ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

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 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing basic life-saving assistance to conflict affected populations in the West Africa region. Activities include: providing food assistance, health and medical care; distributing essential household items, rehabilitating water and sanitation systems; and providing conflict-affected populations with the means to become self-sufficient, such as through the provision of seeds, tools, training and equipment. Activities also focus on promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law with authorities, armed forces, weapons bearers and other stakeholders; and helping civilians to overcome the worst consequences of armed conflict.