UN top official visits Sierra Leone 20 to 23 April 2001

The United Nations Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Ms Carolyn McAskie is undertaking a mission to Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia from 16th to 25th April 2001. She is currently in Guinea and will be in Sierra Leone from Friday 20th to Monday 23rd April.
The main objective of the mission is to take stock of the political, military and humanitarian situation in the sub-region, in particular, as it affects Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

In Sierra Leone, Ms McAskie will focus on:

• Assessing the linkages between the plans for the extension of State authority and the programmes for the resettlement and reintegration of returnees, IDPs and ex-combatants;
  
  
• Evaluating the implications of tensions between Guinea and Liberia on the humanitarian situation; and
  
  
• Consulting with officials of the Government, Donors, UNAMSIL, representatives of United Nations agencies and Non-Governmental Organizations, on the interface between refugees and IDPs and efforts to stabilize the country and the sub-region.

Ms. McAskie will be accompanied by: the Swedish Ambassador for Humanitarian Affairs - Ms. Marika Fahlen, a representative of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs responsible for the West Africa Desk and a representative of the Department for Peacekeeping Operations.

Among other activities, the mission will visit Port Loko town and villages in Maforki Chiefdom to witness the resettlement of IDPs, and Bari Chiefdom where refugee returnees are being relocated in village settlements.

For further information, please contact Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa or Mr. Stephen Hiscock at the OCHA office.