The Importance of Participating in the EU's Humanitarian Aid Evaluation for NGOs in Cameroon .
Berinyuy Bongwong Justin
Bongwong is a humanitarian response and inclusion professional with protection mainstreaming, community-based protection skills.
The Importance of Participating in the EU's Humanitarian Aid Evaluation for NGOs in Cameroon .
Over the period 2017-2022, the European Commission’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (DG ECHO) provided funding to 183 humanitarian partners to implement projects in 108 countries, for a total amount of almost €12 billion.
DG ECHO has played a critical role in advocating for the respect of International humanitarian law (IHL) and humanitarian principles, while also adopting new policies, partnerships and practices to better support an enabling environment for the delivery of principled humanitarian aid.?
The Public Consultation on the European Commission’s “Have Your Say” website seeks to support the ongoing Comprehensive Evaluation of the EU’s humanitarian aid (2017-2022).
The funding requested to meet the needs of the targeted 2.8 million people in Cameroon amounted to US$371.5 million.
However, the underfunding of humanitarian aid has been a persistent issue, depriving hundreds of thousands in the NWSW regions of necessary humanitarian assistance.As of November 2023, only 27% of the Humanitarian Response Plan for the year had been funded, and by the end of 2023, the funding had reached just 32% of the required amount.
The Importance of Participating in the EU's Humanitarian Aid Evaluation for NGOs in Cameroon
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A Call to Action for Cameroonian NGOs
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in Cameroon have a unique opportunity to contribute to the European Commission's evaluation of its humanitarian aid efforts. The European Union, through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department (DG ECHO), has been a significant donor, providing nearly €12 billion in funding to 183 humanitarian partners across 108 countries from 2017 to 2022.
This evaluation is not only a chance to reflect on the past but also to shape future aid policies and practices.
ECHO-Funded Projects in Cameroon: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Communities
Cameroon, a country with diverse challenges and needs, has been a recipient of humanitarian aid from the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO). Here is an overview of some of the projects funded by ECHO in Cameroon, reflecting the organization's commitment to providing relief and support to those in need.
UNICEF and ECHO's Collaboration for Clean Water
In the Southwest Region of Cameroon, UNICEF and ECHO have joined forces to set up an autonomous photovoltaic water supply system. This initiative has been instrumental in providing over 1,000 people, including 250 households, with access to potable water, significantly reducing water-related illnesses in the community.
Comprehensive Support Across Regions
ECHO's funding in Cameroon extends to various forms of humanitarian aid, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation, primary health care, shelter, livelihoods support, protection, and education. In 2023 alone, €17 million was allocated to support the most vulnerable populations in the country, with a total of €230 million provided since 2013.
Enhancing Humanitarian Access
The European Union also funds the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flights in the Far North, Southwest, and Northwest Regions of Cameroon. This support is crucial for humanitarian organizations to reach remote people in need.
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Addressing Gender-Based Violence and COVID-19
A project funded by ECHO and implemented by UNFPA aims to provide integrated life-saving gender-based violence (GBV) and COVID-19 protection services in the North West, South West, West, and the Littoral Regions of Cameroon.
Shelter and Non-Food Items
ECHO has contributed to the Shelter/NFI Sector in Cameroon, with various documents available that detail the country profile, donor mapping, advocacy plans, and the status of shelter in the region.
NRC's Engagement in Cameroon
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has also been involved in projects funded by ECHO in Cameroon, further emphasizing the breadth of ECHO's involvement in the country.
Comprehensive Information on Humanitarian Response
For those seeking a full overview of the humanitarian response and projects funded by ECHO in Cameroon, resources such as humanitarianaction.info provide detailed information.
Additionally, documents like the Cameroon Humanitarian Needs Overview 2023 and the Cameroon 2023 Humanitarian Response Plan offer insights into the projects and funding for OCHA Cameroon
ECHO's funding in Cameroon is a testament to the organization's dedication to alleviating human suffering and supporting the resilience of communities. The projects highlighted above are just a few examples of how ECHO's contributions are making a tangible difference in the lives of many Cameroonians. It is through these efforts that hope is restored and the path to recovery and development is paved for those affected by crises in Cameroon.
?The Opportunity Amidst Global Shifts
While global attention and funding may be shifting towards crises in Gaza and Ukraine, Cameroonian NGOs can use this evaluation process to highlight the importance of continued support for their country, which may not be in the spotlight but still faces significant humanitarian challenges.
By providing feedback, NGOs can maintain positive relations with the donor, ensuring that the needs of the most vulnerable in Cameroon remain visible and a priority for international aid.
Benefits of the Public Consultation for Localization
The Public Consultation, open until 30 April 2024, is a platform for stakeholders and citizens to share their views on the EU's humanitarian aid
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For Cameroonian NGOs, participating in this feedback exercise is a step towards localizing aid. Localization aims to place local actors at the center of humanitarian responses, ensuring that aid is directly financed, capacity is reinforced, and the legitimacy of local authorities is recognized.
. By engaging in this process, NGOs in Cameroon can advocate for a humanitarian system that is more responsive to local needs and contexts.
The Impact of Localization on Cameroon
Localization has the potential to empower communities, ensure contextual relevance, and build the capacity of local NGOs. However, it also faces challenges such as limited local funding sources, capacity constraints, and the need for better donor coordination.By providing feedback, Cameroonian NGOs can address these challenges and offer insights into how localization can be effectively implemented in their context.
Recommendations for DG ECHO
It is crucial for DG ECHO to understand the importance of funding localization processes in Cameroon. As a leading humanitarian aid donor, the European Union can play a pivotal role in strengthening the local funding ecosystem, investing in capacity building, advocating for an enabling environment, and promoting donor coordination. This will not only benefit Cameroon but also serve as a model for other crisis-affected countries.
NGOs in Cameroon have a strategic opportunity to influence the future of humanitarian aid through the EU's Public Consultation. By participating, they can advocate for the needs of their country, promote the benefits of localization, and contribute to a more equitable and effective humanitarian system. It is an opportunity to ensure that despite the global shifts in funding, the voices of those in Cameroon are heard and their needs are met.
?The State of Humanitarian Crisis and Funding in the North-West and South-West Regions of Cameroon
The humanitarian crisis in the North-West and South-West (NWSW) regions of Cameroon remains dire, with millions of people in need of assistance due to ongoing conflicts and displacement. Despite the urgent needs, funding for humanitarian aid in these regions is critically insufficient, leaving many without access to essential services and support.
Overview of the Humanitarian Crisis
Cameroon's NWSW regions have been deeply affected by multiple complex humanitarian crises, including the Lake Chad basin conflict and the Central African Republic (CAR) refugee crisis.
?In 2022, an estimated 4 million people required humanitarian assistance, with 2 million of those in relation to the NWSW crisis.
?The displacement of over 1 million people since 2017 has exacerbated the situation, with insecurity and violence leading to further population displacement and restricted access to food and other necessities.
Funding Shortfalls
The funding requested to meet the needs of the targeted 2.8 million people in Cameroon amounted to US$371.5 million.
However, the underfunding of humanitarian aid has been a persistent issue, depriving hundreds of thousands in the NWSW regions of necessary humanitarian assistance.As of November 2023, only 27% of the Humanitarian Response Plan for the year had been funded and by the end of 2023, the funding had reached just 32% of the required amount.
Impact of Underfunding
The lack of adequate funding has had severe consequences for the delivery of humanitarian aid. No shelter or non-food items interventions could take place despite the observed displacements due to funding gaps and lockdowns. The health situation, including a cholera epidemic, remains a concern, with limited capacity to respond effectivel.
. Humanitarian actors have faced numerous constraints, including illegal payment demands, kidnappings, lockdowns, and roadblocks, all of which are compounded by the underfunding.
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International Support
In response to the crisis, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) allocated US$6 million to support the most vulnerable populations in Cameroon, with a focus on hard-to-reach areas in the Far North, North-West, and South-West regions.
. The European Union has also been a significant contributor, allocating €17 million in 2023 and a total of €230 million since 2013 to support various humanitarian needs in the country.
The Need for Increased Funding
The humanitarian dashboard for January to December 2023 highlights the vast needs across Cameroon, with 4.7 million people requiring assistance and protection.
The WASH response, crucial for preventing disease and maintaining health, remains largely underfunded, with more resources needed to ensure timely and adequate assistance.
The humanitarian crisis in the NWSW regions of Cameroon is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and increased funding. The international community, including donors like the European Union, has provided support, but the gap between the needs and the available resources remains substantial. It is imperative to address this shortfall to prevent further suffering and to provide lifesaving assistance and protection services to those affected by the crisis.