Assistance to Displaced Populations in West Africa - UNHCR 2010

While many countries in West Africa are in post-conflict recovery stages there remain some 175 000 refugees and over 680 000 internally displaced persons in the region. Fragile political situations difficult socio-economic conditions and limited access to land are ongoing challenges to their return resettlement and reintegration. Until these challenges are addressed and lasting solutions are found the majority of those displaced still require assistance and protection by humanitarian agencies. CIDA's contribution is supporting the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to provide protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons (IDPs) in 14 West African countries. Activities include providing return packages to support the return of refugees to their places of origin; providing basic assistance such as safe water and health services to particularly vulnerable refugees; supporting livelihoods to help refugees become self-reliant including through assistance to grow food; and finding solutions for unaccompanied minors and establishing monitoring mechanisms for children's security.