Deputy Humanitarian Chief begins three day mission in Côte d’Ivoire

(Abidjan / Geneva, 16 January 2012) – The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Catherine Bragg, has started a three-day mission to Côte d’Ivoire.

The mission aims to assess the humanitarian situation one year after the post-electoral crisis and to draw international attention to the remaining challenges. The objective is also to support the efforts of the authorities to strengthen early recovery and longer-term development activities, notably in the western part of the country. The accent will be placed on sustainability with a special focus on the return process for internally displaced people and refugees. The implementation of the on-going reform process in the area of security, disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion of ex-combatants (DDR), and land tenure sector are also key priorities.

Catherine Bragg jointly launched the 2012 Appeal for Côte d’Ivoire with the State Minister, Minister of Employment, Social Affairs and Solidarity, Mr. Gilbert Koné Kafana. The Appeal seeks more than US$ 173 million to cover the needs of over 3 million people this year.

"I applaud the return of over a half a million people in the last nine months, testimony to the increasing security and the resolution of the crisis and the international support, and a tribute to the hard work of the international community," underscored ASG Bragg. "However, there are still substantial needs that require substantial resources to deal with persisting problems. This would allow voluntary and dignified return and pave the way for sustainable reintegration."

Ms. Bragg also met today with the State Minister, Minister of Planning and Development, M. Toikeusse Mabri, the United Nations Country Team and humanitarian organizations.

Tomorrow, Ms. Bragg is scheduled to travel to the western part of the country where she will visit displacement areas in Nahibly (Duékoué), Zeaglo (Bloléquin) and returnees in Niambly (Duékoué).