IDP News Alert, 30 July 2010

Following widespread violence and destruction in southern Kyrgyzstan in June, about 75,000 people remain displaced within the country. They continue to face serious protection concerns, as do some 300,000 refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) who have returned to their communities in Osh and Jalal-Abad oblasts.

Although the situation has calmed since a constitutional referendum and the formation of a new government in early July, insecurity remains serious as 37,500 people are unable to return to their homes due to fear or intimidation. Several organizations have reported on security forces’ human rights violations, namely arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, specifically of young ethnic Uzbek men.

Kyrgyz citizens’ freedom of movement is limited as the Kyrgyz side of the border with Uzbekistan has been closed since mid-July. IDPs are mostly living with host families, though others are living in collective centres or tents, often on the grounds of their former homes. At the end of July, $ 1.1 billion was pledged at a donor’s conference in response to an appeal from the Kyrgyz government, though it is still unclear whether shelter construction will be finished before winter starts in October.

The loss of personal documents while fleeing or as a result of the destruction is widespread. People therefore struggle to access health care services, pensions and disability payments, while finding it difficult to prove ownership of housing and land. Obstacles to accessing health care services also include fear of detention and discrimination and military presence at medical facilities. Assessments have confirmed a high prevalence of mental trauma caused by widespread violence, rape, arson and displacement, estimating over 100,000 people to be in need of psychological support. Some 300,000 people are also in need of food assistance.


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Central African Republic: New rebel attacks could weaken peace process

On 19 July, rebels of the Convention of Patriots for Justice and Peace (CPJP) attacked an army base in the north-eastern town of Birao, near the borders with both Chad and Sudan. Some 300 UN peacekeeping troops are stationed in Birao, as are ex-combatants from two other rebel groups who are waiting to be disarmed.

This latest rebel attack could further weaken the peace process in the Central African Republic (CAR), where presidential elections have been repeatedly postponed and are now scheduled for October 2010. The CPJP is the only rebel group that has not yet signed a peace agreement with the government.

On 16 July, the Representative of the UN Secretary-General on the human rights of IDPs called the protection of IDPs in CAR as fundamental to the peace-building process. Following a week-long visit to CAR, he stressed that “efforts to build sustainable peace will be weakened as long as entire communities remain displaced and in despair.” He added that finding durable solutions for IDPs includes disarming, demobilising and reintegrating combatants.

See also: IDMC CAR country page


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Myanmar: More than 900 people newly displaced in eastern Kayin/Karen state

On 23 July, more than 900 people fled from Dutado/Tha Dah Der village and neighbouring villages into the nearby forests after the village came under artillery fire. Government forces were reported to have aimed to strike a blow at the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), an armed opposition group active in the area.

See also: IDMC Myanmar country page


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Sudan: Floods displace thousands across the country

Heavy rain and floods across Sudan have driven thousands from their homes in July. The hardest hit are Red Sea state in eastern Sudan and Jonglei state in Southern Sudan where more than 10,000 have been left homeless. Some of the affected areas are inaccessible because of the flooded roads.

The rain destroyed newly cultivated crops, putting the livelihood of thousands of people at risk. Affected populations are in urgent need of tents and sleeping materials, as well as food and clean water.

This year’s heavy rain follows a poor rainy season in 2009. Humanitarian agencies predict that floods will continue until early September, leading to more displacement and harvest ruin. Despite the floods, drought remains to be a long term-problem in the country.

See also: IDMC Sudan country page

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