Author: Database of Press Releases related to Africa

GENEVA, Switzerland, April 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Each year, thousands of migrants pass through Niger. Many of them travelling this route are in dire need of assistance. In Agadez, a centre run by the Red Cross Society of Niger and supported by the ICRC provides aid to the most vulnerable among them.

“The plight of these migrants is of great concern. When they arrive in Agadez, they’re often physically and mentally exhausted,” said Jean-Nicolas Marti, head of the ICRC delegation in Niger. “They sometimes travel up to a thousand kilometres across the desert in cramped lorries and sweltering heat. Some die on the way.”

These migrants come from sub-Saharan Africa. They may be fleeing conflict or poverty in their countries or simply looking for a better life. Some make it to Libya or Algeria and either stay there or head for Europe; others are stopped on the way or sent home. They include people from Niger itself and from Mali, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic.

From a humanitarian standpoint, their journey is an ordeal. They have to cross regions where conflict and other forms of violence are rife and deal with situations that can seriously affect both their physical and their mental health. “Some are arrested, detained and expelled. They may also find themselves trapped in the desert, destitute and unable to contact their families. They are totally unprotected, which means they are easy prey for attackers. Sometimes they just disappear without a trace,” said Mr Marti.

Aid for 7,000 migrants in 2013

In the Agadez centre, which was set up by the Red Cross Society of Niger in 2011 and receives financial support from the ICRC, migrants are offered shelter and three hot meals a day. They are also given other basic essentials, such as hygiene products. This humanitarian work is organized in conjunction with the Niger authorities.

“With our partners at the Niger Red Cross, we’re working to meet the most basic needs of the migrants we receive,” said Maxime Dohogne, an ICRC delegate in Niger. “We focus on the needs of the most vulnerable migrants, regardless of their legal status, providing them with what comfort we can. Our work is strictly of a humanitarian nature – we don’t get involved in either encouraging or preventing migration.”

In 2013, more than 19,000 meals were handed out to some 7,000 individuals, while medical staff from the French Red Cross treated over 2,000 sick or injured migrants. So far this year, more than 1,100 migrants have received aid.

Some migrants arrive at the centre with major psychiatric problems. “Getting them looked after is not easy, but we always work something out with the health-care services, the migrant’s family or the diplomatic representatives from the migrant’s country of origin,” said Ismael Mahaman, a member of the Red Cross Society of Niger and the centre’s administrator.

Both at the centre in Agadez and in the offices in Dirkou and Arlit run by Niger Red Cross volunteers, migrants can contact their families using the free phone lines installed by the ICRC. In 2013, migrants made over 3,200 calls to their loved ones.

A matter of survival

In extreme cases where migrants find themselves trapped in the desert, and when other humanitarian organizations are unable to help, the ICRC arranges transport for the migrants to Agadez. Last year, the ICRC helped almost 800 migrants reach Agadez safely. To avoid such life-threatening situations, the Red Cross Society of Niger and the ICRC have renovated five wells – the only sources of water along the migrants’ route.

YAOUNDE, Cameroon, April 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — “Education Ministers have the very important responsibility to ensure quality education of the future leaders of the continent so that Africa can rise and occupy a dynamic force in the world arena” . This statement was made by Dr. Martial De-Paul Ikounga, Commissioner for Human Resources Science and Technology (HRST) of the AU, during the opening onFriday 25 April 2014 of the Sixth Ordinary Session of the Conference of Ministers of Education of the African Union (COMEDAF VI) holding in Yaoundé, Republic of Cameroon, under the theme: “Educating for African Renaissance towards 2063”.

The COMEDAF VI was officially opened by the Mr. Philemon Yang, Prime Ministers of the Republic of Cameroun, in the presence of Mme Youssouf Hadidja Alim, Minister of Basic Education of Cameroon and Members of the Cameroon Government; Diplomatic Corps; the student of the Pan-African University; partners and invited guests.

After the welcome remarks of the Mayor of the Yaoundé City, Prime Minister Yang underscored the importance of education in the socio-economic and political development of the continent. He reiterated his country’s engagement to support the African Union efforts in promoting education as a panafrican value for the 2063 Agenda. Prime Minister Yang emphasized the importance of training and skills development for effective employment of the youth; focusing on concrete proposals and recommendations to improve the continental policy in training and education. He further encouraged the participants to produce relevant and useful recommendations in order to make appropriate contributions to the state of Education in Africa.

Commissioner Ikounga welcomed the participants and expressed appreciations to the host government for their cordial reception and hospitality. The Commissioner gave special mention to the Pan African University (PAU) as an example of success in Higher Education and the acceleration of quality education in Africa. He said that bridging gaps and creating synergies in education policies in Africa is an essential part of educating for African renaissance towards 2063 Agenda. (See complete speech of the HRST Commissioner on the AU website: www.au.int ).

Representing the outgoing bureau of COMEDAF, the Permanent Secretary of Education of the Federal Republic of Nigeria recalled that the Ministers will review progress made on the implementation of the Plan of Action of the 2nd Decade of Education for Africa since the last COMEDAF V held in Abuja in 2012. He pointed out the necessity to provide continual support to teacher development to contribute to sustainable growth and development in Africa. He underlined Africa’s need for teachers to train students to become globally competitive.

The Director of HRST, Dr. Abdul-Hakim Elwaer, announced the participation of the Pan African University students at the COMEDAF VI official opening, saying that they were a true example of the vision and very ambitious project of the AU with respect to education. Dr. Hakim introduced a poem and song on the education vision for Africa 2063 presented by the PAU students.

An exhibition by education partners and African Union officials of the department of HRST crowned the opening ceremony of COMEDAF VI.

STUTTGART, Germany, April 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The U.S. Africa Command observed World Malaria Day at Kelley Barracks on April 25, 2014 to help spread awareness of malaria to members of the AFRICOM community.

Crowds gathered around a tent of displays and spoke with experts about the dangers of malaria and how to stay safe from mosquito bites.

The World Health Organization says malaria is endemic in 46 countries in the Sub-Saharan African Region with more than 90 percent of the estimated 300–500 million clinical cases of malaria occurring in Africa.

Captain David Weiss, AFRICOM Command Surgeon said the event helped highlight the malaria threat in much of the developing world.

“Health is a key component to the security of any nation,” he said. “Disease is a major driver of stability for sub-Saharan Africa, and effective malaria programs support peacekeeping operations.”

According to the African Union, malaria infection rates among African military personnel hamper the ability of these militaries to participate in peacekeeping operations.

Michele Balihe, Public Heath Command Region Europe Epidemiologist emphasized the importance of preventative measures while traveling to Africa to avoid contracting the disease.

“It is important to use bug spray and mosquito nets, but also to use the malaria medication correctly. One of the biggest problems is people not taking their malaria medication seriously. There are lots of stories about side effects like crazy dreams or going crazy which are not proven medically. It is best to get medical advice from a medical professional and remember to take your meds.”

Michelle Sanders contracted malaria in Togo in 1995 while working for the Peace Corps. She said that she stopped taking her malaria medication because she thought she was safe during the dry season.

“One minute I was fine and then I became delirious,” she said. “When I finally came out of my fever, my nurse said I was lucky to be alive.”

World Malaria Day was instituted by the World Health Organization (WHO) Member States during the World Health Assembly of 2007. The annual celebration aims to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria prevention and control. The theme of this year World Malaria Day is “Invest in the future. Defeat malaria”.

NAIROBI, Kenya, April 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Fossil fuel subsidies are contributing to fiscal instability and undermining governments’ efforts to combat serious economic and environmental challenges, such as climate change, and the transition to an inclusive green economy, according to experts.

“Reforming Fossil Fuel Subsidies for an Inclusive Green Economy” is the theme of the two-day event co-organized by UNEP, IMF, GIZ and the Global Subsidies Initiative of IISD. Sessions will focus on how fiscal policies can address the perverse effects of fossil fuel subsidies and strengthen government spending for sustainable development.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently reported that CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes were responsible for approximately 78 per cent of the total increase in greenhouse gas emissions between 1970 and 2010.

Experts say reducing or eliminating harmful fossil fuel subsidies – and properly pricing energy to account for environmental impacts – is one of the most promising ways governments can promote a transition to a greener economy, and even the playing field for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Subsidies to producers often support inefficient state-owned energy companies and stifle incentives for greater efficiencies and innovation, while subsidies to consumers often encourage excessive consumption, which has knock-on effects for pollution, human health and greenhouse gas emissions.

Globally, fossil fuel subsidies are estimated to be in the range of US$500 billion. When taking into account implicit subsidies from the failure to charge for pollution, climate change and other externalities, the IMF estimates the post-tax subsidy figure is closer to $2 trillion worldwide – equivalent to about 2.9 per cent of global GDP, or 8.5 per cent of government revenues. Furthermore, it finds the removal of such subsidies could lead to a 13 per cent decline in CO2 emissions.

In comparison, according to the International Energy Agency, global subsidies to the renewable energy industry were $88 billion in 2011.

“Fiscal policies are of particular importance in a green economy transition. Confronted by a fiscally constrained world, government reforms might appear to be a daunting challenge,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

“However, it is important to note that fossil fuel subsidies cost countries precious funds. For example, they divert government resources from pro-poor spending in Africa, where governments spend an estimated 3 per cent of GDP – equivalent to their total health care allocation – on fossil fuel subsidies,” he added.

Several countries, including Ghana, Namibia, the Philippines and Turkey, have all shown that it is possible to reform energy subsidies and prices. UNEP is currently undertaking green economy fiscal policy studies in several countries, including Ghana, Kenya and Mauritius, which will inform the respective governments as they advance their fiscal policy reforms.

Experts are calling on governments to use government policies to leverage private investment in green sectors by redirecting public investments to clean technologies and providing direct public expenditure for research and development. For example, tax incentives could make investments in clean technologies more attractive, while government funds could reduce the risk profile of capital intensive new technologies.

In addition, experts acknowledge that, in some cases, eliminating these subsidies could have ramifications on the poor or weaken the competitiveness of domestic industries. Therefore, they said, social protection measures are needed to ensure vulnerable groups are not overlooked and receive assistance during a transition period.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, April 28, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 430th meeting, held an open session, on 24 April 2014, devoted to the theme: “Silencing the Guns: Pre-requisites for Realising a Conflict-Free Africa by the Year 2020”. Statements were made by AU Member States, non-African countries, bilateral and multilateral partners and international organization/institutions, as well as by civil society organisations (CSOs).

Participants and Council agreed on the need for rapid, appropriate and courageous response to early warnings on potential outbreaks of violent conflicts. In this context, they called for the further strengthening of all existing preventive diplomacy tools, including the Panel of the Wise and the Continental Early Warning System and to ensure quick response when the need arises. Participants underscored the importance of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and called for its full operationalization, particularly the African Standby Force and its Rapid Deployment Capability.

Participants and Council acknowledged the primary responsibility of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in maintaining international peace and security and stressed the need for enhancing the strategic partnership between the AU PSC and the UNSC. They also emphasized the importance of the partnership between Africa and the international community in effectively addressing both current and emerging threats to peace and security on the continent. They nonetheless, stressed the primary responsibility of AU Member States in protecting their citizens and ensuring stability.

Participants and Council also emphasized the obligations of individuals and non-state actors to uphold the culture of peace and tolerance, as well as to refrain from actions that undermine peace and stability on the continent.

Participants and Council stressed the need for the identification and neutralisation of the root causes of violent conflicts. They called for common understanding, definition of, and response to, the root causes of violent conflicts so as to build consensus on the solutions required to comprehensively and effectively address them.

The importance of good governance, respect for human rights, popular participation and inclusivity was recognized. In this regard, there was a strong call for AU Member States to deepen the culture of democracy, accountability and good governance on the continent. Furthermore, they called on AU Member States that are yet to sign, ratify and domesticate existing AU legal frameworks and normative instruments, to do so, with a view to promoting durable peace and stability.

As a foundation for durable peace and stability, Member States were urged to redouble their efforts in economic development, ensure the well-being of their people and comprehensively address the problem of youth unemployment on the continent.

Participants urged Member States to strengthen their regulatory mechanisms on the exploitation and management of natural resources and to ensure that the proceeds from these resources are utilized in meeting the basic needs of their people, with a view to promoting equitable development and distribution of benefits.

There was a strong call for Council to be more engaged and to make efforts to make regular visits to conflict and post-conflict areas. Council welcomed the suggestion and agreed to include such visits in its Annual Programme of Work.

Participants called for greater synergies within the AU Commission and among AU Member States. They stressed the need for greater engagement and collaboration with CSOs and the African academia, within the context of the Livingstone Formula, taking into account the Conclusions of the Maseru PSC Retreat of February 2014.

Participants recalled paragraph 17 of Assembly Decision Assembly/AU/Dec.501 (XXII), which declared 2014-2024 as the Madiba Nelson Mandela Decade of Reconciliation in Africa and, in this regard, stressed the importance of national reconciliation in nation-building, conflict resolution, as well as promotion of national healing and justice.

Participants and Council called for practical measures to effectively address the illicit proliferation of small arms, light weapons and other types of weaponry, including the need for universal signature and ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty. They called for the naming and shaming of suppliers, financiers, facilitators, transit points and recipients of illicit weapons, with a view to stemming the phenomenon of the illicit proliferation of these weapons.

Council requested the Commission to undertake a comprehensive study on the flow of illicit weapons into and within Africa and submit to it the outcome of such a study.

Council agreed on the urgent need for the elaboration of a Roadmap, to be submitted, for consideration by the Assembly, to underpin the actions necessary for the attainment of the goal of a conflict-free Africa by 2020, and called on all stakeholders to contribute to this process. Council requested the Commission to prepare the elements of a Roadmap for its consideration.

Council agreed to remain seized of the matter.

NEW YORK, April 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today the appointment of Laurence D. Wohlers of the United States as Deputy Special Representative (Political) for the United Nations …

NEW YORK, April 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced today the appointment of Aurélien Agbénonci of Benin as Deputy Special Representative for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Mr. Agbénonci will also serve as United Nations Resident Coordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative. The Secretary-General expresses his sincere thanks to Mr. Georg Charpentier, who served as Deputy Special Representative, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Representative ad interim.

The new Deputy Special Representative brings extensive experience with the United Nations system to the position, having worked on conflict, development and governance issues. He has served throughout Africa, including as United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Rwanda, from 2008 to 2011, and Congo, from 2003 to 2008. Previously, he was UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Côte d’Ivoire, from 1999 to 2003, and Cameroon, from 1996 to 1999.

Prior to his career with the United Nations, he was Senior Programme Coordinator and Chief of Staff at the Pan–African Social Prospects Centre in Benin, and worked in the Faculty of Law at the University of Nanterre in France. Most recently, Mr. Agbénonci was the Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Mali from 2012 to 2013.

Mr. Agbénonci earned graduate degrees in international trade law from the University of Paris X Nanterre and in institutional development, governance and environmental sciences from the University of Dakar in Senegal. He also holds a master’s degree in business law from the University of Dakar.

Born in 1958, Mr. Agbénonci is married and has two children.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, April 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today concluded the third and final review of an arrangement under the Standby Credit Facility (SCF)1 with Tanzania. The SCF was approved in July 2012 (see Press Release No. 12/252). In February 2013, the authorities drew the full accumulated amount of US$114 million under the SCF arrangement through that date. No drawings have been made since then, and the authorities have indicated that they do not intend to make further drawings on the arrangement, which expires on April 30, 2014.

The Board also concluded the 2014 Article IV consultation; a press release will be issued separately.

Following the Executive Board discussion, Mr. Min Zhu, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said: “The Tanzanian authorities are to be commended for the broadly satisfactory implementation of their economic program supported by the Fund’s Standby Credit Facility. Prudent macroeconomic policies have delivered buoyant economic growth and successful disinflation.

“Preserving macroeconomic stability is essential for continued strong growth. Yet, vulnerabilities may be building up, with pressures for additional fiscal expenditures and a large current account deficit. To safeguard the sustainability of the public finances, improved public financial management is a priority, going forward.

“A key objective for the remainder of this fiscal year is to contain expenditures within the limits set in the mid-year budget review and to strengthen revenue administration. Looking ahead, efforts will be needed to mobilize additional revenues, beginning with the VAT reform, while ensuring that revenue assumptions are realistic, so as to eschew the accumulation of new arrears and to avoid abrupt expenditure cuts during budget execution.

“A crucial medium-term challenge will be to set up appropriate institutional arrangements to ensure that the benefits from the exploitation of natural gas fields accrue to all Tanzanians. This will involve establishing a fair taxation regime, transparent contracts with the companies involved, and a framework to manage resource wealth that promotes inter-generational equity and is fully integrated with the budget process.

Tanzania is becoming increasingly interconnected with the global economy and greater focus on international competitiveness is warranted. Accordingly, the exchange rate should fully reflect market conditions, and a variety of reforms need to be undertaken to dismantle remaining impediments to trade, including infrastructure bottlenecks, and improve the business climate.”

1 The SCF supports low-income countries that have reached broadly sustainable macroeconomic positions, but may experience episodic, short-term financing and adjustment needs, including those caused by shocks. The SCF supports countries’ economic programs aimed at restoring a stable and sustainable macroeconomic position consistent with strong and durable growth and poverty reduction. It also provides policy support and can help catalyze foreign aid. (See http://www.imf.org/external/np/exr/facts/scf.htm.) Details on Tanzania’s SCF are available at www.imf.org/tanzania

TUNIS, Tunisia, April 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) today completed the third review of Tunisia’s economic performance under a 24-month program supported by a Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). The completion of the review enables an immediate disbursement of SDR 145.08 million (about US$225 million), bringing total disbursements to SDR 573 million (about US$888.4 million).

The two-year SBA in the amount of SDR 1.146 billion (about US$1.78 billion, or 400 percent of Tunisia’s quota at the IMF) was approved by the Executive Board on June 7, 2013 (See Press Release No. 13/202).

In completing the third review, the Executive Board approved the authorities’ request for modification of end-June 2014 performance criteria and granted waivers of applicability for the end-March 2014 performance criteria for which data are not yet available and for which there is no evidence they were not observed.

Following the Executive Board discussion on Tunisia, Mr. Min Zhu, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said:

“The authorities have made progress on their Fund-supported economic program. End-March quantitative performance criteria appear to have been met, but progress on structural reforms has been slowed by last year’s protracted political crisis.

“The adoption of a constitution and the formation of a new government led to greater confidence in political and economic prospects. Nonetheless, growth is moderate, unemployment remains high, and fiscal and external imbalances are elevated.

“Newly identified fiscal measures—coupled with those aimed at containing the high wage bill and reducing regressive energy subsidies— will help restrain the widening fiscal deficit in 2014. Revenue reforms, strengthened public financial management, and reform of public enterprises are necessary to improve the composition of fiscal consolidation. Improved procurement procedures and project execution are needed to reverse the under-execution in investment spending, which is important to promote inclusive growth. Social expenditures should continue to be preserved during fiscal consolidation.

“The current monetary policy stance is appropriate, but would need to be tightened if inflationary or exchange rate pressures arise. The removal of the lending rate cap is essential to strengthen monetary transmission channels and access to finance. Greater exchange rate flexibility would help rebuild external buffers, reduce liquidity injections, and improve competitiveness.

“Improved data reporting, strengthened supervision, and the new strategic vision for public banks are important steps taken to reduce banking sector fragilities. Priorities in the near term are to design bank restructuring plans, establish the asset management company for troubled tourism debt, address weak asset quality, and enhance resolution mechanisms.

“Accelerated implementation of structural reforms is crucial to ensure stronger and more inclusive growth. A well-targeted social safety net needs to accompany the energy subsidy reform so as to protect vulnerable households.”

WASHINGTON, April 26, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — Funding Opportunity Announcement

Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration

April 25, 2014

Funding Opportunity Number: PRM-PRMOAPAF-14-016

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number: 19.517

Announcement Issuance Date: Friday, April 25, 2014

Proposal submission deadline: Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. EDT (noon Washington, DC time). Proposals submitted after this deadline or incomplete proposal packages will not be considered.

ADVISORY: All applicants must submit proposals through the website Grants.gov (not GrantSolutions.gov). PRM strongly recommends submitting your proposal several days early to allow time to address any technical difficulties that may arise. Please note that Monday May 26, 2014 is a U.S. Federal holiday.

Proposed Program Start Dates: July 1 – September 15, 2014

Duration of Activity: Program plans from 12 to 36 months will be considered. Applicants may submit multi-year proposals with activities and budgets that do not exceed 36 months from the proposed start date. Actual awards will not exceed 12 months in duration and activities and budgets submitted in year one can be revised/updated each year. Continued funding after the initial 12-month award requires the submission of a noncompeting continuation application and will be contingent upon available funding, strong performance, and continuing need. In funding a project one year, PRM makes no representations that it will continue to fund the project in successive years and encourages applicants to seek a wide array of donors to ensure long-term funding possibilities. Please see the Multi-Year Funding section below for additional information.

Eligible Applicants: (1) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education; (2) Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with IRS, other than institutions of higher education; and (3) International Organizations. International Organizations (IOs) should not submit proposals through Grants.gov in response to this Funding Opportunity Announcement. Rather IOs such as UN agencies and other Public International Organizations (PIOs) that are seeking funding for programs relevant to this announcement should contact the relevant PRM Program Officer (as listed below) on or before the closing date of the funding announcement.

Current Funding Priorities for refugees in Ethiopia and Kenya:

(a) PRM will prioritize funding for proposed NGO activities that best meet the Bureau’s priorities for filling programming gaps in the Horn of Africa region as identified below.

While PRM encourages activities that include host communities, because of PRM’s mandate to provide protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees and victims of conflict, PRM will consider funding only those projects that include a target beneficiary base of at least 50% refugees. Please note that projects that do not meet the protection/assistance gap(s) below will not be considered.

ETHIOPIA

Proposals must focus on one or more of the following:

Dollo Ado (Melkadida, Bokolmayo, and/or Buramino camps ONLY)

1. Health (reproductive health, maternal and child health/nutrition, mental health, psychosocial support, or assistance to persons living with disabilities)

2. Protection (prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and/or child protection)

3. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that benefits both refugees and host nationals, and that for Somali refugees has a clear link to eventual voluntary return, and youth education)

Gambella

1. Protection (prevention and response to gender-based violence (GBV) and/or assistance to unaccompanied or separated minors or persons living with disabilities)

Jijiga

1. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that benefits both refugees and host nationals, and that for Somali refugees has a clear link to eventual voluntary return, and youth education)

2. Health (reproductive health, maternal and child health/nutrition, mental health, psychosocial support, or assistance to persons living with disabilities)

3. Protection (child protection and/or prevention and response to GBV)

Tigray

1. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that will help minimize onward migration and youth education).

2. Health (reproductive health, maternal and child health/nutrition, or assistance to persons living with disabilities)

3. Protection (child protection and/or prevention and response to GBV)

KENYA

Proposals must focus on one or more of the following:

1. Protection (prevention and response to GBV, child protection, assistance to separated or unaccompanied minors, and/or activities to address/prevent xenophobia)

2. Health (mental health, psychosocial support, reproductive health, support and accessibility to adequate maternal and child health/nutrition for children; health support to persons living with disabilities)

2. Education/Livelihoods (primary and/or vocational education/training that benefits both refugees and host nationals, and that for Somali refugees has a clear link to eventual voluntary return), and youth education)

Please Note: Proposals may focus on urban areas; however, evolving Government of Kenya policy may not allow urban programming. In that case, PRM would not be able to fund such activities.

(b) For both countries, proposals should be shared with UNHCR in advance of submission and must be developed in full consultation with UNHCR to ensure coherence with its overall comprehensive planning for refugee operations. If PRM awards a grant and then circumstances subsequently preclude implementation in urban areas, PRM will work with you to determine how to proceed.

(c) PRM Standardized Indicator Initiative:

Health: Proposals focusing on health in camp based/returnee settings must include a minimum of one of the four following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

• Number of consultations/clinician/day (Target: Fewer than 50 patients per clinician per day).

• Measles vaccination rate for children under five (Target: 95% coverage).

• Percentage of deliveries attended by a skilled birth attendant in a health care facility (Target: 100%).

• Percentage of reporting rape survivors given post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with 72 hours (Target: 100%).

Proposals focusing on health in urban settings must include a minimum of one of the six following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

• Capacity-building: number of health care professionals/administrators trained on providing health services to beneficiary populations.

• Referrals: number of beneficiaries referred to appropriate services, and percentage of those referred who were able to get needed services.

• Community Outreach: number of beneficiaries who received targeted messages on their rights and health-related services available to them.

• Health Staffing: number of total consultations per health care provider, disaggregated by refugee/national, sex, and age.

• Patient Satisfaction: percentage of beneficiary patients receiving primary and emergency care who express satisfaction with services received.

• Post Exposure Prophylaxis: percentage of reporting beneficiary rape survivors given PEP within 72 hours (Target: 100%).

NGO proposals seeking to fund service provision may include the following indicators as appropriate:

• Primary Care: number and percentage of beneficiary patients, by sex and age, receiving primary health care assistance.

• Emergency Care: number and percentage of beneficiary patients, by sex and age, receiving care for trauma or sudden illness.

Proposals should include custom health indicators in addition to the relevant standardized indicator(s).

Key Resources – Health

• Sphere Handbook: http://www.sphereproject.org/handbook/

• UNHCR Health Guidelines, Policies, and Strategies: http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49c3646cdd.html

• OFDA NGO Guidance (pages 96-110): http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/guidelines_for_proposals_2012.pdf

Livelihoods: Proposals focusing on livelihoods in camp based/returnee settings must include a minimum of one of the three following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

Camp-Based/Returnee Settings:

• Number of project beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) receiving training on appropriate skills as determined by market and livelihood assessments. This may include language and skills training, entrepreneurship building, financial literacy, business support services, job placement and apprenticeship schemes, and/or legal aid.

• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) reporting higher household income level by end of project period as compared to the pre-project baseline assessment.

• (Temporary Employment) Number of beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) participating in cash or food for work programs.

Proposals focusing on livelihoods in urban settings must include a minimum of one of the eight following indicators and should try to include as many of the other indicators as are relevant:

Urban:

• Number of project beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) receiving training on appropriate skills as determined by market and livelihood assessments. This may include language and skills training, entrepreneurship building, financial literacy, business support services, job placement and apprenticeship schemes, and/or legal aid.

• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) reporting higher household income level by end of project period as compared to the pre-project baseline assessment.

• Number and percentage of program participants, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) in urban settings who are placed in jobs by completion of the project period. Note: A chart should be provided reflecting the length of employment for program participants.

• (Temporary Employment) Number of beneficiaries, disaggregated by gender and population (refugee, national) participating in cash or food for work programs.

• The percentage of sampled host community employers who are able to identify at least two skill-sets (e.g., carpentry, embroidery) among program beneficiaries living in their municipality.

• The percentage of sampled host community employers who are able to describe accurately the procedures for hiring program beneficiaries.

• The percentage of sampled urban program beneficiaries who:

• Are able to describe accurately the procedures for receiving permits to conduct business.

• Apply for and receive for business permits.

• The percentage of sampled urban program beneficiaries who are economically self-reliant, as measured by self-reporting of household consumption and income sources.

Proposals should include custom livelihoods indicators in addition to the relevant standardized indicator(s).

Key Resources – Livelihoods

• USAID/OFDA Guidelines for Proposals, October 2012 (pgs. 82-96)

• Women’s Refugee Commission, Preventing Gender Based Violence, Building Livelihoods: Guidance and Tools for Improved Programming

• Minimum Economic Recovery Standards, 2nd ed. Washington, DC, USA: The SEEP Network, 2010. http://communities.seepnetwork.org/econrecovery

• Emergency Market Mapping and Analysis Toolkit. (EMMA) Practical Action Publishing. 2010. www.emmatoolkit.info (In French as of 2011.)

• Local Economic Recovery in Post-Conflict: Guidelines. Geneva: ILO, 2010.

http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/—ed_emp/documents/instructionalmaterial/wcms_141270.pdf

(d) Proposals must have a concrete implementation plan with well-conceived objectives and indicators that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and reliable, time-bound and trackable (SMART), have established baselines, and include at least one outcome or impact indicator per objective; objectives should be clearly linked to the aforementioned sectors.

(e) Proposals must adhere to relevant international standards for humanitarian assistance. See PRM’s General NGO Guidelines for a complete list of sector-specific standards.

(f) PRM strongly encourages programs that target the needs of potentially vulnerable and underserved groups among the beneficiary population (women; children;; older persons; the sick; persons with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) individuals and other minorities) and can demonstrate what steps have been taken to meet the specific and unique protection and assistance needs of these vulnerable groups effectively. NOTE: PRM partners must now complete a gender analysis (see PRM proposal template, section 3a) that briefly analyzes (1) gender dynamics within the target population (i.e., roles, power dynamics, and different needs of men and women, girls and boys); (2) associated risks and implementation challenges for the project posed by those dynamics; and (3) how program activities will mitigate these protection risks and be made accessible to vulnerable groups (particularly women and girls). A gender analysis is a requirement prior to PRM making a final funding award.

(g) PRM will accept proposals from any NGO (refer to Eligible Applicants section above) working in the above mentioned areas although, given budgetary constraints, priority will be given to proposals from organizations that can demonstrate:

• A working relationship with UNHCR and/or current UNHCR funding. Proposals must include a letter of support from UNHCR for the proposed activities (this letter should highlight the gap in services the proposed program is designed to address and should include any UNHCR co-funding for the proposed activities and/or similar refugee activities);

• A proven track record in providing proposed assistance both in the sector and specified location;

• Evidence of coordination with international organizations (IOs) and other NGOs working in the same area or sector as well as – where possible – local authorities;

• Projects in protracted refugee situations and multi-year funding applications must include (1) concrete steps that will be taken during the program period to support the eventual transition of activities to government ministries, local NGOs, or development actors, (2) the estimated timeframe for the transition, and (3) what obstacles might inhibit the transition;

• A budget that is appropriate for meeting the objectives and demonstrates co-funding by non-U.S. government sources;

• where applicable, adherence to PRM’s Principles for Refugee Protection in Urban Areas available online at http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/187237.pdf;

• Appropriate targeting of beneficiaries in coordination with UNHCR and other relevant organizations; and

• Inclusion of persons living with disabilities within the targeted population.

(h) Country Specific Instructions

• Ethiopia: Proposals for activities must be accompanied by a letter from the UNHCR Addis Ababa Office showing endorsement of the proposed activities and inclusion on the Government of Ethiopia’s Agency for Refugee and Returnee Affairs’ (ARRA) accountability matrix (3W matrix).

• Kenya: Proposals for activities must be accompanied by a letter from the UNHCR Nairobi Office showing endorsement of the proposed activities and inclusion on the respective camp’s accountability matrix (3W matrix). The UNHCR Nairobi letter should also acknowledge coordination with the relevant UNHCR sub-office.

Funding Limits: Project proposals may not exceed $1,500,000 per year or they will not be accepted.

As stated in the PRM General NGO Guidelines, PRM looks favorably on cost-sharing efforts and seeks to support projects with a diverse donor base and/or resources from the submitting organization.

Proposal Submission Requirements: Proposals must be submitted via Grants.gov (not via GrantSolutions.gov). If you are new to PRM funding, the Grants.gov registration process can be complicated. We urge you to refer to PRM’s General NGO Guidelines “New to PRM Funding” section for information and resources to help ensure that the application process runs smoothly. PRM also strongly encourages organizations that have received funding from PRM in the past to read this section as a refresher. Applicants may also refer to the “Applicant Resources” page on Grants.gov for complete details on requirements (http://test.grants.gov/web/grants/applicants/applicant-resources.html).

Please also note the following highlights:

• Do not wait until the last minute to submit your application on Grants.gov. Organizations not registered with Grants.gov should register well in advance of the deadline as it can take up to two weeks to finalize registration (sometimes longer for non-U.S. based NGOs to get the required registration numbers). To register with Grants.gov, organizations must first receive a DUNS number and register with the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov which can take weeks and sometimes months. We recommend that organizations, particularly first-time applicants, submit applications via Grants.gov no later than one week before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical difficulties that could result in an application not being considered. PRM partners must maintain an active SAM registration with current information at all times during which they have an active federal award or an application under consideration by PRM or any federal agency.

• Applications must be submitted under the authority of the Authorized Organization Representative (AOR) at the applicant organization. Having proposals submitted by agency headquarters helps to avoid possible technical problems.

• If you encounter technical difficulties with Grants.gov, please contact the Grants.gov Help Desk at support@grants.gov or by calling 1-800-518-4726. Applicants who are unable to submit applications via Grants.gov due to Grants.gov technical difficulties and who have reported the problem to the Grants.gov help desk, received a case number, and had a service request opened to research the problem, should contact the relevant PRM Program Officer to determine whether an alternative method of submission is appropriate.

• Pursuant to U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001, stated on OMB Standard Form 424 (SF-424), the Department of State is authorized to consolidate the certifications and assurances required by Federal law or regulations for its federal assistance programs. The list of certifications and assurances can be found at: http://fa.statebuy.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=161&menu_id=68 )

Proposal Content, Formatting and Template: This announcement is designed to accompany PRM’s General NGO Guidelines, which contain additional administrative information on proposal content and formatting, and explain in detail PRM’s NGO funding strategy and priorities. Please use both the General NGO Guidelines and this announcement to ensure that your proposal submission is in full compliance with PRM requirements and that the proposed activities are in line with PRM’s priorities. Proposal submissions that do not meet all of the requirements outlined in these guidelines will not be considered.

PRM strongly recommends using the proposal and budget templates that are available upon email request from PRM’s NGO Coordinator. Please send an email, with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line, to PRM’s NGO Coordinator. Single-year proposals using PRM’s templates must be no more than 20 pages in length (Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins on all sides). If the applicant does not use PRM’s recommended templates, proposals must not exceed 15 pages in length. Organizations may choose to attach work plans, activity calendars, and/or logical frameworks as addendums/appendices to the proposal. These attachments do not count toward the page limit total however annexes cannot be relied upon as a key source of program information. The proposal narrative must be able to stand on its own in the application process.

To be considered for PRM funding, organizations must submit a complete application package including:

• Proposal reflecting objectives and indicators for each year of the program period.

• Budget and budget narrative for each year of the program period.

• Signed completed SF-424.

In addition, proposal submissions to PRM should include the following information:

• Focus on outcome or impact indicators as much as possible. At a minimum, each objective should have one outcome or impact indicator. Wherever possible, baselines should be established before the start of the project.

• To increase PRM’s ability to track the impact of PRM funding, include specific information on locations of projects and beneficiaries (GPS coordinates if possible).

• Proposals should outline how the NGO will acknowledge PRM funding. If an organization believes that publicly acknowledging the receipt of USG funding for a particular PRM-funded project could potentially endanger the lives of the beneficiaries and/or the organization staff, invite suspicion about the organization’s motives, or alienate the organization from the population it is trying to help, it must provide a brief explanation in its proposal as to why it should be exempted from this requirement.

• The budget should include a specific breakdown of funds being provided by UNHCR, other USG agencies, other donors, and your own organization. PRM strongly encourages multilateral support for humanitarian programs.

• In FY 2014, PRM is asking applicants whose proposals address gender-based violence (GBV) through their projects to estimate the total cost of these activities as a separate line item in their proposed budgets. PRM’s budget template document has been updated to reflect this new requirement.

• Gender analysis (See above. Required before an award can be made).

• Proposals and budgets should include details of any sub-agreements associated with the program.

• Copy of the organization’s Code of Conduct (required before an award can be made).

• Copy of the organization’s Security Plan (required before an award can be made).

• Most recent Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement (NICRA), if applicable.

• NGOs that have not received PRM funding since the U.S. government fiscal year ending September 30, 2004 must be prepared to demonstrate that they meet the financial and accounting requirements of the U.S. Government by submitting copies of 1) the most recent external financial audit, 2) proof of non-profit tax status including under IRS 501 (c)(3), as applicable, 3) a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number, and 4) an Employer ID (EIN)/Federal Tax Identification number.

• Organizations that received PRM funding in FY 2013 for activities that are being proposed for funding under this announcement must include the most recent quarterly progress report against indicators outlined in the cooperative agreement. If an organization’s last quarterly report was submitted more than six weeks prior to the submission of a proposal in response to this funding announcement, the organization must include, with its most recent quarterly report, updates that show any significant progress made on objectives since the last report.

Multi-Year Funding: Applicants proposing multi-year programs should adhere to the following guidance:

Applicants may submit proposals that include multi-year strategies presented in 12-month cycles for a period not to exceed 36 months from the proposed start date. Fully developed programs with detailed budgets, objectives and indicators are required for each year of activities. These can be updated yearly upon submission of continuation applications. Applicants should note that they may use PRM’s recommended multi-year proposal template for this application, which is different from the single year template. Multi-year funding applicants may also use PRM’s standard budget template and should submit a separate budget sheet for each project year. Multi-year proposals using PRM’s templates must be no more than 30 pages in length (Times New Roman 12 point font, one inch margins on all sides). If the applicant does not use PRM’s recommended templates, proposals must not exceed 25 pages in length. Organizations may choose to attach work plans, activity calendars, and/or logical frameworks as addendums/appendices to the proposal. These attachments do not count toward the page limit total.

Multi-year applications selected for funding by PRM will be funded in 12- month increments based on the proposal submitted in the initial application as approved by PRM. Continued funding after the initial 12- month award requires the submission of a noncompeting continuation application and will be contingent upon available funding, strong performance, and continuing need. Continuation applications must be submitted by the organization no later than 90 days before the proposed start date of the new award (e.g., if the next project period is to begin on September 1, submit your application by June 1). Continuation applications are submitted in lieu of responding to PRM’s published call for proposals for those activities. Late continuation applications will jeopardize continued funding.

Organizations can request multi-year funding and continuation application templates by emailing PRM’s NGO Coordinator with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line.

Reports and Reporting Requirements:

Program Reporting: PRM requires quarterly and final program reports describing and analyzing the results of activities undertaken during the validity period of the agreement. It is highly suggested that NGOs receiving PRM funding use the PRM-recommended program report template. To request this template, send an email with the phrase “PRM NGO Templates” in the subject line to PRM’s NGO Coordinator.

Financial Reports: Financial reports are required within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar year quarter during the validity period of the agreement; a final financial report covering the entire period of the agreement is required within ninety (90) days after the expiration date of the agreement.

For more details regarding reporting requirements please see PRM’s General NGO Guidelines.

Proposal Review Process: PRM will conduct a formal competitive review of all proposals submitted in response to this funding announcement. A review panel will evaluate submissions based on the above-referenced proposal evaluation criteria and PRM priorities in the context of available funding.

PRM may request revised proposals and/or budgets based on feedback from the panel. PRM will provide formal notifications to NGOs of final decisions taken by Bureau management.

Applicant Vetting as a Condition of Award: Applicants for programs in Kenya are advised that successful passing of vetting to evaluate the risk that funds may benefit terrorists or their supporters is a condition of an award for Kenya. Applicants may be asked to submit information required by DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information (attached to this solicitation) about their organization and its principal personnel. Vetting information is also required for all sub-award performance on assistance awards identified by the U.S. Department of State as presenting a risk of terrorist financing. When vetting information is requested by the Grants Officer, information may be submitted on the secure web portal at https://ramportal.state.gov, via Email to RAM@state.gov, or by hardcopy to the Grants Officer. Questions about the form may be emailed to RAM@state.gov. Failure to submit information when requested, or failure to pass vetting, may be grounds for rejecting your proposal. The following clause shall be included in Section 9, Special Award Conditions, or as an addendum to the solicitation, whenever assistance is awarded after vetting:

• Recipient Vetting after Award: Recipients shall advise the Grants Officer of any changes in personnel listed in the DS Form 4184, Risk Analysis Information, and shall provide vetting information on new individuals. The government reserves the right to vet these personnel changes and to terminate assistance awards for convenience based on vetting results.

Branding and Marking Strategy: Unless exceptions have been approved by the designated Bureau Authorizing Official as described in the proposal templates that are available upon email request from PRM’s NGO Coordinator, at a minimum, the following provision will be included whenever assistance is awarded:

• As a condition of receipt of this assistance award, all materials produced pursuant to the award, including training materials, materials for recipients or materials to communicate or promote with foreign audiences a program, event, project, or some other activity under this agreement, including but not limited to invitations to events, press materials, event backdrops, and podium signs must be marked appropriately with the standard U.S. flag in a size and prominence equal to (or greater than) any other logo or identity. Sub-recipients and subsequent tier sub-award agreements are subject to the marking requirements and the recipient shall include a provision in the sub-recipient agreement indicating that using the standard, rectangular U.S. flag is a requirement. In the event the recipient does not comply with the marking requirements as established in the approved assistance agreement, the Grants Officer Representative and the Grants Officer must initiate corrective action.

PRM Points of Contact: Should NGOs have technical questions related to this announcement, they should contact the PRM staff listed below prior to proposal submission. (Note: Responses to technical questions from PRM do not indicate a commitment to fund the program discussed.)

PRM Program Officer Madelina Young-Smith (YoungMM@state.gov; 202-453-9382), Washington, DC; please include PRM Program Assistant Lin’An Bartlett on email correspondence (BartlettL@state.gov)

Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Horn of Africa Bindi Patel (PatelBK@state.gov), U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Regional Refugee Assistant for the Horn of Africa Desire Diallo (DialloDA@state.gov), U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Deputy Refugee Coordinator for Kenya and Somalia Kristin Alderman (AldermanKL@state.gov), U.S. Embassy, Refugee and Migration Affairs, Nairobi, Kenya