§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development (1) how she has responded to the appeal by the UNHCR for emergency assistance for Liberian refugees; and if she will make a statement; [68826]
(2) if she will make a statement on the abduction of UNHCR nurses from the Sinje refugee camp in Liberia by LURD rebels. [68827]
418W
§ Clare ShortMy Department is considering UNHCR's appeal for emergency support for Liberian refugees. I am informed that five Liberian nurses working for the non-governmental organisation MERCI were abducted from Sinje refugee camp in north-west Liberia on 20 June. Their abduction from the UNHCR-run camp, where they provided healthcare to residents, followed attacks on the camp by LURD rebels. Despite attempts by UNHCR and others to locate and secure the release of the nurses, their whereabouts is still unknown.