Specific problems. Next to general problems with VFAs, there are also specific problems relating to the specific facilitations. A first string of problem arises with the simplification of supporting documents. First of all, the agreements are not clear with regard to the question which document should be provided: should it be the originals, or could copies be accepted as well?400 The Member States were in favour of requiring the originals, while third countries, and especially Russia pleaded for accepting copies at least in some cases. A compromise was found in the Joint Committee, when the Implementing Guidelines were adopted. There the following can be read: In principle, the original request or certificate of the document required by Article 4(1) shall be submitted with the visa application. However, the consulate can start processing the visa application with facsimile or copies of the request or certificate of the document. Nevertheless, the consulate may ask for the original document in case of the first application and shall ask for it in individual cases where there are doubts.401 395 Xxxxxxxxxx and others, ‘Questionable Achievement’ (n 393) 2; SEC (2009) 1401 final, 11 396 SEC(2009) 1401 final, 11. 397 ibid 10. 398 Xxxxxxxxx and others (n 285) 44. 399 ibid 45. 400 SEC(2009) 1401 final, 11 401 EC-Russia Joint Committee, ‘Guidelines for the Implementation of the Agreement between the European Community and the Russian Federation on the facilitation of the Issuance of Visas to the Citizens of the European Union and the Russian Federation’ 6 June 2008 <xxxxx://xxx.xxxxxxxxxx.xx/bibliotek/publikationer/eu-dokumenter/visumhaandbog/annex_8_russian_federation.pdf> 12. Secondly, there are problems concerning the different categories enjoying the simplified document requirements. The agreements do mention categories of people that can benefit from the simplification, but most consulates consider the provisions to be to vague or to contain inherent problematic requirements. Close relatives for example benefit from the facilitation and only need to present an invitation. However, another document is often needed to prove the family tie.402 Another problem concerning close relatives is the fact that they must originate from the same third country as the applicant. Journalists can also encounter problems, as they must be able to present a certificate proving their status. If they cannot provide this, they are not considered journalists and cannot benefit from the document simpli...
Specific problems. The nature of livestock production in the region is determined by policy and institutional frameworks that rarely favour the poor, and sometimes encourage forms of production that threaten long-term environmental stability and public health. Linking small-scale livestock producers to the expanding markets for livestock products with the aim of reducing poverty requires significant policy shifts both at national and regional level. Institutions that address the needs of poor producers are essential to the success of market reforms - indeed the World Bank has acknowledged the challenge of building effective institutions as being critical to its mission of fighting poverty (World Bank, 2002). Given the prominence of pastoralism and ensuing transboundary issues in the region, coherent policies and related institutions need to be developed at regional level. A consultative process carried out in a number of IGAD member states during in 2003 clearly identified the following weaknesses: 1) lack of participation of the poor in policy making processes; 2) weak institutional arrangements for pro-poor policy formulation and implementation, especially at government levels; 3) lack of capacity to effect institutional change; 4) lack of and/or inadequate policies to address livestock production, health and marketing constraints; 5) lack of relevant poverty and livestock data; and 6) lack of adequate recognition of the contribution of the livestock sector both to securing livelihoods and to the overall economy.
