Statement on Liberia by Catholic Relief Services President, Kenneth F. Hackett

Catholic Relief Services
Tuesday, 8 July 2003

Catholic Relief Services joins the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in strongly encouraging President Bush to support the deployment of an international stabilization force for Liberia with appropriate U.S. participation. This is a most urgent matter. And it cannot wait for President Charles Taylor's departure, which itself could unleash even more chaos and bloodshed if rebel and government forces vie for power and, potentially, take revenge against real and perceived enemies.

Catholic Relief Services is learning, from our staff in Monrovia, of frightening developments, including armed men robbing and threatening to kill civilians believed to have advocated for President Taylor's exile. Additionally, Archbishop Michael Francis of Monrovia, a longtime friend and working partner of Catholic Relief Services, has stated publicly his belief that if President Taylor leaves the country before security forces arrive, government and rebel forces "would destroy the capital." Archbishop Francis has repeatedly and publicly called for U.S. intervention, in spite of threats to his life for doing so.

Beyond the urgent need of securing the country immediately, an international military intervention, supported by the United States, is needed to enable displaced Liberians to return to their homes and aid agencies to provide relief to those in need. While the United States' support to Liberia should be discrete, with a clearly defined exit strategy, it should be of a level and length of commitment that encourages Liberia's return to economic and political viability; helps to usher in a fruitful Liberian peace process; and fosters regional stability.

Catholic Relief Services continues to work with United States Government officials in trying to address the worsening humanitarian conditions throughout the country, where more than half of the people are uprooted; civilians live in perpetual, grave danger; and food, water and medicines are in short supply. CRS has, in recent weeks, distributed emergency food aid to thousands of displaced Liberian families. And we are eager to return to full operations in the country, launch a range of emergency response initiatives and provide for the immediate needs of the most vulnerable, particularly the displaced.

Catholic Relief Services has been working in Liberia since 1990, initially providing assistance after the start of the civil war and, in recent years supporting activities in areas such as health, agriculture, education and peace building.

For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org