UNHCR - as pathetic as their tents
Letter to the Argus
In response to the statement by the UNHCR (UNHCR rejects criticism, 19 September 2008), I wish the UNHCR had been as vocal in deploring the inhumane conditions endured by foreign nationals as they now are in their knee jerk response to the request by the ALP to an enquiry in to their role in the past 4 months .
The UNHCR would be advised to read Amnesty International’s report (AFR 53/012/2008) on the xenophobic violence and the humanitarian crisis which resulted .AI recommends that the UNHCR and other UN agencies “provide adequate and sufficient monitoring of the protection and human rights situation of all”. One would think that the ongoing monitoring by civil society would be welcomed by the UN rather than dismissed as “systematic criticism”.
In the four months since the first camps were opened, very little has changed in Cape Town . People are still being housed in leaking tents in beach camp sites which are exposed to the harsh weather conditions .Nutritional needs of babies, infants and children are still not being met. Access to education and health facilities is limited. There is no assurance of security and meaningful dialogue with government has been so pitiful that it is hardly worth mentioning. People are still despondent and signs of trauma are still evident. The one thing that has changed is that the constant pleas I initially heard for intervention by the UNHCR have become inaudible. Not only have displaced foreign nationals lost hope in the South African government but they have also lost hope in the international body which is mandated to protect them.
I can’t help but draw a parallel between the UNHCR’s role and the tents that they have provided. Neither has offered any protection. The tents lie strewn around the camp site at Blue Waters .Those that are still standing are leaking.They have been as insubstantial and meaningless as the constant assurance provide by the UNHCR that all is well and the crisis is being addressed adequately.
While Hildegaard Fast continues to “carefully craft “ her reintegration plan , 4 months after people were forced from their homes , and mediators in the office of the Premier continue fumbling around , organisations and individuals will continue to do what they have done for the past 4 months ; provide basic humanitarian assistance , monitor the situation , report on humans rights abuses and give what little comfort we can to those who are still caught up in this never ending nightmare.It is a pity that the UNHCR has little more than criticism to offer.
Tracey Saunders - Volunteer