U.S. Response to Humanitarian Needs in Liberia

The United States welcomes the August 6 launch of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Appeal for Liberia. The Appeal calls for a total of $69 million for assistance through the end of 2003 to focus on vital life-saving services and is intended to gather the resources necessary for the UN system to revitalize its humanitarian activities in Liberia as soon as the security situation allows. This appeal complements Red Cross and non-governmental agency Appeals for Liberia. Despite the current dangerous conditions, humanitarian agencies are continuing their important work in Monrovia.

The United States will be providing additional humanitarian aid for Liberia in the coming days in response to this new, comprehensive Appeal.

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development, since October 1, 2002, the United States has provided a total of 23,840 metric tons of food assistance valued at $15.5 million, including the latest $10 million contribution provided in response to the UN's August 6 Appeal. Through the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, we also approved $320,000 in funding towards the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for protection of internally displaced persons and for coordination. A three-person Disaster Assistance Response Team arrived yesterday in Monrovia to determine the extent of the humanitarian crisis. We expect additional members to join them next week. The Team will conduct assessments, prioritize needs, manage relief activities, recommend actions, and coordinate on-site relief efforts.