Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Côte d'Ivoire + 1 more

Liberia: UNMIL Humanitarian Situation Report No. 157

01 December - 22 December 2008

HIGHLIGHTS

- Mano River Union and Food Security

- UNMIL, UNOCI and UNDP Joint Mission on Liberian Refugees and Ex-combatants in Cote d'Ivoire

- Food Security and Nutrition Survey

- Refugee Returns and Resettlement

- Integrated Contingency Plan for Response to Disasters

Mano River Union Ministry of Agriculture Meeting on Food Security

The Liberian Ministry of Agriculture hosted the Minister of Agriculture from Sierra Leone, and other agriculture officials and technicians from the Mano River Union countries at a meeting in Voinjama, Lofa County, from 5 to 7 December. The FAO Director General and the MRU Secretary General were also in attendance. The objective of the meeting was to review the MRU's progress in response to rising food prices in the region. Member States have had impact on addressing the situation through social protection or safety nets such as reducing agriculture-related import taxes and tariffs and to provide direct support to boost domestic production.

UNMIL, UNOCI and UNDP Joint Fact Finding Mission on Liberian Refugees and Ex-combatants in Cote d'Ivoire

A joint mission was conducted by UNMIL, UNOCI and UNDP, in both Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire from November 9-20, 2008, with the main objective of gathering updated information on the presence of Liberian refugees and reputed militia elements in Côte d'Ivoire. Particular attention was paid to the western region of Moyen Cavally, close to the Liberian border. The mission was prompted by growing concerns over reports of the presence and activities of large numbers of Liberian ex-combatants in Côte d'Ivoire, and the refusal of Liberian refugees to integrate locally or to voluntarily return home. The withdrawal of assistance has left the refugee population without access to basic services. The refugees' insistence on third-country resettlement (i.e. United States), an option which is no longer viable, leave them in a position where they may be considered illegal residents in Côte d'Ivoire.

Food Security and Nutrition Survey

Lead by the Ministries of Agriculture and Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the UN and NGO partners, a nationwide monitoring survey was conducted within the framework of the Liberia Food Security and Nutrition Strategy. The survey will track changes in nutrition indicators from the 2006-2007 Comprehensive Food Security and Nutrition Survey and will also analyze the impact of the food price crisis on food security and malnutrition. The survey in Greater Monrovia has been completed, while the survey continues in the remainder of the 15 counties and results are expected by the end of January.

Refugee Return and Resettlement

The continued voluntary return from Ghana is ongoing, with a total of 108 refugees repatriated from Ghana and Nigeria during the week of 4-10 December, and 150 returning on 19 December. A road convoy of 51 refugees are also expected early this week. Approximately 9500 returns have occurred since the resumption of voluntary return in April

Integrated Contingency Plan for Response to Disasters

The Government of Liberia, with support from the United Nations and the Liberia National Red Cross Society, has adopted the Integrated Contingency Plan for Natural Disasters. The plan has been developed, validated and adopted by stakeholders and has been sent to the Government for signature. The implementation of the Plan will help in strengthening national responsive capacity and mitigate the risk of natural and man-made disasters. The Integrated Contingency Plan for Response to Disasters is formulated as part of the National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction.