Aid distributions done on basis of need only, UN Coordinator

Relief assistance in Zimbabwe will be directed solely by the needs of the vulnerable, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Harare, J Victor Angelo, said in a statement. This follows news reports that a new government policy could interfere with the distribution of relief food in the country, where over 5 million people will require food aid this year. "The government issued, on 14 August 2003, a policy paper on the operations of NGOs, with the intention to improve on the shortcomings which were experienced in the humanitarian and recovery programmes in 2002/03. The government has assured the UN that the new policy will not interfere with humanitarian operations over the coming year," Angelo said in a statement released on Wednesday. He pointed out that prior to the new coordinated appeal for aid in 2003/04, "a defining meeting was held last week between the government and a UN delegation. Both government and the UN concurred that the design and the implementation of humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe will correspond with internationally accepted and endorsed charters and conventions, in order to ensure that the assistance is credible, inclusive and transparent". With regard to the distribution of aid, priority would be given to the most vulnerable, and NGOs "in partnership with communities and their local structures, will be responsible for the selection of beneficiaries". It was agreed that "all parties will recognise the neutrality and impartiality of humanitarian assistance". "The government of Zimbabwe is responsible for creating conditions conducive to the safe and secure implementation of humanitarian activities and the protection of humanitarian staff throughout the country. This includes the security of all humanitarian personnel (national and international), as well as assets belonging to humanitarian agencies," Angelo stressed. He added that he would continue to have "consultations on strengthening appropriate monitoring of humanitarian assistance across the country". "In order to ensure efficient and equitable distribution of relief items, distributions will be carried out by humanitarian agencies and organisations, in line with provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government and WFP (World Food Programme), and other relevant MOUs signed with implementing partners," Angelo concluded.