UN CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF CIVILIANS, HUMANITARIAN ACCESS IN LIBERIA

UN calls for Protection of civilians, humanitarian access IN LIBERIA

[OCHA]

NEW YORK, 16 April (OCHA) -– “Recentattacks on internally displaced persons in Liberia are clear violations of international humanitarian law", said
Carolyn McAskie, the United Nations Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, today.  "All parties to the conflict must ensure that attacks on civilians do not occur.  We call on the Government of Liberia to do everything in their power to protect civilians."  She spoke about the targeting of civilian populations by armed groups, that humanitarian workers can access only four of Liberia’s 15 counties, and her concern that growing needs would soon overwhelm the resources of humanitarian agencies working in Liberia.

Last week, OCHA reported that 4 people had been killed and thousands forced to flee during attacks by armed groups on Jartondo and Wilson internally displaced persons camps.  These attacks were part of a disturbing trend of civilians being targeted.  Another internally displaced persons camp at Rick’s institute was attacked and looted in late March, and an estimated 25,000 internally displaced persons staying there were forced to flee.  “There is growing concern that food distribution appears to be becoming a target for armed groups.  The issue remains crucial as it means that humanitarian workers may be specifically targeted”, Ms. McAskie said.  At least two non-governmental organization staff were injured in the attacks on internally displaced persons camps last week.  On the last two occasions when attacks were staged on the camps, non-governmental organization food distributions were under way.  The looting compounds shortages of supplies of non-food items such as tarpaulins, household items, and blankets.  The United Nations also remains concerned about the condition of more than 100 humanitarian staff who have not been heard from since violence erupted around Zwedru on
27 March.

Ms. McAskie also pointed to the effect ongoing violence is having on humanitarian operations in Liberia.  “Violence means workers can’t get to thousands of people, especially in the northwest and eastern parts of the country, in great need.  Conditions should be created for humanitarian workers to safely access areas where people need help”, Ms. McAskie said.  The United Nations estimates that there are presently 200,000 internally displaced persons in Liberia, most of them in areas cut off from humanitarian assistance.  Last week, the United Nations, European Union and United States issued a joint press release calling for improved humanitarian access

Aid agencies fear current supply shortfalls will soon become worse because programmes for food, shelter, emergency health, and human rights protection have not received any donor contributions.  To date, donors have provided just
2 per cent of the overall $42.6 million in funding required under the 2003 United Nations Consolidated Inter-Agency Appeal for Liberia.  The United Nations urges

donors to enable humanitarian agencies in Liberia to assist vulnerable Liberians by funding the Consolidated Appeal for that country.

For further information, please contact in New York:  Brian Grogan,
tel.:  (212) 963-1143.

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