Meet the Member: Richard Evans

Could you explain the nature and extent of the Cluster’s activities in Mosul?  
The military operation in Mosul has already displaced over 330,000 people and thousands more will be displaced over the coming months. It is estimated that around 600,000 residents are concentrated in the densely-populated western sections. The Western part of the city is the historical heart of the city and dates back from as early as the 25th century BC. It is dominated by a maze of streets with historically significant architecture.

The longer military operations take, the harsher conditions become for families in areas held by extremist groups. As the fighting in the West has intensified, thousands of families still living in the densely packed old city face the difficult decision of whether to leave or remain. 

Many families are forced to make a difficult choice - to flee in the face of grave risks or remain in their homes as food, water and medicines become scarce and the security situation worsens. There is credible evidence that men, women and children are being held captive as human shields, subjected to horrific punishments if they try to leave. Families shelter in basements and municipal buildings during the long hours of fighting and shelling. 

Families fleeing their homes face multiple risks with the journey usually starting under the cover of darkness. Once they are past the front line, and taken to safer areas after undergoing screening, the Government and humanitarian actors provide safety and can begin to address their immediate needs.  There are 17 IDP camps operational in the vicinity, with the largest hosting over 60,000 people. These camps provide a safe haven for the families and an opportunity to rest and recuperate and locate separated family members.

The massive humanitarian operation in and around Mosul is expected to continue for months. The Shelter and NFI Cluster is providing critical assistance to those leaving the city through the provision of essential household items such as blankets, kitchen sets and cooking stoves and emergency shelter, currently in the form of tents. The Cluster assists in the planning and construction of camps and supports all actors responding to the crisis through coordination of activities, provision of guidelines and technical support and liaising with donors, the Government and partners on the ground.

What is your favourite thing about your job? What have been the most challenging features of this project?
The Cluster team comprises seven full-time staff covering the whole country, although at the moment there is an emphasis and focus on Mosul. The work is extremely varied and in any single day we will be helping to coordinate front line responses and delivery of items to the field and then working on national technical guidelines and standards to assist partners. We do not know how the day will end as the situation is very fluid and dynamic.

We try to maintain an overview of all stocks held by partners - tents, emergency shelter kits and core household items, and help to advise partners as to where the gaps are. Working with partners to respond to gaps in coverage can be a rewarding experience. Keeping this overview of what partners are doing and what their capacity to respond allows us to keep the information flow between donors, stakeholders, partners and the Government. 

What is the one thing you think people should know about the crisis in Mosul?
It is important to remember that Mosul is one part of a much wider and complex regional situation and when the Government regains control of the city, the essential work of assisting people to return to their homes and rebuild the city will need support from the international community. It is critical that this stabilisation phase involving the reconstruction of the damaged or destroyed homes and infrastructure (water, electricity, sewerage networks, roads, municipal buildings etc.) is supported by the international community to ensure lasting stability in the region.

What are your recommendations to those considering to work in Mosul? 
The work is hard and the hours at the moment are long; however, there is a sense of community between all actors. The Government is not only taking a lead role but is facilitating the work of the international community which creates a sense of unity. Unlike some emergencies, there is a belief that there will be an end as all parties are focused on the common goal. I would recommend any RedR Members who have been looking at opportunities to apply and get involved. The work is rewarding and is appreciated by all involved.