Assessments continue in Liberia

(New York, 11 November 2003): Over the weekend, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Liberia fielded an inter-agency security and protection mission to assess the security situation in Gbarnga and Zorzor prior to UN and NGO intervention in the area.
The mission found general destruction of all goods and houses along the road. In Gbarnga, the hospital had been completely looted, and looting was continuing even while the mission was visiting. Other institutions had also been vandalized. Local displaced people complained of forced labor and lack of food and health care. They survive on wild yams and greens from the forest.

The mission reported that Zorzor is in ruins, with all buildings either damaged or destroyed. The destruction largely occurred before 2003. Most of the population is displaced and survives on local agricultural production and commercial activities with Guinea. The health situation is very poor, with signs of malnutrition among small children.

On 10 November 2003, OCHA led a rapid assessment to Saclepea, which was facilitated by UNMIL. The town appeared comparatively intact with minimal destruction. However, an estimated 10,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) fleeing skirmishes between former government fighters and MODEL rebels in Nimba county in north central Liberia have sought shelter in the relatively unscathed town. Their arrival has overstretched the meager resources of the resident population. IDP sites were visibly overcrowded with limited services. Immediate needs include food assistance, non-food items, water and sanitation facilities and enhancement of the health facilities. A follow-up mission is planned this week to respond to humanitarian needs.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA NY, 917 367 5126, mobile 917 892 1679; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA Geneva, 41 22 917 26 53. mobile 41 (O) 79 473 45 70.