UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

19 September 2011 - The situation in Côte d’Ivoire remains a serious humanitarian concern, despite the end to the political crisis in April 2011. In September 2011, humanitarian agencies are still addressing the needs of the estimated 200,000 to 250,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Côte d’Ivoire and 171,000 refugees in Liberia, while at the same time supporting the return of populations in Abidjan and the West of the country. Humanitarian assistance is required to address needs for food assistance, water, sanitation and health infrastructure re-establishment, and protection and livelihoods assistance, particularly in areas of return in the West. With CIDA support, UNICEF is restoring clean water and sanitation facilities, and providing child protection assistance for conflict-affected populations in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as coordinating the humanitarian response in these sectors. Activities include the provision of safe water and sanitation facilities in IDP camps and settlements, the restoration and sanitization of wells and community water points, the distribution of hygiene kits to IDPs and host families, as well as community-based training on safe hygiene practices and safe water handling. Child protection activities focus on activating and training local child protection committees, providing child protection mapping services, providing psychosocial support to crisis-affected children through child friendly spaces, and working with child protection partners to identify and reunify separated or unaccompanied children with their families.