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Thousands of Ivorians Still in Need of Humanitarian Aid

Thousands of civilians are still suffering from the consequences of the four months of turmoil that engulfed Côte d'Ivoire.

United Nations aid officials said today that the post-electoral crisis in Côte d'Ivoire may have ended but the West African nation still in need increased humanitarian assistance.

UN aid officials have estimated that up to 1 million Ivorians have been displaced by the violence, with some internally displaced and others forced to flee into neighbouring countries - particularly Liberia, which is hosting 135,000 Ivorians.

The crisis ended earlier this month when Laurent Gbagbo finally surrendered, ending months of violence that erupted in the wake of his refusal to step down after he lost the UN-certified presidential run-off election last November to Alassane Ouattara.

While the fighting has ended, UN relief officials say ongoing insecurity in some places, as well as difficulties in accessing essential health, education and sanitation services, is increasing the vulnerability of the population.

"A greater proportion of the population has been directly or indirectly affected by the crisis which started late last year. These populations should be assisted without further delay to enable them to live in acceptable conditions and regain their dignity."-Ndolamb Ngokwey, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Côte d'Ivoire

The UN has already deployed an evaluation team, known as UNDAC, to Abidjan and the country's west, both of which bore the brunt of the recent violence. In the west, the team confirmed persistent needs in the areas of shelter, food security, health care, water and sanitation, access to education and protection.

The priority needs in the area include the distribution of tarpaulins, kitchen utensils, mats and other non-food items, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In addition, the presence of arms and the risk of sexual abuse require urgent attention.

Source: United Nations