) || € 1,150,000 Contracted: € 1,149,707 Paid: € 1,149,364 Start Date of Project || 01/04/2009 || End Date || 19/12/2010 Context of Instability Following its emergence from eleven years of civil war in 2002, Sierra Leone remains a fragile state. The last UN peacekeepers withdrew in December 2005, leaving responsibility for security with domestic forces while a new civilian UN office remains to support the government. Despite the country's impressive mineral and agricultural wealth, the government is almost entirely dependent on donors to provide basic services. Fundamental issues such as corruption, youth unemployment and basic sustainable development still need to be addressed, although some progress has been made in the areas of institution building, respect for human rights and security sector reform. The elections of the opposition leader Ernest Bai Koroma as President in 2007 signalled renewed hope for the country’s political stability and the implementation of much-needed reforms. However, the slow pace of reforms and its negative impacts governance challenges the capacity of the state to deliver services. Widespread dissatisfaction with widening socio-economic problems, makes it difficult for the new APC government to maintain its image as a post-conflict success story. In an increasingly polarised environment, both government and opposition began operating radio stations, using them to disseminate their party messages and to broadcast inflammatory remarks. A new round of conflict was prevented by the determination of the President and the commitment of senior political party leaders of the governing party (APC) and the main opposition party (SLPP). Immediately suspending their activities, the Independent Media Commission announced on 8th July that the licences of the radio stations owned by APC and SLPP would be withdrawn. On 23rd July the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation Act 2009 was passed by Parliament providing the legal basis for the creation of an independent national broadcaster. However, national and international stakeholders are concerned that some of the provisions in the bill could undermine the independence of the broadcasting corporation. Short Description The project aimed to ensure public access to unbiased and objective political information in order to underpin the work of the transitional justice institutions, in particular the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to and consolidate peace. The IfS Transitional Justice Facility provided funding to ensure that independent and objective professional radio coverage is available in Sierra Leone Activities and State of Play Given an illiteracy rate of almost 70% and very limited television coverage, radio is widely listened to throughout the country and is the major medium. Ensuring appropriate media coverage so that citizens receive politically unbiased information, produced in a professional, objective and independent manner was the key task. The project worked in two areas i) Supporting government towards privatisation of the state radio and television mainly by providing training to journalists, editors and technicians of the future Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), and ii) ensuring the interim continuation of CTN radio broadcasts, an independent, professionally run radio station, providing important coverage on subjects such as justice, human rights, governance and education. In July 201O it reached some 38 % of all daily radio listeners, equivalent to 600,000 people. CTN financing had been assured by Irish Aid but came to an end in April 2009. The IfS project was implemented through the Fondation Hirondelle, which has been operating CTN radio for the last two years and had significant expertise in assisting with privatisation of state-owned media enterprises. The IfS covered the cost of the capacity-building activities with view to setting up of SLBC and provided funding to ensure the continuation of CTN broadcasts until 2010 when its handover to an all Sierra Leonean radio operation is foreseen. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The support to CTN, complemented several interventions under the European Instrument for Democracy aiming to contribute to the development and consolidation of democracy and the rule of law and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms. In line with the 2007 EU Election Observation Mission’s recommendations, which highlighted the need to strengthen the role of the media in the election environment, the IfS intervention created synergies with EDF electoral support and with the UN Peace Building support to the creation of an independent Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC). It underscored the EU’s strong commitment in the fight against impunity and for stability in Sierra Leone. IfS support was also complementary with Member States bilateral contributions to the SCSL and with the EDF support to SCSL which is aimed surely at outreach activities such as archiving, documentation, video screening of trials and training programmes that target and promote the participation of all Sierra Leoneans in all aspects of SCSL work. Implementation of Instrument for Stability (IfS)
Programmes in Solomon
Islands Title of IfS Decision || Support to the operations of the Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 28/07/2009 (under the IfS “Transitional Justice” facility) Amount(s) || 1,500,000 Contracted as of 31/12/2010: € 1,500,000 Paid as of 31/12/2010: € 900,250 Start Date of Project || 1/10/2009 || End Date || 30/09/2011 Context of Instability The Solomon Islands descended into ethnic conflict between 1997 and 2003, and since then tension and violent incidents have persisted. Much of the violence has been committed by rival ethnic armed groups from the islands of Guadalcanal and Malaita. These groups took advantage of ethnic tensions between Malaitan settlers on Guadalcanal and the island's indigenous residents. The Isatabu Freedom Movement, composed of indigenous residents of the island of Guadalcanal, fought for several years with the Malaita Eagle Force, a militia group composed of residents and settlers from Malaita. The two groups fought for political power, jobs and land rights, especially on the island of Guadalcanal. The violence was finally quelled by the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), which was invited into the country by the government of former Prime Minister Allan Kemakeza in 2003. RAMSI is still operating in the Solomon Islands based on three pillars: i) law and justice; ii) economic governance and growth; and iii) the machinery of government. The Solomon Islands’ legacy of impunity for past human rights crimes is one of the key factors hampering the return to stability and full respect of human rights. Many of the country’s current challenges stem directly from the unresolved issues of the conflict between Malaitans and Guales. In 2009, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (SI TRC) was established to investigate the causes of the ethnic violence that gripped the Solomon Islands between January 1998 and July 2003. Short Description The Coalition for National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) Government, which governed since December 2007 to August 2010, made national reconciliation its top priority and, during the EU-SI political dialogues of 2008 and 2009, requested EU support for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The SI TRC Bill was voted by the Parliament in June 2008 and it was then essential that the EU assured its support before the legislative process started in order to help establish a credible and sound TRC. The TRC was initiated at the end of 2009 and has been extended up to 15 January 2012 by the new National Coalition for Reform and Advancement (NCRA) Government, which took power in August 2010. The International Support Facility to the TRC (ISF-TRC) was divided into two different measures: 1) Support to the establishment of the SI TRC, from June 2008 to September 2009; and 2) Support to the operations of the SI TRC, implemented from September 2009. This support consists of direct assistance to the TRC work, as a way towards justice for past human rights violations. The aim is to support the national reconciliation process in order to minimise the risk of new political violence based on past ethnic conflicts. Activities and State of Play The Support to the establishment of the SI TRC was undertaken from June 2008 to September 2009, through the International Centre of Transitional Justice (ICTJ) facilitating the successful establishment of an independent and robust TRC in full respect of national ownership. The stage Support to the operations of the SI TRC – was initiated in September 2009 when the TRC was operational. The TRC benefited, from coordinated international contributions channelled through an International Support Facility (TRC-ISF) managed by UNDP (€ 1.2 million EU contribution) for the implementation of its Action Plan. This IfS measure provided, through ICTJ (€0.3 million EU contribution), specialised technical advice to the TRC operations. The TRC implementation has been delayed due to lack of funds to be provided by the Government due to the global economic crisis and the slow administration of funds and recruitment of personnel by UNDP. However, to date the TRC-ISF support facilitated 3 dialogue meetings, 6 regional public hearings, 23 closed hearings with police officers, 4 closed hearings with militants commanders, 2 closed hearings with victims, 40 interviews, 7 focus groups with women and 157 statements. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response These actions complement international assistance aiming at rebuilding and strengthening law and order in the country. They are part of a coordinated international response to the specific request of the Government regarding the national reconciliation process, in which currently participate UNDP, New Zealand and Australia. The EU active involvement in the process has been critical for the evolution of the process and the IfS interventions have contributed to raise the EU political dialogue with the Government. EU support to rural development in the context of climate change has been important in stabilizing the country, considering that previous conflicts had their roots inter alia in the imbalanced settlement of people in urban areas and the associated youth unemployment. The EU has also been a key actor in establishing a Government-Donor Core Economic Working Group (CEWG), whereby the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has regular dialogue on coordination with development partners on economic governance, public finance management and budget-support related issues. The work of the CEWG and the succession of several budget support disbursements from development partners have contributed to maintain the operation of key social services and to preserve stability, as shown during the last parliamentary elections of August which were free of serious incidents. The EU also supported the observation of the elections by local and international observers and the public information and voters' awareness by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Sri
Lanka Title of IfS Decision || Mitigate Conflict and Reduce Tensions in Sri Lanka || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Mediation and Political Dialogue Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 24/06/2008 Amount(s) || € 6,500,000 Contracted: € 6,359,638 Paid: € 6,180,178 Start Date of Projects || From 01/08/08/2008 End Dates || 07/2010 (following extensions) Context of Instability Sri Lanka experienced armed conflict for 26 years, resulting in more than 150,000 fatalities both in the north and south. The war ended with the complete defeat of the last remnants of the Tamil Tigers (LTTE near) Mullaitivu on 19 May 2009. Successive attempts to resolve the ethnic conflict between Sri Lankan Tamils, of the northern and eastern regions and Singhalese, concentrated in the central and southern regions, had been tried since the 1950s without success. By early 2009, heavy fighting in the northern Vanni region created a major humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of civilians trapped between government and Tamil Tiger (LTTE) forces in the shrinking areas under LTTE control.. UN agencies estimated the civilian death toll at between 7,500 and 30,000 and over 15,000 wounded from mid-January 2009 until the end of combat. Having been held in overcrowded Government-run internment camps in the Northern Province, some 300,000 civilians were released between late 2009 and December 2010. The majority of an estimated 11,000 LTTE ex-combatants were detained in unofficial closed camps. By the end of 2010, the ICRC managed to gain access to 600. While the military phase of the civil war seems to be over, formidable obstacles to a lasting and just peace remain. Accountability for alleged war crimes on both sides remains an unresolved issue. In June 2010, the UNSG announced the appointment of a panel of experts to advise him on the modalities of future investigations. The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) itself set up a Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission, amidst scepticism amongst human rights organisations due to the track record of nine earlier commissions of enquiry. Besides the issues of accountability and IDP conditions in the North, much criticism centred on changes to the state architecture after the Presidential and Parliamentary elections in January and April 2010. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution abolished the term limits on the executive presidency and placed the appointment of members the independent commissions, in particular the Elections Commission and the National Police, effectively in the hands of the President. Short Description The programme was formulated in the latter phase of the military conflict but its intervention logic remained equally valid in its immediate aftermath. Its overall objective was to improve stability in Sri Lanka by ensuring the protection of conflict-affected communities and by responding to emergency human rights situations affecting minority groups, Given the unwillingness of both parties to seek a settlement through peaceful means, its main aim was to mitigate the impact of the conflict and contribute towards reducing tensions and risks of deepening of conflict. Activities and State of Play Support was provided for vulnerable conflict-affected communities through the creation of short-term employment opportunities for IDPs as well as protection for those working with them – humanitarian workers, media personnel and human rights activists - thus mitigating the effects of a human rights crisis in the aftermath of the war: · Protection of conflict-affected communities including confidence building and stabilisation measures including protection of new internally displaced persons and other conflict-affected individuals as well as quick-impact reconciliation projects, to create conditions conducive to stabilization and, return or relocation of the displaced. · Legal support to civilians affected by arbitrary detention and other human rights violations: rapid legal support to human rights abused victims and witnesses by provision of legal aid, litigation support and the means to seek redress and to provide protection of civilians, · Promotion of the ten Guiding Principles for Humanitarian and Development Assistance in Sri Lanka, endorsed by the main donors and some Government ministries, to ensure more equitable and effective implementation of humanitarian and development assistance. · Socio-economic stabilisation measures for particularly vulnerable conflict-affected communities including provision of immediate and short-term income-generating activities and labour-intensive employment, such as fishing, in the North and North West for purposes of livelihood recovery Role of the IfS Action with the Broader EU and international Response In 2010, these short-term measures were complemented by other humanitarian and development programmes. EuropeAid committed € 16 million to facilitate the voluntary return or resettlement of IDPs. Under the Aid to Uprooted People programme, €12 million were committed to construct/rehabilitate 4,400 houses while DG ECHO committed €10 million for the return and resettlement of IDPs, mainly providing food aid, shelter, psycho-social support, water and sanitation. Through thematic instruments, notably EIDHR and Non-State Actors and Local Authorities in Development, the EU continued to fund new human rights projects. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Sudan Title of IfS Decision || Support for stabilisation and referendum related processes in Sudan || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Regional Peacebuilding Date of Adoption of IfS Decision Amount(s) || 6.5.2010 € 15,000,000 Contracted: € 14,758,147 Paid: € 9,252,511 Start Date of Projects || 24/07/2010 || End Date || 31/12/2011 Context of Instability In January 2005, the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) ended years of conflict between the North and the South by signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that will last until July 2011. Five years after its signature, the country is at a crossroads. In January 2011, the people of South Sudan will decide by referendum whether the South remains part of Sudan or becomes a new independent state. While considerable political attention was given to the April 2010 national elections, the referenda and popular consultation processes attracted the international attention only later in the year. The preparations on the Government side were delayed, as it was only in December 2009 that the referendum act was passed and the ‘Southern Sudan 2011 Referendum Task Force’ was created. Due to tensions over the appointments between the North and the South, the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission was established only late in July 2010 with its headquarters in Khartoum and a branch, the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau, in Juba which started its operations only in August. This led to huge pressure on all actors assisting the process, including donors. The African Union (AU) launched an initiative through the AU High level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), led by Thabo Mbeki, to build up a more conducive environment in the election period and to foster discussions and facilitate negotiations on post-2011 referendum arrangements. Irrespective of the outcome of the referendum processes, the country should undergo a critical transformation for which government structures and the Sudanese people need to prepare. Issues to be discussed range from nationality and currency, the future of the Joint Integrated Units to assets and liabilities, petroleum and Nile water. The ‘Popular Consultation’ processes foreseen for South Kordofan and Blue Nile states are equally crucial processes. These popular consultations (essentially on future power-sharing arrangements) will influence the local population's decisions to support peace. Successful processes should contribute to more open and inclusive politics in the states concerned and could potentially provide a strong model for political reform in other parts of Sudan. However, the delay in starting the consultations has caused dissatisfaction in the population. The same considerations prevail over the issue of Abyei when prospects of having the Abyei referendum in parallel with the Southern Sudan referendum were diminishing towards the end of the year. The expectations of the people of South Sudan for significant "peace dividends" have been not been met. This situation has undermined the population's confidence in the CPA itself and the delivery capacity of the Government of South Sudan (GoSS). Despite its commitment to provide for the basic needs of its population, the GoSS has demonstrated significant weaknesses and limited capacity to do so. It is therefore important that the impoverished people of South Sudan receive the long awaited peace dividends and also see that their state structures are contributing towards the delivery of basic services such as health, education and water. Support for the provision of such peace dividends, particularly with regard to the provision of basic services would, undoubtedly, be an essential element in helping to reduce the risk of increasing instability in the region. Short description Two main components: (i) support for the implementation of the self determination referendum in South Sudan and related referendum/consultation processes in Sudan (€ 5,750,000); and (ii) quick and visible ‘peace dividends’ to be delivered to the population of South Sudan through support for the provision of basic services so as to help ensure stabilisation (€8,500,000); With, in addition, a contingency of €750,000. Activities and State of Play EU referenda and post-referendum support involves 1) operational support and 2) technical advice. Support to the referendum operations focussed on the development of the voter register, logistical support, staff training, a comprehensive voter education campaign and media capacity building to cover the referendum process. To complement the support to operations, a pool of experts (6 at the moment) have been made available. The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau and the GoSS 2011 Task Force benefit from this support. In addition, the Mbeki-led AU High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), which is facilitating negotiations on post-2011 referendum arrangements has been supported by sector expertise - including EU experts - for the AUHIP’s work on referendum and post-referendum issues (e.g security, minority rights and economic issues). The delivery of the long awaited "peace dividends" in Southern Sudan has been improved by the EU contribution to a ‘Basic Services Fund’ (BSF), a DfID managed fund to provide support through NGOs (32 projects) to strengthen: - education services through classroom construction or rehabilitation and teacher training; - primary health services through the construction or rehabilitation of health centres, the provision of medical services and training of health professionals; - water and sanitation services through the provision of more or improved water and sanitation facilities and training staff and community members in environmental health and water management; - government capacity at Juba and State level to plan and monitor basic services effectively through training of staff and integration of BSF projects into Government planning and systems. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response To date, the Commission does not have access to alternative sources of funding to deliver the package of urgent measures foreseen under this IfS action. As Sudan has not ratified the revised Cotonou Agreement, the country is not entitled to 10th EDF funding. As regards provision of basic services, certain initiatives funded under the ongoing 9th EDF, such as a contribution to the World Bank managed Multi-donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for the South with a focus on education and rural development are ongoing as well as a number of NGO projects under the Non-State Actors and Food Security budget lines for support to education and the provision of drinkable water. South Sudan also benefits from the Water Facility under the 9th EDF, a €8 million UNICEF-managed programme to improve access to rural water in some of the most deprived districts. The Sudan Post-Conflict Community Based Recovery and Rehabilitation Programme, provides for small interventions for the construction of schools and health centres and the rehabilitation of water points in South Sudan and the Transitional Areas. Under the Peace Building Initiative, an amount of €1.8 million was allocated to implement a focused, comprehensive and inclusive peace-building process of research based dialogue around the CPA. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Syria Title of IfS Decision || (1) Assistance to Iraqi Female-Headed Households and Victims of Trafficking (2) Preventing Radicalisation among Palestinian Refugee Youth || Type of measure || Support to and Integration of Displaced Populations, Capacity Building in Social Sector Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 06/08/2008 (2) 16/12/2009 Amount(s) || (1) Contracted: € 1,481,500 Paid: € 814,053 (2) Contracted: € 4,726,577 Paid: € 3,314,968.20 Start Date of Project || (1) 15/03/2009; (2) 26/01/2010 End Date || (1) 14/03/2011; (2) 25/07/2011 Context of Instability Since the war in Iraq, Syria faced the challenge of a large influx of Iraqi refugees, with several hundreds of thousands crowding greater Damascus. Among the Iraqi refugee population, families have been separated and their houses and belongings in Iraq damaged or lost, leaving many vulnerable to hunger, disease and crime. Additionally, Syrian government infrastructure and public services have come under severe pressure due to the large influx of Iraqi refugees. This required international support. The additional arrival in the already overcrowded Palestinian refugee camps of former Palestinian refugees from Iraq, combined with lack of employment opportunities, limited civil rights, rising basic commodity prices and growing frustration over the unresolved Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the uncertain fate of refugees, contributes to Palestinian refugee youth feeling politically and socio-economically excluded, raising the risk of their increasing radicalisation. Short Description 1) Assistance to female-headed households and victims of trafficking: This project supports the Syrian authorities in their efforts to protect potential victims from exploitation and trafficking. It has been primarily developed as a targeted response to the urgent needs of Iraqi refugees, in particular separated or widowed women and separated or orphaned children who could become easy prey to organised crime as a result of their vulnerability, while extending its benefits to all potential victims of trafficking in the country. The project has four inter-related components: a) awareness raising among the most vulnerable Iraqi groups, in particular female-headed households, on the risks of trafficking ; b) provision of short-term assistance to reduce vulnerability through distribution of emergency kits and provision of medical and psycho-social assistance; c) provision of long-term assistance to the most vulnerable women, through vocational training and economic empowerment activities; d) provision of shelter for identified victims of trafficking. Beyond the target group, the project provides key support to the Syrian authorities in developing sustainable protection mechanisms for victims of trafficking. 2) Addressing Palestinian refugee youth exclusion to prevent radicalisation and conflict: The action, implemented by UNRWA, aims at counteracting the prevailing sense of frustration and pessimism among young Palestinian refugees and enhancing their future prospects as well as their resistance to engage in negative, violent or extremist behaviour by enhancing educational standards and infrastructure. It also offers young people safe areas for developing their personalities; helping students to avoid school drop-out; offering a range of training opportunities within the refugee camps; expanding the existing facilities for employment support; and promoting entrepreneurial activity among refugee youth. Activities and State of Play 1) Assistance to female-headed households and victims of trafficking The project is implemented in close cooperation with the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and other stakeholders including the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, the Syrian Women’s Union and the Juvenile Welfare Association for girls in Aleppo. Awareness-raising workshops (involving more than 2.500 people) were conducted in 18 governorates, including those hosting important Iraqi communities. In addition, the project provided targeted assistance to a selected group of Iraqi women, so as to reduce vulnerability and incidents of trafficking, including vocational training for 300 women and the provision of non-food items. It also set up a shelter for identified victims of trafficking, in Aleppo, operated by a Syrian NGO under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs. By the end of 2010, 64 victims of trafficking had been referred to and placed under the protection of the Shelter. 11 women were also assisted in their voluntary return to their home country, receiving reintegration assistance. Capacity building on shelter management, shelter services and protection services was provided throughout the period. Beyond its target group, the project has given a strong impetus to overall counter-trafficking efforts through awareness-raising and strengthening national institutional structures and capacity. One of the training sessions for shelter specialists and relevant authorities also brought together counter-trafficking specialists from Egypt, Lebanon and Turkey. It was the first ever regional networking event in this field in Syria, thus laying the ground for future regional networking and exchange processes. Implementation has been very timely as it coincided with the adoption of the anti-trafficking legislation in Syria in January 2010. The latter will be fully implemented upon the adoption of the Executive Codes which will define the mandates of various stakeholders. 2) "Addressing Palestinian refugee youth exclusion to prevent radicalisation and conflict": 12 “Engaging Youth” centres have been set up and are operational; 30% construction of another centre has been completed. With regard to the development of skills, more than 1,100 Palestine youth are attending activities organized by the Engaging Youth centres on a regular basis (youth development, career counselling, vocational education advice and business support), around 300 parents of youth and other community members are attending adult education classes in English, French and IT skills, training of trainers has been provided for 251 UNRWA teachers and 12 Iraqi teachers, and support classes to 90 Iraqi refugee children at two UNRWA schools. With regard to building careers 187 youth (44% women) acquired new vocational skills through short-term training courses at the DTC, 1,280 young people have registered for the next round of vocational training courses (to start February 2011), 18 “Engaging Youth” Career Counselling staff have been trained in counselling and employability skills, and around 300 young Palestinian refugees have so far benefited from career counselling services. With regard to promoting entrepreneurship: 12 Staff completed first round of intensive training on the CEFE methodology (Competence Based Economies through Formation of Enterprises) developed by GTZ. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response Since 2007, the EU has allocated substantial and exceptional funding under several financial instruments to assist the Syrian authorities in coping with the large influx of Iraqi refugees. This included humanitarian assistance (more then €20 million), IfS emergency funding to the education sector (€3 million) and to the social sector (€1.5 million), as well as support under the regular development cooperation (DCI) in the following areas: upgrade of health facilities (€9 million), education sector (€14 million), Solid and Medical Waste Management (€10 million) The above-mentioned IfS project to protect Iraqi women and children from exploitation and trafficking is part of this overall package. It generated growing awareness of the trafficking phenomenon among the Syrian authorities and general public, as well as the interest of the international donor community. Following this project, several new initiatives are already undertaken by other donors, including USA and Switzerland, to continue enhancing the capacities and knowledge of the relevant authorities to effectively fight trafficking of human beings in Syria With regard to the Palestinian refugees, the IfS project complements EU support provided to UNRWA under the ENPI cooperation, which is primarily used to provide primary education for Palestinian refugees. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Thailand Title of IfS Decision || (1) Supporting the Reconciliation Process in Southern Thailand (2) Strengthening the Rule of Law to Enhance Access to Justice in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || (1) Reconciliation, Rule of Law and Political Dialogue (2) Legal reform and Rule of Law Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 20/12/2007 (2) 30/07/2009 (PAMF 3) Amount(s) || (1) € 3,000,000; Contracted: € 2,998.952; Paid: € 2,722.694 (2) € 940,357; Contracted: € 940,357; Paid: € 444,593 Start Date of Project || (1) 28/01/2008; (2) 14/04/2010 End Date || (1) Last project: 30/06/2011; (2) 22/06/2012 Context of Instability After the military coup in September 2006 and democratic elections late 2007, the EU seeks to increase political dialogue and cooperation with Thailand. While Thai leaders were focused on the political turmoil in Bangkok, an ethno-nationalist insurgency re-emerged in Thailand's southern provinces. This insurgency takes place in the predominantly Muslim-majority and ethnic-Malay Pattani region, made up of the three Southern Border Provinces (SBP) of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat which Thailand annexed in 1906. Since 2004, daily shootings and bomb attacks have resulted in 4,068 deaths and 10,517 injured in almost 10.200 attacks, mostly against civilians, making this the most violent conflict in South East Asia. Six years on, the violence continues unabated with no end in sight. While attacks have been limited in terms of geography to SBP and targeting (no foreigners), there is widespread concern that if left unchecked, the unrest may spill over, target foreigners or even link up with regional terrorist organisations (i.e. Jemaah Islamiyah or Al Qaeda in Southeast Asia), which to date have not played any significant role in the violence. Human rights abuses by the Thai Government and paramilitary security forces, impunity and lack of effective Rule of Law have fuelled the conflict. Centralised government in the capital prevents political devolution which could assist in reaching a political solution. Changing these policies and practices is essential as the Government tries to respond to the grievances of the local population in order to bring long-lasting peace to the region. Short Description (1) This project provided support to non-state actors in the conflict area of Southern Thailand aimed at bringing about justice, strengthening the rule of law and restoring mutual trust and peaceful co-existence between various groups in the South. It focused on two areas of cooperation: a) Support to "Access to Justice", aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the justice system by tackling impunity for crimes and HR abuses committed and b) Support in the area of "Informed Debate" involving activities to enhance media independence and objectivity, promoting social dialogue, confidence building, as well as examining examples of autonomy and political devolution in other countries. (2) On the back of the success achieved in supporting access to justice, the Ministry of Justice agreed to a project to examine the current legal system in its application in the SBP, and to assist in the establishment of an Institute for Legal Reform in SBP. Activities and State of Play (1). The programme was implemented through six grants. Two grants focused on access to justice, three on "Informed Debate", civil society and examples of autonomy, and a sixth aimed at analysing the data on victimisation in the SBP, in order to establish what part of the violence can be attributed to the insurgency, and seek patterns in the socio-economic impact of the violence. Work undertaken to date can be pursued under the Non State Actors/Local Authorities (NSA/LA) instrument which has started operating in Thailand (2) Due to the positive impact of the work done the first IfS project, the Thai Ministry of Justice agreed to a two-phase project to analyse the state of the legal system, and its application in the Southern Border Provinces, with particular emphasis on the three main laws in application: the Emergency Decree, Martial Law and Internal Security Act. The project should also provide capacity building and support to the establishment of the Institute for Law Reform in the SBP. The first phase of this project ended satisfactorily by the end of 2010 with a second phase starting in early 2011, Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The specific situation of Southern Thailand requires working with already well-established and well-connected organisations. In addition, the crisis situation in Southern Thailand calls for timely and tailor-made responses. In order to ensure coherence with other EU instruments, the activities funded under the IfS were complemented by actions supported by the Thai-EC Cooperation Facility, the DCI and other related thematic programmes. Close co-ordination with EU Member States is maintained alongside co-operation with a group of likeminded countries in analysing the situation in the SBP, including the sharing of project information. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programme in Timor-Leste Title of IfS Decision || 1) Programme in Support of Peace and Stability in Timor-Leste 2) Promoting accountability to strengthen peace (financed under the Transitional Justice Facility) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Regional Peace-building Capacity, Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Date of Adoption of IfS Decisions || 1) 11/11/2008 2) 09/12/2009 Amount(s) || 1) € 4,700,000; Paid: € 4.555.512,00 2) € 558,000;; Paid: € 310.800,00 Start Dates of Projects || 1) Three projects from 13/12/2008 onwards 2) 28/12/2009 End Dates || Various end dates from 12/06/2010 Context of Instability The shooting of President José Ramos-Horta in February 2008 drew attention to the urgency of addressing sources of conflict and violence in Timor-Leste. While the country has substantially recovered from the civil unrest of 2006, factors of instability that contributed to the latter still persist at varying levels of intensity, making recovery still fragile. The reintegration process is only one of the important issues and is both a consequence of past conflict and a potential source of future trouble. The government’s national recovery strategy needs to be properly supported and accompanied by a number of other crucial elements, most significantly the creation of a fair and functioning land and property regime, an increase in overall housing stock, an end to the cycle of impunity and reform of the justice and security sectors. Nearly five years after the 2006 crisis, many continue to fear further violence from their neighbours and in many cases do not fully trust the security forces to guarantee their safety. This issue needs to be tackled by: supporting Government-led security sector reform; facilitating the reintegration process; and promoting a process of local and national dialogue, accountability and reconciliation to help the country escape the cycle of conflict. The transitional justice process, one factor of fragility, seem to be paralyzed after the decision by the National Parliament to postpone the vote on Institute for Memory and reparations laws Short Description The purpose of both projects is to promote social peace and stability in areas and communities suffering from the unrest provoked by the crises of 2002 and 2006 and, linked to that, to make a substantial contribution to Security Sector Reform. An additional objective is to promote accountability for past human rights violations as a critical part of building a more sustainable peace and ensure their non-recurrence in future. Activities and State of Play The IfS support package for peace and reconciliation focuses on four linked actions, respectively aiming to contribute substantially to Sector Security Reform, as initiated by the Government of Timor-Leste, under the auspices of the UN, support the reintegration of IDPs in their places of origin, contribute to improvement of livelihoods and social stability in rural communities through rural infrastructure development and employment generation, and strengthen the capacity of members of the National Parliament, state officials and civil society to understand options and implement transitional justice measures on past violations and on how to implement a victims reparations programme, as recommended by the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR) and the Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF) reports. In terms of activities, the projects : a) contributed to the Government-led Security Sector Reform by providing strategic advisors to fill the immediate need for specific security oversight and expertise to the National Parliament, the Ministry of Defence and Security and to the President's Office. The project also supported a series of successful and highly appreciated national, high-level seminars to debate security sector-related issues, the development of a Defence and Security Policy Research Institute, four small grants to NGOs for research support and awareness raising on the security sector, the professionalization of civil guards and security sector management training including field visits abroad for exposure to good practices, knowledge-transfer and sharing of experience; b) supported the reintegration of IDPs displaced during in the 2006 crisis. Assistance was provided to the affected communities through the construction and rehabilitation of community infrastructure in order to offset and mitigate potential conflicts caused by competition for resources. Such small infrastructure was built in four high-risk villages in Dili, selected on the basis of IDP Return Monitoring findings and in consultation with several partners. Additionally, a locally-made TV soap opera was produced and broadcast nationally to encourage national reflection about what happened in 2006, its social and economic causes and the need for reconciliation. c) The IfS contributed to address the twin challenges of employment creation and infrastructure needs in conflict prone rural areas. In 2010, 816 km of rural roads were periodically maintained; 150 km of rural roads were rehabilitated; and significant employment was generated for 12,747 beneficiaries of which more than 30% were women. d) A draft law on reparations and an organic law establishing an “Institute for Memory” to oversee implementation of key CAVR and CTF recommendations was developed. The project also facilitated transitional justice seminars for high-level policy makers (government officials, parliamentarians, and representatives from national human rights institutions) from Indonesia and Timor-Leste to discuss how transitional justice can assist their countries address the legacy of past human rights violations. The project also successfully completed the implementation of a Ministry for Social Solidarity programme to assist victims of conflict-related violence. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The action is fully in line with the EU country strategy and builds on earlier EU Rapid Reaction Mechanism projects. Coherence with other EU instruments is assured as the activities funded under the Instrument for Stability will be followed by longer-term support as foreseen under the 10th European Development Fund, most notably in institutional capacity building, inter alia in the security sector and with labour-intensive programmes in the context of sustainable rural development. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Western
Balkans (Regional Actions) Title of IfS Decision || Supporting the transfer of knowledge and materials of war crimes cases from the ICTY to national jurisdictions (War Crimes Justice Project) || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Rule of Law and Transitional Justice Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 3/11/2009 (under Transitional Justice Facility) Amount(s) || € 4,000,000 Contracted: € 3,999,866 Paid: € 3,599,879 || Start Date of Project || 17/12/2009 || End Date || 17/06/2011 || Context of Instability The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has been investigating, prosecuting and adjudicating war crimes cases committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia for more than 15 years, thus amassing an enormous quantity of information and specialized skills. With the end of the ICTY mandate now on the horizon, it is increasingly important to make that body of knowledge and information available to practitioners in the region, to which a large number of investigative files are being handed over for further processing. The action aims to increase the capacity of the domestic justice systems to process cases transferred from the ICTY as well as cases initiated at national level. The nature of the caseload is such that it carries social, political and legal implications that make it imperative that cases are adjudicated in line with international standards. In 2010, the OSCE/Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in close partnership with the ICTY and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) have therefore started transferring this know-how to national jurisdictions. Short Description The overall objective is to support the establishment of sustainable peace and security in the countries of the former Yugoslavia by assisting the national legal systems in the adjudication of serious violations of international humanitarian law, to end impunity and ultimately, to deliver justice to victims. Specific objectives comprise the strengthening of national legal systems in the countries still faced with a war crimes caseload, undertaking capacity-building measures according to best practices and identifying and addressing gaps in the professional capacities of legal practitioners and their resources in a sustainable way and consistent with international standards. In view of the court's closure, the project makes use of a window of opportunity, provided by the availability of ICTY personnel ready to share their wealth of directly relevant and highly practical experience with practitioners in the region. Activities and State of Play Project-implementation started in May 2010 and focuses on six different strands, identified in an earlier study jointly conducted by the ODIHR and the ICTY: 1.1) Development of an updateable international criminal law curriculum tailored to each jurisdiction: By the end of 2010, substantial parts of the curriculum were drafted in close consultation with and based on the feedback of the key beneficiaries in Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia. (1.2) Creation of an e-learning portal on international humanitarian and criminal law: UNICRI – responsible for this activity – developed a provisional portal structure. Materials provided by the identified training institutions in the region are being added to the portal’s section on training materials and relevant legal instruments have been uploaded. Also the table of contents of the training curriculum is being used to structure the portal’s e-learning modules. UNICRI shared the provisional structure of the portal with a wide range of international and domestic training providers to obtain practical feedback and suggestions. (1.3) Capacity-building of training institutions and train of trainers: The format and high-quality lecturers and participants for the training courses that will upgrade the skills of trainers from the region in adult learning techniques were identified by the end of 2010. The first round of training is scheduled to take place in March 2011 for approximately 20 trainers. (2.1) Targeted training to legal professionals on specialist war crimes-related issues: Between August and December 2010, ten training sessions were held for a total of over 100 practitioners from the region, including judges, prosecutors, investigators and prosecutorial, judicial and witness support staff. Participants were mostly from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia but also included practitioners from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro. (2.2) Transcribing ICTY proceedings into local languages (B/C/S): Out of the overall target of 60,000, a total of 19,000 pages have been transcribed and 4500 were handed over to the authorities in Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia. The lack of case transcripts had been identified as a major gap in the investigation, prosecution and adjudication of war crimes cases by domestic courts (2.3) Translation of ICTY Appeals Chamber Case Law Research Tool: This activity–aimed at allowing practitioners to consult a wide range of appeal chamber cases - was completed by the end of 2010. Over 175,000 words of the ICTY Appeals Chamber case law database are now available in Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian. (3.1) Electronic research and analytical tools: A consultant has been identified who will assess the needs for electronic research and case-management in the region. (3.2) Bolstering key support staff: 31 additional support staff have been placed in national judicial and prosecutorial institutions in Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia in order to boost often critically understaffed offices; it is envisaged that most of the support staff will be retained beyond the life-span of the project. (3.3) Enhancing witness support activities: This activity, targeting mostly Bosnia Herzegovina, includes four training sessions for witness support providers; arrangements for two began in 2010. (4.1) Delivering training to defence counsel on an war crimes related topics: Three training sessions on defence in complex war crimes cases were held in Bosnia Herzegovina in September and October 2010, three more are planned, which could be extended to participants from other countries in the region, considering the interest expressed. Training enables defence lawyers to better cope with the large quantities of material characteristic of war crimes cases. (4.2) Producing a manual on most effective practices utilized by members of the Association of Defence Counsel before the ICTY: A table of contents of the manual has been developed and shared for feedback with beneficiaries’ organizations (bar association etc.) and first drafts of individual chapters were produced by the end of 2010. (5.1) Peer to peer meetings among legal professionals: Since the project-start, two peer to peer meetings for judges and prosecutors from the region and one national meeting for Bosnia and Herzegovina were organized to share and discuss procedural and substantive law matters between senior ICTY and legal professional from the region. (6.1 and 6.2) Awareness-raising among the region’s legal and political communities and wide coordination: Through punctual announcement and other public information activities, all relevant project activities were widely advertised so as to promote and raise the awareness of the War Crimes Justice Project. Such activities were closely coordinated with the EU Delegations on the spot and in full respect of the EU visibility requirements. Overall coordination efforts included the EU Delegations, OSCE Missions and other relevant stakeholders supporting capacity-building efforts in the war crimes sector. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response Conflict prevention and post-conflict rehabilitation efforts remain key IfS priorities and are intimately linked with concepts such as individualized accountability and justice for war crimes victims. These concepts on the other hand are pre-conditions for long term stability, the most immediate priority for the EU in the Western Balkans under the Enlargement agenda. Due to the temporary and regional scope of the action, the IfS was the most suitable financing instrument. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Western
Balkans (Regional Actions) Title of IfS Decision || Facility for urgent actions involving support to tribunals of international character and transitional justice initiatives || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Rule of Law and Transitional Justice Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || 18 June 2008 Amount(s) || € 597,928 Contracted: € 597,928 Paid: € 478,342 || Start Date of Project || 15/06/2009; || End Date || 15/06/2010; || Name of Action || Support to Internships in the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia || Project Title || Training Project for National Prosecutors and Young Professionals || Context of Instability The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was established in 1993 by the Security Council to prosecute and try serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the former Yugoslavia from 1991. Towards the end of its mandate, the transfer of knowledge and skills in dealing with war crimes cases from the international level to the domestic jurisdictions in the Western Balkans has become an increasingly urgent priority. The legacy and lasting impact of war crime proceedings before the ICTY in fighting impunity and promoting accountability for the worst crimes in the region is intrinsically linked to ensuring that national jurisdictions have the capacity to try war crimes cases fairly and efficiently in accordance with international standards. The ICTY had already transferred some cases for prosecution by the national authorities. However, the cases transferred from ICTY are only a small part of the total number of the domestic war crime cases. Most of these cases have instead been or will be initiated directly at national levels. It is a part of the ICTY's completion strategy that the national authorities in this way are in charge of handling the remaining war crime cases. It is also a part of this strategy to support the capacity building of the national jurisdictions. The ICTY has started to transfer its know-how to national jurisdictions. Short Description Training Project for National Prosecutors and Young Professionals – The Project provides on the job training through close cooperation and consultation between national legal professionals from the former Yugoslavia and international staff in the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY (OTP). There are two components of the action – Visiting National Prosecutors, and Visiting Young Professionals. The overall objective of the action is to strengthen the capacity of the countries of the former Yugoslavia to effectively investigate and prosecute war crimes by providing specific training at the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICTY (OTP) during internships for prosecutors from the Balkans. Specific objective of the project was to provide training to national prosecutors on domestic war crimes cases and young professionals with a legal or other relevant background. Activities and State of Play Training Project for National Prosecutors and Young Professionals –The project continued during first 6 months of 2010 ending in June. The activities were the same as those in 2009. National prosecutors from the Region in charge of investigation and prosecution of war crimes continued their training programme in the ICTY, including work with the Transition Team of the ICTY Office of the Prosecutor. The main emphasis was on sharing materials, knowledge and expertise and prosecution of complex war crimes. Young professionals from the Region were given an opportunity to assist the OTP in basic case work involving evidentiary as well as legal matters. In addition, both national prosecutors and young professionals developed personal contacts and shared their knowledge and experience. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The main objective of the action was to strengthen the capacity of the countries in the Region to effectively investigate and prosecute war crimes. With a view to the ICTY completion strategy, this objective has to be supported through a fast and swift action. EU IfS programme proved to be an excellent response. It is of the utmost importance to build up the capacities of national jurisdictions to being able to process war crimes in a fair and impartial manner. The prosecution services play a significant role in war crimes prosecution, especially in the fight against impunity. Therefore, building up heir structures and knowledge has a long term value with regard to the overall capacities of the national legal systems. The training of the national prosecutors and young professionals through one year programme under IfS financed project has already yielded positive results. In addition to received training, the national prosecutors have also established personal contacts and strengthen professional relations among themselves. This will have multiplier effects in future. This project helped in exchange of evidence and materials and had positive impacts on war crimes investigations. It has to be seen in the light of other programmes and activities that have similar aim likes the Outreach Programme of the ICTY providing accurate information on ICTY work as well as the and the Regional War Crimes project which contributes to the professional development of judges and prosecutors. Without such support, the capacity of national legal systems would not be adequate to proceed in the required manner. Fair and impartial prosecution of war crimes will ultimately help to political stability in the region The IfS's interventions are complementary with the EU policy for stabilizing the Western Balkans and proved to be a successful tool for the achievement of desired results. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Yemen Title of IfS Decision || (1) Empowering Government and Civil Society in Yemen to Address Mixed Migration (2) Contributing to the restoring of a stable environment in Yemen in order to enable development and democratic consolidation to take place, by assisting its government and civil society in their efforts to redress the current security crisis || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || (1) Strengthen Comprehensive Border Management Capacity (2) Strengthen Law Enforcement, Counter Terrorism Legislation and Civilian Conflict Prevention Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 28/07/2009 (2) 13/07/2010 Amount(s) || (1) € 2,000,000 (2) € 15,000,000 Contracted: € 2,000,000 Contracted: € 2.437,458 Paid: € 979,311 Paid: 5,600,674 Start Date of Project || (1) July 2009 (2) April 2010 || End Date || (1) June 2011 (2) June 2012 Context of Instability Tens of thousands of migrants and asylum seekers make the hazardous journey from their places of origin in the Horn of Africa towards Puntland and Djibouti and onwards across the Gulf of Aden. Despite the dangers and risks, the number of arrivals in Yemen has been increasing annually: with number doubling between 2006 and 2008. In 2009, UNHCR received another 77,802 new arrivals, a 55% increase on the previous year. Traditionally, the majority of arrivals were of Somali origin (about 60%). However, the number of non-Somali migrants has increased drastically over the past 2-3 years and in 2009, Somalis were no longer the major group. The authorities granted prima facie-status to all Somali refugees, but generally consider all non-Somali migrants arriving from the Horn of Africa as economic migrants. Due to the steadily increasing numbers of new arrivals and a deteriorating security situation, the Yemeni authorities are re-examining their refugee policy to adopt an ad hoc examination procedure. The increased number of migrants not in need of international protection according to the Yemeni standards (approx. 35% in 2008), has led the Yemeni authorities to state their intention to re-open discussions on granting refugee status to Somali arrivals. Popular acceptance of refugee groups is dwindling in light of deteriorating economic circumstances and accusations of criminality. The authorities are increasingly critical of the migrant population and use systematic detention, deportation and refusal to investigate claims for asylum as the main means to control the growing number of non-Somali African arrivals. While Yemen has managed to improve its border management, the magnitude of the problem requires increased administrative, regulatory, and operational capacity. Frontline agencies have very limited capacity to respond to diverse needs and are poorly aware of the categories of arriving irregular migrants. With increasing terrorist activity, a recurrent conflict between government forces and Huthi rebels in the North, a secessionist movement in the South and vanishing tribal loyalties, Yemen has entered into one of the most fragile and insecure situations in its recent history. Instability circumvents crucial political reforms and endangers the development agenda, leading towards greater instability, with a clear risk of state failure and conflict escalation. Prevailing security concerns hamper the consolidation of democracy, weakens the protection of human rights and restricts fundamental freedoms. The current legal framework for the security and law enforcement agencies does not provide sufficient practical guarantees to effectively protect human rights and fundamental freedoms while safeguarding national security. Short Description (1) The project aims to safeguard national and regional security and to protect the rights of all migrants, including victims of trafficking, by strengthening the capacity of the relevant state institutions and other concerned actors (civil society organisations) to address security and humanitarian issues associated with the massive unregulated influx of vulnerable migrants and asylum seekers. In particular, it provides an assessment of the legal framework and operational procedures for migration management as well as improves the protection of vulnerable migrants through targeted training of front-line officials and the provision of basic reception needs. (2) Through three components, the programme focuses on (i) supporting the reform of the criminal justice system including the counter-terrorism legal framework; strengthening the Parliament’s and the judiciary’s capacity to ensure the application of laws respecting human rights - UNODC (ii) improving law enforcement and security by facilitating information exchange and inter-agency cooperation under the Ministry of the Interior; enhancing border controls and operational capacity of state actors – CIVIPOL (iii) supporting civil society work on conflict prevention and counter-radicalism at community level. Activities and State of Play (1) Following a training needs assessment, activities focused on the training of front line law enforcement officers on protection needs of vulnerable migrants and border management structure. By the end of 2010, over 300 officers were trained while a border assessment report was also finalised in agreement with relevant agencies. A proposal for Standard Operating Procedures to be deployed at Yemeni Border Crossing Points was drafted and a. referral system for victims of trafficking and provision of first aid for new arrivals established. (2) The programme has three main sub-components with a clear focus on the law enforcement. The implementing partner for this component, Civipol, began operations at the end of 2010, establishing a working relationship with Yemeni security agencies, most particularly with the NSB and the Ministry of Interior.[2] Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response (1) By supporting the Yemeni authorities to increase their border management capacity and improve the response to migrants and victims of trafficking, the IfS project bridges the gap between support to good governance and provisions of humanitarian assistance. (2) The law enforcement component has connections with the first IfS intervention in Yemen and other programmes related to good governance and civil security, such as a programme supporting the Police Academy in Yemen to revise its curriculum and improve the quality of education. Implementation of Instrument for Stability
(IfS) Programmes in Zimbabwe Title of IfS Decision || (1) Promote Dialogue and Democracy in Zimbabwe in the Context of 2008 Elections (2) Support to the implementation of the Global Political Agreement || Copyright: UN ReliefWeb Type of measure || Reconciliation, conflict resolution Date of Adoption of IfS Decision || (1) 11/12/2007 (2) 23/12/2009 Amount(s) || (1) € 3,000,000 Contracted: € 2,936,609 Paid: € 2,387,572 (2) € 10,500,000 Contracted:€ 10,498,933 Paid: € 5,424,632 Start Date of Project || (1) January 2008 (2) February 2010 End Date || (1) July 2009 (2) August 2011 Context of Instability The political developments in Zimbabwe between the 29 March 2008 general elections and the second round of Presidential election in June, boycotted by the opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai, exacerbated the social and political crisis in the country. The outcome of the electoral process left a society, already deeply-divided, in a state of crisis with the opposition in command of the House of Assembly and a powerful Presidency with severely compromised legitimacy. In order to resolve the political impasse the parties agreed to return to the SADC-sponsored, South Africa mediated multiparty negotiations. The 15 September 2008 a power-sharing accord, the Global Political Agreement (GPA), was signed by the parties in conflict and in February 2009, an inclusive Government including the three political parties (MDC-T, MDC-M, ZANU PF) was finally established. During the months it took to negotiate this agreement and then form the government, the social and economic fabric of the country continued to decline dramatically. Zimbabwe's sustainable recovery and full international re-engagement will now very much depend on the extent to which the agreed reforms are implemented during the transitional period, in particular with regard to governance-related commitments at political level. The first 18 months of the Inclusive Government were marked by continued polarisation and political tension. Whilst the general political environment remains volatile, windows of opportunity have nevertheless remained open. In particular through SADC and South Africa's mediation, the adoption of a roadmap to elections, agreed by all parties to the inclusive Government, should further contribute to locking in reforms and making them irreversible. Short Description (1) Promote Dialogue and Democracy in Zimbabwe in the Context of 2008 Elections - In the context of the 2008 elections and in a progressive worsening of the political situation, the Commission decided to support civil society initiatives promoting dialogue and confidence-building in order to help secure a basis for democracy and for a national reconciliation process. Following the formation of the new Inclusive Government, a high-level advisor was deployed to the EU Delegation in Harare in order to help assess the situation in terms of governance and preparing the ground towards unlocking the political dialogue with the EU. (2) Support to the implementation of the Global Political Agreement - In June 2009, the European Union re-launched the political dialogue with Zimbabwe aiming to establish a roadmap towards both the implementation of the GPA, the normalisation of relations and the lifting of the current measures. To underpin this process and create the conditions for a full re-engagement, a Short-Term Transition Strategy was formulated to support the stabilisation of the Inclusive Government and its reform programme. Activities and State of Play (1) Promote Dialogue and Democracy in Zimbabwe in the Context of 2008 Elections (2) Support to the implementation of the Global Political Agreement – The GPA sets out a series of reforms and commitments addressing EU concerns on human rights, rule of law and democratic principles. Their implementation should create the conditions for an open political environment, eventually allowing for genuine elections to be held as a sustainable, unambiguous solution to the current crisis. The IfS contribution provided substantial support to implementing reforms outlined in the GPA, in particular constitution-making and electoral processes, confidence-building and conflict prevention and management, promotion and monitoring of governance reforms and support to the restoration of the delivery of basic health services. The actions started in 2010 and will last until 2012, placing the EU at the forefront of donor coordination in these areas. Role of the IfS Action within the Broader EU and International Response The programmes provide direct support to the population through democratisation actions and are part of a broader EU Short Term Strategy in support of the implementation of the GPA. This strategy was designed coherently with the international community, in particular EU Member States and has strengthened the EU’s leading role in governance. The commitment to reforms enshrined in the Global Political Agreement and the establishment of the Inclusive Government represent a significant step towards a sustainable solution to Zimbabwe’s political crisis and an unprecedented opportunity to re-establish a constructive relationship between the EU and Zimbabwe. The EU maintains close coordination with SADC, as the guarantor of the GPA and especially through the work of South Africa's mediation. The EU decided to link progress in political dialogue as per art. 8 of Cotonou, to progress in GPA implementation with the ultimate objective of lifting both the appropriate measures under article 96 and the CFSP restrictive measures. The IfS programmes are therefore in line with the scope of appropriate measures adopted by EU Council Decision on 18 February 2002 on Article 96 of Cotonou and, since June 2009, they are strictly related to the re-launched EU-Zimbabwean political dialogue that formally started following the signature of the GPA and the visit to Brussels by representatives of the inclusive Government, led by Prime Minister Tsvangirai. [1] This text only covers developments until
end-2009. For information on the Haiti earthquake and subsequent developments,
as well as the EU response to the disaster, please consult http://eeas.europa.eu/haiti/earthquake/index_en.htm. [2] Due to a
substantial change in the political context, this part of the EU support to
Yemen has been suspended in March/April 2011.