Despite Aid Distribution, All is Far From Well in Liberia

Baltimore, August 25, 2003 — Reports from Monrovia continue to describe an improving situation in Liberia's capital, including the beginning of the distribution of 132 tons of material resources from LWR. But reports from outlying areas clearly prove that much work still needs to be done by humanitarian agencies and their supporters. Thousands of people in Buchanan, Liberia's second-largest city, which still is under siege by the Movement for Democracy in Liberia, are desperate for help from the outside world.

It will take time for peacekeeping troops to expand the area under their control. But time is something many Liberians are running out of. Tens of thousands of displaced people in critical need continue to languish in anticipation of help from the NGO and UN communities. Just a few days ago, a massive crush of people frantically searching for food rushed across Monrovia's main bridge, resulting in widespread looting and destruction.

In addition to much-needed material aid, LWR partners are distributing rice and other commodities to thousands of people. They also are involved in efforts to protect female children from sexual exploitation in the camps for internally displaced persons. And inter-agency cooperation is winning the day, as one partner shares its fuel with other organizations until supplies are replenished.

With the signing of the peace agreement on August 18 and an improving distribution system comes a strengthened humanitarian response along with the hope that conditions will improve fast enough for those Liberians most at risk.