AEGiS-IFRC: Red Cross heads meet Zimbabwe officials over 'clean up'

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Red Cross heads meet Zimbabwe officials over 'clean up'

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - August 15, 2005
Varaidzo Dongzi, Zimbabwe Red Cross, and Tapiwa Gomo in Harare, Zimbabwe

The head of the International Federation's Africa Department has expressed concern over the living conditions of the displaced people in Zimbabwe's transit camps. After touring Caledonia farm near the capital, Harare, Richard Hunlede called for urgent action before the situation deteriorates further.

"The main objective of my visit is to listen to the Zimbabwe Red Cross and the local authorities to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground," explains Richard. "We are pleased that the government is allowing our national society to operate and giving it the support it needs to continue to help the most vulnerable", he added.

The UN estimates that more than 200,000 people have been displaced in the clean up exercise initiated by the government two months ago. Among the worst affected people are the elderly, home-based care clients, orphans and other vulnerable children, people living with HIV and AIDS, and people living in poverty.

Before visiting the camp, Richard also paid a courtesy call on Dr Chombo, Minister of local government, rural and urban development. He was accompanied by Mrs Razia Essack-Kauaria, Secretary General of the Namibia Red Cross, Francoise Le Goff, Head of the regional delegation in Harare, the president Edmore Shamu, National President of the Zimbabwe Red Cross and staff from the Zimbabwe Red Cross.

"The clean up is aimed at getting rid of some criminal elements and activities that were rife within these communities," Dr Chombo told the Red Cross officials. "Most of the affected people are taken to designated camps, one of which is at Caledonia farm in Harare.

"We can assure you that these camps will not last for more than three months as we are putting plans in place to ensure that at least they have somewhere they can call theirs at a very low fee."

He added that organisations willing to assist can do so only in the designated transit camps established by the government.

The Zimbabwe Red Cross is taking the lead role in coordinating the humanitarian response in Bulawayo, Mutare and some of the camps across the country. As well as meeting with other organisations and managers of the camps, staff also report to the social services subcommittees set up by the government.

With technical support from the International Federation, it has organised training on camp management in many parts of the country. This is targeted at staff and volunteers from the Zimbabwe Red Cross and from other organisations involved in the response to the crisis.

Dr Chombo acknowledged the role of the Zimbabwe Red Cross and assured that his government will do everything possible to ensure that it can carry out humanitarian work to alleviate human suffering.

The International Federation recently provided CHF 100,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund to the Zimbabwe Red Cross. The Danish Red Cross has also donated clothing worth 640 Zimbabwean million dollars.

"I am touched by the conditions in which these people are living," says Richard. "It is sad to see children naked and the elderly people there. Something should be done urgently to improve the situation." More support is needed to reduce the human suffering. An emergency appeal for CHF 2 million has been issued to support response activities.

"This appeal is to support the immediate delivery of humanitarian assistance such as specifically targeted relief items, health and hygiene promotion, and immediate sanitation provision in transit camps," explained Richard. "We hope to be able to support approximately 3,000 families (15,000 beneficiaries) over the next five months."

The week before Richard's visit, senior Red Cross officials in Harare had met with senior officials in the affected towns and cities. The aim was to encourage an understanding of how the Red Cross would operate in the wake of the 'clean up'.

In one recent meeting, Francoise Le Goff appealed to the Executive Mayor of Marondera Town, Mayor Ralph Chimanikire, to facilitate the work of the Red Cross. "When people are faced with a crisis in their lives, they always believe the Red Cross can help them," she told him. "Some of the orphans and clients of our home-based care programme may not have anywhere to go or anyone to help them but the Red Cross."

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