UN OCHA: Launch of revised Humanitarian Appeal for Liberia

(New York: 5 August 2003): Tomorrow at 10 a.m., the United Nations will launch the Revised Humanitarian Appeal for Liberia. The original 2003 Consolidated Appeal for Liberia, launched in November 2002 has received less than 22% of the US$ 42,740,007 requested (excluding food aid).
Liberia's civil war has degenerated into a human catastrophe of horrific proportions characterized by the total breakdown in law and order, indiscriminate shelling of crowded urban areas, gross human rights abuses, rape, forced conscription of children, abductions and killings. The escalation of armed hostilities in June has triggered phenomenal population displacements into Monrovia and its suburbs, where people are seeking shelter in every possible space that offers a modicum of safety. These sites are grossly overcrowded, with very poor and unsanitary conditions. There are severe shortages of food, water, medicines, toilet facilities, shelter and other basic needs. Communicable diseases, such as cholera, are on the increase.

Prior to the escalation of hostilities there were an estimated 250,000 internally displaced persons, 15,000 Sierra Leonean refugees and 10,500 third country nationals dispersed in Monrovia and surrounding counties. This number has probably increased to over 450,000 displaced people in Monrovia alone. There have also been significant population outflows, with more expected. The number and condition of persons in rebel-held areas remains largely unknown. However, with their continued lack of access to vital assistance and widespread insecurity, they can be assumed to be in a very vulnerable state.

The revised appeal includes new projects and revisions of existing projects to cover additional needs caused by the outbreak of hostilities in June as well as the outstanding requirements from the 2003 CAP. The Revised Appeal aims to cater for an estimated 200,000 families or 1,000,000 persons, covering the period August to December 2003.

For more information, please contact: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA New York: 917 367 5126