United Nations
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs - Belgrade

Review of Urgent Assistance Needs for the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Excluding Kosovo)

Winter/Spring 2000/2001

December 5, 2000

Rapid and dramatic changes are underway in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). The September 24, 2000 election brought peaceful transition to a new federal government, readmission to the UN, the OSCE and the Stability Pact, re-establishment of diplomatic relations with key nations, commitment to both the Dayton framework and UN SC Resolution 1244. With Serbian elections due on December 23, the donor community now has an opportunity to provide short-term emergency assistance and initiate support for institutional reform, improved governance, and redevelopment of the economy.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator and Resident Coordinator a.i. and the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Belgrade here detail the urgent needs for the FRY (excluding Kosovo) through May 2001, summarize available assistance, and specify institutional issues that can be addressed in this period. Major gaps are identified. The paper was prepared on the basis of inputs from several United Nations organizations working in the FRY (WFP, UNICEF, WHO, UNHCR, and OCHA) in consultation with relevant government ministries and state industries, other international organizations and NGOs. Donors generously have provided information on current commitments and other funding indications. The paper does include humanitarian requirements as set forth in the UN Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal 2001 for Southeastern Europe (FRY component), but goes further in addressing broader based emergency needs and including those in the energy sector and social welfare in particular. The paper also complements the longer-term strategies of the UN Development Group agencies (including UNDP) to promote sustainable human development and social and economic reform.

The paper addresses energy, food and agriculture, health, education, social welfare, and the special needs of refugees and IDPs. In light of the economic, diplomatic, and cultural sanctions imposed on Serbia during the 1990s, and its institutional management and governance problems and lack of international support to date, we especially focus on the needs of this republic of the FRY. The paper as well touches on budgetary problems expected during the next six months, particularly in the social welfare sector, and with particular attention to negative impacts on vulnerable population groups. However, detailed solutions to arrears must be left for more detailed analysis and discussion between the government and donor governments and international financial institutions. Some funding will result in revenue generation potential, particularly regarding imports of electricity, and for some fuels, which are discussed in relevant sections.

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