Liberia: UN relief-ship docks in rebel stronghold

(Harper: 14September 2003) The first humanitarian mission since May to the small costal town of Harper (southern Liberia)commenced its work this afternoon, amid tight security and after negotiating safe passage for its team, fromthe rebel faction theMovement for Democracy in Liberia (MODEL).
The United Nations humanitarian relief-ship, Martin I, docked safely into Harper Port, late yesterday evening. More than 400 people, including MODEL representatives, greeted the vessel and her crew.

A five-man delegation from MODEL later met on-board with the mission's team leader, and United Nations security personnel,to discuss the remit and security requirements of the mission. Meeting again this morning in Harper town with the MODEL Superintendent and his military commander,security and the free, unencumbered movement, of mission personnel was agreed, consistent with the Accra Agreement on Humanitarian Aid. The Superintendent also identified the immediate need for food-aid.

"The 15 members of the joint inter-agency United Nations (UN) and non-government organisation (NGO)security and humanitarian assessment mission,will take the firststeps into the war-ravaged town of Harper and its surrounding environs today," said the mission Spokesperson, Mr Nicholas McGowan.

The team comprises representatives from the United Nations children's agency, UNICEF, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN World Food Programme (WFP), UN World Health Organisation (WHO), UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA),oneinternational NGO, the Danish Refugee Council,and a Liberian healthcare NGO, MERCI.

According to Gilbert Bouic, Director of the Danish Refugee Council, mission member and resident of Harper, massive looting and vandalism destroyedwhat little infrastructure previously existed.

"What is required now is a concerted effort to assist the people of Harper town (Maryland County)and surrounding counties. With our assistance, they must begin the gradual taskof rebuilding their shattered lives from the ground-up. Schools, hospitals, clinics and even basic water pumps and wells must be rehabilitated. Short-term fixes will not be enough. What is neededhere, as in many parts of the country,is long-term engagement by the international community", said Mr Bouic.

"Vital to the success of the peace process is the extent to which Liberians themselves can become stakeholders in peace. An active agricultural industry, reliable transportation network, and thrivinglocal fishing industry, would create desperately needed economic and employment opportunities. Economic resources must no longer be the domain of a few",added Mr Bouic.

In May of this year, MODEL occupation of Harper put an abrupt halt to humanitarian operations.

For further information, please call

Nicholas McGowan+377 47 530 433 (OCHA Liberia
Stephanie Bunker +917 367 5126 (OCHA NY)
Elizabeth Byrs +41 22 917 2653 (OCHA Geneva).