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.