Peace and Security Vital for Liberia Aid Effort

Oxfam-America
Wednesday, 6 August 2003

Real peace and security throughout Liberia are the essential preconditions for any effective aid operation in the country, international agency Oxfam said today, as the United Nations launched an appeal for $69 million to tackle what it called a "humanitarian catastrophe."

While Oxfam welcomed this week's deployment of an initial contingent of Nigerian troops in Monrovia, the agency said US expeditionary forces are needed on the ground to provide the strong support necessary to protect civilians and quickly expand access for aid operations—both within Monrovia and outside the city limits.

"The US must publicly and specifically declare the scope of its commitment to the mission in Liberia," said Nicola Reindorp, Oxfam's representative at the United Nations in New York.

The agency also urged the international community to come forward with substantial funding for the West African peacekeeping force.

"The arrival of the Nigerian troops should not be interpreted as a sign that this crisis is coming to an end," said Reindorp.

"Without immediate peace and security across the entire country, it will be impossible for aid agencies to accurately assess the needs of the civilian population, let alone meet those needs. The international community must come forward with increased funding for the multinational peacekeeping operation if its contributions to today's humanitarian appeal are to be effectively used."

Hundreds of thousands of civilians in Monrovia are still struggling to survive in starvation conditions and without access to potable water. Nigerian peacekeepers need substantial support if they are to stop the renewal of hostilities.

Oxfam's staff of 25 Liberian nationals have remained in Monrovia throughout the crisis. The most recent round of combat confined them to their homes and Oxfam's office, allowing them only to work intermittently during brief lulls in the fighting. Oxfam teams have been collecting and chlorinating rain water for displaced people living in makeshift shelters, building latrines at Monrovia's central sports stadium where an estimated 50,000 people are seeking shelter, and instructing civilians in the prevention of water-born disease. Oxfam plans to fly a plane full of water and sanitation equipment—tanks, pumps, pipes, and buckets — into Monrovia early next week.

For more information, or to contact Oxfam-America, see their website at: www.oxfamamerica.org