Angola

Last Updated: 02 February 2011

Casualties and Victim Assistance

Casualties

Casualties in 2009

Casualties in 2009	28 (2008: 52)
Casualties by outcome	8 killed; 18 injured; 2 unknown (2008: 23 killed; 29 injured)
Casualties by device type	7 antipersonnel mines; 1 antivehicle mine; 2 unknown mines; 6 ERW; 12 unknown devices

In 2009, Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor identified at least 28 mine and explosive remnants of war (ERW) casualties in Angola.[1] Data provided by the Inter-sectoral Commission on Demining and Humanitarian Assistance (Comissão Nacional Intersectorial de Desminagem e Assistência Humanitária, CNIDAH) indicated that there may have been many more casualties, possibly as high as 88, but poor data quality made it impossible to confirm.[2] The 28 casualties in 2009 is a decrease compared with 52 in 2008, however, given the problems with data collection and management it is impossible to determine trends.

The majority of the confirmed casualties were adult men (15), of which two were security forces and one was a deminer injured by an antipersonnel mine. There was also one deminer of unknown gender involved in an incident with an unknown device. There were four child casualties (two boys killed and two girls injured).[3]

The total number of mine casualties in Angola is unknown, though estimates range from 23,000[4] to 80,000.[5] However, no details were available to substantiate these figures and it was reported that fewer than 300 casualties were entered in CNIDAH’s central database.[6] Between 2000 and 2009, Landmine Monitor identified at least 2,692 mine/ERW casualties including 885 killed, 1662 injured, and 145 for which the outcome was unknown.[7]

Victim Assistance

The total number of survivors in Angola is unknown but there are many thousands. In just one province, Huambo, one organization had over 2,500 mine/ERW survivors registered as beneficiaries.[8]

In 2009, no needs assessment of mine/ERW survivors was carried out in Angola. CNIDAH began preparations for an 18-month survivor survey and needs assessment to plan victim assistance activities. The survey was due to begin in 2010.[9]

Victim assistance coordination[10]

Government coordinating body/ focal point	CNIDAH
Coordinating mechanism	CNIDAH’s Sub-Commission for Assistance and Reintegration with participation from relevant government ministries including the Ministry of Assistance and Social Reintegration (MINARS), the Ministry of Health, and NGOs
Plan	Victim Assistance Action Plan on National Integrated Action 2007–2011

In 2009, CNIDAH held at least one meeting of the Sub-Commission for Assistance and Reintegration, which was used to evaluate progress in implementing the victim assistance action plan.[11] It was recommended that CNIDAH should do more to encourage the involvement of relevant ministries in victim assistance.[12] CNIDAH reported coordinating with NGOs with regard to the planning of the survivor survey. However, key NGO stakeholders were not aware of plans.[13] Reportedly, there was little coordination in general between CNIDAH and NGOs.[14] Coordination of physical rehabilitation services by the National Rehabilitation Program was said to have ceased in 2009.[15]

By the end of 2009, about half of the objectives in Angola’s victim assistance action plan remained “in process,” and activities to achieve the remaining stated objectives by 2011 had not yet begun. The one exception was in the advanced training of 11 orthopedic technicians, an objective met in 2008.[16]

Angola did not provide updates on victim assistance progress at the Second Review Conference of the Mine Ban Treaty in Colombia in November–December 2009 or at the intersessional Standing Committee meetings in Geneva in June 2010.

Some survivors’ associations and disabled persons organizations were included in the meeting of the Sub-Commission.[17] Recommendations regarding disability rights made by disability networks to the Constitutional Reform Commission were mostly included in the new constitution.[18] Survivors were involved in the implementation of victim assistance activities including peer support through NGOs.[19]

Service accessibility and effectiveness

Victim assistance activities in 2009[20]

Name of organization	Type of organization	Type of activity	Changes in quality/coverage of service in 2009
Bomba Alta Orthopedic Center	Government	Physical rehabilitation services	Increased number of trained staff, including four International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO) Level II technicians
Luena Rehabilitation Center	Government	Physical rehabilitation services; National Institute for Reintegration of Ex-soldiers supported costs of materials	No change
Angola Red Cross (Cruz Vermelha de Angola, CVA)	National organization	Transportation and referrals to victim assistance services	No change
Center for the Promotion and Development of Communities (CAPDC)	National NGO	Community development projects; transportation to access victim assistance services	Reduced funding and staffing
Angolan Association of Disabled Persons (Associação dos Deficientes de Angola, ANDA)	National NGO	Physical rehabilitation, professional training for persons with disabilities, transportation to access services	No change
Association of Solidarity Among Persons with Disabilities	National NGO	Social reintegration through sports	No change
League for the Reintegration of Disabled Persons, (Liga de Apoio à Integração dos Deficientes, LARDEF)	National NGO	Advocacy	Reduced activities in rural areas due to transportation problems
Handicap International (HI)	International NGO	Capacity-building in community-based rehabilitation	No change

No significant improvements were reported in the accessibility or quality of victim assistance services in Angola in 2009. A lack of transportation remained the greatest obstacle to accessing services for survivors living in rural areas.[21] A decline in funding and a lack of materials led to a decrease in the quality or availability of services, most especially physical rehabilitation services.[22]

2009 saw an increase in the number of rural medical posts. However, these centers lacked the specialists needed to treat mine injuries and patients were transferred to provincial medical centers.[23]

At least six of 11 rehabilitation centers were facing financial problems in 2009, and another two were forced to close because of the deterioration of the physical infrastructure.[24] A lack of transportation prevented many survivors from accessing services.[25] The Luena Rehabilitation Center reported that irregular and insufficient delivery of materials from the National Rehabilitation Program was affecting the quality of rehabilitation services.[26] Other service providers also reported a lack of materials.[27] Construction had not begun, as of the end of 2009, for a new physical rehabilitation center planned for Malanje province, for which funds had been raised in 2007 and 2008.[28] The return of orthopedic technicians from training contributed to improved quality of prosthetic and orthotic devices.[29]

Two community-based rehabilitation projects were closed in Gabela, Kwanza Sul province and Viana, a town outside Luanda, because of a lack of funds.[30]

There was no progress in the availability of psychological support. Numerous survivors suffered from trauma, low self-esteem, and substance abuse. The only psychosocial support available in 2009 was through peer support groups.[31] There were also no significant changes in economic inclusion.

While the law prohibited discrimination against persons with disabilities, it was not enforced and discrimination was prevalent.[32] The approval procedure for the Protection Law for Persons with Disabilities, drafted in 2000, remained stalled.[33]

As of 27 July 2010, Angola had not signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

[1] Emails from Christian Richmond, South African Desk Officer, HALO Trust, 22 February 2010; Danny Kavanagh, Country Programme Manager, Mine Advisory Group (MAG), 18 February 2010; Aubrey Sutherland, Programme Manager, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), 5 March 2010; and Fatmire Uka, Operations Manager, DanChurchAid (DCA), 17 February 2010. Information Management System for Mine Action (IMSMA) casualty data provided during interview with Manuel Domingo Jose, Head, Management Information System (MIS), CNIDAH, Luanda, 16 April 2010.

[2] Casualty data provided by staff members within CNIDAH ranged from a low of 10 casualties for the year from the head of the MIS, to 24 from the Operations Officer to 88 from the Mine Risk Education (MRE) Coordinator. Interviews with Manuel Domingo Jose, Narciso Paulo S. Tiacafe, Operations Officer, and Nelson Hiyonanye, MRE Coordinator, CNIDAH, Luanda, 16 April 2010. The United States Department of State reported 12 mine/ERW casualties in Angola in 2009, citing CNIDAH as the source of this data. See, US Department of State, “2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Angola,” Washington, DC, 11 March 2010. Reportedly, each department of CNIDAH receives casualty data from different sources in the field and data is not shared between departments nor is it entered in the central casualty database. Interview with Pedro Ribiero Toko, National Advisor, MIS, UNDP, Luanda, 20 April 2010.

[3] There were a further four males, three of whom were injured and one killed, for whom the age was unknown. Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor analysis of casualty data provided by emails from Christian Richmond, HALO, 22 February 2010; Danny Kavanagh, MAG, 18 February 2010; Aubrey Sutherland, NPA, 5 March 2010; and Fatmire Uka, DCA, 17 February 2010. IMSMA casualty data provided during interview with Manuel Domingo Jose, CNIDAH, Luanda, 16 April 2010.

[4] This estimate was reported in the media. See, “Angola to stage ‘Miss Landmine Survivor’ pageant,” Agence France-Presse (Luanda), 26 March 2008, www.kbc.co.ke.

[5] Angola has stated this figure on several occasions. For example see, statement of Angola, Seventh Meeting of States Parties, Geneva, 20 September 2006. Also see, US Department of State, “2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Angola,” Washington, DC, 11 March 2010.

[6] Emails from Pedro Ribeiro Toko, UNDP, 17, 18 and 19 June 2009. In 2010, HALO reported that the casualty data the organization provided to CNIDAH was not entered into the central database. Interview with Aurelio Jose, Base Manager, Rory Forbes, Programme Manager, and Marie Demulier, Data and Donor Liaison Officer, HALO, Huambo, 21 April 2010.

[7] See previous editions of Landmine Monitor.

[8] Interview with Sebastiao Capapelo, Provincial Delegate, ANDA, Huambo, 22 April 2010.

[9] CNIDAH, “Relatorio De Balanço Das Actividades Realizadas Pela Subcomissão De Apoio E Reinserção Social Durante O Segundo Semestre De 2009” (“Report of the Activities of the Subcommittee for Assistance and Reintegration during the Second Semester 2009”), Luanda, 1 February 2010, p. 3; and interview with Madalena Neto, Head, Victim Assistance Department, CNIDAH, Luanda, 24 April 2010.

[10] Response to Monitor questionnaire by Adriano Gonçalves, Consultant, CNIDAH, 17 March 2008; and government of Angola/CNIDAH, “Mine Action in Angola Strategic Plan 2006–2011,” Luanda, 2006, p. 40.

[11] Interview with Florinda Antonio Andre, Victim Assistance Assistant, CNIDAH, Luanda, 15 April 2010; CNIDAH, “Relatório Do Encontro Técnico De Balanço Do Plano De Assistência Às Vítimas De Minas” (“Report of the Technical Meeting on the Progress of the Plan of Assistance for Mine Victims”), 19 November 2009; and interview with Madalena Neto, CNIDAH, Luanda, 24 April 2010.

[12] CNIDAH, “Relatório Do Encontro Técnico De Balanço Do Plano De Assistência Às Vítimas De Minas” (“Report of the Technical Meeting on the Progress of the Plan of Assistance for Mine Victims”), 19 November 2009, p. 27.

[13] Interviews with Sebastiao Capapelo, ANDA, Huambo, 22 April 2010; Afonso Sumbelelo, General Coordinator, ANDA, Huambo, 22 April 2010; and Luis Quintas Xavier, Provincial Coordinator, LARDEF, Huambo, 22 April 2010.

[14] Interview with James Martin, Programme Specialist, UNDP, Luanda, 20 April 2010.

[15] Interview with Jose Tchiyoca, Director, Orthopedic Center, Bomba Alta, Huambo, 22 April 2010.

[16] The original objective in the Action Plan sought to train 11 technicians to ISPO Level I. As of 2008, 11 had been trained to ISPO Level II but the objective was said to have been achieved. Landmine and Cluster Munition Monitor Analysis of, CNIDAH, “Relatório Do Encontro Técnico De Balanço Do Plano De Assistência Às Vítimas De Minas” (“Report of the Technical Meeting on the Progress of the Plan of Assistance for Mine Victims”), 19 November 2009, pp. 13–23.

[17] CNIDAH, “Relatório Do Encontro Técnico De Balanço Do Plano De Assistência Às Vítimas De Minas” (“Report of the Technical Meeting on the Progress of the Plan of Assistance for Mine Victims”), 19 November 2009, p. 30. At least one organization had not been invited. Interview with Julie Nuttens, Program Director, HI, Huambo, 22 April 2010.

[18] Luis Quintas Xavier, LARDEF, Huambo, 22 April 2010. The Constitution was approved on 21 January 2010.

[19] Interview with Sebastiao Capapelo, ANDA, Huambo, 22 April 2010.

[20] Interview with Antonio Neto, Disaster Management Assistant, CVA, Luanda, 16 April 2010; telephone interview with Fernando Miji, Executive Director, CAPDC, 19 April 2010; email from Manuel Gaiato, Victim Assistance Coordinator, CAPDC, 2 March 2009; telephone interview with Fernando Zola, Administrator, Luena Rehabilitation Center, 19 April 2010; interview with Bernando Enoque, Secretary of Cooperation and Advocacy, ANDA, Luanda, 19 April 2010; interview with Julie Nuttens, HI, Huambo, 22 April 2010; interview with Jose Tchiyoca, Orthopedic Center, Bomba Alta, Huambo, 22 April 2010; interview with Afonso Sumbelelo, Association of Solidarity Among Persons with Disabilities, Huambo, 22 April 2010; and interview with Luis Quintas Xavier, LARDEF, Huambo, 22 April 2010.

[21] Interview with Antonio Neto, CVA, Luanda, 16 April 2010; and telephone interview with Fernando Miji, CAPDC, 19 April 2010.

[22] Interviews with Bernando Enoque, ANDA, Luanda, 19 April 2010; Florinda Antonio Andre, CNIDAH, Luanda, 15 April 2010; Madalena Neto, CNIDAH, Luanda, 24 April 2010; and telephone interview with Fernando Miji, CAPDC, 19 April 2010.

[23] Interview with Bernando Enoque, ANDA, Luanda, 19 April 2010.

[24] The six centers were Luena, Neves Bendinha, Negage, Gabela, Kuito, and Lubango. The Neves Bendinha center was closed for renovations and the center in Lubango needed a new roof. Interviews with Bernando Enoque, ANDA, Luanda, 19 April 2010; and Florinda Antonio Andre, CNIDAH, Luanda, 15 April 2010.

[25] In April 2010, there was a list of 650 survivors awaiting transportation assistance in northern Huambo and another 187 in Malanje province. Interview with Jose Tchiyoca, Orthopedic Center, Bomba Alta, Huambo 22 April 2010.

[26] Telephone interview with Fernando Zola, Luena Rehabilitation Center, 19 April 2010.

[27] Interviews with Bernando Enoque, ANDA, Luanda, 19 April 2010; Florinda Antonio Andre, CNIDAH, Luanda, 15 April 2010; Madalena Neto, CNIDAH, Luanda, 24 April 2010; and telephone interview with Fernando Miji, CAPDC, 19 April 2010.

[28] Interview with Madalena Neto, CNIDAH, Luanda, 24 April 2010.

[29] Interview with Emanuel Diavita, Consultant, National Rehabilitation Program, Luanda, 16 April 2010.

[30] Interview with Florinda Antonio Andre, CNIDAH, Luanda, 15 April 2010.

[31] Interview with Bernando Enoque, ANDA, Luanda, 19 April 2010.

[32] Interview with Julie Nuttens, HI, Huambo, 22 April 2010; and US Department of State, “2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Angola,” Washington, DC, 11 March 2010.

[33] Interview with Bernando Enoque, ANDA, Luanda, 19 April 2010.