EUROPE
	UNESCO works in the fields of school rehabilitation and construction, furniture production and provision of educational materials and equipment for all levels of education, in countries all over the world and, in particular, in the following European countries: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Checnya, Croatia, Georgia and Ukraine.

 

UNESCO has gained considerable experience working in countries where conflict has severely disrupted educational services and facilities. UNESCO step up its action in this field in co-operation with the other organizations in the United Nations system, non-governmental organizations and other UNESCO partners in the field. This action must not only meet immediate educational needs but also, whenever possible, help to ease the transition phase following the wars which have destabilized, disorganized or even destroyed the education system. ----- Photo Credit © UNESCO, Lefèvre, D. War damaged fountain, Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Albania The former comunist fortress constituted after the World War 2, Albania is these last years an Eldorado for refugees of the region. From March to July 1999, 442 000 of kosovar refugees streamed to Albania. More than half of them (228 000) were hosted by Albanian families, while others found shelter in refugee camps or community centres. Despite an extremely difficult economic and social situation the contry managed to avoid any nationalist diversion or risk of destabilisation. Armenia Since September 1991 and its access to independance Armenia is involved in conflict with Azerbaijan for the control of the enclave of High-Karabakh. Despite the peace agreements signed in 1994 and formal interruption of hostilities, these two parties have never found a convenient solution to agree on peace modalities and the status of the region which finally proclaimed itself an Autonomous Republic of High-Karabakh. Refugees and displaced are cohorts, the country is weakened economically. Azerbaijan Since and its access to independance in September 1991 Azerbaijan is involved in conflict with Armenia for the control of the enclave of High-Karabakh. Despite the peace agreements signed in 1994 and formal interruption of hostilities, these two parties have never found a convenient solution to agree on peace modalities and the status of the region which finally proclaimed itself an Autonomous Republic of High-Karabakh. The number of refugees and displaced is very high. Belarus Belarus has been an independent state since 1991. The country experienced an atypical transition with its own particular political and economic system. It is not the continuation of the Soviet model but preserves however many of its characteristics. Presently order and stability prevail in Belarus but the economic situation is difficult. Bosnia and Herzegovina Since the Dayton Agreements of 1995 divided in two entities, Croat-Muslim Federation and Serb Republic, Bosnia is slowly emerging from the depression following the events of the last decade. The NATO military presence is still important and the country remains very dependent on exterior aid (about 6 billion Euros since the end of the war). Besides there are still many refugees and displaced persons. Chechnya Stricken by armed violence since the break up of Soviet Union in 1991, Chechnya, which is integral part of Russian Federation is experiencing an extremely difficult economic situation and destruction of infrastructure. While the armed violence persists, the civil population is the main victim of the conflict : thousands of persons were displaced, others are refugees in neighbouring provinces. Emergency asssistance is an urgent necessity as the preliminary phase of the reconstruction plan. Croatia Following the chaotic events that were underway during the last decade across the Balkan region Croatia is presently experiencing a reconstruction process. Since 1999 the country strives to reintegrate international structures after being for years excluded because of the isolationist and nationalist policy of the old regime. However the population’s discontent is obvious and is due to the ambitious elections promises that were not kept since January 2000. Georgia Following its access to independence in 1991 the Republic of Georgia is experiencing a phase of political violence which is leading to the progressive degradation of the country’s political and economic system. The mandate of MONUG ( Mission of the United Nations Supervision Commission in Georgia ) has been renewed in January 2003 in order to stabilize the situation in conflict zones (Abkhazy State). Ukraine These 20 last years Ukraine’s past is unfortunately too often linked to the nuclear disaster of Chernobyl and its devastation on ecological and human level as well. While the Chernobyl power station has been definitely closed since December 2000, the after effects are still very present in this republic independent since 1991. The reforms towards democracy and free market are continuing, namely in the context of fostering of partnership between Ukraine and European Union.