One year on from fighting which displaced a million people in Cote d’Ivoire, the humanitarian crisis is far from over.
During the course of the conflict - caused by a dispute over the result of the Predidential election in November 2010 - some 200,000 Ivorians fled to a dozen neighbouring countries. Twelve months on, 156,000 of them remain in Liberia.
Working alongside partner organisations, local structures and displaced people themselves, ActionAid has supported nearly 5,000 refugees in Liberia with essential food packages and items such as buckets, soap and cooking utensils.
During the distributions – in Nimba and Grand Gedeh counties – we focused on the most vulnerable people – pregnant and lactating women, people with disabilities, the chronically ill and the elderly. Read blind Tiede Pauline’s remarkable story of making the journey from Cote d’Ivoire to Liberia, and how ActionAid helped her.
We also raised awareness of women’s rights to help ensure that women and girls are protected from violence in the refugee camps.
In Ghana, we provided food to 3,000 people in the Berekum refugee camp (Brong Ahafo region) and the Ampain refugee camp in Western region.
But in emergencies, our experience shows that it's vitally important to tackle the psychological effects of conflict; offering emotional support to help people come to terms with what they've been through.
Ken Kerseh, 30, and her mother arrived in Teahplay, Nimba County, Liberia, from Gwiaplay in Cote d’Ivoire carrying Ken’s nine-month old twins. She was forced to leave her husband back home.
We are seven in all. We have spent three months here now. When we came the first time they [ActionAid and partners] gave us buckets and bulgur wheat. I want to tell you thank you for your help. The rice and other things will benefit me and my children.
Whilst some refugees have now returned home, the situation for those still displaced remains critical.
