UNHCR aids Liberians fleeing fighting

The UN refugee agency said on Wednesday it had distributed aid packages to thousands of internally displaced Liberians who had sought shelter in refugee camps for Sierra Leoneans, but cautioned that their continued presence could undermine existing refugee programmes in the country. "Some of the displaced Liberians were living with Sierra Leonean relatives or friends, while others occupied schools and other community centres," UNHCR reported. It said that up to 5,000 people sought safety in six refugee camps, but their numbers were reportedly decreasing. These were among thousands more who had fled fighting between government and anti-government troops near Sawmill, 47 km north of Monrovia, the capital. The aid materials were distributed through the government agency for refugees and through non-governmental organisations, UNHCR added, and formed part of UNHCR's regular ad-hoc contributions for displaced persons. Since 2001, several consignments of materials, including 3,000 jerry cans, 2,500 plastic mats, blankets and tents have been distributed, UNHCR reported. UNHCR said it had asked the Liberian government to rapidly identify an appropriate location for the relief community to help the displaced persons. It added, "Many of those receiving aid are former refugees whom UNHCR assisted in returning to Liberia before the conflict between government troops and the insurgents flared up again in 2000."