The united nations mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea: A study of challenges in fulfilling its humanitarian mandate
Abstract
The study assessed the challenges faced by UNMEE in fulfilling its humanitarian
mandate. The objective of the study included; highlighting historical context of the
conflict, highlighting UNMEE's mandate with emphasis on the reconstruction of the
social and economic infrastructure of the area; examining - UNMEE's interventions
in the TSZ and finally to assess the challenges faced by UNMEE in meeting its
mandate in the mission area. Literature review included; tile Ethiopian - Eritrea
conflicts, Temporary Security Zone, Internally Displaced Persons (lOPs), United
Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), UNMEE Mandate, challenges
UNMEE faced, issues of Human Rights in the TSZ, Humanitarian Activities.
The primary data was collected through key informants and supplemented with
secondary data obtained from different literature source.
It was found that as with any armed conflicts, the border war not only destroyed
development infrastructure and social facilities including schools, hospital and public
uti Iities, bu t al so left tho usands of internally disp laced persons (ID Ps) enduri ng hard
conditions in makeshift camps scattered the Temporary security zone (TSZ) and its
adjacent areas.
VNMEE coordinated with the local authorities to determine the most pressing needs
of the people and then followed up with the requisite; assisted mainly areas 0[' water
supply, health and road infrastructure. We learnt that other NGOs ancl UN agencies
with the support of the international committee of the Red Cross provided household
necessities. Relief assistance from UNMEE and its partners has greatly assisted the
IDPs on food and other necessities. The-Hrl's are being resettled and returning to their
normal lives though afraid or insecurity and landmines.
It has been recommended that UN Humanitarian activities be focused on and
supported by the International communities in the efforts to help the victims of wars
in Africa. UNM~must extend its efforts towards resolving the border dispute by
ensuring that there is trust, and confidence between the two sides. Restrictions ,- imposed on UNMEE in the TSZ to be contempt by the international community and if
possible to pave way for UNM~E to carryon with its humanitarian activities.
UNMEE's MACC to continue with clemining process in the TSZ to enable the
resettlement of' the fOPS. Donors to hold dialogue with the governments of the two
countries to intensity efforts towards resettlement of the TPDs from the remaining
camps.
The study examined the challenges faced by UNMEE in fulfilling its humanitarian
and explained how the mission overcame some of these challenges to move on.
Humanitarian interventions were in the fields of infrastructure, water services, human
rights, health care and confidence building.
Citation
Masters degree in rural sociology and community developmentPublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Sociology