The Government has decided today, 4 December, to make a contribution of SEK 4 million to peace-support operations in Liberia.
The Swedish contribution will go towards a DDRR programme -- a programme for disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration of former soldiers in Liberia. A majority of the soldiers are thought to be child soldiers and the aim of the programme is to help them readapt to normal life. The contribution will be channelled via the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is administering a donor fund for the programme.
"Disarmament is essential to enable the UN peace force to restore security in this war-ravaged country and to enable relief organisations to reach the suffering civilian population", says Minister for International Development Cooperation Carin Jämtin.
The UN peacekeeping force in Liberia (UNMIL) will assist in disarming the approximately 50 000 former soldiers, a process that will begin during the month of December.
Sweden is committed to promoting peace and security in Liberia and the region in the long term. Sweden provides considerable humanitarian assistance to Liberia through the UN system and non-governmental organisations. During 2003 more than SEK 59 million has been granted for various actions in health and medical care, for education and for support to internally displaced persons. Swedish staff officers and civilian police are also participating in the UN peacekeeping force in Liberia (UNMIL). In August the Government contributed SEK 10 million to the West African peace force that was the precursor of the UN mission.
John Zanchi
Press Secretary
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Helena Rietz
Deputy Director
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Andreas Norman
Press Officer
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