UN Humanitarian Coordinator warns Angola's humanitarian situation continuing to deteriorate after the death of Dr. Savimbi

Luanda, 1 March 2002 - The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Erick de Mul, warns that the humanitarian situation in Angola is grim and is continuing to deteriorate after the death of Dr. Jonas Savimbi, the leader of UNITA, on 22 February.
The Angolan war has created one of the largest displaced populations in the world. More than 25 percent of the country's entire population is displaced and at least ten percent of Angolans are dependent on international humanitarian assistance to survive.

During 2001, more than half a million Angolans were uprooted from their homes, bringing the total number of persons displaced during the conflict to more than four million. In the last three months, displacement levels have steadily increased a result of counter-insurgency operations and guerilla activities. In November, 47,100 persons were displaced; in December, 48,800; and in January, 49,500. Displacement levels are likely to remain at similar levels if armed conflict continues.

UN Agencies and NGOs are operating at full capacity and do not have sufficient resources to respond to the critical needs of additional influxes of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

According to Mr de Mul, "The humanitarian operation is already stretched to the limit. Millions of vulnerable people are living in life-threatening conditions and more will be at risk if action is not taken immediately. The first step is to cease hostilities and give humanitarian agencies unhindered and continuous access to all Angolans in need of assistance." Mr. de Mul stressed that, "the real solution to the humanitarian crisis in Angola is the end of the war and a just and lasting peace."

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