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Funding requirements & Follow-up
of the Declaration of the Peace Implementation Council
Madrid, 15-16 December 1998
Information Meeting
Brussels, 2 February 1999
AN UPDATE
FIFTH DONORS' PLEDGING CONFERENCE
FOR BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA,
Brussels, 20, 21 May 1999
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Return of Refugees - RRTF
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172,382,058 EUR |
Background
According to RRTF estimates, at least 120 000 refugees and DP's would be prepared to return at once if conditions were created that would allow them to feel safe and build a future for themselves and future generation. If this quantum leap were made, further returns - possibly in the hundred of thousands - can be expected over the next 1-3 years. Without the initial push, however, a self sustaining flow of returns is inconceivable. The RRTF Plan for 1999 sets out the requirements for achieving a break-through in minority returns and creating the conditions for a self-sustaining flow.
Madrid Commitments, Objectives
The following funding requirements were identified in the RRTF 1999 Plan endorsed by the Madrid PIC as being of critical importance for plan delivery:
- Space (generating space for people to return to)
The funding requirements for housing comprises a vast line of activities aiming at generating vacant habitable space and resolving property disputes related to presently occupied (legally or illegally) dwellings. The cost estimates below are based on an assumed need for 30,000 housing units for 120,000 persons. 14,000 of these dwellings will be found through rationalization of existing housing space (elimination of multiple/illegal occupancy), mainly in urban areas, and through implementation of the new property laws. Full funding for the CRPC is essential towards this end. The remaining 16,000 will be created through reconstruction of destroyed dwellings. Work has already started on several thousand of these units.
- Security (for individual returnees)
Individual security remains a key factor in displaced persons' decisions on whether to return to areas where they would be in the minority. Overall responsibility for the personal security of individual citizens rests with civilian law enforcement agencies. Recruitment of minority police officers and proper reintegration of demobilized police officers are essential for the creation of a safe environment for returnees. An information campaign on property rights and recruitment of minority officials is also included under the security budget line. Other security-related costs include reconstruction of police stations and democratization activities
- Sustainability (making it possible for returnees to build a future in their home areas)
Sustainability is closely linked to the provision of housing and to the question of security. Infrastructure has to be secured in parallel with the housing projects. Other key elements for successful reintegration include repair of infrastructure, education, support for DP associations, employment generation; and creation of an RRTF Quick Impact Fund.
These funding requirements are highly inter-dependent and should be considered as a package. Plan delivery can only succeed if space, security, and sustainability are promoted in parallel.
Contacts - Leading Agencies
For OHR email addresses and other contact information, please click the Contacts heading.
OHR: Andy Bearpark, Deputy High Representative for Reconstruction and Return Task Force
Funding needs
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