WORKSHOP SIMAS AND STAKEHOLDERS ROLES AND PLANS Juba, South Sudan 30 June 2010 WORKSHOP REPORT Workshop Organisers Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Swiss Foundation for Mine Action
Table of Contents Invited participants... 3 Participant list... 4 Workshop agenda... 5 Definitions... 6 Acronyms... 8 Executive summary... 9 Background and Goals of the workshop... 10 Introduction... 11 Workshop overview... 13 Recommendations and conclusions... 15 Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 2
Invited participants - Government of South Sudan - Office of the President - Office of the Governor of Central Equatoria State - Ministry of Agriculture - Ministry of Peace and CPA Implementation - Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning - Ministry of Internal Affairs - Ministry of Roads and Transport - Ministry of Housing and Physical Planning - Ministry of Wildlife - Ministry of Defence SPLA Affairs - South Sudan Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission - Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission - SSRRC - South Sudan Demining Authority / Commission - SSDA/C o Chairperson o Director General - Joint Donor Team - United Nations Mine Action Office (UNMAO) o Programme Manager o Chief of Operations - UNICEF Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 3
Participant list (In alphabetical order) Mr. Madut Akol Mr. Majok Akol Mrs. Mary Apayi Ayiga Mr. William Makuac Bol Mr. Zlatko Gegic Ms. Sarah Holland Mr. Tim Horner Ms. Mary Benjamin Loki Ms. Margaret Mathew Mathiang Mr. Lako Paul Mr. Gregory Vasili SIMAS Field Coordinator Ministry of the Presidential Affairs Adviser to the Governor of CEQ State, SIMAS Board member Chairperson of the SIMAS Board FSD Programme Manager / SIMAS Project Advisor UNMAO Programme Officer, South Sudan UNMAO Deputy Director, South Sudan Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry South Sudan Demining Authority / Commission Central Equatoria, State Secretariat Head of Security, South Sudan (SIMAS founder and former SIMAS board member) Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 4
Workshop agenda Time Topic Speaker 10:00 10:15 Reception 10:15 10:30 Welcome and aim of the day Mr. William Makuac Bol 10:30 11:00 SIMAS Presentation Mr. Zlatko Gegic 11:00 11:30 Coffee Break 11:30 11:50 SSDA/C Overview current situation and plans SSDA/C Representative 11:50 12:10 UNMAO Overview current situation and plans UNMAO Representative 12:10 12:30 SIMAS Plans and Projects Mr. William Makuac Bol; Mr. Zlatko Gegic 12:30 14:00 Lunch 14:00 15:30 Round table way forward and action plan 15:30 16:00 Conclusions Moderated by Mr. William Makuac Bol Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 5
Definitions The following definitions used in this document are taken from Protocol V: Explosive Remnants of War of The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) and IMAS (International Mine Action Standards) 1. Explosive Ordnance (EO) means all conventional munitions containing explosives. 2. Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) means unexploded ordnance and abandoned explosive ordnance. 3. Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) means explosive ordnance that has been primed, fused, armed, or otherwise prepared for use and used in an armed conflict. It may have been fired, dropped, launched or projected and should have fired, but failed to do so. 4. Abandoned Explosive Ordnance (AXO) means explosive ordnance that has not been used during an armed conflict, that has been left behind or dumped by a party to an armed conflict, and which is no longer under control of the party that left it behind or dumped it. Abandoned explosive ordnance may or may not have been primed, fused, armed or otherwise prepared for use. 5. Mine means munition designed to be placed under, on or near the ground or other surface area and to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person or a vehicle. 6. Anti Personnel Mine (APM) means a mine designed to be exploded by the presence, proximity or contact of a person and that will incapacitate, injure or kill one or more persons. 7. Mine Action means activities which aim to reduce the social, economic and environmental impact of mines and ERW. Note: The objective of mine action is to reduce the risk from landmines and ERW to a level where people can live safely; in which economic, social and health development can occur free from the constraints imposed by landmine and ERW contamination, and in which the victims needs can be addressed. Mine action comprises five complementary groups of activities: a) MRE (Mine Risk Education); b) Humanitarian demining, c) Victim assistance, including rehabilitation and reintegration; d) Stockpile destruction; and e) Advocacy against the use of APM. 8. Demining (humanitarian demining) means activities which lead to the removal of mine and ERW hazards, including technical survey, mapping, clearance, marking, postclearance documentation, community mine action liaison and the handover of cleared land. Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 6
9. Battle Area Clearance (BAC) means the systematic and controlled clearance of hazardous areas where the hazards are known not to include mines. 10. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) means the detection, identification, evaluation, render safe, recovery and disposal of EO. 11. Mine Risk Education (MRE) means activities which seek to reduce the risk of injury from mines/erw by raising awareness and promoting behavioural change including public information dissemination, education and training, and community mine action liaison. Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 7
Acronyms CEQ DDR EOD ERW FSD GoSS IMAS IMSMA MoAF MRE NGO NTSG SIMAS SPLA SSDA/C SSDDRC SSRRC UNAMID UNMAO UNMAS UNMIS UNOPS Central Equatoria State (of South Sudan) Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Explosive ordnance Disposal Explosive Remnants of War Swiss Foundation for Mine Action Government of South Sudan International Mine Action Standards Information Management System for Mine Action Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (South Sudan) Mine Risk Education Non-Governmental Organisation National Technical Standards and Guidelines Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Sudan People s Liberation Army South Sudan Demining Authority/Commission South Sudan Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission African Union/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur United Nations Mine Action Office (in Sudan) United Nations Mine Action Service United Nations Mission in Sudan United Nations Office for Project Services US DoS PM/WRA US Department of State, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement UXO Unexploded Ordnance Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 8
Executive summary The workshop entitled SIMAS and Stakeholders Roles and Plans was conducted on Wednesday, 30 June 2010 at Home and Away conference facility in Juba, South Sudan. The workshop was organised as a joint initiative of Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service (SIMAS) and its partner the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD). The workshop was convened in response to the fact that: 1. the national support and aggregate funding for mine action is at alarmingly low level, 2. the international funding for mine action is being in steady decline for years. 3. the international presence in South Sudan in the field of mine action will decrease significantly after 2011. The general objective of the workshop was to inform stakeholders about SIMAS development, its resources and capabilities as well as to mobilise stakeholders in South Sudan, particularly the Government, to take effective action in addressing mine action support and funding problem in general, and national capacity building in particular. An important outcome of the workshop was the development of a coherent vision for the future of mine action in South Sudan that would fundamentally change the way of the governmental support to mine action and national capacity building. A key recommendation from the workshop is that a mechanism for securing a long-term source of funding for mine action and national capacity development be identified and pursued. New initiatives may also need to be considered, and potential cooperation between the national Government, donor community, NGOs and agencies should be explored. A complete list of recommendations from the workshop is presented in the body of the report. The workshop concluded with a plenary session where support for a national commitment to mine action and national capacity building was unanimous and strong. Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 9
Background and Goals of the workshop SIMAS is an indigenous South Sudanese mine action NGO, registered with the Government of South Sudan to clear landmines and explosive remnants of war from conflict affected communities in South Sudan. SIMAS have been in cooperation with FSD since 2004. In 2006, FSD and SIMAS signed partnership agreement and FSD started the project of SIMAS capacity building providing training and coaching to SIMAS staff, in both technical and managerial aspects. The ultimate aim of the project is to develop SIMAS into a technically viable, administratively competent and ultimately independent South Sudanese mine action NGO. As a result of this successful partnership, SIMAS obtained technical accreditation from United Nations Mine Action Office (UNMAO) in Sudan. This means that today SIMAS works to the same standards as any other international mine action organization. To date, SIMAS remains the only technically accredited national mine action NGO in the country. With anticipated significant drop in international presence and massive reduction in number of international mine clearance operators after 2011, it is vital that SIMAS continue to grow in both size and capacity in order to provide South Sudan with a technically competent and administratively sound national demining resource. It is of crucial importance that all stakeholders, particularly the Government of South Sudan, get broadly involved into the process and support SIMAS sustainability and growth. It is also equally important that all stakeholders recognise SIMAS as a national resource and an important factor for future demining activities in the country. Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 10
Introduction In 2011, according to the National Strategic Framework and Multiyear Plan, United Nations Mine Action Office (UNMAO) will pull out of mine action in Sudan. UNMAO oversee all mine action activities in Sudan and in 2008 was operating with an annual budget of $73 million. The amount dropped considerably in 2009 and 2010 due to global recession and decreased donors interest. The current plan envisages that Sudan Mine Action Programme will be transferred to the National Mine Action Centre (NMAC) based in Khartoum and the South Sudan Demining Authority / Commission (SSDA/C) based in Juba by 2011. By far not all dangerous areas will neither be identified nor cleared by then. What is needed to deal with the residual threat by UXO and landmines is a national organization dealing with the problems, probably for many more years if not decades. The National Strategic Framework for the period from 2006 2011, passed by the cabinet of Government of National Unity in August 2006, sets out eleven strategic objectives for mine action in Sudan. Two of them are: Transfer management responsibilities from the UN to the national mine action authorities by 2011. Strengthen and expand the existing national capacities in mine action in areas of demining, survey, explosive ordnance disposal, mine risk education and victim assistance... SIMAS, founded in 1999 by the senior SPLA officers, is currently the only national mine action organisation with technical accreditation from UNMAO and SSDA/C to execute mine action operations in South Sudan. This makes SIMAS vital resource to the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), South Sudan Demining Authority / Commission (SSDA/C) and South Sudan society in general. SIMAS s ambitions, in partnership with the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action (FSD), are to develop SIMAS: a) in all technical aspects: This objective has been hugely achieved as SIMAS has variety of technical mine action components in place. This includes trained staff, equipment, tools and machinery. All SIMAS staff are Sudanese nationals including team leaders and supervisors in the field. As mentioned earlier, SIMAS remains the only technically accredited national mine action NGO in the country. b) in managerial aspects SIMAS need a management team which is able to deal according to professional standards with the organization of work, acquisition and development of projects and resources (administration, finance, logistics and human resources). This Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 11
component of SIMAS capacity development is in its final stage and FSD, as SIMAS mentor, believe that this objective will be reached by the end of 2011. c) in terms of good governance SIMAS have its Board of Trustees comprised of representatives of civil society, government and private sector. The Board functions in a democratic manner and its main responsibilities are: to select and confirm the SIMAS senior managers and monitor their performance to define together with the SIMAS management the strategic objectives to define and establish a management framework, a control system and reporting processes which allow to monitor the functioning of the organization in a professional and transparent manner to develop a strategic network of partners and stakeholders in the South Sudanese Government and civil society to mandate an external financial auditor who checks the financial records on a yearly basis To continue its growth, SIMAS need a sound funding base, balanced between international donors, income and support from the GOSS as well as income from commercial mandates. SIMAS further needs some limited core funds, which allow for pre-financing humanitarian or commercial contracts and absorb funding gaps. While majority of efforts to secure financial sustainability of SIMAS in past have been done by FSD, strong commitment and constant support from the Government will be essential in future for SIMAS development and growth. SIMAS firmly believe that only an organization established and settled on these three pillars will be sustainable. FSD / SIMAS project could be used as a good example of national capacity building and replicated on other national organizations and institutions. SIMAS sustainability and growth means a national resource to the Government of South Sudan and the South Sudan society in whole. The resource which will remain in the country for years to come and contribute to general security, economical and social development. However, in order to fulfil its mission SIMAS need sound support from the GoSS, particularly through SSDA/C and - equally important - from both international and national donors. Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 12
Workshop overview The workshop commenced with opening remarks by Mr. William Makuac Bol, Chairperson of the SIMAS Board. It was followed by an introduction of the participants. Mr. Makuac Bol outlined purpose of the workshop saying that one of its main objectives is to define a way forward with SIMAS capacity building and general support in relation with key stakeholders, their respective roles, plans and priorities. He further emphasised that mine action in South Sudan is on a crossroad having in mind several factors: - Sudan obligations toward the Ottawa Convention. - Withdrawal of UNMAO in June 2011 and transfer of responsibilities to national institution. - Mine action perception and recognition by the Government of South Sudan. - Future support of national capacity building and existing national resources in the field of mine action. - Anticipated significant drop in international presence and massive reduction in number of international mine clearance operators in the course of 2011. In the light of above, it is of crucial importance to have an action plan which will pave the way for stable and continuous support from the GoSS, international and national donors for mine action in the country. Mr. Makuac Bol expressed his hope that the workshop will come up with a road map which will secure SIMAS sustainability in long run for a common interest of the people of South Sudan. The session continued with a series of presentations. The first was given by Mr. Zlatko Gegic, FSD Programme Manager, about SIMAS current development, goals, teams, operational capabilities and results. Ms. Margaret Mathew Mathiang, from SSDA/C, briefed the workshop on SSDA/C s role, current activities and plans. She said that SIMAS represent pride and symbol of national capacity building and thanked FSD for continuous support. However, it is clear that South Sudan will need far more national resources to deal with the residual mine and UXO problem in the future. Ms. Mathiang invited both SIMAS and FSD to explore a possibility to assist other national mine action NGOs in their development. She further pointed out that SSDA/C has been trying to secure a budget from the GoSS for national mine action organisations for both clearance activities and capacity development. Unfortunately, these have been futile attempts and this line of SSDA/C s budget was regularly cut off due to the GoSS budgetary constraints. Ms Mathiang concluded that SSDA/C is in process of capacity development of its staff, the process lead by UNMAO and UNDP. Mr. Tim Horner, Deputy Director of UNMAO, South Sudan, presented review of UNMAO s mission and funding sources. He further described the goals and status of the UNMAO mission emphasizing that the mission ends in June 2011. Notwithstanding the fact that UNMAO will probably remain in the country with changed structure and mission (residual Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 13
capacity to be determined), the majority of currently UNMAO s coordination and regulation responsibilities will be handed over to national authorities (SSDA/C). Mr. Horner discussed UNMAO s role in supporting UNMIS and UNAMID missions as mandated by DPKO who is the main source of UNMAO funding (through UNMAS and UNOPS). Therefore, the majority of funding will be directed toward commercial contracts for direct support of two missions. In his presentation Mr. Horner explained Sudan obligation regarding Ottawa Treaty and efforts to address known hazards. Sudan s deadline to meet the obligations under Article Five of the Mine Ban Treaty is mid 2014. It is calculated that using the same amount of assets currently being used in the regions in 2010 Sudan can meet the deadline in the North but not in the South. However, more hazards are expected to become known as IDPs return, as road access and development increases and as security improves. As this information becomes clear, the time line will readjust. Meeting Sudan s obligations under Article Five will depend on how many assets can be brought to bear on the tasks. In a panel discussion, Mr. Gegic stressed that funding for mine action activities and especially national NGOs in the future will not be feasible from UNMAO. To secure sustainability of national mine action organisations and bilateral funding from international donors it is of ultimate importance that the Government of South Sudan show commitment and recognise mine action as a vital component for development of the country. South Sudan needs well defined national development strategy with mine action being integrated into the strategy as an inseparable component. Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 14
Ms. Mathew Mathiang (SSDA/C) pointed out that SSDA/C understand the problem and will, as the governmental demining agency, begin lobbing initiative with the GoSS to define the strategy. She also suggested that ministries review the role of mine action within their respective areas of responsibilities and include necessary budget for mine action activities. Mrs. Mary Apayi Ayiga (CEQ State; SIMAS) discussed the importance of mine action for general security and development in South Sudan. She concluded that the GoSS, being the main customer of mine action must be broadly involved and secure support for mine action and sustainability of national mine action resources. Ms. Mary Benjamin Loki (MoAF) pointed out that all ministries should be lobbing for mine action, especially those who have the biggest interest in mine action services (Agriculture, Housing, Physical Infrastructure, Roads and Transport, etc.) There have been several projects within the MoAF who had to be stopped due to landmines presence and lack of budget for the clearance activities. She said that the workshop opened my eyes regarding the problem and availability of a competent national mine action resource and concluded that she will personally start logging with the GoSS and her Ministry to actively support mine action in South Sudan and secure sustainability and expansion of national mine action resources. Mr. Lako Paul (CEQ State) presented review of the known hazardous areas in CEQ State stating that there is little to no understanding in the CEQ State Secretariat on how mine action has been organised and priorities for demining defined. He pointed out that in addition to the central Government of South Sudan, all State Governments shall be more actively involved in mine action problem and work closely with national demining authorities and organisations on problem mitigation. He invited SSDA/C as well as mine action organisations to assist the State Governments in identifying the response and actions needed to alleviate the landmine problem in their respective States. This includes formulation of strategies and policies as well as defining the appropriate budget for the activities. Recommendations and conclusions The workshop concluded with a set of general and specific recommendations and conclusions to enable sustainability of mine action in South Sudan and development of national capacities. Key points include: 1. It was unanimously agreed that there is a lack of comprehensive national mine action policy formulations and strategic initiatives for capacity building to strengthen the national mine action resources and provide basis for uninterrupted continuation of mine action efforts in South Sudan after 2011. Sudan Integrated Mine Action Service Page 15