UN alarmed at humanitarian situation in northwest

United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Kenzo Oshima has expressed alarm at the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Liberia's northwestern Gbarpolu county following attacks by alleged dissidents that have put thousands of civilians at risk. "The displacement of 1,413 people by these attacks has nearly doubled the population of the Bopolu IDP camp, strained its already inadequate resources, and created serious security and health risks for all those seeking refuge there." Oshima said in a statement. Oshima condemned the attacks and joined other humanitarian organizations in calling on the Liberian Government to take measures to ensure the protection of civilians and relief workers. He added that humanitarian agencies operating in Liberia lacked sufficient resources and may have to cease operations at the end of the year and called on donors to fund the 2002 inter-agency humanitarian appeal for Liberia.