§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures his Department is taking to prevent violence between forces of the Government of Cote d'Ivoire and Liberian refugees. [99295]
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§ Mr. RammellWe are not aware of any confirmed reports of violence between forces of the Government of Cote d'Ivoire and Liberian refugees. However, the UK is concerned that Liberians may be involved in the Cote d'Ivoire conflict.
The UK fully supported UN Security Council Resolution 1464 which urged all parties including the Cote d'Ivoire Government to implement the Linas-Marcoussis Peace Agreement and to take all necessary steps to avoid further violations of human rights and international law, particularly against civilians and regardless of their origin; and called upon the neighbour states of Cote d'Ivoire, including Liberia, to prevent any action that might undermine the security of Cote d'Ivoire. UNSCR 1464 also authorised French and ECOWAS troops to ensure 'the protection of civilians immediately threatened with physical violence within their zones of operation, using the means available to them'.
We have raised our concern for Liberian refugees in Cote d'Ivoire in the UN Security Council.
901WWe have provided £1 million in humanitarian assistance. This has included the provision of emergency health services, water services and food supplies to civilians, internally displaced people and refugees in both government and rebel controlled areas. Many Liberian refugees have benefited from this assistance, particularly in the worst affected west of the country. We are also contributing £600,000 towards a UNHCR camp refurbishment programme for Liberian and Ivorian refugees who have crossed into Guinea.