THE UNITED NATIONS WORLD FOOD

Published purpose

20 January, 2011 - Côte d'Ivoire has been plunged into turmoil following the refusal of incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo to concede defeat after losing the 28 November second round of elections to former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara. Insecurity and post-electoral violence have claimed hundreds of lives and have led over 30,000 Ivoirians to flee to neighbouring countries, the vast majority seeking refuge in Liberia. The UN reports of 400-600 refugees arriving in Liberia per day. The increasing presence of refugees is putting a severe strain the local communities hosting new arrivals, themselves having already limited resources. Clean water, shelter, food, health, protection, access to sanitation facilities and security all remain the most urgent needs for refugees and hosting communities. With CIDA support, the World Food Programme (WFP) is addressing the immediate and urgent food and nutrition needs of refugees and vulnerable hosting communities in Liberia. Through this operation WFP and its partners are providing food assistance through general ration distributions, as well as targeted rations (such high-energy biscuits) to populations identified as the most food insecure.