PROJECT BRIEFS

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These projects give an outline of the activities being undertaken by UN-HABITAT to address various issues in disaster and post conflict situations. These activities combine to support the development of a strategy for sustainable relief, as spearheaded by Disaster Management Programme (DMP).

AFGHANISTAN

Project Title: Rebuilding Communities in Urban Afghanistan

Donors: The project has received financial support from a number of bilateral donors including the United States, Netherlands, Australia, Sweden, Norway, and SDC (Swiss), among others

Partners: Ministry of Urban Development & Housing (MUDH), Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation & Development (MRRD), Kabul Municipality, Kandahar Municipality, Herat Municipality, Mazar Municipality, Jalalabad Municipality, Urban Communities, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Commission of the European Community, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), Department for International Development (DfID), and the World Bank

Summary: UN-HABITAT has been assisting the Islamic Transitional State of Afghanistan to consolidate its role in nation building, demonstrating that a well-conceived rehabilitation process can be an instrument of reconciliation among communities in conflict. Advocating partnerships with community groups, NGOs, municipalities, local governments, UN agencies and bilateral donors, UN-HABITAT has provided support to complex areas of physical reconstruction and social rehabilitation. UN-HABITAT has been managing 10 projects covering a range of human settlements development issues and concerns. The National Solidarity project aimed to assist the government in developing a detailed approach, strategy, and work plan for the implementation of a nationwide community empowerment initiative known as the National Solidarity Programme (NSP). UN-HABITAT is also the designated secretariat for the Urban Programme. Together, these programmes constitute two of the six pillars of the National Development Programme. Under the aegis of NSP, block grants will be made available to some 20,000 communities across the nation as a way of building local capacity to manage local development and participate in national policy. Through the ten projects, UN-HABITAT has been assisting key municipalities in managing their municipal solid waste activities, carrying out immediate repair and restoration of urban basic services, generating paid employment for the urban poor, and initiating a coherent approach to urban management. Through the Urban Programme Secretariat policy, papers on priority themes have been prepared and deliberated. Lastly, UN-HABITAT has helped MUDH develop an urban reconstruction plan that prioritizes both the physical and institutional needs of the urban sector.

It is estimated that UN-HABITAT activities in the country directly benefit over 2 million people. The Government has endorsed the housing strategy prepared by UN-HABITAT under the aegis of the Urban Secretariat. Basic urban services like solid waste (disposal?) have improved both in coverage and quality. In addition, innovative approaches to housing reconstruction have been demonstrated through the Shomali Plain rural housing reconstruction project, on the basis of which MRRD intends to develop a rural housing strategy.

Duration: Ongoing

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ANGOLA

Project Title: Secure Tenure in Post Conflict Societies Programme

Donors: Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden

Partners: Ministry of Public Works, Provincial Government of Luanda and Bengela

Summary: The objectives of the UN-HABITAT initiative in Angola are to review and propose measures to strengthen the role of local authorities in the management of the land and housing sector; and to propose measures to create conditions to improve the land and housing delivery in order to respond adequately to land and housing rights for the poor, enhancing gender equality and the removal of all discrimination in housing rights.

To achieve these objectives, the project has carried out case studies analyzing the privatization of the public housing stock and studying the secure tenure conditions of IDPs living in peri-urban areas. These will contribute to a greater normative understanding of IDP and shelter issues in post conflict situations, and will promote a longer term approach to post conflict issues of displacement and housing rights.


Duration: Completed 2002

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CARRIBEAN REGION

Project Title: Regional Consultation on "Risk/Vulnerability assessment and reduction plans
at the municipal level in Central America and the Caribbean".

Donors: UN-HABITAT, ISDR, MINURVI

Partners: ISDR, MINURVI

Summary: A regional consultation convened by UN-HABITAT, ISDR and MINURVI was held in Cuba, in September 2002. The participants were civil society representatives, Government, and Municipalities from Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, and Dominican Republic as well as specialized regional organizations, international organizations and bilateral donors. The objective was to assess the advances and needs of the region and to formulate a strategy in relation to risk reduction and human settlements management, taking into account previous regional policy agreements and initiatives on disaster management

Duration: Completed 2002

Project Title: Local Management and Disaster Risk Reduction in Central America and the Caribbean

Donors: Pending...

Partners: ISDR, UNDP, MINURVI

Summary: From the Regional Consultation mentioned above; UN-HABITAT and partners developed a project on “Local Management and Disaster Risk Reduction in Central America and the Caribbean”. The project objective is to strengthen capacities in local risk management for urban development and to ensure that a regional strategy is in place for the incorporation of disaster risk reduction criteria into overall processes of human settlement management.
In order to achieve the five objectives of the programme, regional, national and local authorities, as well as civil society organizations, will implement the activities of the programme by:

• strengthening the capacity of local authorities for the management of local development and vulnerability reduction activities through the adoption of an overall strategy;
• supporting national processes aimed at the decentralization of disaster and local management activities;
• strengthening regional exchanges and cooperation; and application of lessons learnt;
• promoting and strengthening the participation of civil society on disaster risk management and local development and decision making; and
• Improving access to information and knowledge by local practitioners.

Duration: Ongoing

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CHINA

Project Title: Mitigation and Management of Floods in China

Donors: The World Bank

Partners: UNEP - GEF

Summary: Following the floods of 1998-1999 in China and Bangladesh, UNHABITAT in collaboration with UNEP fielded missions to assess the impact of such events on the environment and human settlements.

The missions also assisted the respective Governments in the design of rehabilitation strategies and programmes based on the principles of vulnerability reduction and improved settlements management. As recommended by the mission to China, a programme for collaboration with the Government on flood vulnerability reduction was initiated in 1999.

The programme focused on the execution of a series of thematic consultations on issues related to flood prevention and mitigation. In addition, a working group was established to promote a more integrated approach to floods, settlements and environmental management in flood prone areas.

The purpose of these activities was to improve the capabilities of government to manage disaster at different stages and reduce the overall vulnerability of communities to future flooding.

Duration: Ongoing

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INDONESIA

Project Title: Risk Reduction for Human Settlements from Forest and Land Fires in Indonesia

Donors: Government of Japan

Partners: UNDP, UNCRD, ADPC

Summary: The 1997-1998 forest fires in Indonesia raised concerns regarding the impact of these events on human settlements and the capacities of national and local authorities to manage disaster. The objectives of this initiative were to increase the capacity of communities to mitigate and manage the effects of forest fires through the strengthening of their traditional methods of prevention and management.

This was undertaken through an initial capacity assessment sponsored by the Government of Japan. This document, “Proposal for Reducing Risk in Human Settlements in Indonesia Forest and Land Fires” was published by UN-HABITAT in 2000. The assessment focused on deepening the understanding of the impacts of forest fires on communities, the impact of the tensions between local and national government on the management of forest fires and the ways that communities could be more involved in forest fire management in the future.

Based on this capacity assessment, needs were identified to address important gaps in the present initiatives to address the impacts of forest fires in the country. These included enabling the equitable use of land and local resources for forest fire prevention; reducing the vulnerability of communities through improved local planning; and building the capacity of local stakeholders in land and resource management practices.

Duration: Completed 2000

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IRAQ

Project Title: Settlements Rehabilitation Programme (SRP)

Donors: Iraq Oil for Food Programme

Partners: UN Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq (UNOHCI) UNDP Office of the Iraq Programme In addition, UN HABITAT maintained a close working relationship with other specialized UN Agencies such as FAO, UNICEF, WHO and UNESCO.

Summary: The Settlements Rehabilitation Programme in Northern Iraq was implemented within the framework of the United Nations Inter-Agency Humanitarian Programme in Iraq that was responsible for all UN relief activity in Northern Iraq on behalf of the Iraqi Government.

The programme was successful in involving the participating communities in project implementation where dwellings were constructed by the communities themselves with basic designs and materials and technical advice provided by UN HABITAT. The programme established a system of permanent consultation with the local authorities to ensure their participation in the planning, supervision and maintenance of the executed works. Capacity building activities are being implemented to improve the ability of local authorities, communities and the construction industry to manage rehabilitation programmes.

The programme focused on assisting vulnerable sectors of the population to ensure access to infrastructure and services. There were almost 300 projects as part of the programme. Over 15,000 jobs were created in the construction sector and its activities have contributed to speed up the economic and social recovery in Iraq. The programme contributed to DMP’s work in promoting sustainable models for relief programming, particularly focusing on integrated approaches to infrastructure in post conflict situations.

Duration: Completed November 2003

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KOSOVO

Project Title: Housing and Property Directorate and Claims Commission (HPD/HPCC)

Donors: Governments of; Finland, Norway, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, and the European Agency for Reconstruction (EAR)

Partners: United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

Summary: Given the political sensitivities surrounding housing ownership issues in Kosovo, and the barriers inhibiting the courts from dealing efficiently and fairly with such claims, UN-HABITAT were tasked by UNMIK to develop an impartial and effective mechanism to protect and restore lost residential property rights. The Housing and Property Directorate and Housing and Property Claims Commission (HPD and HPCC) were established by United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) regulations as an interim measure to restore property rights, resolve long standing claims and uphold the rule of law. With the Rules and Procedures Regulation passed by UNMIK on 13 October 2000, the Housing and Property Claims Commission was mandated to adjudicate cases which are presented to it.

Activities of the programme include devising legal frameworks, institutional structure, equipping, recruiting and training of 250 staff and testing operational methodologies; claims intake throughout Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro, evaluation, conclusion and processing through the claims commission; and implementation of decisions made by the commission. The project has also undertaken research and policy advice to the international community and local structures regarding property rights and training of local authorities.

Such an institution is an important example of the development of intermediate term institutions to address immediate issues in post conflict situations. This combination of advocacy for human rights, institution building and capacity development helps to address emergency needs in a post conflict setting while focusing on the long term needs of the society.

Duration: Handed over to UNMIK in 2003

Project Title: Kosovo Cadastral Support Programme (KCSP)

Donors: Governments of; Sweden, Norway and Switzerland, UNMIK

Partners: United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

Summary: Following the NATO-led operations in Kosovo in 1999, UN-HABITAT were tasked by UNMIK to provide support in restoring the cadastre in Kosovo, and assist the institutional development of a centralized registry of land and property records. The Kosovo Cadastral Support Programme was devised in collaboration with the governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Norway, to backstop the development of the Kosovo Cadastral Agency (KCA).

The KCA has subsequently been mandated by the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) to oversee the rebuilding of the region’s property registration system. Property records across the Province have been consolidated and stored in a central database. Extensive field and aerial surveys are complete across the entire province, and functional operations developed within the 25 target municipalities.

Duration:Completed October 2003

Project Title: Urban Planning and Management Programme (UPMP)

Donors: The Royal Netherlands Government

Partners: UNMIK, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning, Kosovo

Summary: The most comprehensive of all UN-HABITAT's development planning projects in Kosovo has been the Urban Planning and Management Programme (UPMP), which initiated operations in January 2002 and under which the current set of publications is being drafted. Funded by the Government of Netherlands, the Programme works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. The development objective of the Programme is to improve living conditions and promote development investment in urban areas of Kosovo through the introduction of modern inclusive planning practices and strategies. The Programme has played a key role in the development of the new Planning law for Kosovo and is also supporting the establishment of a central-level institute for strategic and spatial planning.

One of the most significant components of the programme has been its engagement with all 30 municipalities of Kosovo. The Programme has imparted comprehensive training to over 90 municipal planners in an inclusive, action-oriented planning approach (the “Urban Planning and Management Framework”, or UPMF), which is expected to lead to the preparation of strategic urban development plans at the municipal level, as foreseen by the new draft law on spatial planning.

This focus on municipal level capacity for urban planning and management will contribute towards the development of longer term approaches to post conflict recovery.

Duration: Ongoing

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MOZAMBIQUE

Project Title: Secure Tenure in Post Conflict Societies Programme

Donors: Government of Italy

Partners: Ministry of Environmental Affairs, Government of Mozambique

Summary: Within the Secure Tenure in Post Conflict Societies programme, and as part of the Global Campaign for Secure Tenure, UN-HABITAT is developing a project in Mozambique. These initiatives aim to contribute further to the defining and elaborating of the normative framework of this campaign as it applies to post conflict situations. The objective of the project is to improve security of land tenure and housing rights for poor communities in flood prone areas.

Activities in the project include the undertaking of a case study on the tenurial rights of flood affected families, consultation and development of guidelines for formulating and implementation. A report has been produced on secure tenure conditions of flood affected families. This information will help in the development of further normative guidelines, the establishment of policy on secure tenure and will contribute to a greater understanding of land tenure issues in situations characterized both by post conflict and disaster issues.

Duration: Completed 2002

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SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

Project Title: Housing and Property Directorate (HPD)

Donors: United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)

Partners: UNMIK, Housing and Property Directorate and Housing and Property Claims Commission (HPD/HPCC)

Summary: Following the handover of HPD/HPCC operations in Kosovo to UNMIK in 2003, UN-HABITAT were requested to continue administering HPD/HPCC operations outside of UNMIK’s mandated domain. Subsequently, based on the the need to protect the residential property rights of close to 250,000 displaced Kosovan Serbs UN-HABITAT opened and continues operating satellite offices of the Housing and Property Directorate in Belgrade and Podgorica, to process and document claims for restoration of rights lost in Kosovo.

Activities of the programme include; claims intake and processing throughout Serbia and Montenegro, and liaison and communications with claimants during and following claims processing. The project has also undertaken research and policy advice to the international community and local structures regarding land and property rights, and HPD Serbia and Montenegro Office also provides liaison functions for UN-HABITAT programmes in the Balkans.

Duration: Ongoing

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SOMALIA

Project Title: Good Local Governance and Leadership Training Programme (GLGLTP)

Donors: European Commission (EC)

Partners: Academy for Peace and Development (APD) Hargeisa; University of Hargeisa; WaWa Puntland; Saaciid and CRD.

Summary: The Good Local Governance and Leadership Training Programme (GLGLTP) has arisen out of recommendations from the Somalia Urban Sector Profile Study, which outlined a strategy framework to guide interventions of all interested parties (Somali authorities, the private sector, NGOs and the international community) in the urban sector. The strategy addresses two main issues, urban governance and urban management. The GLGLTP is designed to improve urban governance through training of local leaders, NGOs/CBOs and other local stakeholders on local leadership and organizational skills with the aim of achieving good governance practices as a basis for sustainable development. This training includes issues such as negotiation, communication, facilitation and the involvement of women in local governance.

The focus of this programme on developing the capacity of leaders at the local level and improving governance contributes to a longer term approach to improve the resilience of communities to the effects of recurrent conflict. DMP has supported this initiative through provision of technical advice and training support, particularly on gender and the involvement of women.

Duration: 18 months, completing December 2004

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SOUTH ASIA

Project Title: Flood Vulnerability Reduction in South Asia

Donors: Government of Japan

Partners: UNEP

Summary: The floods in China and Bangladesh were followed by similar events in Vietnam and India. The study of these events shows that there are many issues and challenges commonly faced by these countries. Equally, some of the countries have developed specific expertise in various stages of the cycle of flood control, settlements and environmental management. In this regard there are many large benefits to be accrued from the exchange or expertise and technical knowledge among these countries.

UN-HABITAT has embarked on a regional programme to promote exchange of knowledge and technicals capacity among countries in South Asia including: Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Vietnam. The programme has held consultations with national government representatives and technical experts to define the scope of the country studies to be carried out to identify technical needs and capabilities.

The capabilities of governments to effectively manage disaster are critical in developing sustainable relief strategies. Enabling governments to draw on resources and experiences in the region is another key strategy of DMP and will strengthen the long term approaches to mitigating the effects of disaster in regions such as South Asia.

Duration: Ongoing

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SUDAN

Project Title: Rehabilitation of Roads in southern Sudan

Donors: USAID

Partners: Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM)

Summary: UN-HABITAT has undertaken the repair and rehabilitation of several key road sections from the Kenya-Sudan border into southern Sudan. The purpose of this project has been to re-establish local linkages in the region and facilitate greater access for developmental activities. The project includes a capacity building component, and through the use of local labour and resources, the activity seeks to enhance local capabilities and improve the local economy.

The development of infrastructure in conflict and post conflict situations can have a profound impact on the recovery of communities - their ability to access markets, to re-establish linkages with neighbouring communities and to foster overall development at the local level.

Duration: Ongoing

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GLOBAL-VULNERABILITY REDUCTION

Project Title: Tools and Best Practices for Risk and Vulnerability Analysis at the Local and Urban Levels

Donors: UNDP, UNISDR, UNHABITAT

Partners: Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC), Organization of American States (OAS)

Summary: The United Nations - International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN-ISDR) Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Working Group 3 is presently creating an inventory of risk analysis and vulnerability assessment tools particularly for local and urban applications, which can be easily accessed both by UN-ISDR partners and the general public through the Internet.

UN-HABITAT/DMP and UNDP/BCPR in collaboration with the Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) have taken the lead in the development of this activity. The main outputs will be:

• A “Register” of tools and practices for risk-vulnerability-capacity-impact assessment at the national and local levels. The register will be geographically structured and according to regionally relevant parameters/thematic areas.
• Annotated comments, which accompany the register assisting the user with identifying appropriate tools by describing their purposes, the situations they have been applied in, and the decision-making processes they can support.
• A “Network and referral facility” of practitioners and institutions active in the area of risk assessment.

Duration: Ongoing

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