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Côte d'Ivoire + 1 more

Refugees and internally-displaced persons in Liberia need emergency and recovery aid

Civil war has displaced tens of thousands of people - mostly women and children - in northern and western Liberia. There are some 190,000 Liberians living in 14 camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), and almost as many more are living in the homes of relatives. For most, returning to their communities of origin is not possible; most of those communities have been destroyed.
Fighting in Ivory Coast has added to the humanitarian problem in Liberia. Thousands of Liberians who had been living as refugees in Ivory Coast have fled back to Liberia. And, some Ivorians have fled into Liberia as refugees.

CWS is supporting partner efforts to assist the displaced families. The Liberia Council of Churches/United Methodist Church is helping to improve living conditions of 30,000 IDPs in the Bong region, with a school rehabilitation program, including school supplies and furniture; agricultural training and assistance, such as vegetable seeds, to 3,000 families; and establishing a satellite medical center at the Maimu Camp.

Another partner, Concerned Christian Community, is providing trauma counseling, HIV/AIDS awareness, medical and material relief assistance, and training and empowerment for 750 female returnees and refugees who have been victims of rape and other abuse.

The YMCA is providing leadership training for 1,000 young people between 12 and 18 years old. Teens are the single largest group in IDP camps - and also the most vulnerable to sexual exploitation and military recruitment. In addition, 600 displaced or refugee children ages 5-12 are receiving food, literacy training, sports, and recreation through the YMCA.

CWS is seeking $100,000 to help our partners meet these urgent needs in Liberia.