UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS TO UNDERTAKE MISSION TO CÔTE D’IVOIRE, 14 – 17 FEBRUARY

UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS TO UNDERTAKE

MISSION TO CÔTE D’IVOIRE , 14 – 17 FEBRUARY

ABIDJAN/NEW YORK, 13 February (OCHA) -- Jan Egeland, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, will undertake a mission to Côte d’Ivoire from 14 to 17 February, on behalf of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Côte d’Ivoire is currently facing a critical humanitarian situation, with some 3.5 million people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.  In order to facilitate improved provision of assistance to the most vulnerable populations, the core objectives of the mission are:  to bring all relevant actors to commit themselves to respect the freedom of movement, protection of civilians, access to vulnerable populations, and the security of humanitarian workers; to meet with and take into consideration the concerns and priorities of humanitarian actors and of the populations affected by the crisis; and to assess, first-hand, the current socio-political situation and its implications for humanitarian activities.

During his mission, Mr. Egeland will meet with relevant national and local authorities and the members of the humanitarian community and their partners in Abidjan, Guiglo and Bouaké.  He will also attend the forthcoming meeting of the International Working Group, on behalf of the humanitarian community.

The Under-Secretary-General will also provide regular briefings to the national and international media present in Côte d’Ivoire, as they constitute a key partner for the humanitarian community in the areas of public information on and advocacy for humanitarian action and development.

The mission serves to underscore the necessity for all parties to respect the principles and laws governing humanitarian action and humanitarian space, a message of particular importance following the events of 17 to 19 January, when the offices and equipment of ten of the humanitarian organizations operating in the western town of Guiglo were attacked, looted and burned.

Jan Egeland of Norway was appointed to the post of United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator in June 2003.  He has more than 25 years of experience in the areas of humanitarian affairs, human rights and peacemaking.  Previously, Mr. Egeland has served in positions of responsibility with the Norwegian Red Cross, United Nations, Government of Norway, and with several non-governmental and academic institutions.

For further information, please contact: Pierre Marie N’Gore, OCHA-CdI, +225 2240 5172, mobile +225 0769 2094; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-CdI, +225 2240 5181, mobile +225 0707 2709; Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; or; Elizabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record