UN Secretary-General's Humanitarian Envoy Carolyn McAskie to arrive in Abidjan

15 January 2003, Abidjan - Carolyn McAskie, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Humanitarian Envoy for the Crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, will arrive in Abidjan on 16 January, 2003. During her one-month mission, she will meet with Government authorities, UN Agencies, and a wide range of international and local humanitarian actors. She will also visit IDP reception centres, transit centres and refugee shelters in Abidjan and in other parts of Côte d'Ivoire, to talk with those affected by the crisis and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and needs. Ms. McAskie is also scheduled to visit neighbouring countries affected by the crisis to mobilize resources for, and improve coordination of, the humanitarian response.
The economic prosperity and social tolerance of Côte d'Ivoire have traditionally been anchors for the ECOWAS countries and beyond. The effects of this humanitarian and socio-economic crisis on western Africa must not be underestimated. Ms. McAskie comes to Côte d'Ivoire with a mandate that includes focusing international attention on the humanitarian crisis unfolding here, ensuring that all affected populations receive the humanitarian aid that they require to survive, and helping to avert a further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

The Head of OCHA's Regional Support Office for West Africa in Abidjan, Ms. Besida Tonwe, said, "Ms. McAskie's mission here is crucial to our efforts to bring assistance to the hundreds of thousands who are suffering in Côte d'Ivoire and neighbouring countries as a result of this crisis. The humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly, and our access to those in need unfortunately remains limited. It is imperative that we reverse this downward spiral."

Carolyn McAskie will make a statement to the press and take questions at the inter-agency UN press briefing to be held on Thursday 16 January, 2003, at the World Health Organisation offices in Abidjan.

For further information please contact: Jeff Brez or Pierre N'Goré at OCHA Regional Support Office for West Africa Tel: +225- 2240-4440