Catholic Leaders Lament U.S. Troops’ Withdrawal from Liberia, Urge Greater U.S. Commitment to Country’s FutureCatholic Relief Services Statement by Michael Francis, Archbishop Of Monrovia, Liberia, and Ken Hackett, President of Catholic Relief Services Although the United States military has departed Liberia, the conflict, the humanitarian crisis and the terror have not. This week, as the United States withdrew its troops from the country and the United Nations assumed peacekeeping responsibilities there, fresh clashes erupted in a suburb of the capital, Monrovia, killing at least three people. Meanwhile, in the countryside, thousands of Liberians continue to flee harassment, rape and summary executions by lawless gunmen of the government militia and both rebel movements. Hundreds of thousands of Liberians remain in urgent need of humanitarian aid. Right now, strong U.S. leadership is needed to help stabilize Liberia and support its reconstruction. Right now, Liberia needs more, not less, of a U.S. commitment to its future.  Catholic Relief Services continues to provide emergency relief to displaced Liberians in the cities of Monrovia, Buchanan and Harbel. But, despite the previous efforts of the West African (ECOMIL) peacekeeping forces—as well as the United States' logistical assistance to them—and now the presence of the UN peacekeepers, nearly three-quarters of the country remains inaccessible to aid groups because of ongoing fighting and instability. As a result, relief agencies estimate between 200,000 and 500,000 displaced Liberians urgently need food, shelter, clean drinking water, medical supplies and other relief materials. However, despite the urgency, humanitarian aid will simply not get through without improved security. It's unsafe for aid workers to travel throughout the country, and most Liberians, though in need, ironically want nothing to do with fresh supplies of food or medicines; such materials only make them more attractive targets to predatory warring parties who have frequently massacred, raped and looted Liberian civilians. In recent months alone, an estimated 2,000 civilians have been killed. While UN peacekeeping forces promise to eventually improve security throughout the country, they'll need assistance as they fully implement their mission, a process likely to take months. It is lamentable that the United States has withdrawn its troops during this critical, transitional period. Even without U.S. military assistance, the United States should provide immediate relief assistance for Liberia through the supplemental appropriations bill as well as support to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, including the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of child soldiers into society. Beyond America's historical connection to Liberia, the United States should be motivated to do this by the national security importance of preventing failed states, eliminating the root causes of terrorism and ending deadly conflict, not to mention the moral imperative of restoring hope and giving relief to people in need. Archbishop Michael Francis, Archbishop of Monrovia, Liberia, received the 1999 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for his social justice and peace building efforts in Liberia. Ken Hackett is the President of Catholic Relief Services, the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic community. Catholic Relief Services is marking its 60th year of providing assistance to people in more than 90 countries and territories, including Liberia, on the basis of need, not race, creed or nationality. To contribute to Catholic Relief Services efforts in Liberia or around the world, send donations to:
For more information, or to contact Catholic Relief Services, see their website at: www.catholicrelief.org |
 |
Email Article To A Friend |  |
Link to us! |
