(Ivorian refugees are registered on the Liberian border. Photo: ACT/FCA/Päivi Muma)
The conflict in Ivory Coast has so far caused over 462 people to lose their lives and forced more than 100,000 people to flee over the border and into neighbouring Liberia. Estimates suggest that as many as a million people are also displaced within the country.
"Many of the refugees that are crossing the border into Libera have had to walk for several days. Many have been unable to source adequate food and water, and are exhausted," says Arild Isaksen, head of the Emergency Preparedness Division at Norwegian Church Aid.
Water and sanitation
Norwegian Church Aid has contributed NOK 200,000 (around USD 36,000) from its emergency relief fund towards work to provide potable water and good sanitation facilities for those who have crossed the border into Liberia.
"Needs are great. Assessments carried out by the ACT Alliance have shown that there is not enough potable water available to accommodate the needs of both the local population and the refugees. Furthermore, many refugees have reported that they are without access to a toilet," says Arild Isaksen.
Protection of women
ACT Alliance and partners plan to carry out road repairs to improve access to the areas where the refugees are currently based. This will allow necessary equipment to be transported into the area, and improve the healthcare services there.
"Our experiences in other operations, such as on the Tunisian-Libyan border, show that women are often particularly vulnerable in situations such as these. This is why the ACT Alliance also prioritises protection activities," says Isaksen.
ACT Alliance and partners are coordinating their activities with other international and national organisations in Liberia to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in our work.
Contact:
- Arild Isaksen: tel. (+47) 913 70 599