UN SYSTEM IN GHANA POISED TO SUPPORT REFUGEES FROM IVORY COAST

Accra, 24th March, 2011: Accra, 24th March, 2011: The UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Ms Ruby Sandhu-Rojon, accompanies the UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner, Ms Janet Lim, to receive refugees fleeing the political stand-off in Ivory Coast at the Elubo Border Post in the Western Region. The purpose of Ms Janet Lim's visit is to assess the refugee situation and the operational challenges on the ground. In response to this crisis, the UN system in Ghana is providing support to the Ghana Government to receive, register and provide shelter and basic needs to affected populations arriving in the country.

The UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana is leading the effective coordination of UN system support to Government at the Eagle Star reception centre and a new refugee camp site at Ampain. Specific areas of UN system support include the transportation of refugees from the reception point to the camp site, providing food and non-food items as well as water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection, education, nutrition and health services, including reproductive health services.

So far the United National High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and United Nations Fund for Population (UNFPA) are actively supporting the refugees at the campsite. Other UN agencies are on standby to provide support in specific areas as needs arise.