Conflict in Caucasus: Supporting IDPs and Returnees in Georgia

Preliminary Target: US$521,415

Balance requested: US$250,000

Since the opening of hostilities on or about August 8, 2008, tens of thousands of people have been displaced from South Ossetia into Russia and other parts of Georgia, and between other locations within Georgia.  The scale of damage within South Ossetia is difficult to assess due to limits to the access of international organizations from the Georgian side.  Several locations with some military or strategic significance also suffered damage.  Free travel along the country’s only major highway has only recently become possible.  Access to the town of Gori, just outside the de facto buffer zone established along the boundaries of South Ossetia, has recently become possible.  UN estimates place the number of people displaced by the conflict at up to 160,000, of which, according to UNICEF, up to 40,000 are children.  Within Georgia, it is estimated that 128,700 IDPs were created.

The bulk of those displaced within Georgia have gathered in collective centers and other accommodation in and around Tbilisi (81,506, according to UNOCHA) although significant numbers have also gathered in and around the larger regional towns such as Kutaisi, where an UMCOR-estimated 12,000 have sought shelter in the town and the Imereti Region’s 11 districts.  Among these are several thousand IDPs who are understood to have taken shelter with relatives or friends.  This creates greater difficulties in assessing total IDP numbers and reaching those in need.

ACT members International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH), United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and Swiss Interchurch Aid (HEKS-EPER) have been responding to the needs and are working together on a joint response.  At this moment, they are requesting a preliminary balance of $250,000 for immediate needs and are in the process of finalizing assessment results for a full appeal, which they expect to cost several million US dollars.

Project Completion Date: to be determined by Full Appeal 

Reporting schedule: Every two weeks during the first month, the members receiving a Preliminary Appeal funding advance will submit a brief (one-two page) Situation Report to the ACT CO, summarizing activities undertaken and progress made in the emergency response. Photographs and human interest stories should accompany the reports.  Thereafter, reports will be submitted according to standard Appeal reporting.  Specific dates will be set once the full appeal is finalized.

Summary of Appeal Targets, Pledges/Contributions Received and Balance Requested: 

Signed by:

Bob White
Deputy Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office