First Donors' Conference for Kosovo
Brussels, July 28, 1999

Source: World Bank Burned house and farm equipment The conflict in Kosovo caused considerable damage to people's homes, and to the agriculture sector--an important source of livelihood for Kosovars before the war. Assessments by UNHCR, IMG/EC, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are currently underway to determine the extent of the damage.

This conference addressed humanitarian and other emergency needs for Kosovo. It was also an occasion to share information on recent developments in Kosovo and discuss the next steps in coordinating donors' efforts for Kosovo.

Since the UN Security Council Resolution 1244 was adopted on 10 June, vast numbers of displaced people within Kosovo and of refugees who had fled to neighbouring countries have returned (according to UNHCR estimates, 743,300 people have returned as of August 2, 1999. With the ending of hostilities and the return of the inhabitants of Kosovo, needs are many. Most immediate are food, water, shelter, basic infrastructure, utilities, health services and schools.

The international peace-keeping force, KFOR, is in Kosovo and is maintaining security and helping set the stage for the start of the civilian administration. The United Nations civil administration (UNMIK) is being established. While UNHCR has taken the lead on satisfying humanitarian needs, the European Commission and the World Bank are working together with others to assess physical damages and prepare a reconstruction and economic recovery programme, including its macroeconomic dimension.

Source: World Bank Rebuilding begins As of August 2, 1999, UNHCR estimates that 743,300 people have returned to Kosovo after having fled their homes during the conflict. Now the task of returning to normalcy and repairing the damage begins.

A first overview of damages was delivered at the meeting. The European Commission has installed a task force in Pristina which is responsible for organising damage assessment and initiating the EC's assistance for reconstruction. The task force will be succeeded by an Agency for Reconstruction.

A subsequent conference for Kosovo will take place in mid-November 1999 on a reconstruction and recovery program. Further conferences will be organised as necessary.