UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Published purpose

31 December 2010 - West Africa continues to be a region witnessing protracted refugee situations and internally displaced people due to natural disasters, past conflicts, and continued instability. The year 2010 also witnessed increasing insecurity, violence and human rights abuses in Senegal, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. Many conflict-affected people throughout the region are impoverished, suffer from continued displacement and restrictions to their livelihoods and economic activities, and lack access to essential services, including protection, clean water and basic health services. With CIDA support, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is addressing the basic needs of displaced populations in the West Africa Region. Activities focus on: strengthening protective mechanisms and increasing local capacities to respond to the needs of vulnerable groups; supporting the creation of an environment which is conducive to voluntary return in safety and dignity and which reduces the risks of further displacement; and facilitating humanitarian assistance through the provision of essential relief items, camp coordination and camp management activities.