§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions her Department has had with the governments of(a) France, (b) Mali, (c) Burkina Faso, (d) Togo and (e) Senegal regarding their nationals trapped in refugee camps on the border of Liberia and the Ivory Coast.[101713]
§ Clare ShortMy Department has not had any direct discussions with the governments of France, Mali, Burkina Faso, Togo and Senegal about third country nationals trapped in refugee camps on the Cote d'lvoire and Liberian border. Over the past two years we have contributed about £2.6 million to UNHCR for assistance to refugees in the region, as well as £1 million in humanitarian assistance specifically for work in Cote d'lvoire. The latter includes assistance to internally displaced people and refugees of many nationalities who have been affected by the conflict in both government and rebel controlled areas. We are continuing to monitor the humanitarian situation and are working closely with others in the international community to help bring about a swift and peaceful resolution to the conflict.